10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

OR

¨ 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 001-35151

AG MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

Maryland	27-5254382
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
245 Park Avenue, 26th Floor New York, New York	10167
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(212) 692-2000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 and Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes   x     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. (Check one):

Large Accelerated filer ¨    Accelerated filer x    Non-Accelerated filer ¨    Smaller reporting company ¨    Emerging growth company ¨    (Do not check if a smaller reporting 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes   ¨     No   x

As of April 23, 2018, there were 28,200,928 outstanding shares of common stock of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.

AG MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	1
	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and March 31, 2017	2
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and March 31, 2017	3
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and March 31, 2017	4
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	5
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	38
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	66
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	69
PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION		69
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	69
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	70
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	70
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	70
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	70
Item 5.	Other Information	70
Item 6.	Exhibits	70

PART I

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Assets
Real estate securities, at fair value:
Agency - $1,929,807,027 and $2,126,135,420 pledged as collateral, respectively	$	2,118,422,605		$	2,247,161,035
Non-Agency - $832,743,710 and $976,071,673 pledged as collateral, respectively		858,632,285			1,004,255,658
ABS - $23,718,842 and $30,832,553 pledged as collateral, respectively		35,838,056			40,957,553
CMBS - $227,855,627 and $211,179,945 pledged as collateral, respectively		240,792,145			220,168,505
Residential mortgage loans, at fair value - $16,814,571 and $15,860,583 pledged as collateral, respectively		19,872,126			18,889,693
Commercial loans, at fair value - $32,800,000 pledged as collateral		57,665,864			57,520,646
Investments in debt and equity of affiliates		141,706,961			99,696,347
Excess mortgage servicing rights, at fair value		30,746,462			5,083,514
Cash and cash equivalents		25,293,928			15,199,655
Restricted cash		42,278,679			37,615,281
Interest receivable		12,396,233			12,607,386
Receivable on unsettled trades - $98,584,870 and $0 pledged as collateral, respectively		104,653,697			-
Receivable under reverse repurchase agreements		-			24,671,320
Derivative assets, at fair value		4,571,441			2,127,070
Other assets		2,830,990			2,491,201
Due from broker		1,382,960			850,514
Total Assets	$	3,697,084,432		$	3,789,295,378
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements	$	2,826,579,322		$	3,004,407,018
Securitized debt, at fair value		15,496,402			16,477,801
Obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value		-			24,379,356
Payable on unsettled trades		117,355,622			2,418,710
Interest payable		5,866,534			5,225,940
Derivative liabilities, at fair value		786,211			450,208
Dividend payable		13,392,945			13,391,457
Due to affiliates		4,080,540			4,258,074
Accrued expenses		1,288,618			790,271
Taxes payable		548,448			1,545,448
Due to broker		5,863,666			1,691,888
Total Liabilities		2,991,258,308			3,075,036,171
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized:
8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 2,070,000 shares issued and outstanding ($51,750,000 aggregate liquidation preference)		49,920,772			49,920,772
8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 4,600,000 shares issued and outstanding ($115,000,000 aggregate liquidation preference)		111,293,233			111,293,233
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 450,000,000 shares of common stock authorized and 28,195,673 and 28,192,541 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively		281,958			281,927
Additional paid-in capital		585,610,068			585,530,292
Retained earnings/(deficit)		(41,279,907	)		(32,767,017	)
Total Stockholders' Equity		705,826,124			714,259,207
Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity	$	3,697,084,432		$	3,789,295,378

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

1

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Net Interest Income
Interest income	$	39,357,147		$	27,959,892
Interest expense		15,325,782			8,161,412
		24,031,365			19,798,480
Other Income/(Loss)
Net realized gain/(loss)		(11,839,132	)		(2,428,087	)
Realized loss on periodic interest settlements of derivative instruments, net		(1,470,160	)		(1,609,977	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net		(36,154,808	)		12,750,564
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		37,089,966			(125,872	)
Other income		255			28,037
		(12,373,879	)		8,614,665
Expenses
Management fee to affiliate		2,439,169			2,475,816
Other operating expenses		3,222,544			2,793,234
Servicing fees		62,178			76,001
Equity based compensation to affiliate		51,462			77,478
Excise tax		375,000			375,000
		6,150,353			5,797,529
Income/(loss) before equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		5,507,133			22,615,616
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		2,740,276			2,502,046
Net Income/(Loss)		8,247,409			25,117,662
Dividends on preferred stock		3,367,354			3,367,354
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$	4,880,055		$	21,750,308
Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
Basic	$	0.17		$	0.79
Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.78
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
Basic		28,195,673			27,701,902
Diluted		28,216,794			27,709,037

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

2

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(Unaudited)

					8.25 % Series A		8.00 % Series B
					Cumulative		Cumulative
	Common Stock				Redeemable		Redeemable		Additional			Retained
	Shares		Amount		Preferred Stock		Preferred Stock		Paid-in Capital			Earnings/(Deficit)			Total
Balance at January 1, 2017		27,700,154	$	277,002	$	49,920,772	$	111,293,233	$	576,276,322		$	(81,890,939	)	$	655,876,390
Grant of restricted stock and amortization of equity based compensation		1,748		17		-		-		137,398			-			137,415
Common dividends declared		-		-		-		-		-			(13,158,404	)		(13,158,404	)
Preferred Series A dividends declared		-		-		-		-		-			(1,067,354	)		(1,067,354	)
Preferred Series B dividends declared		-		-		-		-		-			(2,300,000	)		(2,300,000	)
Net Income/(Loss)		-		-		-		-		-			25,117,662			25,117,662
Balance at March 31, 2017		27,701,902	$	277,019	$	49,920,772	$	111,293,233	$	576,413,720		$	(73,299,035	)	$	664,605,709
Balance at January 1, 2018		28,192,541	$	281,927	$	49,920,772	$	111,293,233	$	585,530,292		$	(32,767,017	)	$	714,259,207
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		-		-		-		-		(63,145	)		-			(63,145	)
Grant of restricted stock and amortization of equity based compensation		3,132		31		-		-		142,921			-			142,952
Common dividends declared		-		-		-		-		-			(13,392,945	)		(13,392,945	)
Preferred Series A dividends declared		-		-		-		-		-			(1,067,354	)		(1,067,354	)
Preferred Series B dividends declared		-		-		-		-		-			(2,300,000	)		(2,300,000	)
Net Income/(Loss)		-		-		-		-		-			8,247,409			8,247,409
Balance at March 31, 2018		28,195,673	$	281,958	$	49,920,772	$	111,293,233	$	585,610,068		$	(41,279,907	)	$	705,826,124

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

3

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income/(loss)	$	8,247,409		$	25,117,662
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net amortization of premium		(959,487	)		(1,956,993	)
Net realized (gain)/loss		11,839,132			2,428,087
Unrealized (gains)/losses on real estate securities and loans, net		36,154,808			(12,750,564	)
Unrealized (gains)/losses on derivative and other instruments, net		(37,089,966	)		125,872
Equity based compensation to affiliate		51,462			77,478
Equity based compensation expense		91,490			59,937
(Income)/loss from investments in debt and equity of affiliates in excess of distributions received		2,126,634			(866,267	)
Change in operating assets/liabilities:
Interest receivable		227,430			(211,830	)
Other assets		(130,648	)		(230,376	)
Due from broker		(248,915	)		20,628
Interest payable		5,155,495			1,918,238
Due to affiliates		(177,534	)		382,101
Accrued expenses		561,492			(61,487	)
Taxes payable		(997,000	)		(1,291,000	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		24,851,802			12,761,486
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of real estate securities		(686,020,111	)		(218,093,692	)
Purchase of commercial loans		-			(10,270,833	)
Purchase of U.S. Treasury securities		(249,658,991	)		-
Purchase of excess mortgage servicing rights		(7,604,273	)		(563,826	)
Investments in debt and equity of affiliates		(39,215,900	)		-
Proceeds from sales of real estate securities		728,366,471			119,058,418
Proceeds from sales of residential mortgage loans		-			4,512,819
Proceeds from sales of U.S. treasury securities		249,227,323			-
Principal repayments/return of basis on real estate securities and excess mortgage servicing rights		112,742,799			87,528,816
Principal repayments on commercial loans		-			12,301,688
Principal repayments on residential mortgage loans		182,647			673,963
Distribution received in excess of income from investments in debt and equity of affiliates		6,460,342			3,530,298
Net proceeds from/(payments made) on reverse repurchase agreements		24,695,299			22,680,932
Net proceeds from/(payments made) on sales of securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		(24,032,417	)		(22,413,242	)
Net settlement of interest rate swaps and other instruments		6,504,134			332,939
Net settlement of TBAs		372,617			(242,031	)
Cash flows provided by/(used in) other investing activities		1,223,914			1,981,673
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		123,243,854			1,017,922
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		(63,145	)		-
Borrowings under repurchase agreements		13,806,248,300			6,201,064,049
Repayments of repurchase agreements		(13,950,355,552	)		(6,223,001,433	)
Repayments of loan participation		-			(1,800,000	)
Net collateral received from/(paid to) derivative counterparty		27,206,885			130,000
Net collateral received from/(paid to) repurchase counterparty		384,338			(321,773	)
Dividends paid on common stock		(13,391,457	)		(13,157,573	)
Dividends paid on preferred stock		(3,367,354	)		(3,367,354	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		(133,337,985	)		(40,454,084	)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		14,757,671			(26,674,676	)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, Beginning of Period		52,814,936			79,053,418
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, End of Period	$	67,572,607		$	52,378,742
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest on repurchase agreements	$	14,513,480		$	7,884,141
Cash paid for income tax	$	1,379,449		$	1,715,729
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Principal repayments on real estate securities not yet received	$	1,017,732		$	-
Common stock dividends declared but not paid	$	13,392,945		$	13,158,404
Decrease in securitized debt	$	994,075		$	1,575,619
Transfer from residential mortgage loans to other assets	$	-		$	924,712
Transfer from non-agency to investments in debt and equity of affiliates	$	44,969,520		$	-
Transfer from repurchase agreements to investments in debt and equity of affiliates	$	33,720,444		$	-

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,293,928	$	29,647,529
Restricted cash		42,278,679		22,731,213
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows	$	67,572,607	$	52,378,742

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

4

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

1. Organization

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 1, 2011. The Company is focused on investing in, acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of residential mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS, issued or guaranteed by a government-sponsored entity such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (collectively, “GSEs”), or any agency of the U.S. Government such as Ginnie Mae (collectively, “Agency RMBS”) and other real estate-related securities and financial assets, including Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and loans (as defined below).

Non-Agency RMBS represent fixed- and floating-rate RMBS issued by entities or organizations other than a U.S. government-sponsored entity or agency of the U.S. government, including investment grade (AAA through BBB) and non-investment grade classes (BB and below). The mortgage loan collateral for Non-Agency RMBS consists of residential mortgage loans that do not generally conform to underwriting guidelines issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored entities.

Asset Backed Securities (“ABS”) are securitized investments similar to the aforementioned investments except the underlying assets are diverse, not only representing real estate related assets.

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (“CMBS”) represent investments of fixed- and floating-rate CMBS, including investment grade (AAA through BBB) and non-investment grade classes (BB and below) secured by, or evidence an ownership interest in, a single commercial mortgage loan or a pool of commercial mortgage loans.

Collectively, the Company refers to Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and CMBS asset types as “real estate securities” or “securities.”

Commercial loans are secured by an interest in commercial real estate and represent a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates. Residential mortgage loans refer to performing, re-performing and non-performing loans secured by a first lien mortgage on residential mortgaged property located in any of the 50 states of the United States or in the District of Columbia. The Company refers to its residential and commercial mortgage loans as “mortgage loans” or “loans.”

The Company is externally managed by AG REIT Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Manager”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. (“Angelo, Gordon”), a privately-held, SEC-registered investment adviser, pursuant to a management agreement. The Manager, pursuant to a delegation agreement dated as of June 29, 2011, has delegated to Angelo, Gordon the overall responsibility of its day-to-day duties and obligations arising under the management agreement.

The Company conducts its operations to qualify and be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement for the interim period of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is comprised of cash on deposit with financial institutions. The Company classifies highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase as cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company held no cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality institutions to minimize credit risk exposure. Cash pledged to the Company as collateral is unrestricted in use and, accordingly, is included as a component of “Cash and cash equivalents” on the consolidated balance sheets. Any cash held by the Company as collateral is included in the “Due to broker” line item on the consolidated balance sheets and in cash flows from financing activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows. Due to broker does not include variation margin received on centrally cleared derivatives. See Note 7 for more detail. Any cash due to the Company in the form of principal payments is included in the “Due from broker” line item on the consolidated balance sheets and in cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

5

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Restricted cash

Restricted cash includes cash pledged as collateral for clearing and executing trades, derivatives and repurchase agreements and is not available to the Company for general corporate purposes. Restricted cash may be returned to the Company when the related collateral requirements are exceeded or at the maturity of the derivative or repurchase agreement. Restricted cash is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash does not include variation margin pledged on centrally cleared derivatives. See Note 7 for more detail.

Offering costs

The Company incurred offering costs in connection with common stock offerings. The offering costs were paid out of the proceeds of the respective offerings. Offering costs in connection with common stock offerings have been accounted for as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Earnings/(Loss) per share

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, “Earnings per Share,” the Company calculates basic income/(loss) per share by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for the period by weighted-average shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted income per share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options, warrants, unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. In periods in which the Company records a loss, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation, as their effect on loss per share is anti-dilutive.

Valuation of financial instruments

The fair value of the financial instruments that the Company records at fair value will be determined by the Manager, subject to oversight of the Company’s board of directors, and in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” When possible, the Company determines fair value using independent data sources. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques giving the highest priority to readily available unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements) when market prices are not readily available or reliable.

The three levels of the hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below: 

• Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 – Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others.

• Level 3 – Prices 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. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

Transfers between levels are assumed to occur at the beginning of the reporting period.

Accounting for real estate securities

Investments in real estate securities are recorded in accordance with ASC 320-10, “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.” The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” for its real estate securities portfolio. Real estate securities are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and the periodic change in fair market value is recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.” Real estate securities acquired through securitizations are shown in the line item “Purchase of real estate securities” on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

6

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

These investments meet the requirements to be classified as available for sale under ASC 320-10-25 which requires the securities to be carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded to other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity. Electing the fair value option allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the consolidated statement of operations, which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all securities activities will be recorded in a similar manner.

When the Company purchases securities with evidence of credit deterioration since origination, it will analyze to determine if the guidance found in ASC 310-30 is applicable.

The Company accounts for its securities under ASC 310 and ASC 325 and evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a real estate security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

When a real estate security is impaired, an OTTI is considered to have occurred if (i) the Company intends to sell the security (i.e., a decision has been made as of the reporting date) or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the real estate security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire amount of the impairment loss, if any, is recognized in earnings as a realized loss and the cost basis of the security is adjusted to its fair value. Additionally for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40 an OTTI is deemed to have occurred when there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows to be received and the fair value of the security is less than its carrying amount. In determining whether an adverse change in cash flows occurred, the present value of the remaining cash flows, as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised), is compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the current reporting date. The estimated cash flows reflect those a “market participant” would use and include observations of current information and events, and assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of potential credit losses. Cash flows are discounted at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete interest income. Any resulting OTTI adjustments are reflected in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

The determination as to whether an OTTI exists is subjective, given that such determination is based on information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimate of the future performance and cash flow projections for the individual security. As a result, the timing and amount of an OTTI constitutes an accounting estimate that may change materially over time.

Increases in interest income may be recognized on a security on which the Company previously recorded an OTTI charge if the performance of such security subsequently improves.

Any remaining unrealized losses on securities at March 31, 2018 do not represent other than temporary impairment as the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or above the amortized cost of the investment, and the Company is not required to sell the security for regulatory or other reasons. In addition, any unrealized losses on the Company’s Agency RMBS accounted for under ASC 320 are not due to credit losses given their explicit guarantee of principal and interest by the GSEs, but rather are due to changes in interest rates and prepayment expectations. See Note 3 for a summary of OTTI charges recorded.

Sales of securities

Sales of securities are driven by the Manager’s portfolio management process. The Manager seeks to mitigate risks including those associated with prepayments, defaults, severities, amongst others and will opportunistically rotate the portfolio into securities with 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 securities, loans and derivatives are included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. The cost of positions sold is calculated using a first in, first out, or FIFO, basis. Realized gains and losses are recorded in earnings at the time of disposition.

7

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Accounting for mortgage loans

Investments in mortgage loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-10. At purchase, the Company may aggregate its mortgage loans into pools based on common risk characteristics. Once a pool of loans is assembled, its composition is maintained. The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its mortgage loan portfolio. Loans are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and any periodic change in fair market value will be recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.”

The Company amortizes or accretes any premium or discount over the life of the related loans utilizing the effective interest method. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of its loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether they are impaired. A loan or pool of loans 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. When a loan or pool of loans is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated and recorded accordingly. 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 or pool of loans 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 to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

When the Company purchases mortgage loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it determines that it is probable it will not collect all contractual cash flows on those loans, it will apply the guidance found in ASC 310-30. Mortgage loans that are delinquent 60 or more days are considered non-performing.

The Company updates its estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected on at least a quarterly basis for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30. In estimating these cash flows, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to uncertainties and contingencies including both the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts, and assumptions of prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations. If based on the most current information and events it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected, the Company will recognize these changes prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life. The Company will adjust the amount of accretable yield by reclassification from the nonaccretable difference. The adjustment is accounted for as a change in estimate in conformity with ASC 250, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” with the amount of periodic accretion adjusted over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected from previously projected cash flows, which includes all cash flows originally expected to be collected by the investor plus any additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition, are recognized as impairment. Increases in interest income may be recognized on a loan on which the Company previously recorded an OTTI charge if the performance of such loan subsequently improves.

Investments in debt and equity of affiliates

The Company’s unconsolidated ownership interests in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method. A majority of the Company’s investments held through affiliated entities are comprised of real estate securities and loans, including loans held through Mortgage Acquisition Holding I LLC (“MATH”) as discussed below. These underlying entities have chosen to make a fair value election on their financial instruments pursuant to ASC 825; as such, the Company will treat these investments consistently with this election. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these investments had a fair market value of $331.0 million and $88.3 million, respectively.

On December 9, 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc LLC, one of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries (“AG Arc”), formed Arc Home LLC (“Arc Home”). The Company has chosen to make a fair value election with respect to its investment in AG Arc pursuant to ASC 825. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest in AG Arc had a fair market value of $18.4 million and $17.9 million, respectively. See Note 10 for additional detail.

On August 27, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, formed “MATH” to conduct a residential mortgage investment strategy. MATH in turn sponsored the formation of an entity called Mortgage Acquisition Trust I LLC (“MATT”) to purchase predominantly “Non-QMs,” which are residential mortgage loans that are not deemed “qualified mortgage,” or “QM,” loans under the rules of the CFPB. Non-QMs are not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. MATT is expected to make an election to be treated as a real estate investment trust beginning with the 2018 tax year. In furtherance of this business, MATH’s sponsoring funds have agreed to provide up to $75.0 million of capital to MATH, of which the Company agreed to provide $33.4 million for use in this mortgage investment business. The Company invests in MATT through MATH, and these indirect subsidiaries have chosen to make a fair value election on their respective financial instruments pursuant to ASC 825. As such, the Company will treat this investment consistently with this election. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had funded $4.2 of its total capital commitment and the Company’s outstanding commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

8

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The Company’s investments in debt and equity of affiliates are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item and periodic changes in fair market value are recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates.” Capital contributions, distributions and profits and losses of such entities are allocated in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreements.

Excess mortgage servicing rights

The Company has acquired the right to receive the excess servicing spread related to excess mortgage servicing rights (“Excess MSRs”). The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for Excess MSRs. Excess MSRs are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and any periodic change in fair market value is recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

Investment consolidation and transfers of financial assets

For each investment made, the Company evaluates the underlying entity that issued the securities acquired or to which the Company makes a loan to determine the appropriate accounting. A similar analysis will be performed for each entity with which the Company enters into an agreement for management, servicing or related services. In performing the analysis, the Company refers to guidance in ASC 810-10, “Consolidation.” In situations where the Company is the transferor of financial assets, the Company refers to the guidance in ASC 860-10 “Transfers and Servicing.”

In variable interest entities (“VIEs”), an entity is subject to consolidation under ASC 810-10 if the equity investors either do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns. VIEs within the scope of ASC 810-10 are required to be consolidated by their 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 of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This determination can sometimes involve complex and subjective analyses. Further, ASC 810-10 also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. In accordance with ASC 810-10, all transferees, including variable interest entities, must be evaluated for consolidation. See Note 3 for more detail.

The Company entered into a resecuritization transaction which resulted in the Company consolidating the VIE that was created to facilitate the transaction and to which the underlying assets in connection with the resecuritization were transferred. In determining the accounting treatment to be applied to this resecuritization transaction, the Company evaluated whether the entity used to facilitate this transaction was a VIE and, if so, whether it should be consolidated. Based on its evaluation, the Company concluded that the VIE should be consolidated. If the Company had determined that consolidation was not required, it would have then assessed whether the transfer of the underlying assets would qualify as a sale or should be accounted for as secured financings under GAAP. See Note 3 below for more detail.

The Company may periodically enter into transactions in which it transfers assets to a third party. Upon a transfer of financial assets, the Company will sometimes retain or acquire senior or subordinated interests in the related assets. Pursuant to ASC 860-10, a determination must be made as to whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor’s continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. The financial components approach under ASC 860-10 limits the circumstances in which a financial asset, or portion of a financial asset, should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire original financial asset to an entity that is not consolidated with the transferor in the financial statements being presented and/or when the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial asset. It defines the term “participating interest” to establish specific conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale.

Under ASC 860-10, after a transfer of financial assets that meets the criteria for treatment as a sale—legal isolation, ability of transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred assets without constraint and transferred control—an entity recognizes the financial and servicing assets it acquired or retained and the liabilities it has incurred, derecognizes financial assets it has sold and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. The transferor would then determine the gain or loss on sale of financial assets by allocating the carrying value of the underlying mortgage between securities or loans sold and the interests retained based on their fair values. The gain or loss on sale is the difference between the cash proceeds from the sale and the amount allocated to the securities or loans sold. When a transfer of financial assets does not qualify for sale accounting, ASC 860-10 requires the transfer to be accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral.

9

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

On February 12, 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and at closing, transferred a 15% or $1.8 million interest in the loan (the “Participation Interest”) to an unaffiliated third party. The Company, as transferor, evaluated the transfer under ASC 860-10, and concluded the transferred participation interest should be accounted for as a secured borrowing. The Company has recorded the $12.0 million commercial loan on its consolidated balance sheets as an asset in the “Commercial loans, at fair value” line item. The Company has recorded a $1.8 million liability in the “Loan participation payable, at fair value” line item representing the transfer of the participation interest. The Company has chosen to make a fair value election on the consolidated interest pursuant to ASC 825. The holder of the participation interest has no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017. The principal and interest due on the Participation Interest was paid from these proceeds. See Note 4 for more detail.

From time to time, the Company may securitize mortgage loans it holds if such financing is available. These transactions will be recorded in accordance with ASC 860-10 and will be accounted for as either a “sale” and the loans will be removed from the consolidated balance sheets or as a “financing” and will be classified as “real estate securities” on the consolidated balance sheets, depending upon the structure of the securitization transaction. ASC 860-10 is a standard that may require the Company to exercise significant judgment in determining whether a transaction should be recorded as a “sale” or a “financing.”

Interest income recognition

Interest income on the Company’s real estate securities portfolio is accrued based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance of such securities. The Company has elected to record interest in accordance with ASC 835-30-35-2 using the effective interest method for all securities accounted for under the fair value option (ASC 825). As such, premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the lives of the securities in accordance with ASC 310-20, “Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs,” ASC 320-10 or ASC 325-40 as applicable. Total interest income is recorded in the “Interest income” line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

On at least a quarterly basis for securities accounted for under ASC 320-10 and ASC 310-20 (generally Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest-only securities), prepayments of the underlying collateral must be estimated, which directly affect the speed at which the Company amortizes premiums on its securities. If actual and anticipated cash flows differ from previous estimates, the Company recognizes a “catch-up” adjustment in the current period to the amortization of premiums for the impact of the cumulative change in the effective yield through the reporting date.

Similarly, the Company also reassesses the cash flows on at least a quarterly basis for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40 (generally Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS, interest-only securities and Excess MSRs). In estimating these cash flows, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to uncertainties and contingencies. These include the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts (including assumptions of prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations), the pass-through or coupon rate and interest rate fluctuations. In addition, interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying mortgage loans have to be estimated. Differences between previously estimated cash flows and current actual and anticipated cash flows are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the yield over the remaining life of the security based on the current amortized cost of the investment as adjusted for credit impairment, if any.

Interest income on the Company’s loan portfolio is accrued based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance of such loans. The Company has elected to record interest in accordance with ASC 835-30-35-2 using the effective interest method for all loans accounted for under the fair value option (ASC 825). Any amortization will be reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statement of operations.

For security and loan investments purchased with evidence of deterioration of credit quality for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable, the Company will apply the provisions of ASC 310-30. For purposes of income recognition, the Company may aggregate loans that have common risk characteristics into pools and uses a composite interest rate and expectation of cash flows expected to be collected for the pool. ASC 310-30 addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities (loans) acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. ASC 310-30 limits the yield that may be accreted (accretable yield) to the excess of the investor’s estimate of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows (cash flows expected at acquisition to be collected) over the investor’s initial investment in the loan. ASC 310-30 requires that the excess of contractual cash flows over cash flows expected to be collected (nonaccretable difference) not be recognized as an adjustment of yield, loss accrual or valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected generally should be recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected should be recognized as impairment.

The Company’s accrual of interest, discount accretion and premium amortization for U.S. federal and other tax purposes differs from the financial accounting treatment of these items as described above.

10

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Repurchase agreements

The Company finances the acquisition of certain assets within its portfolio through the use of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and carried at primarily their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements. The carrying amount of the Company’s repurchase agreements approximates fair value.

The Company pledges certain securities or loans as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions, the terms and conditions of which are negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. The amounts available to be borrowed are dependent upon the fair value of the securities or loans pledged as collateral, which fluctuates with changes in interest rates, type of security and liquidity conditions within the banking, mortgage finance and real estate industries. In response to declines in fair value of pledged assets, lenders may require the Company to post additional collateral or pay down borrowings to re-establish agreed upon collateral requirements, referred to as margin calls. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has met all margin call requirements. 

Accounting for derivative financial instruments

The Company enters into derivative contracts as a means of mitigating interest rate risk rather than to enhance returns. The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging.” ASC 815-10 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, if or when hedge accounting is elected, the fair value adjustments 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 hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any interest rate derivatives designated as hedges. All derivatives have been recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 820-10, with corresponding changes in value recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company records derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis with respect to its counterparties. The Company records the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with the Company’s centrally cleared derivative instruments on a net basis. See Note 7 for a discussion of this accounting treatment. During the period in which the Company unwinds a derivative, it records a realized gain/(loss) in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item in the consolidated statement of operations.

To-be-announced securities

A to-be-announced security (“TBA”) is a forward contract for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date. The specific Agency RMBS delivered into or received from the contract upon the settlement date, published each month by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, are not known at the time of the transaction. The Company may also choose, prior to settlement, to move the settlement of these securities out to a later date by entering into an offsetting short or long position (referred to as a pair off), net settling the paired off positions for cash, simultaneously purchasing or selling a similar TBA contract for a later settlement date. This transaction is commonly referred to as a dollar roll. The Agency RMBS purchased or sold for a forward settlement date are typically priced at a discount to Agency RMBS for settlement in the current month. This difference, or discount, is referred to as the price drop. The price drop is the economic equivalent of net interest carry income on the underlying Agency RMBS over the roll period (interest income less implied financing cost) and is commonly referred to as dollar roll income/(loss). Consequently, forward purchases of Agency RMBS and dollar roll transactions represent a form of off-balance sheet financing. Dollar roll income is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the line item “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

The Company presents the purchase or sale of TBAs net of the corresponding payable or receivable, respectively, until the settlement date of the transaction. Contracts for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS are accounted for as derivatives if they do not qualify for the “regular way” security trade scope exception found in ASC 815-10. To be eligible for this scope exception, the contract must meet the following conditions: (1) there is no other way to purchase or sell that security, (2) delivery of that security and settlement will occur within the shortest period possible for that type of security, and (3) it is probable at inception and throughout the term of the individual contract that the contract will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of a security when it is issued. Unrealized gains and losses associated with TBA contracts not meeting the regular-way exception and not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the line item “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

U.S. Treasury securities

The Company may purchase long or sell short U.S. Treasury securities to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates. The Company may finance its purchase of U.S. Treasury securities with overnight repurchase agreements. The Company may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities through overnight reverse repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as borrowing transactions, and the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed securities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets based on the value of the underlying borrowed securities as of the reporting date. Interest income and expense associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Interest income” and “Interest expense”, respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Net realized gain/(loss)” and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net,” respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had no positions in U.S. Treasury securities.

11

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Short positions in U.S. Treasury securities through reverse repurchase agreements

The Company may sell short U.S. Treasury securities to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates. The Company may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities under reverse repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as borrowing transactions, and the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed securities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets based on the value of the underlying borrowed securities as of the reporting date. The Company establishes haircuts to ensure the market value of the underlying assets remain sufficient to protect the Company in the event of a default by a counterparty. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Net realized gain/(loss)” and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net,” respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations.

Manager compensation

The management agreement provides for payment to the Manager of a management fee. The management fee is accrued and expensed during the period for which it is calculated and earned. For a more detailed discussion on the fees payable under the management agreement, see Note 10.

Income taxes

The Company conducts its operations to qualify and be taxed as a REIT. Accordingly, the Company will generally not be subject to federal or state corporate income tax to the extent that the Company makes qualifying distributions to its stockholders, and provided that it 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, it will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which the Company fails to qualify as a REIT.

The dividends paid deduction of a REIT for qualifying dividends to its stockholders is computed using the Company’s taxable income/(loss) as opposed to net income/(loss) reported on the Company’s GAAP financial statements. Taxable income/(loss), generally, will differ from net income/(loss) reported on the financial statements because the determination of taxable income/(loss) is based on tax principles and not financial accounting principles.

The Company elected to treat certain domestic subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) and may elect to treat other subsidiaries as TRSs. 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 may declare dividends to the Company which will be included in the Company’s taxable income/(loss) and necessitate a distribution to stockholders. Conversely, if the Company retains earnings at the domestic TRS level, no distribution is required and the Company can increase book equity of the consolidated entity. A domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

The Company elected to treat one of its foreign subsidiaries as a TRS and, accordingly, taxable income generated by this foreign TRS may not be subject to local income taxation, but generally will be included in the Company’s income on a current basis as Subpart F income, whether or not distributed.

The Company’s financial results are generally not expected to reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes, except for any activities conducted through one or more TRSs that are subject to corporate income taxation. The Company believes that it will operate in a manner that will allow it to qualify for taxation as a REIT. As a result of the Company’s expected REIT qualification, it does not generally expect to pay federal or state corporate income tax. Many of the REIT requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If the Company were to fail to meet the REIT requirements, it would be subject to federal income taxes and applicable state and local taxes.

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.

12

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The Company evaluates uncertain income tax positions, if any, in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” The Company classifies interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of provision for income taxes. See Note 9 for further details.

Stock-based compensation

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” with regard to its equity incentive plans. ASC 718 covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights and employee stock purchase plans. ASC 718 requires that compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. Compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.

Compensation cost related to restricted common shares issued to the Company’s directors is measured at its estimated fair value at the grant date, and is amortized and expensed over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Compensation cost related to restricted common shares and restricted stock units issued to the Manager is initially measured at estimated fair value at the grant date, and is remeasured on subsequent dates to the extent the awards are unvested. Restricted stock units granted to the Manager do not entitle the participant the rights of a shareholder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The restricted stock units are not considered to be participating shares. Restricted stock units are measured at fair value reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at an assumed risk free rate. The Company has elected to use the straight-line method to amortize compensation expense for restricted stock units. 

Recent accounting pronouncements

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented. These specific issues include debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and beneficial interests in securitization transactions, among others. The adoption of this standard reclassified certain items on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows between the “Cash flows from Operating Activities” and the “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” line items as it pertains to the settlement of certain instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to its prior period consolidated statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.  The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The adoption of this standard required the Company to reconcile changes in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result, the Company no longer presents transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to its prior period consolidated statement of cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 introduces a new model related to the accounting for credit losses on instruments, specifically, financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU 2016-13 amends the current guidance, requiring an OTTI charge only when fair value is below the amortized cost of an asset. The length of time the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security has been below the amortized cost will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. As such, it is no longer an other-than-temporary model. In addition, credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will now be limited to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. The new debt security model will also require the use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses. The new guidance also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, and models. In addition, public entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating its method of adoption and the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). The amendments in this update require purchase premiums for investments in debt securities that are noncontingently callable by the issuer (at a fixed price and preset date) to be amortized to the earliest call date. Previously, purchase premiums for such investments were permitted to be amortized to the instrument’s maturity date. ASU 2017-08 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Real Estate Securities

The following tables detail the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company’s Agency RMBS are mortgage pass-through certificates or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of residential mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. The Company’s Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and CMBS portfolios are primarily not issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or any agency of the U.S. Government and are therefore subject to credit risk. The principal and interest payments on Agency RMBS securities have an explicit guarantee by either an agency of the U.S. government or a U.S government-sponsored entity.

13

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following table details the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

								Gross Unrealized (1)							Weighted Average
	Current Face		Premium / (Discount)			Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value		Coupon (2)			Yield
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,811,490,058	$	71,789,601		$	1,883,279,659	$	1,086,867	$	(28,992,188	)	$	1,855,374,338		3.88	%		3.33	%
Fixed Rate CMO		50,935,170		399,564			51,334,734		-		(459,397	)		50,875,337		3.00	%		2.80	%
ARM		117,027,852		51,429			117,079,281		-		(1,187,653	)		115,891,628		2.42	%		2.85	%
Interest Only		570,498,512		(474,481,629	)		96,016,883		2,023,607		(1,759,188	)		96,281,302		3.79	%		7.49	%
Total Agency:		2,549,951,592		(402,241,035	)		2,147,710,557		3,110,474		(32,398,426	)		2,118,422,605		3.78	%		3.48	%
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		1,005,616,106		(208,794,767	)		796,821,339		62,177,364		(3,278,798	)		855,719,905		4.56	%		6.38	%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		359,519,282		(356,247,271	)		3,272,011		124,325		(483,956	)		2,912,380		0.44	%		14.11	%
Total Non-Agency:		1,365,135,388		(565,042,038	)		800,093,350		62,301,689		(3,762,754	)		858,632,285		3.91	%		6.41	%
ABS		35,649,380		(227,469	)		35,421,911		440,594		(24,449	)		35,838,056		8.33	%		8.85	%
CMBS		239,599,012		(46,725,949	)		192,873,063		1,110,232		(1,816,126	)		192,167,169		5.75	%		6.25	%
CMBS Interest Only		2,014,518,351		(1,968,803,554	)		45,714,797		2,944,479		(34,300	)		48,624,976		0.40	%		6.67	%
Total CMBS:		2,254,117,363		(2,015,529,503	)		238,587,860		4,054,711		(1,850,426	)		240,792,145		0.86	%		6.34	%
Total	$	6,204,853,723	$	(2,983,040,045	)	$	3,221,813,678	$	69,907,468	$	(38,036,055	)	$	3,253,685,091		2.74	%		4.52	%

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

(2) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

The following table details the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

								Gross Unrealized (1)							Weighted Average
	Current Face		Premium / (Discount)			Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses			Fair Value		Coupon (2)			Yield
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,848,172,215	$	81,133,356		$	1,929,305,571	$	5,124,870	$	(5,397,445	)	$	1,929,032,996		3.79	%		3.13	%
Fixed Rate CMO		52,263,914		406,502			52,670,416		280,340		-			52,950,756		3.00	%		2.79	%
ARM		176,560,807		(834,745	)		175,726,062		683,254		(21,920	)		176,387,396		2.35	%		2.83	%
Interest Only		644,238,995		(554,353,362	)		89,885,633		1,608,431		(2,704,177	)		88,789,887		3.27	%		6.84	%
Total Agency:		2,721,235,931		(473,648,249	)		2,247,587,682		7,696,895		(8,123,542	)		2,247,161,035		3.56	%		3.25	%
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		1,165,533,510		(228,542,116	)		936,991,394		66,812,751		(2,210,053	)		1,001,594,092		4.45	%		6.10	%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		371,297,100		(367,976,760	)		3,320,340		129,480		(788,254	)		2,661,566		0.30	%		10.49	%
Total Non-Agency:		1,536,830,610		(596,518,876	)		940,311,734		66,942,231		(2,998,307	)		1,004,255,658		3.38	%		6.12	%
ABS		40,655,000		(438,491	)		40,216,509		741,044		-			40,957,553		7.61	%		8.27	%
CMBS		221,305,103		(51,818,496	)		169,486,607		1,059,546		(1,079,582	)		169,466,571		5.58	%		6.23	%
CMBS Interest Only		2,021,260,566		(1,974,312,498	)		46,948,068		3,778,264		(24,398	)		50,701,934		0.40	%		6.63	%
Total CMBS:		2,242,565,669		(2,026,130,994	)		216,434,675		4,837,810		(1,103,980	)		220,168,505		0.80	%		6.32	%
Total	$	6,541,287,210	$	(3,096,736,610	)	$	3,444,550,600	$	80,217,980	$	(12,225,829	)	$	3,512,542,751		2.60	%		4.32	%

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

(2) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s real estate securities by length of time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	Less than 12 months					Greater than 12 months
As of	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2018	$	1,966,445,757	$	(34,847,549	)	$	97,161,337	$	(3,188,506	)
December 31, 2017		1,116,925,170		(8,011,731	)		188,434,092		(4,214,098	)

As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates securities for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a real estate security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 the Company recognized an OTTI charge of $1.0 million on its securities, which is included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company recorded $1.0 million of OTTI due to an adverse change in cash flows on certain securities where the fair values of the securities were less than their carrying amounts. Of the $1.0 million of OTTI recorded, $0.6 million related to securities where OTTI was not recognized in a prior year.

14

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 the Company recognized an OTTI charge of $2.7 million on its securities, which is included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. Of this amount, $1.0 million was recognized on one security in an unrealized loss position which the Company demonstrated intent to sell, and the charge represents a write-down of cost to fair value as of the reporting date. The Company recorded $1.7 million of OTTI due to an adverse change in cash flows on certain securities where the fair values of the securities were less than their carrying amounts. Of the $2.7 million of OTTI recorded, $1.1 million related to securities where OTTI was not recognized in a prior year.

The decline in value of the remaining real estate securities is solely due to market conditions and not the credit quality of the assets. The investments in any remaining unrealized loss positions are not considered other than temporarily impaired because the Company currently has the ability and intent to hold the investments to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or beyond the cost of the investments and the Company is not required to sell the investments for regulatory or other reasons.

The following table details weighted average life broken out by Agency RMBS, Agency Interest-Only (“IO”) and Credit Securities as of March 31, 2018:

	Agency RMBS (1)							Agency IO							Credit Investments (2)
Weighted Average Life (3)	Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon (4)
Less than or equal to 1 year	$	-	$	-		-		$	-	$	-		-		$	92,567,490	$	92,906,904		5.66	%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years		166,766,965		168,414,014		2.59	%		21,877,339		21,029,824		3.12	%		447,882,191		434,741,071		1.03	%
Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years		1,440,382,354		1,467,446,517		3.92	%		74,403,963		74,987,059		4.16	%		424,347,868		396,396,441		3.04	%
Greater than ten years		414,991,984		415,833,143		3.76	%		-		-		-			170,464,937		150,058,705		5.58	%
Total	$	2,022,141,303	$	2,051,693,674		3.77	%	$	96,281,302	$	96,016,883		3.79	%	$	1,135,262,486	$	1,074,103,121		1.95	%

(1) For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

(2) For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

(3) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(4) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

The following table details weighted average life broken out by Agency RMBS, Agency IO and Credit Securities as of December 31, 2017:

	Agency RMBS (1)							Agency IO							Credit Investments (2)
Weighted Average Life (3)	Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon (4)
Less than or equal to 1 year	$	-	$	-		-		$	-	$	-		-		$	117,531,313	$	117,804,751		2.15	%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years		229,338,153		228,396,478		2.50	%		28,836,904		29,519,508		2.36	%		477,066,079		460,333,652		1.07	%
Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years		1,865,474,374		1,865,706,312		3.79	%		59,952,983		60,366,125		4.36	%		482,183,493		452,403,504		2.87	%
Greater than ten years		63,558,621		63,599,259		3.50	%		-		-		-			188,600,831		166,421,011		5.31	%
Total	$	2,158,371,148	$	2,157,702,049		3.64	%	$	88,789,887	$	89,885,633		3.27	%	$	1,265,381,716	$	1,196,962,918		1.89	%

(1) For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

(2) For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

(3) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(4) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company sold 57 securities for total proceeds of $728.4 million, with an additional $104.7 million of proceeds on 8 unsettled security sales as of quarter end, recording realized gains of $5.9 million and realized losses of $18.4 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold 15 securities for total proceeds of $119.1 million, with an additional $12.9 million of proceeds on 1 unsettled security sale as of quarter end, recording realized gains of $0.5 million and realized losses of $0.7 million.

See Notes 4 and 7 for amounts realized on sales of loans and the settlement of certain derivatives, respectively.

A Special Purpose Entity (“SPE”) is an entity designed to fulfill a specific limited need of the company that organized it. SPEs are often used to facilitate transactions that involve securitizing financial assets or resecuritizing previously securitized financial assets. The objective of such transactions may include obtaining non-recourse financing, obtaining liquidity or refinancing the underlying securitized financial assets on improved terms. Securitization involves transferring assets to a SPE to convert all or a portion of those assets into cash before they would have been realized in the normal course of business through the SPE’s issuance of debt or equity instruments. Investors in an SPE usually have recourse only to the assets in the SPE and depending on the overall structure of the transaction, may benefit from various forms of credit enhancement, such as over-collateralization in the form of excess assets in the SPE, priority with respect to receipt of cash flows relative to holders of other debt or equity instruments issued by the SPE, or a line of credit or other form of liquidity agreement that is designed with the objective of ensuring that investors receive principal and/or interest cash flow on the investment in accordance with the terms of their investment agreement. See Note 2 for more detail.

15

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The Company previously entered into a resecuritization transaction that resulted in the Company consolidating the VIE created with the SPE which was used to facilitate the transaction. The Company concluded that the entity created to facilitate this transaction was a VIE. The Company also determined that the VIE created to facilitate the resecuritization transaction should be consolidated by the Company and treated as a secured borrowing, based on the Company’s involvement in the VIE, including the design and purpose of the SPE, and whether the Company’s involvement reflected a controlling financial interest that resulted in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

The following table details certain information on the Company’s consolidated VIE as of March 31, 2018:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	15,360,643	$	15,496,402		3.41	%		4.24	%		2.84
Retained tranche		8,556,332		6,177,041		3.72	%		16.54	%		9.01
Total resecuritized asset	$	23,916,975	$	21,673,443		3.52	%		7.74	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of March 31, 2018, the Company has recorded secured financing of $15.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The following table details certain information on the Company’s consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2017:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	16,354,718	$	16,477,801		3.11	%		3.92	%		2.95
Retained tranche		8,617,903		6,100,571		4.28	%		15.48	%		9.04
Total resecuritized asset	$	24,972,621	$	22,578,372		3.51	%		7.04	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of December 31, 2017, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded secured financing of $16.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The holders of the consolidated tranche have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The Company has no obligation to provide any other explicit or implicit support to any VIE.

16

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

4. Loans

Residential mortgage loans

The table below details certain information regarding the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

								Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Premium (Discount)			Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Weighted  Average Life (Years) (2)
Residential mortgage loans	$	25,393,461	$	(7,305,239	)	$	18,088,222	$	1,783,904	$	-	$	19,872,126		3.09	%		12.12	%		5.77

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

The table below details certain information regarding the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

								Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Premium (Discount)			Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Residential mortgage loans	$	25,675,566	$	(7,792,057	)	$	17,883,509	$	1,006,184	$	-	$	18,889,693		3.10	%		12.24	%		5.67

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

The table below summarizes certain aggregate pool level information pertaining to the Company’s residential mortgage loans:

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Loan Pool	Fair Value		Unpaid Principal Balance		Fair Value		Unpaid Principal Balance
Re-Performing	$	11,880,681	$	15,342,268	$	11,384,032	$	15,350,657
Non-Performing		7,991,445		10,051,193		7,505,661		10,324,909
	$	19,872,126	$	25,393,461	$	18,889,693	$	25,675,566

As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates loans for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a loan is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a loan is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the loan is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

No OTTI was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017 on the Company’s residential mortgage loans.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the Company had residential mortgage loans that were in the process of foreclosure with a fair value of $9.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively.

The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consisted of mortgage loans on residential real estate located throughout the U.S. The following is a summary of certain concentrations of credit risk within the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio:

Concentration of Credit Risk	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Percentage of fair value of mortgage loans secured by properties in the following states:
Representing 5% or more of fair value:
New York		38	%		37	%
California		7	%		7	%
Maryland		7	%		7	%
New Jersey		6	%		6	%

The Company records interest income on a level-yield basis. The accretable discount is determined by the excess of the Company’s estimate of undiscounted principal, interest, and other cash flows expected to be collected over its initial investment in the mortgage loan. The following is a summary of the changes in the accretable portion of discounts for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively:

17

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Beginning Balance	$	9,318,058		$	18,281,517
Accretion		(490,629	)		(753,537	)
Reclassifications from/(to) non-accretable difference		997,258			1,472,340
Disposals		-			(274,849	)
Ending Balance	$	9,824,687		$	18,725,471

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio was comprised of 123 conventional loans with original loan balances between $9,000 and $1.1 million.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio was comprised of 125 conventional loans with original loan balances between $9,000 and $1.1 million.

No residential mortgage loans were sold for the three months ended March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold 6 loans for total proceeds of $0.9 million, recording realized losses of $0.1 million. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company received $3.6 million of proceeds from sold loans which were unsettled at December 31, 2016.

Commercial loans

The following table presents detail on the Company’s commercial loan portfolio on March 31, 2018.

								Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
Loan (7)	Current Face		Premium (Discount)			Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon  (5)			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (6)		Initial Stated Maturity Date	Extended Maturity Date (8)	Location
Loan B (2)	$	32,800,000	$	-		$	32,800,000	$	-	$	-	$	32,800,000		6.44	%		6.82	%		1.28	July 1, 2016	July 1, 2019	TX
Loan E (3)		14,521,806		(97,715	)		14,424,091		25,107		-		14,449,198		10.13	%		37.40	%		0.02	April 9, 2017	April 9, 2021	Various
Loan F (4)		10,416,666		(49,299	)		10,367,367		49,299		-		10,416,666		12.22	%		14.39	%		0.45	September 9, 2018	September 9, 2019	MN
	$	57,738,472	$	(147,014	)	$	57,591,458	$	74,406	$	-	$	57,665,864		8.41	%		15.85	%		0.82

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

(3) Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of March 31, 2018, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018. Loan E paid off at par on April 9, 2018.

(4) Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

(5) Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

(6) Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

(7) The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

(8) Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

The following table presents detail on the Company’s commercial loan portfolio on December 31, 2017.

								Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
Loan (7)	Current Face		Premium (Discount)			Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (5)			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (6)		Initial Stated Maturity Date	Extended Maturity Date (8)	Location
Loan B (2)	$	32,800,000	$	-		$	32,800,000	$	-	$	-	$	32,800,000		6.14	%		6.52	%		1.53	July 1, 2016	July 1, 2019	TX
Loan E (3)		14,521,806		(1,027,510	)		13,494,296		809,684		-		14,303,980		9.83	%		12.70	%		3.01	April 9, 2017	April 9, 2021	Various
Loan F (4)		10,416,666		(76,512	)		10,340,154		76,512		-		10,416,666		12.43	%		13.98	%		0.70	September 9, 2018	September 9, 2019	MN
	$	57,738,472	$	(1,104,022	)	$	56,634,450	$	886,196	$	-	$	57,520,646		8.20	%		9.41	%		1.76

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

(3) Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of December 31, 2017, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018.

(4) Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

(5) Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

(6) Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

(7) The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

(8) Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

In February 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and, at closing, transferred a 15.0%, or $1.8 million, participation interest in the loan (the “Participation Interest”) to an unaffiliated third party. The Participation Interest did not meet the sales criteria established under ASC 860; therefore, the entire commercial loan has been recorded as an asset in the “Commercial loans, at fair value” line item on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, referred to in the above table as “Loan D.” The weighted average coupon and yield on the commercial loan was 10.62% and 14.33%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. A $1.8 million liability was recorded in the “Loan participation payable, at fair value” line item on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets representing the transfer of the Participation Interest. The Company recorded the origination of the commercial loan in the “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” section and the proceeds from the transfer in the “Cash Flows from Financing Activities” section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. The weighted average coupon and yield on the Participation Interest was 10.62% and 21.70%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. In February 2017, the Company received $12.0 million of proceeds from the pay-off of Loan D. The principal and interest due on the Participation Interest was paid from these proceeds.

18

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company recorded $1.0 million and $0.1 million of discount accretion, respectively, on its commercial loans.

5. Fair value measurements

As described in Note 2, the fair value of financial instruments that are recorded at fair value will be determined by the Manager, subject to oversight of the Company’s board of directors, and in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” When possible, the Company determines fair value using independent data sources. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques giving the highest priority to readily available unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements) when market prices are not readily available or reliable. 

Values for the Company’s securities, Excess MSRs, securitized debt, derivatives and U.S. Treasury securities are based upon prices obtained from third party pricing services, which are indicative of market activity. The fair value of the Company’s obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements is based upon the value of the underlying borrowed U.S. Treasury securities as of the reporting date. The evaluation methodology of the Company’s third-party pricing services incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to various indices such as the one-year constant maturity treasury and LIBOR, which are observable inputs. The evaluation also considers the underlying characteristics of each investment, which are also observable inputs, including: coupon; maturity date; loan age; reset date; collateral type; periodic and life cap; geography; and prepayment speeds. The Company collects and considers current market intelligence on all major markets, including benchmark security evaluations and bid-lists from various sources, when available. As part of the Company’s risk management process, the Company reviews and analyzes all prices obtained by comparing prices to recently completed transactions involving the same or similar investments on or near the reporting date. If, in the opinion of the Manager, one or more prices reported to the Company are not reliable or unavailable, the Manager reviews the fair value based on characteristics of the investment it receives from the issuer and available market information.

In valuing its derivatives, 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. All of the Company’s derivatives are either subject to bilateral collateral arrangements or clearing in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd Frank Act”). For swaps cleared under the Dodd Frank Act, a Central Counterparty Clearing House (“CCP”) now stands between the Company and the over-the-counter derivative counterparties. In order to access clearing, the Company has entered into clearing agreements with Futures Commissions Merchants (“FCMs”).

Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, as a result of a CME amendment to its rule book governing central clearing activities, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with a CME centrally cleared derivative instrument is legally characterized as the daily settlement of the derivative instrument itself, as opposed to a pledge of collateral. Accordingly, beginning in 2017, the Company accounts for the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with its centrally cleared interest rate swaps and futures as a direct reduction to the carrying value of the interest rate swap and future derivative asset or liability, respectively. Beginning in 2017, the carrying amount of centrally cleared interest rate swaps and futures reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is equal to the unsettled fair value of such instruments. See Note 7 for more information.

The fair value of the Company's mortgage loans and loan participation considers data such as loan origination information, additional updated borrower information, loan servicing data, as available, forward interest rates, general economic conditions, home price index forecasts and valuations of the underlying properties. The variables considered most significant to the determination of the fair value of the Company's mortgage loans include market-implied discount rates, projections of default rates, delinquency rates, prepayment rates and loss severity (considering mortgage insurance). Projections of default and prepayment rates are impacted by other variables such as reperformance rates and timeline to liquidation. The Company uses loan level data and macro-economic inputs to generate loss adjusted cash flows and other information in determining the fair value of its mortgage loans. Because of the inherent uncertainty of such valuation, the fair values established for mortgage loans held by the Company may differ from the fair values that would have been established if a ready market existed for these mortgage loans. Accordingly, mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Manager may also engage specialized third party valuation service providers to assess and corroborate the valuation of a selection of investments in the Company’s loan portfolio on a periodic basis. These specialized third party valuation service providers conduct independent valuation analyses based on a review of source documents, available market data, and comparable investments. The analyses provided by valuation service providers are reviewed and considered by the Manager.

TBA instruments are similar in form to the Company’s Agency RMBS portfolio, and the Company therefore estimates fair value based on similar methods.

19

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The Company entered into a resecuritization transaction that resulted in the Company consolidating a VIE created with the SPE which was used to facilitate the transaction. The Company categorizes the fair value measurement of the consolidated tranche as Level 3.

In December 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc, formed Arc Home. The Company invests in Arc Home through AG Arc. In June 2016, Arc Home closed on the acquisition of a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae seller/servicer of residential mortgages. Through this subsidiary, Arc Home originates conforming, Government, Jumbo and other non-conforming residential mortgage loans, retains the mortgage servicing rights associated with the loans it originates, and purchases additional mortgage servicing rights from third-party sellers. As a result of this acquisition, the Company transferred its investment in AG Arc from Level 1 into Level 3.

In February 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and transferred a 15% participation interest in the loan to an unaffiliated third party. The Company categorizes the fair value measurement of the commercial loan and consolidated participation interest as Level 3. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017.

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2018:

	Fair Value at March 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total
Assets:
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	-	$	1,855,374,338		$	-		$	1,855,374,338
Fixed Rate CMO		-		50,875,337			-			50,875,337
ARM		-		115,891,628			-			115,891,628
Interest Only		-		96,281,302			-			96,281,302
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		-		124,800,787			730,919,118			855,719,905
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		-		-			2,912,380			2,912,380
ABS		-		-			35,838,056			35,838,056
CMBS		-		9,197,017			182,970,152			192,167,169
CMBS Interest Only		-		-			48,624,976			48,624,976
Residential mortgage loans		-		-			19,872,126			19,872,126
Commercial loans		-		-			57,665,864			57,665,864
Excess mortgage servicing rights		-		-			30,746,462			30,746,462
Derivative assets		-		4,571,441			-			4,571,441
AG Arc		-		-			18,438,220			18,438,220
Total Assets Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	2,256,991,850		$	1,127,987,354		$	3,384,979,204
Liabilities:
Securitized debt	$	-	$	-		$	(15,496,402	)	$	(15,496,402	)
Derivative liabilities		-		(786,211	)		-			(786,211	)
Total Liabilities Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	(786,211	)	$	(15,496,402	)	$	(16,282,613	)

20

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017:

	Fair Value at December 31, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total
Assets:
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	-	$	1,929,032,996		$	-		$	1,929,032,996
Fixed Rate CMO		-		52,950,756			-			52,950,756
ARM		-		176,387,396			-			176,387,396
Interest Only		-		88,789,887			-			88,789,887
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		-		156,170,350			845,423,742			1,001,594,092
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		-		-			2,661,566			2,661,566
ABS		-		-			40,957,553			40,957,553
CMBS		-		8,216,506			161,250,065			169,466,571
CMBS Interest Only		-		-			50,701,934			50,701,934
Residential mortgage loans		-		-			18,889,693			18,889,693
Commercial loans		-		-			57,520,646			57,520,646
Excess mortgage servicing rights		-		-			5,083,514			5,083,514
Derivative assets		110,063		2,017,007			-			2,127,070
AG Arc		-		-			17,911,091			17,911,091
Total Assets Carried at Fair Value	$	110,063	$	2,413,564,898		$	1,200,399,804		$	3,614,074,765
Liabilities:
Securitized debt	$	-	$	-		$	(16,477,801	)	$	(16,477,801	)
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		-		(24,379,356	)		-			(24,379,356	)
Derivative liabilities		-		(450,208	)		-			(450,208	)
Total Liabilities Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	(24,829,564	)	$	(16,477,801	)	$	(41,307,365	)

The Company did not have any transfers of assets or liabilities between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

21

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following tables present additional information about the Company’s assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
	Non-Agency RMBS			Non-Agency RMBS IO		ABS			CMBS			CMBS Interest Only			Residential Mortgage Loans			Commercial Loans		Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights			AG Arc		Securitized debt
Beginning balance	$	845,423,742		$	2,661,566	$	40,957,553		$	161,250,065		$	50,701,934		$	18,889,693		$	57,520,646	$	5,083,514		$	17,911,091	$	(16,477,801	)
Transfers (1):
Transfers into level 3		8,034,505			-		-			-			-			-			-		-			-		-
Transfers out of level 3		-			-		-			(6,951,115	)		-			-			-		-			-		-
Purchases/Transfers		91,585,501			-		2,968,228			30,200,000			-			-			-		25,371,355			-		-
Sales/Transfers		(178,121,105	)		-		-			-			-			-			-		-			-		-
Proceeds from settlement		(37,950,606	)		-		(7,973,847	)		(903,961	)		-			(182,647	)		-		(333,636	)		-		994,076
Total net gains/(losses) (2)
Included in net income		1,947,081			250,814		(113,878	)		(624,837	)		(2,076,958	)		1,165,080			145,218		625,229			527,129		(12,677	)
Ending Balance	$	730,919,118		$	2,912,380	$	35,838,056		$	182,970,152		$	48,624,976		$	19,872,126		$	57,665,864	$	30,746,462		$	18,438,220	$	(15,496,402	)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held as of March 31, 2018 (3)	$	1,024,331		$	271,144	$	(95,342	)	$	(624,837	)	$	(2,076,958	)	$	1,165,080		$	145,218	$	625,229		$	527,129	$	(12,677	)

(1) Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

(2) Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	(3,323,576	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(12,677	)
Net realized gain/(loss)		4,641,325
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		527,129
Total	$	1,832,201

(3) Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	433,865
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(12,677	)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		527,129
Total	$	948,317

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
	Non-Agency RMBS			Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only			ABS			CMBS			CMBS Interest Only		Residential Mortgage Loans			Commercial Loans			Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights			AG Arc		Securitized debt			Loan Participation payable
Beginning balance	$	717,760,534		$	3,761,446		$	21,231,956		$	130,789,615		$	52,136,726	$	38,195,576		$	60,068,800		$	412,648		$	12,894,819	$	(21,491,710	)	$	(1,800,000	)
Transfers (1):
Transfers into level 3		85,643,243			-			-			-			-		-			-			-			-		-			-
Transfers out of level 3		(35,886,288	)		-			-			-			-		-			-			-			-		-			-
Purchases/Transfers (2)		42,203,390			-			6,730,646			3,568,749			-		-			10,270,833			706,365			-		-			-
Capital contributions		-			-			-			-			-		-			-			-			-		-			-
Reclassification of security type (3)		-			-			-			-			-		-			-			-			-		-			-
Proceeds from sales/redemptions		(23,675,362	)		-			(7,665,627	)		(4,533,594	)		-		(854,447	)		-			-			-		-			-
Proceeds from settlement		(29,360,521	)		-			-			(8,485,256	)		-		(665,982	)		(12,357,896	)		(10,364	)		-		1,575,619			1,954,927
Total net gains/(losses) (4)
Included in net income		5,404,352			(203,496	)		868,467			875,780			785,201		(419,236	)		292,751			(52,526	)		115,634		(32,648	)		(154,927	)
Ending Balance	$	762,089,348		$	3,557,950		$	21,165,442		$	122,215,294		$	52,921,927	$	36,255,911		$	58,274,488		$	1,056,123		$	13,010,453	$	(19,948,739	)	$	-
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held as of March 31, 2017 (5)	$	5,394,508		$	(203,496	)	$	838,732		$	960,672		$	785,201	$	(488,629	)	$	236,542		$	(52,526	)	$	115,634	$	(32,648	)	$	-

(1) Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

(2) Transfers represent proceeds from transfer of loan participation.

(3) Represents a reclassification from investments in debt and equity of affiliates.

(4) Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	7,836,461
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(187,575	)
Net realized gain/(loss)		(285,168	)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Total	$	7,479,352

(5) Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	7,471,004
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(32,648	)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Total	$	7,553,990

Refer to the tables above for details on transfers between the Level 3 and Level 2 categories under ASC 820. Transfers into the Level 3 category of the fair value hierarchy occur due to instruments exhibiting indications of reduced levels of market transparency. Transfers out of the Level 3 category of the fair value hierarchy occur due to instruments exhibiting indications of increased levels of market transparency. Indications of increases or decreases in levels of market transparency include a change in observable transactions or executable quotes involving these instruments or similar instruments. Changes in these indications could impact price transparency, and thereby cause a change in level designations in future periods.

22

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following tables present a summary of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of investments for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.

Asset Class	Fair Value at March 31, 2018	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Non-Agency RMBS	$             712,175,513	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	1.92% - 31.75%   (4.46%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 35.00%   (11.11%)
			Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 30.00%   (3.25%)
			Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 100.00%   (33.89%)
	$               18,743,605	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	75.00 - 100.21   (79.86)
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only	$                 2,912,380	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	7.00% - 25.00%   (22.17%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.00% - 18.00%   (16.79%)
			Projected Collateral Losses	0.75% - 2.00%   (1.54%)
			Projected Collateral Severities	10.00% - 40.00%   (13.91%)
ABS	$               32,869,828	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	6.03% - 10.06%   (8.83%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	20.00% - 40.00%   (23.40%)
			Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 2.00%   (1.66%)
			Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 50.00%   (41.51%)
	$                 2,968,228	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	100.00 - 100.00   (100.00)
CMBS	$             179,926,667	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	4.69% - 8.49%   (6.64%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
			Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
			Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$                 3,043,485	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	4.05 - 8.59   (7.46)
CMBS Interest Only	$               48,624,976	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	3.28% - 6.22%   (4.77%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
			Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
			Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
Residential Mortgage Loans	$               19,872,126	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	6.25% - 9.00%   (7.93%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	3.75% - 4.79%   (4.20%)
			Projected Collateral Losses	3.74% - 6.44%   (4.50%)
			Projected Collateral Severities	13.03% - 36.62%   (17.24%)
Commercial Loans	$               32,800,000	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	6.82% - 6.82%   (6.82%)
			Credit Spread	4.75 bps - 4.75 bps   (4.75 bps)
			Recovery Percentage (1)	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
	$               24,865,864	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	99.50 - 100.00   (99.71)
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights	$               30,473,264	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	8.50% - 11.55%   (9.18%)
			Projected Collateral Prepayments	6.34% - 10.23%   (8.53%)
	$                    273,198	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	0.04 - 0.53   (0.50)
AG Arc	$               18,438,220	Comparable Multiple	Book Value Multiple	1.0x

Liability Class	Fair Value at March 31, 2018			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Securitized debt					Yield	3.77% - 3.77%   (3.77%)
					Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.00% - 10.00%   (10.00%)
					Projected Collateral Losses	3.50% - 3.50%   (3.50%)
	$	(15,496,402	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	45.00% - 45.00%   (45.00%)

(1) Represents the proportion of the principal expected to be collected relative to the loan balances as of March 31, 2018.

23

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Asset Class	Fair Value at December 31, 2017		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Non-Agency RMBS				Yield	0.94% - 31.75%   (4.49%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 35.00%   (10.50%)
	$	783,880,884	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 50.00%   (3.25%)
				Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 100.00%   (34.77%)
	$	14,794,010	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	74.75 - 74.75   (74.75)
	$	46,748,848	Recent Transaction	Recent Transaction	N/A
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only				Yield	7.00% - 25.00%   (22.34%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.50% - 18.00%   (16.89%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	1.50% - 2.00%   (1.57%)
	$	2,661,566	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	10.00% - 40.00%   (14.43%)
ABS				Yield	4.62% - 9.83%   (7.56%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	20.00% - 40.00%   (22.62%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 2.00%   (1.74%)
	$	40,957,533	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 50.00%   (43.45%)
CMBS				Yield	-1.45% - 8.35%   (6.24%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	157,684,840	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
				Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	3,565,225	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	6.20 - 7.60   (7.12)
CMBS Interest Only				Yield	2.93% - 5.90%   (4.43%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	50,701,934	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
Residential Mortgage Loans				Yield	6.25% - 9.00%   (7.81%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	2.98% - 5.05%   (3.93%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	3.88% - 6.91%   (4.27%)
	$	18,889,693	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	20.21% - 37.25%   (22.00%)
Commercial Loans				Yield	6.52% - 6.52%   (6.52%)
	$	32,800,000	Discounted Cash Flow	Credit Spread	4.75 bps - 4.75 bps   (4.75 bps)
				Recovery Percentage*	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
	$	24,720,646	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	98.50 - 100.00   (99.13)
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights	$	4,800,708	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	9.12% - 11.74%   (10.29%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	7.59% - 11.85%   (9.67%)
	$	282,806	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	0.04 - 0.52   (0.48)
AG Arc	$	17,911,091	Comparable Multiple	Book Value Multiple	1.0x

Liability Class	Fair Value at December 31, 2017			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Securitized debt					Yield	3.23% - 3.23%   (3.23%)
					Projected Collateral Prepayments	14.00% - 14.00%   (14.00%)
					Projected Collateral Losses	7.00% - 7.00%   (7.00%)
	$	(16,477,801	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	40.00% - 40.00%   (40.00%)

(1) Represents the proportion of the principal expected to be collected relative to the loan balances as of December 31, 2017.

As further described above, values for the Company’s securities portfolio are based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing services. Broker quotations may also be used. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

Also, as described above, valuation of the Company’s loan portfolio is determined by the Manager using third-party pricing services where available, specialized third party valuation service providers, or model-based pricing. The evaluation considers the underlying characteristics of each loan, which are observable inputs, including: coupon, maturity date, loan age, reset date, collateral type, periodic and life cap, geography, and prepayment speeds. These valuations also require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, re-performance rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders and other factors deemed necessary by management. Changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of our investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the valuations currently estimated. If applicable, analyses provided by valuation service providers are reviewed and considered by the Manager.

24

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

6. Repurchase agreements

The Company pledges certain real estate securities and loans as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions, the terms and conditions of which are negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Repurchase agreements involve the sale and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the transferred assets or similar assets at a future date. The amount borrowed generally is equal to the fair value of the assets pledged less an agreed-upon discount, referred to as a “haircut.” The Company calculates haircuts disclosed in the tables below by dividing allocated capital on each borrowing by the current fair market value of each investment. Repurchase agreements entered into by the Company are accounted for as financings and require the repurchase of the transferred assets at the end of each agreement’s term, typically 30 to 90 days. The carrying amount of the Company’s repurchase agreements approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities or floating rate coupons. If the Company maintains the beneficial interest in the specific assets pledged during the term of the borrowing, it receives the related principal and interest payments. If the Company does not maintain the beneficial interest in the specific assets pledged during the term of the borrowing, it will have the related principal and interest payments remitted to it by the lender. Interest rates on these borrowings are fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings, and interest is paid at the termination of the borrowing at which time the Company may enter into a new borrowing arrangement at prevailing market rates with the same counterparty or repay that counterparty and negotiate financing with a different counterparty. If the fair value of pledged assets declines due to changes in market conditions or the publishing of monthly security paydown factors, lenders typically would require 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, referred to as margin calls. The fair value of financial instruments pledged as collateral on the Company’s repurchase agreements disclosed in the tables below represent the Company’s fair value of such instruments which may differ from the fair value assigned to the collateral by its counterparties. The Company maintains a level of liquidity in the form of cash and unpledged Agency RMBS and Agency Interest-Only securities in order to meet these obligations. Under the terms of the Company’s master repurchase agreements, the counterparties may, in certain cases, sell or re-hypothecate the pledged collateral. 

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by real estate securities as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Overnight	$	151,903,000		1.94	%		3.0	%	$	156,588,143	$	145,763,694	$	456,989
30 days or less		2,024,067,000		2.13	%		8.2	%		2,240,364,126		2,132,654,293		8,139,124
31-60 days		425,297,000		2.16	%		9.1	%		484,440,715		475,429,145		1,595,810
61-90 days		36,694,000		3.51	%		23.2	%		47,830,538		46,937,640		259,376
91-180 days		102,578,000		2.06	%		5.5	%		111,944,057		110,514,688		338,035
Greater than 180 days		54,095,000		2.77	%		16.9	%		65,171,980		65,582,185		42,579
Total / Weighted Average	$	2,794,634,000		2.15	%		8.4	%	$	3,106,339,559	$	2,976,881,645	$	10,831,913

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by real estate securities as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Overnight	$	128,779,000		1.80	%		3.2	%	$	133,012,426	$	133,030,219	$	375,987
30 days or less		2,105,103,000		1.94	%		9.6	%		2,361,573,884		2,302,744,090		8,406,811
31-60 days		611,763,000		1.76	%		7.6	%		677,310,405		670,307,102		2,131,225
61-90 days		32,445,000		3.04	%		25.9	%		43,850,631		42,711,854		300,842
91-180 days		1,131,000		3.21	%		22.7	%		1,462,574		1,478,767		1,296
Greater than 180 days		93,059,628		3.00	%		20.4	%		119,489,680		118,698,392		46,682
Total / Weighted Average	$	2,972,280,628		1.94	%		9.4	%	$	3,336,699,600	$	3,268,970,424	$	11,262,843

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in residential mortgage loans as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	10,149,322		4.38	%		39.6	%	$	16,814,571	$	14,907,020	$	10,168

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

25

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in residential mortgage loans as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	10,330,390		4.07	%		34.8	%	$	15,860,583	$	14,870,542	$	10,316

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in commercial loans as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		4.02	%		33.5	%	$	32,800,000	$	32,800,000	$	242,200

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		3.70	%		33.5	%	$	32,800,000	$	32,800,000	$	203,633

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

Although repurchase agreements are committed borrowings until maturity, the lender retains the right to mark the underlying collateral to fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets resulting from changes in market conditions or factor changes would require the Company to provide additional collateral or cash to fund margin calls. See Note 7 for details on collateral posted/received against certain derivatives. The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s posting of collateral under repurchase agreements on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by investment type:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Agency RMBS	$	1,923,436,510	$	2,118,615,429
Non-Agency RMBS		832,743,710		976,071,673
ABS		23,718,842		30,832,553
CMBS		227,855,627		211,179,945
Residential Mortgage Loans		16,814,571		15,860,583
Commercial Loans		32,800,000		32,800,000
Cash pledged (i.e., restricted cash) under repurchase agreements		13,077,367		12,155,251
Fair Value of unsettled trades pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements:		98,584,870		-
Total collateral pledged under Repurchase agreements	$	3,169,031,497	$	3,397,515,434

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s total borrowings under repurchase agreements on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by investment type:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Repurchase agreements secured by investments:
Agency RMBS	$	1,913,609,000	$	2,005,133,000
Non-Agency RMBS		679,431,000		784,896,628
ABS		17,934,000		22,761,000
CMBS		183,660,000		159,490,000
Residential Mortgage Loans		10,149,322		10,330,390
Commercial Loans		21,796,000		21,796,000
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	$	2,826,579,322	$	3,004,407,018

26

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following table presents both gross information and net information about repurchase agreements eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments Posted		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements	$	2,826,579,322	$	-	$	2,826,579,322	$	2,826,579,322	$	-	$	-

The following table presents both gross information and net information about repurchase agreements eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments Posted		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements	$	3,004,407,018	$	-	$	3,004,407,018	$	3,004,407,018	$	-	$	-

The Company seeks to obtain financing from several different counterparties in order to reduce the financing risk related to any single counterparty. The Company has entered into master repurchase agreements (“MRAs”) or loan agreements with such financing counterparties. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the Company had 39 financing counterparties under which it had outstanding debt with 28 and 27 counterparties, respectively.

The following table presents information at March 31, 2018 with respect to each counterparty that provides the Company with financing for which the Company had greater than 5% of its stockholders’ equity at risk, excluding stockholders’ equity at risk under financing through affiliated entities.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	39,125,300		24		6	%

The following table presents information at December 31, 2017 with respect to each counterparty that provides the Company with financing for which the Company had greater than 5% of its stockholders’ equity at risk, excluding stockholders’ equity at risk under financing through affiliated entities.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	45,239,399		26		6	%
Barclays Capital Inc		39,358,150		13		6	%

On February 14, 2018, AG MIT WFB1 2014 LLC (“AG MIT WFB1”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into Amendment Number Six of the Master Repurchase Agreement and Securities Contract (as amended, the “WFB1 Repurchase Agreement”) with Wells Fargo to finance the ownership and acquisition of certain beneficial interests in trusts owning participation interests in one or more pools of residential mortgage loans. Each transaction under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement has its own specific terms, such as identification of the assets subject to the transaction, sale price, repurchase price and rate. The WFB1 Repurchase Agreement provides for a funding period ending May 23, 2018 and a facility termination date of February 22, 2019. The maximum aggregate borrowing capacity available under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement is $50.0 million. The WFB1 Repurchase Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants, including financial covenants, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of this type. In the event the debt outstanding under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement falls below $7.0 million, a cash trap trigger event will occur in which all income payments received by Wells Fargo will be applied against the outstanding balance until the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement is paid off. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $10.2 million and $10.3 million of debt outstanding under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement, respectively.

27

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

On September 17, 2014, AG MIT CREL, LLC (“AG MIT CREL”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Master Repurchase Agreement and Securities Contract (the “CREL Repurchase Agreement”) with Wells Fargo to finance AG MIT CREL’s acquisition of certain beneficial interests in one or more commercial mortgage loans. Each transaction under the CREL Repurchase Agreement will have its own specific terms, such as identification of the assets subject to the transaction, sale price, repurchase price and rate. The CREL Repurchase Agreement provided for a funding period ending September 17, 2016 and an initial facility termination date of September 17, 2016 (the “Initial Termination Date”), subject to the satisfaction of certain terms of the extensions described below. AG MIT CREL had three (3) one-year options to extend the term of the CREL Repurchase Agreement.

On August 4, 2015, the Company, AG MIT CREL and AG MIT entered into an Omnibus Amendment No. 1 to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, Guarantee Agreement and Fee and Pricing Letter (the “First Amendment”) with Wells Fargo. The First Amendment amended certain terms in the CREL Repurchase Agreement, the Guarantee, dated as of September 17, 2014, delivered by the Company and AG MIT to Wells Fargo and the Fee and Pricing Letter, dated as of September 17, 2014, between AG MIT CREL and Wells Fargo. The First Amendment lowered the maximum aggregate borrowing capacity available under the CREL Repurchase Agreement from $150 million to approximately $42.8 million. The First Amendment also provided that the CREL Repurchase Agreement become full recourse to the Company and AG MIT, LLC. By amending the recourse of the CREL Repurchase Agreement to the Company and AG MIT, the Company was able to remove certain financial covenants on AG MIT CREL that limited the amount that AG MIT CREL could borrow under the CREL Repurchase Agreement. The First Amendment also eliminated the fee for the portion of the repurchase facility that was unused. The CREL Repurchase Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants, including financial covenants, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of this type. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $21.8 million of debt outstanding under this facility.

In September 2016, the Company exercised its first option to extend the term of the CREL Repurchase Agreement. In June 2017, the Company, AG MIT CREL and AG MIT entered into an Omnibus Amendment No. 2 to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, Guarantee Agreement and Fee and Pricing Letter (the “Second Amendment”) with Wells Fargo. The Second Amendment amended the CREL Repurchase Agreement to extend the facility termination date to July 1, 2019 and removed the second and third extension options.

The Company’s MRAs generally include customary representations, warranties, and covenants, but may also contain more restrictive supplemental terms and conditions. Although specific to each MRA, typical supplemental terms include requirements of minimum equity, leverage ratios, performance triggers or other financial ratios.

7. Derivatives

The Company’s derivatives may include interest rate swaps (“swaps”), TBAs, swaption contracts and Eurodollar Futures and U.S. Treasury Futures, (collectively, “Futures”). Derivatives have not been designated as hedging instruments. The Company may also utilize other instruments to manage interest rate risk, including long and short positions in U.S. Treasury securities.

The Company may exchange cash “variation margin” with the counterparties to its derivative instruments at least on a daily basis based upon daily changes in fair value as measured by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), the central clearinghouse through which those derivatives are cleared. In addition, the CME requires market participants to deposit and maintain an “initial margin” amount which is determined by the CME and is generally intended to be set at a level sufficient to protect the CME from the maximum estimated single-day price movement in that market participant’s contracts. 

Receivables recognized for the right to reclaim cash initial margin posted in respect of derivative instruments are included in the “Restricted cash” line item in the consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the first quarter of 2017, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with centrally cleared derivative instruments was considered a pledge of collateral. For these prior periods, receivables recognized for the right to reclaim cash variation margin posted in respect of derivative instruments are included in the “Restricted cash” line item in the consolidated balance sheets.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, as a result of a CME amendment to their rule book which governs their central clearing activities, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with a centrally cleared derivative instrument is legally characterized as the daily settlement of the derivative instrument itself, as opposed to a pledge of collateral. Accordingly, beginning in 2017, the Company accounts for the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with its centrally cleared derivative instruments as a direct reduction to the carrying value of the derivative asset or liability, respectively. Beginning in 2017, the carrying amount of centrally cleared derivative instruments reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets approximates the unsettled fair value of such instruments; because variation margin is exchanged on a one-day lag, the unsettled fair value of such instruments represents the change in fair value that occurred on the last day of the reporting period. Non-exchange traded derivatives were not affected by these legal interpretations and continue to be reported at fair value including accrued interest.

28

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following table presents the fair value of the Company's derivative and other instruments and their balance sheet location at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Derivatives and Other Instruments	Designation	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value	$	(428,630	)	$	(450,208	)
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		2,431,220			1,428,240
Swaptions	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,128,348			362,202
TBAs	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		(357,581	)		-
TBAs	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,011,873			226,565
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		-			-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		-			110,063
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Non-Hedge	Obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value (2)		-			(24,379,356	)

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin. As of December 31, 2017, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

(2) The Company's obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements relates to securities borrowed to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities. The change in fair value of the borrowed securities is recorded in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives and other instruments, net" line item in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

The following table summarizes information related to derivatives and other instruments:

Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments held long/(short):	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Notional amount of Pay Fix/Receive Float Interest Rate Swap Agreements	$	2,442,000,000		$	2,227,000,000
Notional amount of Swaptions		210,000,000			270,000,000
Net notional amount of TBAs		139,000,000			100,000,000
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)		(50,000,000	)		(52,500,000	)
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasuries		-			(24,668,000	)

(1) Each U.S. Treasury Future contract embodies $100,000 of notional value.

The following table summarizes gains/(losses) related to derivatives and other instruments:

		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments gain/(loss):	Statement of Operations Location	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	$	36,251,709		$	1,231,214
Swaptions, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		351,771			-
Swaptions, at fair value	Net realized gain/(loss)		50,625			-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(494,357	)		106,499
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Net realized gain/(loss)		672,780			(947,936	)
TBAs (1)	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		427,727			359,765
TBAs (1)	Net realized gain/(loss)		372,617			(242,031	)
Long positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		(448,242	)		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(94,004	)		(1,724,922	)
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		579,617			1,730,547

(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2018, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.5 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net gains of $0.3 million due to price changes. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.4 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net losses of $(0.2) million due to price changes.

29

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following table presents both gross information and net information about derivative and other instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018:

									Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Description (1)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets			Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received			Net Amount
Derivative Assets (2)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	10,276,759		$	-	$	10,276,759		$	-	$	10,276,759		$	-
Interest Rate Swaptions		1,128,348			-		1,128,348			-		800,000			328,348
TBAs		1,011,873			-		1,011,873			-		-			1,011,873
Total Derivative Assets	$	12,416,980		$	-	$	12,416,980		$	-	$	11,076,759		$	1,340,221
Derivative Liabilities (3)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(215,477	)	$	-	$	(215,477	)	$	-	$	(215,477	)	$	-
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short		-			-		-			-		-			-
TBAs		(357,581	)		-		(357,581	)		-		(357,581	)		-
Total Derivative Liabilities	$	(573,058	)	$	-	$	(573,058	)	$	-	$	(573,058	)	$	-

(1) The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin.

(2) Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $12,416,980 less accrued interest of $7,845,539 for a total of $4,571,441.

(3) Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(573,058) plus accrued interest of $(213,153) for a total of $786,211.

The following table presents both gross information and net information about derivative instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017:

									Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Description (1)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)			Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets			Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received			Net Amount
Receivable Under Reverse Repurchase Agreements	$	24,671,320		$	-	$	24,671,320		$	24,379,356	$	-		$	291,964
Derivative Assets (2)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	4,543,743		$	-	$	4,543,743		$	-	$	1,666,444		$	2,877,299
Interest Rate Swaptions		362,202			-		362,202			-		-			362,202
TBAs		226,565			-		226,565			-		-			226,565
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short		110,063			-		110,063			-		-			110,063
Total Derivative Assets	$	5,242,573		$	-	$	5,242,573		$	-	$	1,666,444		$	3,576,129
Derivative Liabilities (3)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(5,645	)	$	-	$	(5,645	)	$	-	$	(5,645	)	$	-
Total Derivative Liabilities	$	(5,645	)	$	-	$	(5,645	)	$	-	$	(5,645	)	$	-

(1) The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

(2) Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $5,242,573 less accrued interest of $(3,115,503) for a total of $2,127,070.

(3) Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(5,645) plus accrued interest of $(444,563) for a total of $450,208.

The Company must post cash or securities as collateral on its derivative instruments when their fair value declines. This typically occurs when prevailing market rates change adversely, with the severity of the change also dependent on the term of the derivatives involved. The posting of collateral is generally bilateral, meaning that if the fair value of the Company’s derivatives increases, its counterparty will post collateral to it. As of March 31, 2018, the Company pledged real estate securities with a fair value of $6.4 million and cash of $27.7 million as collateral against certain derivatives. The Company’s counterparties posted cash of $4.3 million to it as collateral for certain derivatives. As of December 31, 2017, the Company pledged real estate securities with a fair value of $7.5 million and cash of $25.4 million as collateral against certain derivatives. The Company’s counterparties posted cash of $1.7 million as collateral for certain derivatives.

Interest rate swaps

To help mitigate exposure to increases in short-term interest rates, the Company uses currently-paying and may use forward-starting, one- or three-month LIBOR-indexed, pay-fixed, receive-variable, interest rate swap agreements. This arrangement hedges our exposure to higher short-term interest rates because the variable-rate payments received on the swap agreements largely offset additional interest accruing on the related borrowings due to the higher interest rate, leaving the fixed-rate payments to be paid on the swap agreements as the Company’s effective borrowing rate, subject to certain adjustments including changes in spreads between variable rates on the swap agreements and actual borrowing rates.

30

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s interest rate swap positions consist of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2018:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.89	%		1.63
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		2.02	%		2.28
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		2.00	%		4.34
2023		75,000,000		2.70	%		1.79	%		4.85
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.94	%		6.25
2025		45,000,000		2.78	%		2.08	%		6.93
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.90	%		8.64
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.97	%		9.44
2028		95,000,000		2.81	%		1.87	%		9.87
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,442,000,000		1.97	%		1.98	%		4.59

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest rate swap positions consist of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2017:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.43	%		1.88
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		1.52	%		2.54
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		1.51	%		4.59
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.47	%		6.50
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.44	%		8.89
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.50	%		9.69
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,227,000,000		1.89	%		1.50	%		4.56

TBAs

As discussed in Note 2, the Company has entered into TBAs. The following table presents information about the Company’s TBAs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	Beginning Notional Amount		Buys or Covers		Sales or Shorts			Ending Notional Amount		Fair Value as of Period End		Receivable/(Payable) from/to Broker			Derivative Asset		Derivative Liability
TBAs - Long	$	100,000,000	$	635,000,000	$	(596,000,000	)	$	139,000,000	$	143,722,690	$	(143,068,398	)	$	1,011,873	$	(357,581	)
TBAs - Short	$	-	$	551,000,000	$	(551,000,000	)	$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
	Beginning Notional Amount			Buys or Covers		Sales or Shorts			Ending Notional Amount		Fair Value as of Period End		Receivable/(Payable) from/to Broker			Derivative Asset		Derivative Liability
TBAs - Long	$	50,000,000		$	285,000,000	$	(245,000,000	)	$	90,000,000	$	93,367,972	$	(93,432,031	)	$	417,956	$	(482,015	)
TBAs - Short	$	(75,000,000	)	$	75,000,000	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-

8. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted- average shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding for that period that participate in the Company’s common dividends. Diluted EPS takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options, warrants, unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

31

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

As of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company’s outstanding warrants and unvested restricted stock units were as follows:

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Outstanding warrants		1,007,500		1,007,500
Unvested restricted stock units previously granted to the Manager		60,000		20,003

Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase half a share of the Company’s common stock at a fixed price upon exercise of the warrant. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company excluded the effects of such from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Restricted stock units granted to the manager do not entitle the participant the rights of a shareholder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The restricted stock units are not considered to be participating shares. The dilutive effects of the restricted stock units are only included in diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.  

The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	4,880,055	$	21,750,308
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		28,195,673		27,701,902
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		21,121		7,135
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		28,216,794		27,709,037
Basic Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$	0.17	$	0.79
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$	0.17	$	0.78

The following tables detail our common stock dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/15/2018	3/29/2018	4/30/2018	$	0.475

2017
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/10/2017	3/21/2017	4/28/2017	$	0.475

32

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

The following tables detail our preferred stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.50

2017
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.50

9. 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 provided it satisfies on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, the REIT requirements including certain asset, income, distribution and stock ownership tests. Most states follow U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company recorded excise tax expense of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Excise tax represents a four percent tax on the required amount of the Company’s ordinary income and net capital gains not distributed during the year. The expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

The Company files tax returns in several U.S jurisdictions. There are no ongoing U.S. federal, state or local tax examinations.

The Company elected to treat certain domestic subsidiaries as TRSs and may elect to treat other subsidiaries as TRSs. 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.

The Company elected to treat one of its foreign subsidiaries as a TRS and, accordingly, taxable income generated by this TRS may not be subject to local income taxation, but generally will be included in the Company’s income on a current basis as Subpart F income, whether or not distributed.

Cash distributions declared by the Company that do not exceed its current or accumulated earnings and profits will be considered ordinary income to stockholders for income tax purposes unless all or a portion of a distribution is designated by the Company as a capital gain dividend. Distributions in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be characterized as return of capital or capital gains.

Based on the Company’s analysis of any potential uncertain income tax positions, the Company concluded it did not have any uncertain tax positions that meet the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740 as of March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the last three tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. In the event that the Company incurs income tax related interest and penalties, its policy is to classify them as a component of provision for income taxes.

10. Related party transactions

The Company has entered into a management agreement with the Manager, which provided for an initial term and will be deemed renewed automatically each year for an additional one-year period, subject to certain termination rights. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no event of termination had occurred. The Company is externally managed and advised by the Manager. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, which became effective July 6, 2011 (upon the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”)), the Manager provides the Company with its management team, including its officers, along with appropriate support personnel. Each of the Company’s officers is an employee of Angelo, Gordon. The Company does not have any employees. The Manager, pursuant to a delegation agreement dated as of June 29, 2011, has delegated to Angelo, Gordon the overall responsibility of its day-to-day duties and obligations arising under the Company’s management agreement.

33

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Management fee

The Manager is entitled to a management fee equal to 1.50% per annum, calculated and paid quarterly, of the Company’s Stockholders’ Equity. For purposes of calculating the management fee, “Stockholders’ Equity” means the sum of the net proceeds from any issuances of equity securities (including preferred securities) since inception (allocated on a pro rata daily basis for such issuances during the fiscal quarter of any such issuance, and excluding any future equity issuance to the Manager), plus the Company’s retained earnings at the end of such quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense or other non-cash items described below incurred in current or prior periods), less any amount that the Company pays for repurchases of its common stock, excluding any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders’ equity as reported in the Company’s 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. Stockholders’ Equity, for purposes of calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders’ equity shown on the Company’s financial statements.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company incurred management fees of approximately $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Termination fee

The termination fee, payable upon the occurrence of (i) the Company’s termination of the management agreement without cause or (ii) the Manager’s termination of the management agreement upon a breach of any material term of the management agreement, will be equal to three times the average annual management fee during the 24-month period prior to such termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no event of termination of the management agreement had occurred.

Expense reimbursement

The Company is required to reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for operating expenses which are incurred by the Manager or its affiliates on behalf of the Company, including expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence and other services. The Company’s reimbursement obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation; however, the reimbursement is subject to an annual budget process which combines guidelines from the Management Agreement with oversight by the Company’s board of directors.

The Company reimburses the Manager or its affiliates for the Company’s allocable share of the compensation, including, without limitation, annual base salary, bonus, any related withholding taxes and employee benefits paid to (i) the Company’s chief financial officer based on the percentage of time spent on Company affairs, (ii) the Company’s general counsel based on the percentage of time spent on the Company’s affairs, and (iii) other corporate finance, tax, accounting, internal audit, legal, risk management, operations, compliance and other non-investment personnel of the Manager and its affiliates who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs based upon the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to the Company’s affairs. In their capacities as officers or personnel of the Manager or its affiliates, they devote such portion of their time to the Company’s affairs as is necessary to enable the Company to operate its business.

Of the $3.2 million and $2.8 million of Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, the Company has accrued $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, representing a reimbursement of expenses.

Restricted stock grants

Pursuant to the Company’s Manager Equity Incentive Plan and the Equity Incentive Plan adopted on July 6, 2011, the Company can award up to 277,500 shares of its common stock in the form of restricted stock, stock options, restricted stock units or other types of awards to the directors, officers, advisors, consultants and other personnel of the Company and to the Manager. As of March 31, 2018, 59,006 shares of common stock were available to be awarded under the equity incentive plans. Awards under the equity incentive plans are forfeitable until they become vested. An award will become vested only if the vesting conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement (as determined by the compensation committee) are satisfied. The vesting conditions may include performance of services for a specified period, achievement of performance goals, or a combination of both. The compensation committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of an award upon the occurrence of certain events in its discretion.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company has granted an aggregate of 58,244 and 40,250 shares of restricted common stock to its independent directors and Manager, respectively, and 120,000 shares of restricted stock units to its Manager under its equity incentive plans. As of March 31, 2018, all the shares of restricted common stock granted to the Company’s Manager and independent directors have vested and 60,000 restricted stock units granted to the Company’s Manager have vested.

34

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

On July 1, 2014, the Company granted 60,000 restricted stock units to the Manager that represent the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued if and when such units vest. Annual vesting of approximately 20,000 units occurred on each of July 1, 2015, July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017.

On July 1, 2017, the Company granted 60,000 restricted stock units to the Manager that represent the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued if and when the units vest. Annual vesting of approximately 20,000 units will occur on each of July 1, 2018, July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The units do not entitle the participant the rights of a holder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The vesting of such units is subject to the continuation of the management agreement. If the management agreement terminates, all unvested units then held by the Manager or the Manager’s transferee shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited without consideration.

Director compensation

Beginning in 2018, the Company pays a $160,000 annual base director’s fee to each independent director. Base director’s fees are paid 50% in cash and 50% in restricted common stock. The number of shares of restricted common stock to be issued each quarter to each independent director is determined based on the average of the high and low prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day of each fiscal quarter. To the extent that any fractional shares would otherwise be issuable and payable to each independent director, a cash payment is made to each independent director in lieu of any fractional shares. All directors’ fees are paid pro rata (and restricted stock grants determined) on a quarterly basis in arrears, and shares issued are fully vested and non-forfeitable. These shares may not be sold or transferred by such director during the time of his service as an independent member of the Company’s board.

Investments in debt and equity of affiliates

The Company invests in credit sensitive residential and commercial real estate assets through affiliated entities which hold an ownership interest in the assets. The Company is one investor, amongst other investors managed by affiliates of Angelo, Gordon, in such entities and has applied the equity method of accounting for such investments. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s share of these investments had a fair market value of $331.0 million and $88.3 million, respectively.

The Company’s investment in AG Arc is reflected on the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on its consolidated balance sheets at a fair value of $18.4 million and $17.9 million on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. On March 8, 2016, an affiliate of the Manager (“the Affiliate”) became a member of AG Arc. The Affiliate acquired an ownership interest in AG Arc which resulted in the Company’s ownership interest being reduced on a pro-rata basis.

In June 2016, Arc Home closed on the acquisition of a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Veteran’s Administration (“VA”) and Ginnie Mae seller/servicer of mortgages with licenses to conduct business in 47 states, including Washington D.C. Through this subsidiary, Arc Home originates conforming, Government, Jumbo and other non-conforming residential mortgage loans, retains the mortgage servicing rights associated with the loans it originates, and purchases additional mortgage servicing rights from third-party sellers. Arc Home is led by an external management team.

On August 29, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon entered into the MATH LLC Agreement, which requires that MATH fund a capital commitment of $75.0 million to MATT. The Company’s share of MATH’s total capital commitment to MATT is $33.4 million, of which the Company had funded $4.2 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

Transactions with affiliates

In connection with the Company’s investments in residential mortgage loans and residential mortgage loans in securitized form that it purchases from an affiliate (or affiliates) of the Manager (“Securitized Whole Loans”), the Company may engage asset managers to provide advisory, consultation, asset management and other services to help our third-party servicers formulate and implement strategic plans to manage, collect and dispose of loans in a manner that is reasonably expected to maximize the amount of proceeds from each loan. Beginning in November 2015, the Company engaged Red Creek Asset Management LLC (“Asset Manager”), a related party of the Manager and direct subsidiary of Angelo, Gordon, as the asset manager for certain of its residential loans and Securitized Whole Loans. The Asset Manager acknowledges that the Company will at all times have and retain ownership and control of all loans and that the Asset Manager will not acquire (i) title to any loan, (ii) any security interest in any loan, or (iii) any other rights or interests of any kind or any nature whatsoever in or to any loan. The Company pays separate arm’s-length asset management fees as assessed and confirmed periodically by a third party valuation firm for (i) non-performing loans and (ii) reperforming loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the fees paid by the Company to the Asset Manager, totaled $47,641 and $50,466, respectively.

35

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

Arc Home may sell loans to the Company, to third parties, or to affiliates of the Manager. Arc Home may also enter into agreements with third parties or affiliates of the Manager to sell rights to receive the excess servicing spread related to MSRs that it either purchases from third parties or originates. The Company has entered into agreements with Arc Home to purchase rights to receive the excess servicing spread related to certain of its MSRs and as of March 31, 2018, these Excess MSRs had fair value of approximately $31.5 million.

In connection with the Company’s investments in Excess MSRs purchased through Arc Home, the Company pays a sourcing fee to Arc Home. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 the sourcing fees paid by the Company to Arc Home totaled $19,935. No sourcing fees were paid to Arc Home for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

In June 2016, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company executed two trades whereby the Company acquired real estate securities from two separate affiliates of the Manager (the “June Selling Affiliates”). As of the date of the trades, the securities acquired from the June Selling Affiliates had a total fair value of $6.9 million. In each case, the June Selling Affiliates sold the real estate securities through a BWIC (Bids Wanted in Competition). Prior to the submission of the BWIC by the June Selling Affiliates, the Company submitted its bid for the real estate securities to the June Selling Affiliates. The Company’s pre-submission of its bid allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In February 2017, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company executed one trade whereby the Company acquired a real estate security from an affiliate of the Manager (the “February Selling Affiliate”). As of the date of the trade, the security acquired from the February Selling Affiliate had a total fair value of $2.0 million. The February Selling Affiliate sold the real estate security through a BWIC. Prior to the submission of the BWIC by the February Selling Affiliate, the Company submitted its bid for the real estate security to the February Selling Affiliate. The Company’s pre-submission of its bid allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In July 2017, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company acquired certain real estate securities from an affiliate of the Manager (the “July Selling Affiliate”). As of the date of the trade, the securities acquired from the July Selling Affiliate had a total fair value of $0.2 million. As procuring market bids for the real estate securities was determined to be impracticable in the Manager’s reasonable judgment, appropriate pricing was based on a valuation prepared by an independent third-party pricing vendor. The third-party pricing vendor allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In October 2017, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company acquired certain real estate securities and loans from two affiliates of the Manager (the “October Selling Affiliates”). As of the date of the trade, the real estate securities and loans acquired from the October Selling Affiliates had a total fair value of $8.4 million. As procuring market bids for the real estate securities and loans were determined to be impracticable in the Manager’s reasonable judgment, appropriate pricing was based on a valuation prepared by independent third-party pricing vendors. The third-party pricing vendors allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

11. Equity

On May 6, 2015, the Company filed a shelf registration statement registering up to $750.0 million of its securities, including capital stock (the “2015 Registration Statement”). As of March 31, 2018, $650.0 million of the Company’s securities, including capital stock, was available for issuance under the 2015 Registration Statement. The 2015 Registration Statement will expire on May 21, 2018. On May 2, 2018, the Company filed a new shelf registration statement registering up to $750.0 million of its securities, including capital stock, which has not yet been declared effective by the SEC.

Concurrently with the IPO in 2011, the Company offered a private placement of 3,205,000 units at $20.00 per share to a limited number of investors qualifying as “accredited investors” under Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock (“private placement share”) and a warrant (“private placement warrant”) to purchase 0.5 of a share of common stock. Each private placement warrant had an exercise price of $20.50 per share (as adjusted for reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers, sales, transfers or other dispositions) and is set to expire on July 6, 2018. No warrants were exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

The Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock have no stated maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. Under certain circumstances upon a change of control, the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock. Holders of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock have no voting rights, except under limited conditions, and holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 8.25% and 8.00% per annum on the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference before holders of the common stock are entitled to receive any dividends. Shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are currently redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) exclusively at the Company’s option. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on the 17th day of each March, June, September and December. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had declared all required quarterly dividends on the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.

36

AG Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

March 31, 2018

On November 3, 2015, the Company’s board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program (“Repurchase Program”) to repurchase up to $25.0 million of its outstanding common stock. Such authorization does not have an expiration date. As part of the Repurchase Program, shares may be purchased in open market transactions, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act. Open market repurchases will be made in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-18, which sets certain restrictions on the method, timing, price and volume of open market stock repurchases. Subject to applicable securities laws, the timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases of common stock under the Repurchase Program may be determined by the Company in its discretion, using available cash resources. Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company under the Repurchase Program, if any, will be cancelled and, until reissued by the Company, will be deemed to be authorized but unissued shares of its common stock as required by Maryland law. The Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time and without prior notice and the authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock. The cost of the acquisition by the Company of shares of its own stock in excess of the aggregate par value of the shares first reduces additional paid-in capital, to the extent available, with any residual cost applied against retained earnings. No shares were repurchased under the Repurchase Program during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017, and approximately $14.6 million of common stock remained authorized for future share repurchases under the Repurchase Program.

On May 5, 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and JMP Securities LLC (collectively, the "Sales Agents”), which the Company refers to as the “Equity Distribution Agreements,” pursuant to which the Company may sell up to $100.0 million aggregate offering price of shares of its common stock from time to time through the Sales Agents, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. As of March 31, 2018, the Company sold 460,932 shares of common stock under the Equity Distribution Agreements for net proceeds of approximately $8.7 million.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may become involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.

On December 9, 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc, entered into Arc Home’s LLC Agreement and agreed to fund an initial capital commitment of $30.0 million. On April 25, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, agreed to fund an additional capital commitment to Arc Home in the amount of $10.0 million. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s share of Arc Home’s total capital commitment was $17.8 million. The Company had funded all of its capital commitment to Arc Home as of March 31, 2018.

On February 28, 2017, the Company, alongside a private fund under the management of Angelo, Gordon, purchased a mezzanine loan and agreed to fund a commitment of $21.9 million. The Company’s share of the commitment is $14.6 million of which the Company had funded $10.4 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $4.2 million.

On August 29, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, entered into the MATH LLC Agreement, which requires that MATH fund a capital commitment of $75.0 million to MATT. The Company’s share of MATH’s total capital commitment to MATT is $33.4 million, of which the Company had funded $4.2 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

On March 29, 2018, the Company alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, purchased a revolving note. The Company’s share of the total commitment to the revolving note is $7.1 million, of which the Company has funded $3.0 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $4.1 million.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements where payment may become due if certain events occur. Management believes that the probability of making such payments is remote.

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ITEM   2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, or this “report,” we refer to AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. as “we,” “us,” the “Company,” or “our,” unless we specifically state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise. We refer to our external manager, AG REIT Management, LLC, as our “Manager,” and we refer to the direct parent company of our Manager, Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P., as “Angelo, Gordon.”

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Item 1 of this report, as well as the information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Forward-looking statements

We make forward-looking statements 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”), in this report that are subject to substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, objectives, the composition of our portfolio, actions by governmental entities, including the Federal Reserve, the potential effects of actual and proposed legislation on us, and our views on certain macroeconomic trends. When we use the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “may” or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon information presently available to our management and are inherently subjective, uncertain and subject to change. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Some, but not all, of the factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the yield curve, changes in prepayment rates, the availability and terms of financing, changes in the market value of our assets, general economic conditions, conditions in the market for Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and CMBS securities and loans, and legislative and regulatory changes that could adversely affect us. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and urge you to carefully consider the risks noted above and identified under the captions “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and any subsequent filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements that we make, or that are attributable to us, are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice.

Our company

We are a Maryland corporation focused on investing in, acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of residential mortgage assets, other real estate-related securities and financial assets, which we refer to as our target assets. Recently, our target assets were expanded to include investments in real estate. We are externally managed by our Manager, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Angelo, Gordon, pursuant to a management agreement. Our Manager, pursuant to the delegation agreement dated as of June 29, 2011, has delegated to Angelo, Gordon the overall responsibility of its day-to-day duties and obligations arising under the 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. We also operate our business in a manner that permits us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol MITT. Our 8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and our 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbols MITT-PA and MITT-PB, respectively.

Our investment portfolio

Our investment portfolio is comprised of Agency RMBS, Residential Investments, Commercial Investments, and ABS, each of which is described below.

Agency RMBS

Our investment portfolio is comprised primarily of residential mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS. Certain of the assets in our RMBS portfolio have an explicit guarantee of principal and interest by a U.S. government agency such as the Government National Mortgage Association, or Ginnie Mae, or by a government-sponsored entity such as the Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Freddie Mac (each, a “GSE”). We refer to these securities as Agency RMBS. Our Agency RMBS portfolio includes:

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· Fixed rate securities (held as mortgage pass-through securities);

· Sequential pay fixed rate collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”);

· Inverse Interest-Only securities (CMOs where the holder is entitled only to the interest payments made on the mortgages underlying certain mortgage backed securities (“MBS”) whose coupon has an inverse relationship to its benchmark rate, such as LIBOR);

· Interest-Only securities (CMOs where the holder is entitled only to the interest payments made on the mortgages underlying certain MBS “interest-only strips”);

· Excess mortgage servicing rights (“Excess MSRs”) whose underlying collateral is securitized in a trust held by a U.S. government agency or GSE (grouped with Interest-Only securities throughout this Item 2); and

· Certain Agency RMBS for which the underlying collateral is not identified until shortly (generally two days) before the purchase or sale settlement date (“TBAs”).

Residential Investments

Our investment portfolio also includes a significant portion of Residential Investments. The Residential Investments that we own include RMBS that are not issued or guaranteed by Ginnie Mae or a GSE, which we refer to as our Non-Agency RMBS. Our Non-Agency RMBS include investment grade and non-investment grade fixed- and floating-rate securities. We categorize certain of our Residential Investments by weighted average credit score at origination:

· Prime (weighted average credit score above 700)

· Alt-A/Subprime

o Alt-A (weighted average credit score between 700 and 620); and

o Subprime (weighted average credit score below 620)

The Residential Investments that we do not categorize by weighted average credit score at origination include our:

· CRTs (defined below)

· RPL/NPL (described below)

· Interest-Only securities (Non-Agency RMBS backed by interest-only strips)

· Excess MSRs whose underlying collateral is securitized in a trust not held by a U.S. government agency or GSE (grouped with Interest-Only securities throughout this Item 2); and

· Residential Whole Loans (described below).

Credit Risk Transfer securities (“CRTs”) include:

· Unguaranteed and unsecured mezzanine, junior mezzanine and first loss securities issued either by GSEs or issued by other third-party institutions to transfer their exposure to mortgage default risk to private investors. These securities reference a specific pool of newly originated single family mortgages from a specified time period (typically around the time of origination). The risk of loss on the reference pool of mortgages is transferred to investors who may experience losses when adverse credit events such as defaults, liquidations or delinquencies occur in the underlying mortgages. Owners of these securities generally receive an uncapped floating interest rate equal to a predetermined spread over one-month LIBOR.

RPL/NPL include:

· Mortgage-backed securities collateralized by re-performing mortgage loans (“RPL”) and/or non-performing mortgage loans (“NPL”). The RPL/NPL that we own represent the senior and mezzanine tranches of such securitizations. These RPL/NPL securitizations are structured with significant credit enhancement (typically, approximately 50% to the senior tranche and 40% to the mezzanine tranche), which mitigates our exposure to credit risk on these securities. “Credit enhancement” refers to the value of the subordinated tranches available to absorb all credit losses prior to those losses being allocated to more senior tranches. For a senior tranche in this type of securitization to experience loss, the value of the collateral underlying the securitization would have to decrease by 50%. Subordinate tranches typically receive no cash flow (interest or principal) until the senior and mezzanine tranches have been paid off. In addition, the RPL/NPL that we own contain an “interest rate step-up” feature, whereby the interest rate or “coupon” on the senior tranche increases by typically 300 basis points or typically 400 basis points in the case of mezzanine tranches (a “step up”) if the security that we hold has not been redeemed or repurchased by the issuer within 36 months of issuance. We expect that the combination of the priority cash flow of the senior and mezzanine tranches and the 36-month step-up feature will result in these securities exhibiting short average lives and, accordingly, reduced interest rate sensitivity.

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Residential Whole Loans include:

· RPLs or NPLs in securitized form that we purchase from an affiliate (or affiliates) of the Manager. The securitizations typically take the form of various classes of notes and a trust certificate.

· RPLs or NPLs that we hold through interests in certain consolidated trusts. These investments are included in the “Residential mortgage loans, at fair value” line item on our consolidated balance sheets.

· “Non-QMs,” which are residential mortgage loans that are not deemed “qualified mortgage,” or “QM,” loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) that we hold alongside other private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon. Non-QMs are not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. These investments are held in one of our unconsolidated subsidiaries, Mortgage Acquisition Trust I LLC (see below in this Item 2 for more detail), and are included in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheets.

Commercial Investments

We also invest in Commercial Investments. Our Commercial Investments include commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, Freddie Mac K-Series (described below), Interest-Only securities (CMBS backed by interest-only strips) and commercial mortgage loans.

Freddie Mac K-Series (“K-Series”) include:

· CMBS, Interest-Only securities and CMBS principal-only securities which are regularly-issued by Freddie Mac as structured pass-through securities backed by multifamily mortgage loans. These K-Series feature a wide range of investor options which include guaranteed senior and interest-only bonds as well as unguaranteed senior, mezzanine, subordinate and interest-only bonds. Our K-Series portfolio includes unguaranteed senior, mezzanine, subordinate and interest-only bonds. Throughout Item 2, we categorize our Freddie Mac K-Series interest-only bonds as part of our Interest-Only securities.

ABS

We also invest in asset backed securities, or ABS. Our ABS portfolio may include securities collateralized by various asset classes, including automobiles, credit cards and student loans, among others.

Investment classification

Throughout this Item 2, (1) we use the terms “credit portfolio” and “credit investments” to refer to our Residential Investments, Commercial Investments and ABS, inclusive of investments held within affiliated entities but exclusive of AG Arc (discussed below); (2) we refer to our Residential Whole Loans (exclusive of our RPLs or NPLs in securitized form that we purchase from an affiliate (or affiliates) of the Manager) and commercial mortgage loans, collectively, as our “loans”; (3) we use the term “credit securities” to refer to our credit portfolio, excluding Excess MSRs and loans; and (4) we use the term “real estate securities” or “securities” to refer to our Agency RMBS portfolio, exclusive of Excess MSRs, and our credit securities. Our “investment portfolio” refers to our combined Agency RMBS portfolio and credit portfolio and encompasses all of the investments described above.

We also use the term “GAAP investment portfolio” which consists of (i) our Agency RMBS, exclusive of (x) TBAs, and (y) any investments classified as “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets (our “GAAP Agency RMBS portfolio”) and (ii) our credit portfolio, exclusive of (x) all investments held within affiliated entities, and (y) any investments classified as “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets (our “GAAP credit portfolio”). See Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our investments held within affiliated entities.

This presentation of our investment portfolio is consistent with how our management evaluates our business, and we believe this presentation, when considered with the GAAP presentation, provides supplemental information useful for investors in evaluating our investment portfolio and financial condition.

Arc Home LLC

We, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc LLC, one of our indirect subsidiaries (“AG Arc”), formed Arc Home LLC (“Arc Home”). Arc Home, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, originates conforming, Government, Jumbo and other non-conforming residential mortgage loans, retains the mortgage servicing rights associated with the loans that it originates, and purchases additional mortgage servicing rights from third-party sellers.

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Market overview

Agency MBS began the first quarter well supported by yield buying, a robust Federal Reserve purchase schedule and manageable supply. Throughout the quarter, there was increased interest rate volatility, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate moved 33 bps higher, and the Federal Reserve continued to curtail its monthly reinvestment of paydowns. As a result, there was modest spread widening of 5-6 bps versus the swap curve over the balance of the quarter. The combination of increased interest rates and modest spread widening primarily drove the decline in MITT’s book value of 1.5% for the first quarter.

In the credit market, investor demand for mortgage and asset-backed securities continued to support the sector during the first quarter. In mortgages, spreads for credit-risk transfer (CRT) securities were generally unchanged, while spreads for pre-crisis securities continued to tighten due to strong demand, which more than offset secondary supply. During the periodic bouts of equity market volatility during the quarter, asset-backed bid-ask spreads experienced some widening, but more broadly, the ABS market remained relatively well-bid.

Housing, economic and interest rate trends

Inclusive of distressed sales, home prices nationwide increased by 6.7% on a year-over-year basis in February 2018 as compared with February 2017, according to data released by CoreLogic. This marks the 73rd consecutive monthly increase year-over-year in national home prices. We expect home price appreciation to persist around current levels due to tight supply conditions across most of the nation, improvement in consumer balance sheets and steady employment gains. Further, relatively low mortgage rates coupled with a stable broader domestic economy have provided support for the housing market recovery.

According to CoreLogic, the aggregate negative equity value (homes where the homeowner owes more on the home than the home is worth) decreased $3.2 billion to $283.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, from $286.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, a decrease of 1.1%. For much of the country, the negative equity epidemic that developed during the 2008-2009 recession has eased due to the rise in home prices over the past several years. Additionally, credit performance in terms of serious delinquencies and subsequent default rates continued to be stable-to-improving in 2018 and is anticipated to remain stable in the near future.

At its March meeting, the Fed raised the federal funds interest rate by 0.25%, to a range of 1.50%-1.75%. Progress continues to be made with respect to the Fed’s dual mandate of full employment and price stability, as unemployment remains well below 5%, and inflation continues to rise toward the Fed’s 2.0% target for core PCE. In the March update of the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections, the median forecast for real GDP growth increased in 2018 and 2019 and remained the same for 2020, while the median forecast for the unemployment rate decreased in each of those years. The projection of the median Fed Funds rates, based on the individual assessments of the FOMC numbers, was 2.1% in 2018 and 2.9% in 2019.

The market overview and trends outlined above may have a meaningful impact on our operating results and our existing portfolio and may cause us to adjust our investment and financing strategies over time as new opportunities emerge and the risk profile of our business changes.

Recent government activity

On December 22, 2017, tax legislation was enacted, informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), that significantly changes the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders. Technical corrections or other amendments to the TCJA or administrative guidance interpreting the TCJA may be forthcoming at any time. We continue to analyze the overall effects of the TCJA to our operations, our industry and the economy in general.

The current regulatory environment may be impacted by future legislative developments, such as amendments to key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act or changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including with respect to how long they will continue to be in existence, the extent of their roles in the market and what forms they will take. There is a lack of clarity around both the timing and the exact details of any such regulatory reform and the impact of such potential reform on our operations.

Results of operations

Our operating results can be affected by a number of factors and primarily depend on the size and composition of our investment portfolio, the level of our net interest income, the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, our target assets in the marketplace, which can be impacted by unanticipated credit events, such as defaults, liquidations or delinquencies, experienced by borrowers whose mortgage loans are included in our investment portfolio. Our primary source of net income available to common stockholders is our net interest income, less our cost of hedging, which represents the difference between the interest earned on our investment portfolio and the costs of financing and hedging our investment portfolio. Our net interest income varies primarily as a result of changes in market interest rates, prepayment speeds, as measured by the Constant Prepayment Rate (“CPR”) on the Agency RMBS in our investment portfolio, and our funding and hedging costs.

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The table below presents certain information from our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Statement of Operations Data:
Net Interest Income
Interest income	$	39,357,147		$	27,959,892
Interest expense		15,325,782			8,161,412
		24,031,365			19,798,480
Other Income/(Loss)
Net realized gain/(loss)		(11,839,132	)		(2,428,087	)
Realized loss on periodic interest settlements of derivative instruments, net		(1,470,160	)		(1,609,977	)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net		(36,154,808	)		12,750,564
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		37,089,966			(125,872	)
Other income		255			28,037
		(12,373,879	)		8,614,665
Expenses
Management fee to affiliate		2,439,169			2,475,816
Other operating expenses		3,222,544			2,793,234
Servicing fees		62,178			76,001
Equity based compensation to affiliate		51,462			77,478
Excise tax		375,000			375,000
		6,150,353			5,797,529
Income/(loss) before equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		5,507,133			22,615,616
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		2,740,276			2,502,046
Net Income/(Loss)		8,247,409			25,117,662
Dividends on preferred stock		3,367,354			3,367,354
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$	4,880,055		$	21,750,308
Share Data:
Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
Basic	$	0.17		$	0.79
Diluted	$	0.17		$	0.78

Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders

Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders decreased $16.9 million from $21.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily due to lower prices on our securities, which decreased our “Net Realized gain/(loss)” and our “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net,” offset by higher derivative prices, which increased our “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives and other instruments, net.”

Interest income

Interest income is calculated using the effective interest method for our GAAP investment portfolio and calculated based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance on our U.S. Treasury securities.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Interest income increased by $11.4 million from $28.0 million at March 31, 2017 to $39.4 million at March 31, 2018 primarily due to an increase in the weighted average cost of our GAAP investment portfolio and U.S. Treasury securities period over period by $1.1 billion from $2.3 billion at March 31, 2017 to $3.4 billion at March 31, 2018. This was offset by a decrease in the weighted average yield on our GAAP investment portfolio and U.S. Treasury securities, if applicable, during the period of 0.19% from 4.80% at March 31, 2017 to 4.61% at March 31, 2018.

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Interest expense

Interest expense is calculated based on the actual financing rate and the outstanding financing balance of our GAAP investment portfolio and U.S. Treasury securities.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Interest expense increased by $7.1 million from $8.2 million at March 31, 2017 to $15.3 million at March 31, 2018 primarily due to an increase in the weighted average financing rate on our GAAP investment portfolio and U.S. Treasury securities, if applicable, during the period, by 0.30% from 1.80% at March 31, 2017 to 2.10% at March 31, 2018. This was coupled with an increase in the weighted average financing balance on our GAAP investment portfolio and U.S. Treasury securities during the period of $1.1 billion from $1.8 billion at March 31, 2017 to $2.9 billion at March 31, 2018. Refer to the “Financing activities” section below for a discussion of our cost of funds.

Net realized gain/(loss)

Net realized gain/(loss) represents the net gain or loss recognized on any (i) sales of real estate securities out of our GAAP investment portfolio, (ii) sales of Residential mortgage loans out of our GAAP investment portfolio, transfers of Residential mortgage loans from our GAAP investment portfolio to Other assets, and sales of Other assets, (iii) sales of derivatives and other instruments, and (iv) other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) charges recorded during the period. See Note 2, Note 3 and Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for further discussion on OTTI. The following table presents a summary of Net realized gain/(loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Sale of real estate securities		(12,495,842	)		(250,974	)
Sale of loans, and loans transferred to or sold from Other assets		392,011			13,535
Settlement of derivatives and other instruments		1,227,397			540,580
OTTI		(962,698	)		(2,731,228	)
Total Net realized gain/(loss)		(11,839,132	)		(2,428,087	)

Realized loss on periodic interest settlement of derivative instruments, net

Realized loss on periodic interest settlement of derivative instruments, net represents the net interest expense paid on our interest rate swaps.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Realized loss on periodic interest settlement of derivative instruments, net decreased by $0.1 million from $1.6 million at March 31, 2017 to $1.5 million at March 31, 2018 due to an increase in the average 3 month LIBOR rate (receive rate), offset by an increase in the notional amount of our swaps during the period. Average 3 month LIBOR, the interest rate upon which these derivative instruments are based, increased from 1.071 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to 1.925 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. In addition, the weighted average swap notional increased from $807.2 million at March 31, 2017 to $2.3 billion at March 31, 2018.

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net

Refer to the “Market overview” section of this Item 2 for a discussion of the changes in market pricing which contributed to our “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net” line item. Realized gains and losses on sales of real estate securities and loans can also impact our “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.”

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net was $(36.2) million and $12.8 million, respectively. The $(36.2) million at March 31, 2018 was comprised of unrealized losses on securities and unrealized gains on loans of $(36.3) million and $0.1 million, respectively, during the period.

Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net

Refer to the “Market overview” section of this Item 2 for a discussion of the changes in market pricing which contributed to our “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net” line item. Realized gains and losses on sales of derivative and other investments can also impact our “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net was $37.1 million and $(0.1) million, respectively. The $37.1 million at March 31, 2018 was comprised of unrealized gains on certain derivatives and other instruments of $37.3 million, offset by unrealized losses on TBAs of $(0.2) million during the period.

Other income

Other income pertains to certain fees we receive on our Residential Whole Loans.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, Other income was $255 and $28,037, respectively. The decrease primarily pertains to decreased fees received on our Residential Whole Loans.

Management fee to affiliate

Our management fee is based upon a percentage of our Stockholders’ Equity. See the “Contractual obligations” section of this Item 2 for further detail on the calculation of our management fee and for the definition of Stockholders’ Equity.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, our management fees were $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Management fees decreased slightly due to the decrease in our Stockholders’ Equity as calculated pursuant to our Management Agreement.

Other operating expenses

These amounts are primarily comprised of professional fees, directors’ and officers’ (“D&O”) insurance and directors’ fees, as well as certain expenses reimbursable to the Manager. We are required to reimburse our Manager or its affiliates for operating expenses which are incurred by our Manager or its affiliates on our behalf, including certain salary expenses and other expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence and other services. Refer to the “Contractual obligations” section below for more detail on certain expenses reimbursable to the Manager. The following table presents a summary of certain expenses within Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, exclusive of certain expenses reimbursable to the Manager:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Professional fees	$	572,977	$	383,265
Residential mortgage loan related expenses		181,797		193,800
D&O insurance		178,794		181,689
Directors' fees and stock compensation		200,614		135,580
Total	$	1,134,182	$	894,334

Servicing fees

We incur servicing fee expenses in connection with the servicing of our Residential Whole Loans. As of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, we owned Residential mortgage loans with fair market value of $19.9 million and $36.3 million, respectively.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 our servicing fees were $62,178 and $76,001, respectively. The decrease in fees primarily pertains to sales of residential mortgage loans throughout 2017.

Equity based compensation to affiliate

Equity based compensation to affiliates represents the amortization of the fair value of our restricted stock units granted to our Manager remeasured quarterly, less the present value of dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares through the requisite period.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, our equity based compensation to affiliate was $51,462 and $77,478, respectively. The decrease is a result of a decreased stock price for the period.

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Excise tax

Excise tax represents a four percent tax on the required amount of our ordinary income and net capital gains not distributed during the year. The quarterly expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Excise tax remained flat period over period for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates

Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates represents our share of earnings and profits of investments held within affiliated entities. A majority of these investments are comprised of real estate securities, loans and our investment in AG Arc.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, we recorded Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates of $2.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The increase primarily pertains to an increased allocation of capital to our investments held within affiliated entities and realized gains recognized on certain investments held by our affiliates.

Book value per share

As of March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, our book value per common share was $19.32, $19.62 and $18.17 respectively.

Presentation of investment, financing and hedging activities

In the “Investment activities,” “Financing activities,” “Hedging activities” and “Liquidity and capital resources” sections of this Item 2, where we disclose our investment portfolio and the related repurchase agreements that finance it, we have presented this information inclusive of (i) unconsolidated ownership interests in affiliates that are accounted for under GAAP using the equity method and (ii) TBAs, which are accounted for as derivatives under GAAP. Our investment portfolio and the related repurchase agreements that finance it are presented along with a reconciliation to GAAP. This presentation of our investment portfolio is consistent with how our management evaluates the business, and we believe this presentation, when considered with the GAAP presentation, provides supplemental information useful for investors in evaluating our investment portfolio and financial condition. See Note 2 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” for a discussion of investments in debt and equity of affiliates and TBAs.

Net interest margin and leverage ratio

Net interest margin is calculated by subtracting the weighted average cost of funds from the weighted average yield for our investment portfolio, which excludes cash held by us and any net TBA position. The weighted average yield on our investment portfolio represents an effective interest rate, which utilizes all estimates of future cash flows and adjusts for actual prepayment and cash flow activity as of quarter-end. The weighted average cost of funds is the sum of the weighted average funding costs on total financing outstanding at quarter-end and our weighted average hedging cost, which is the weighted average of the net pay rate on our interest rate swaps, the net receive/pay rate on our Treasury long and short positions, respectively, and the net receivable rate on our IO index derivatives, if any. Both elements of cost of funds are weighted by the outstanding repurchase agreements on our investment portfolio, securitized debt, and loan participation payable at quarter-end, exclusive of repurchase agreements associated with U.S. Treasury securities.

Our GAAP net interest margin is calculated by subtracting the weighted average cost of funds on our GAAP investment portfolio from the weighted average yield for our GAAP investment portfolio, which excludes cash held by us and any net TBA position. Both elements of cost of funds on our GAAP investment portfolio are weighted by the outstanding repurchase agreements on our GAAP investment portfolio, securitized debt, and loan participation payable at quarter-end, exclusive of repurchase agreements associated with U.S. Treasury securities.

Net interest margin and leverage ratio can be used to calculate the return on equity of our investment portfolio and Management believes that these metrics should be considered together when evaluating the performance of our investment portfolio. See the “Financing activities” section below for more detail on our leverage ratio. 

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The chart below sets forth the net interest margin and leverage ratio from our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 and for a reconciliation to our GAAP investment portfolio:

March 31, 2018
Weighted Average	GAAP Investment Portfolio			Other Assets			Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates			Investment Portfolio*
Yield		4.82	%		9.94	%		6.73	%		4.99	%
Cost of Funds		2.18	%		-			4.04	%		2.30	%
Net Interest Margin		2.64	%		9.94	%		2.69	%		2.69	%
Leverage Ratio		4.1	x		N/A			**			4.6	x

March 31, 2017
Weighted Average	GAAP Investment Portfolio			Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates			Investment Portfolio*
Yield		4.80	%		14.14	%		5.02	%
Cost of Funds		2.15	%		3.73	%		2.16	%
Net Interest Margin		2.65	%		10.41	%		2.86	%
Leverage Ratio		2.9	x		**			3.0	x

*Excludes any net TBA position.

**Refer to the "Financing activities" section below for an aggregate breakout of leverage.

Core Earnings

We define core earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure, as Net Income/(loss) available to common stockholders excluding both unrealized and realized gains/(losses) on the sale or termination of securities and the related tax expense/benefit or disposition expense, if any, on such sale, including (i) investments held in affiliated entities and (ii) derivatives. As defined, Core Earnings include the net interest and other income earned on these investments on a yield adjusted basis, including TBA dollar roll income or any other investment activity that may earn or pay net interest or its economic equivalent. One of our objectives is to generate net income from net interest margin on the portfolio, and management uses Core Earnings to help measure this objective. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure, when considered with the Company’s GAAP financials, provides supplemental information useful for investors in evaluating our results of operations. This metric, in conjunction with related GAAP measures, provides greater transparency into the information used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making. Our presentation of Core Earnings may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies, who may use different calculations. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Our GAAP financial results and the reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated. Refer to the “Results of Operations” section above for a detailed discussion of our GAAP financial results.

A reconciliation of “Net Income/(loss) available to common stockholders” to Core Earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 is set forth below:

	Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Net Income/(loss) available to common stockholders	$	4,880,055		$	21,750,308
Add (Deduct):
Net realized (gain)/loss		11,839,132			2,428,087
Dollar roll income		487,858			354,688
Equity in (earnings)/loss from affiliates		(2,740,276	)		(2,502,046	)
Net interest income and expenses from equity method investments		3,000,417			2,061,530
Unrealized (gain)/loss on real estate securities and loans, net		36,154,808			(12,750,564	)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on derivative and other instruments, net		(37,089,966	)		125,872
Core Earnings	$	16,532,028		$	11,467,875
Core Earnings, per Diluted Share	$	0.59		$	0.41

*For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized $0.5 million or $0.02 per diluted share of net income/(loss) attributed to our investment in AG Arc. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recognized $0.1 million or $0.00 per diluted share of net income/(loss) attributed to our investment in AG Arc.

Investment activities

We evaluate investments in Agency RMBS using factors including expected future prepayment trends, supply of and demand for Agency RMBS, costs of financing, costs of hedging, expected future interest rate volatility and the overall shape of the U.S. Treasury and interest rate swap yield curves. Prepayment speeds, as reflected by the CPR and interest rates vary according to the type of investment, conditions in financial markets, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. In general, as prepayment speeds on our Agency RMBS portfolio increase, the related purchase premium amortization increases, thereby reducing the net yield on such assets.

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Our credit investments are subject to risk of loss with regard to principal and interest payments. We evaluate each investment in our credit portfolio based on the characteristics of the underlying collateral and the securitization structure. We maintain a comprehensive portfolio management process that generally includes day-to-day oversight by the portfolio management team and a quarterly credit review process for each investment that examines the need for a potential reduction in accretable yield, missed or late contractual payments, significant declines in collateral performance, prepayments, projected defaults, loss severities and other data which may indicate a potential issue in our ability to recover our capital from the investment. These processes are designed to enable our Manager to evaluate and proactively manage asset-specific credit issues and identify credit trends on a portfolio-wide basis. Nevertheless, we cannot be certain that our review will identify all issues within our portfolio due to, among other things, adverse economic conditions or events adversely affecting specific assets. Therefore, potential future losses may also stem from issues with our investments that are not identified by our credit reviews.

The risk-reward profile of our investment opportunities changes continuously with the market, including with labor, housing and economic fundamentals and U.S. monetary policy. As a result, in reacting to market conditions and taking into account a variety of other factors, including liquidity, duration, interest rate expectations and hedging, the mix of our assets changes over time.

As of March 31, 2018, we had a $3.4 billion GAAP investment portfolio, which consisted of $2.2 billion, or 63.9%, of assets in our GAAP Agency RMBS portfolio and $1.2 billion, or 36.1%, of assets in our GAAP credit portfolio. As of March 31, 2018, our investment portfolio totaled $3.8 billion, which consisted of $2.3 billion, or 59.8%, of assets in our Agency RMBS portfolio and $1.5 billion, or 40.2%, of assets in our credit portfolio. This compares with a $3.6 billion GAAP investment portfolio as of December 31, 2017, which consisted of $2.3 billion, or 62.7%, of assets in our GAAP Agency RMBS portfolio and $1.3 billion, or 37.3%, of assets in our GAAP credit portfolio. As of December 31, 2017, our investment portfolio totaled $3.8 billion, which consisted of $2.4 billion, or 62.3%, of assets in our Agency RMBS portfolio and $1.4 billion, or 37.7%, of assets in our credit portfolio.

The following table presents a break-down of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Weighted Average Yield						Weighted Average Funding Cost (a)						Net Interest Margin (a)						Leverage Ratio (b)
	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Agency RMBS	$	2,321,919,725	$	2,354,789,006	$	2,293,612,456	$	2,354,915,020		3.58	%		3.27	%		1.80	%		1.56	%		1.78	%		1.71	%		7.9	x		7.5	x
Residential Investments		1,082,981,891		969,743,254		1,143,697,735		1,034,816,055		6.31	%		6.24	%		3.19	%		2.77	%		3.12	%		3.47	%		3.5	x		3.3	x
Commercial Investments		363,345,509		345,213,992		362,371,898		351,593,659		8.80	%		8.26	%		3.13	%		2.90	%		5.67	%		5.36	%		1.3	x		1.1	x
ABS		35,421,911		40,216,509		35,838,056		40,957,553		8.85	%		8.27	%		3.35	%		2.93	%		5.50	%		5.34	%		1.0	x		1.3	x
Total: Investment Portfolio	$	3,803,669,036	$	3,709,962,761	$	3,835,520,145	$	3,782,282,287		4.99	%		4.64	%		2.30	%		2.26	%		2.69	%		2.38	%		4.6	x		4.4	x
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	331,715,214	$	83,434,417	$	328,834,015	$	85,292,407		6.73	%		12.32	%		4.04	%		3.80	%		2.69	%		8.52	%		(c)			(c)
Other Assets	$	987,236	$	238,133	$	993,897	$	242,336		9.94	%		10.03	%		N/A			N/A			9.94	%		10.03	%		N/A			N/A
TBAs	$	143,694,688	$	102,484,375	$	143,722,690	$	102,710,940		N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			N/A			(c)			(c)
Total: GAAP Investment Portfolio	$	3,327,271,898	$	3,523,805,836	$	3,361,969,543	$	3,594,036,604		4.82	%		4.45	%		2.18	%		2.26	%		2.64	%		2.19	%		4.1	x		4.2	x

(a)       Total weighted average funding cost and total net interest margin includes cost of hedging.

(b)       Leverage ratio is calculated off of allocated equity. Total leverage ratio includes any net receivables on TBAs.

(c)       Refer to the "Financing activities" section below for an aggregate breakout of leverage.

In managing our portfolio, we allocate our equity by investment using the fair market value of our investment portfolio, less any associated leverage, inclusive of any long TBA position (at cost). We allocate all non-investment portfolio related items based on their respective characteristics in order to sum to stockholders’ equity per the consolidated balance sheets. Our equity allocation method is a non-GAAP methodology and may not be comparable to the similarly titled measure or concepts of other companies, who may use different calculations.

The following table presents a summary of the allocated equity of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	Allocated Equity				Percent of Equity
	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Agency RMBS	$	263,733,163	$	280,335,793		37.4	%		39.2	%
Residential Investments		264,743,742		245,934,076		37.5	%		34.5	%
Commercial Investments		159,388,922		169,953,231		22.6	%		23.8	%
ABS		17,960,297		18,036,107		2.5	%		2.5	%
Total	$	705,826,124	$	714,259,207		100.0	%		100.0	%

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The following table presents a reconciliation of our investment portfolio to our GAAP investment portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

Instrument	Current Face		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Mark-to- Market			Fair Value (1)		Weighted Average Coupon (2)			Weighted Average Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (3) (8)
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,811,490,058	$	1,883,279,659	$	(27,905,321	)	$	1,855,374,338		3.88	%		3.33	%		9.35
Fixed Rate CMO		50,935,170		51,334,734		(459,397	)		50,875,337		3.00	%		2.80	%		4.29
ARM		117,027,852		117,079,281		(1,187,653	)		115,891,628		2.42	%		2.85	%		4.67
Inverse Interest Only		218,560,717		40,843,360		(1,134,515	)		39,708,845		4.32	%		7.86	%		6.80
Interest Only and Excess MSR (4)		4,476,077,587		85,688,003		2,351,615			88,039,618		3.46	%		8.30	%		6.59
Fixed Rate 30 Year TBA (5)		139,000,000		143,694,688		28,002			143,722,690		4.23	%		N/A			N/A
Credit Investments:
Residential Investments
Prime (6)		516,895,963		405,357,209		35,554,553			440,911,762		4.46	%		6.52	%		10.00
Alt-A/Subprime (6)		251,481,460		162,385,240		13,519,823			175,905,063		4.77	%		6.43	%		6.94
Credit Risk Transfer		113,634,663		113,704,910		8,218,999			121,923,909		5.53	%		5.75	%		5.59
RPL/NPL		96,593,829		96,573,480		(409,667	)		96,163,813		3.46	%		3.50	%		1.36
Interest Only and Excess MSR (7)		407,141,455		3,523,307		(337,729	)		3,185,578		0.44	%		15.00	%		3.01
Residential Whole Loans		365,406,205		301,437,745		4,169,865			305,607,610		5.46	%		6.95	%		8.57
Commercial Investments
CMBS		232,718,408		185,982,467		(911,394	)		185,071,073		5.66	%		6.18	%		3.39
Freddie Mac K-Series		191,617,431		63,814,220		(2,802,450	)		61,011,770		5.86	%		12.09	%		9.91
Interest Only (9)		3,485,583,688		55,957,364		2,665,827			58,623,191		0.27	%		6.68	%		3.59
Commercial Whole Loans		57,738,472		57,591,458		74,406			57,665,864		8.41	%		15.85	%		0.82
ABS		35,649,380		35,421,911		416,145			35,838,056		8.33	%		8.85	%		5.21
Total: Investment Portfolio	$	12,567,552,338	$	3,803,669,036	$	31,851,109		$	3,835,520,145		2.42	%		4.99	%		6.13
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	1,968,804,717	$	331,715,214	$	(2,881,199	)	$	328,834,015		0.97	%		6.73	%		6.25
Other Assets	$	175,554,820	$	987,236	$	6,661		$	993,897		N/A			9.94	%		6.43
TBAs	$	139,000,000	$	143,694,688	$	28,002		$	143,722,690		4.23	%		N/A			N/A
Total: GAAP Investment Portfolio	$	10,284,192,801	$	3,327,271,898	$	34,697,645		$	3,361,969,543		2.80	%		4.82	%		6.10

(1) Included in Residential Investments and Commercial Investments are $264.9 million fair market value and $63.9 million fair market value, respectively, that are included in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheet. These items, inclusive of our investment in AG Arc and other items, net to $141.7 million which is included in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheet.

(2) Equity residuals, principal only securities and Excess MSRs with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

(3) Fixed Rate 30 Year TBA are excluded from this calculation.

(4) Excess MSRs whose underlying collateral is securitized in a trust held by a U.S. government agency or GSE.

(5) Represents long positions in Fixed Rate 30 Year TBA.

(6) Non-Agency RMBS with credit scores above 700, between 700 and 620 and below 620 at origination are classified as Prime, Alt-A, and Subprime, respectively. The weighted average credit scores of our Prime, and Alt-A/Subprime Non-Agency RMBS were 725, and 654, respectively.

(7) Excess MSRs whose underlying collateral is securitized in a trust not held by a U.S. government agency or GSE.

(8) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(9) Includes Freddie Mac K-Series interest-only bonds.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of our investment portfolio to our GAAP investment portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

Instrument	Current Face		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Mark-to- Market			Fair Value (1)		Weighted Average Coupon (2)			Weighted Average Yield (3)			Weighted Average Life (Years) (3) (8)
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,848,172,215	$	1,929,305,571	$	(272,575	)	$	1,929,032,996		3.79	%		3.13	%		8.64
Fixed Rate CMO		52,263,914		52,670,416		280,340			52,950,756		3.00	%		2.79	%		4.13
ARM		176,560,807		175,726,062		661,334			176,387,396		2.35	%		2.83	%		4.79
Inverse Interest Only		256,982,587		44,704,018		(775,533	)		43,928,485		4.20	%		7.37	%		5.86
Interest Only and Excess MSR (4)		1,209,856,236		49,898,564		5,883			49,904,447		2.66	%		6.91	%		5.67
Fixed Rate 30 Year TBA (5)		100,000,000		102,484,375		226,565			102,710,940		3.50	%		N/A			N/A
Credit Investments:
Residential Investments
Prime (6)		550,558,745		437,068,256		35,802,265			472,870,521		4.43	%		6.34	%		9.72
Alt-A/Subprime (6)		311,153,450		216,421,718		16,195,889			232,617,607		4.10	%		5.91	%		6.46
Credit Risk Transfer		149,710,279		149,785,740		10,712,460			160,498,200		5.11	%		5.28	%		5.87
RPL/NPL		67,998,537		67,968,193		(91,996	)		67,876,197		3.50	%		3.57	%		1.40
Interest Only and Excess MSR (7)		421,605,000		3,578,800		(634,428	)		2,944,372		0.30	%		11.58	%		3.13
Residential Whole Loans		126,300,516		94,920,547		3,088,611			98,009,158		5.17	%		9.81	%		6.46
Commercial Investments
CMBS		214,051,549		162,225,908		(270,676	)		161,955,232		5.48	%		6.16	%		3.58
Freddie Mac K-Series		210,838,445		68,969,822		2,109,711			71,079,533		5.84	%		13.54	%		9.68
Interest Only (9)		3,493,578,686		57,383,812		3,654,436			61,038,248		0.27	%		6.64	%		3.70
Commercial Whole Loans		57,738,472		56,634,450		886,196			57,520,646		8.20	%		9.41	%		1.76
ABS		40,655,000		40,216,509		741,044			40,957,553		7.61	%		8.27	%		5.43
Total: Investment Portfolio	$	9,288,024,438	$	3,709,962,761	$	72,319,526		$	3,782,282,287		2.20	%		4.64	%		5.65
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	1,690,415,462	$	83,434,417	$	1,857,990		$	85,292,407		0.19	%		12.32	%		5.77
Other Assets	$	54,214,609	$	238,133	$	4,203		$	242,336		N/A			10.03	%		5.89
TBAs	$	100,000,000	$	102,484,375	$	226,565		$	102,710,940		3.50	%		N/A			N/A
Total: GAAP Investment Portfolio	$	7,443,394,367	$	3,523,805,836	$	70,230,768		$	3,594,036,604		2.65	%		4.45	%		5.62

(1) Included in Residential Investments and Commercial Investments are $11.4 million fair market value and $73.9 million fair market value, respectively, that are included in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheet. These items, inclusive of our investment in AG Arc and other items, net to $99.7 million which is included in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheet. 

(2) Equity residuals, principal only securities and Excess MSRs with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

(3) Fixed Rate 30 Year TBA are excluded from this calculation.

(4) Excess MSRs whose underlying collateral is securitized in a trust held by a U.S. government agency or GSE.

(5) Represents long positions in Fixed Rate 30 Year TBA.

(6) Non-Agency RMBS with credit scores above 700, between 700 and 620 and below 620 at origination are classified as Prime, Alt-A, and Subprime, respectively. The weighted average credit scores of our Prime, and Alt-A/Subprime Non-Agency RMBS were 726, and 656, respectively.

(7) Excess MSRs whose underlying collateral is securitized in a trust not held by a U.S. government agency or GSE.

(8) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(9) Includes Freddie Mac K-Series interest-only bonds.

The following table presents certain information grouped by vintage as it relates to our credit securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018. We have also presented a reconciliation to GAAP.

Credit Securities:	Current Face		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Mark-to- Market			Fair Value		Weighted Average Coupon (1)			Weighted Average Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Pre 2005	$	31,180,271	$	30,124,960	$	754,933		$	30,879,893		4.58	%		7.27	%		3.92
2005		160,905,486		126,591,782		15,496,964			142,088,746		4.53	%		6.97	%		9.48
2006		168,935,631		96,829,031		9,197,985			106,027,016		5.03	%		6.58	%		9.15
2007		143,709,676		107,766,563		10,034,188			117,800,751		4.60	%		6.52	%		13.32
2008		7,166,000		6,089,250		(124,721	)		5,964,529		6.59	%		6.24	%		10.60
2010		1,748,991		1,558,530		(6,455	)		1,552,075		1.98	%		6.14	%		3.19
2011		6,994,168		6,139,280		(89,376	)		6,049,904		3.51	%		5.19	%		5.50
2012		72,406,753		9,687,599		657,281			10,344,880		1.97	%		6.51	%		2.32
2013		101,661,775		33,954,950		1,241,987			35,196,937		2.23	%		5.19	%		3.63
2014		1,040,193,839		53,264,987		3,532,244			56,797,231		0.34	%		9.88	%		1.39
2015		1,304,082,549		209,768,857		6,959,941			216,728,798		1.08	%		7.00	%		3.78
2016		1,340,878,013		146,733,031		6,038,997			152,772,028		0.92	%		7.26	%		5.22
2017		1,154,388,635		490,331,833		4,292,387			494,624,220		2.49	%		5.97	%		6.58
2018		66,920,527		66,816,518		132,920			66,949,438		4.38	%		4.41	%		2.69
Total: Credit Securities	$	5,601,172,314	$	1,385,657,171	$	58,119,275		$	1,443,776,446		1.59	%		6.54	%		4.81
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	1,946,270,183	$	311,554,050	$	(3,040,090	)	$	308,513,960		0.89	%		6.80	%		6.25
Total: GAAP Basis	$	3,654,902,131	$	1,074,103,121	$	61,159,365		$	1,135,262,486		1.95	%		6.47	%		4.03

(1) Equity residual investments and principal only securities are excluded from this calculation.

(2) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Actual maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

49

The following table presents certain information grouped by vintage as it relates to our credit securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017. We have also presented a reconciliation to GAAP.

Credit Securities:	Current Face		Amortized Cost		Unrealized Mark-to- Market			Fair Value		Weighted Average Coupon (1)			Weighted Average Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Pre 2005	$	32,797,908	$	31,529,534	$	847,061		$	32,376,595		4.34	%		7.16	%		3.95
2005		165,631,051		130,170,185		15,491,076			145,661,261		4.48	%		7.00	%		9.46
2006		201,096,851		122,980,229		9,863,102			132,843,331		4.58	%		6.08	%		8.46
2007		163,434,910		124,440,692		11,980,302			136,420,994		4.76	%		6.40	%		12.54
2008		7,166,000		6,030,872		37,403			6,068,275		6.83	%		6.27	%		10.85
2010		1,855,207		1,647,798		(761	)		1,647,037		1.69	%		5.70	%		3.35
2011		6,952,515		6,059,141		(111,818	)		5,947,323		3.50	%		4.48	%		5.72
2012		72,880,868		10,354,811		768,174			11,122,985		1.97	%		6.31	%		2.45
2013		109,465,144		41,716,085		1,873,154			43,589,239		2.48	%		5.56	%		3.80
2014		1,065,778,577		61,072,987		6,949,247			68,022,234		0.34	%		11.08	%		1.55
2015		1,341,476,635		234,962,994		8,265,440			243,228,434		1.01	%		6.57	%		3.85
2016		1,359,008,863		160,539,309		8,006,065			168,545,374		0.81	%		6.95	%		5.33
2017		970,500,182		339,344,935		6,283,874			345,628,809		1.84	%		5.84	%		5.92
Total: Credit Portfolio	$	5,498,044,711	$	1,270,849,572	$	70,252,319		$	1,341,101,891		1.38	%		6.61	%		4.72
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	1,677,993,432	$	73,886,654	$	1,833,521		$	75,720,175		0.13	%		13.05	%		5.77
Total: GAAP Basis	$	3,820,051,279	$	1,196,962,918	$	68,418,798		$	1,265,381,716		1.89	%		6.22	%		4.26

(1) Equity residual investments and principal only securities are excluded from this calculation.

(2) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Actual maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

The following table presents the fair value of our credit securities portfolio by credit rating as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

Credit Rating - Credit Securities (1)	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
AAA	$	65,718,338	$	69,582,019
AA		1,909,641		-
A		51,056,405		49,000,012
BBB		18,643,761		10,762,666
BB		59,106,952		65,783,281
B		171,651,629		183,943,696
Below B		304,090,389		370,698,941
Not Rated		771,599,331		591,331,276
Total: Credit Securities	$	1,443,776,446	$	1,341,101,891
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	308,513,960	$	75,720,175
Total: GAAP Basis	$	1,135,262,486	$	1,265,381,716

(1) Represents the minimum rating for rated assets of S&P, Moody and Fitch credit ratings, stated in terms of the S&P equivalent.

The following table presents the CPR experienced on our GAAP Agency RMBS portfolio, on an annualized basis, for the quarterly periods presented:

	Three Months Ended (1) (2)
Agency RMBS	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
30 Year Fixed Rate		5.9	%		8.9	%
Fixed Rate CMO		3.5	%		5.1	%
ARM		11.2	%		10.8	%
Interest Only		7.4	%		14.9	%
Weighted Average		6.3	%		9.3	%

(1) Represents the weighted average monthly CPRs published during the quarter for our in-place portfolio during the same period.

(2) Source: Bloomberg

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The following tables present the geographic concentration of the underlying collateral for our Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS portfolios:

March 31, 2018
Non-Agency RMBS				CMBS
State	Percentage			State	Percentage
California		21.0	%	California		11.7	%
Florida		6.3	%	Texas		9.8	%
Colorado		6.2	%	Arizona		8.7	%
New York		6.2	%	New Jersey		8.1	%
Georgia		4.8	%	Florida		7.8	%
Other		55.5	%	Other		53.9	%
Total		100.0	%	Total		100.0	%

December 31, 2017
Non-Agency RMBS				CMBS
State	Percentage			State	Percentage
California		22.6	%	California		12.5	%
Florida		7.8	%	Texas		9.4	%
New York		7.2	%	New York		7.7	%
Colorado		4.0	%	Arizona		7.5	%
Texas		3.9	%	New Jersey		6.8	%
Other		54.5	%	Other		56.1	%
Total		100.0	%	Total		100.0	%

The following tables present certain information regarding credit quality for certain categories within our Non-Agency RMBS and CMBS portfolios:

March 31, 2018
Non-Agency RMBS*
Category	Weighted Average 60+ Days Delinquent			Weighted Average Loan Age (Months)		Weighted Average Credit Enhancement
Prime		9.8	%		122.02		14.5	%
Alt-A/Subprime		13.8	%		149.91		24.4	%
Credit Risk Transfer		0.5	%		23.36		1.2	%
RPL/NPL		74.0	%		136.89		38.7	%

CMBS*
Category	Weighted Average 60+ Days Delinquent			Weighted Average Loan Age (Months)		Weighted Average Credit Enhancement
CMBS		2.6	%		28.53		18.6	%
Freddie Mac K Series		0.0	%		32.78		1.4	%

December 31, 2017
Non-Agency RMBS*
Category	Weighted Average 60+ Days Delinquent			Weighted Average Loan Age (Months)		Weighted Average Credit Enhancement
Prime		9.5	%		114.48		14.5	%
Alt-A/Subprime		16.0	%		143.62		28.4	%
Credit Risk Transfer		0.3	%		19.67		1.1	%
RPL/NPL		73.3	%		108.91		40.7	%

CMBS*
Category	Weighted Average 60+ Days Delinquent			Weighted Average Loan Age (Months)		Weighted Average Credit Enhancement
CMBS		4.2	%		37.14		18.5	%
Freddie Mac K Series		0.0	%		31.22		0.8	%

*Sources: Intex, Trepp

Financing activities

We use leverage to complete the purchase of real estate securities and loans in our investment portfolio. In 2018 and 2017, our leverage has been in the form of repurchase agreements, and securitized debt. Repurchase agreements involve the sale and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the transferred assets or similar assets at a future date. The amount borrowed generally is equal to the fair value of the assets pledged less an agreed-upon discount, referred to as a “haircut.” The size of the haircut reflects the perceived risk associated with the pledged asset. Haircuts may change as our repurchase agreements mature or roll and are sensitive to governmental regulations. We have not experienced fluctuations in our haircuts that altered our business and financing strategies for the three months ended March 31, 2018, but we continue to monitor the regulatory environment, which may influence the timing and amount of our repurchase agreement activity. We seek to obtain financing from several different counterparties in order to reduce our financing risk related to any single counterparty. We had outstanding debt with 28 and 27 counterparties at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

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Our repurchase agreements are accounted for as financings and require the repurchase of the transferred securities or loans or repayment of the advance at the end of each agreement’s term, typically 30 to 90 days. If we maintain the beneficial interest in the specific assets pledged during the term of the borrowing, we receive the related principal and interest payments. If we do not maintain the beneficial interest in the specific assets pledged during the term of the borrowing, we will have the related principal and interest payments remitted to us by the lender. Interest rates on borrowings are fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings, and interest is paid at the termination of the borrowing at which time we may enter into a new borrowing arrangement at prevailing market rates with the same counterparty or repay that counterparty and negotiate financing with a different counterparty. In response to declines in fair value of pledged assets due to changes in market conditions or the publishing of monthly security paydown factors, lenders typically require us to post additional assets as collateral, pay down borrowings or establish cash margin accounts with the counterparties in order to re-establish the agreed-upon collateral requirements, referred to as margin calls. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have met all margin call requirements.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we noted changes in the spread of our financing arrangements. The Fed raised the federal funds interest rate by 25 bps in March of 2018. In addition, various supply-demand technicals within the short-term interest rate markets resulted in an increase in 3-month LIBOR by about 62bps.  Our cost of financing increased by 33bps from 1.98% at December 31, 2017 to 2.31% at March 31,2018, as bank funding costs are more closely tied to federal funds than LIBOR.  This resulted in a net financial benefit on the portion of our outstanding financing hedged with swaps, where our weighted average receive-floating rate increased 48bps from 1.50% to 1.98%.

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The following table presents the quarter-end balance, average quarterly balance and maximum balance at any month-end for the Company’s (i) repurchase agreements on its investment portfolio, U.S Treasury securities, and FHLBC Advances, and (ii) repurchase agreements through affiliated entities, excluding any financing utilized in our investment in AG Arc, with a reconciliation of all quarterly figures to GAAP. Refer to the “Hedging Activities” section below for more information on repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury securities.

Quarter Ended	Quarter-End Balance		Average Quarterly Balance		Maximum Balance at Any Month-End
March 31, 2018
Non-GAAP Basis	$	3,035,398,509	$	2,954,404,069	$	3,043,392,274
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		208,819,187		77,309,368		208,819,187
GAAP Basis	$	2,826,579,322	$	2,877,094,701	$	2,834,573,087
December 31, 2017
Non-GAAP Basis	$	3,011,590,715	$	2,882,547,257	$	3,011,590,715
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		7,183,697		8,848,702		9,806,942
GAAP Basis	$	3,004,407,018	$	2,873,698,555	$	3,001,783,773
September 30, 2017
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,703,068,550	$	2,596,533,544	$	2,746,150,804
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		8,516,726		8,697,487		8,868,455
GAAP Basis	$	2,694,551,824	$	2,587,836,057	$	2,737,282,349
June 30, 2017
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,265,226,741	$	2,209,990,873	$	2,339,132,696
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		8,484,353		8,805,678		9,115,429
GAAP Basis	$	2,256,742,388	$	2,201,185,195	$	2,330,017,267
March 31, 2017
Non-GAAP Basis	$	1,887,766,585	$	1,813,668,360	$	1,887,766,585
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		8,424,063		8,787,942		9,172,241
GAAP Basis	$	1,879,342,522	$	1,804,880,418	$	1,878,594,344
December 31, 2016
Non-GAAP Basis	$	1,910,508,715	$	1,972,784,763	$	2,009,130,688
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		9,998,909		10,525,232		11,019,272
GAAP Basis	$	1,900,509,806	$	1,962,259,531	$	1,998,111,416
September 30, 2016
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,237,848,414	$	2,242,396,467	$	2,275,367,639
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		11,484,705		12,147,413		12,842,577
GAAP Basis	$	2,226,363,709	$	2,230,249,054	$	2,262,525,062
June 30, 2016
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,263,590,848	$	2,305,132,749	$	2,368,334,965
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		13,594,846		14,627,811		15,534,683
GAAP Basis	$	2,249,996,002	$	2,290,504,938	$	2,352,800,282
March 31, 2016
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,573,321,330	$	2,559,321,654	$	2,582,943,709
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		16,405,130		17,168,967		17,982,309
GAAP Basis	$	2,556,916,200	$	2,542,152,687	$	2,564,961,400
December 31, 2015
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,450,495,579	$	2,611,418,224	$	2,737,440,514
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		18,638,119		19,119,157		19,643,832
GAAP Basis	$	2,431,857,460	$	2,592,299,067	$	2,717,796,682
September 30, 2015
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,585,828,163	$	2,509,992,155	$	2,585,828,163
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		20,212,522		20,566,999		20,876,667
GAAP Basis	$	2,565,615,641	$	2,489,425,156	$	2,564,951,496
June 30, 2015
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,534,309,367	$	2,618,201,220	$	2,689,179,519
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		21,091,153		21,209,044		21,267,990
GAAP Basis	$	2,513,218,214	$	2,596,992,176	$	2,667,911,529
March 31, 2015
Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,691,920,394	$	2,713,017,544	$	2,807,851,545
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates		21,305,161		21,305,161		21,305,161
GAAP Basis	$	2,670,615,233	$	2,691,712,383	$	2,786,546,384

As noted, we finance the purchase of our investments primarily with repurchase agreements. Our repurchase agreement balance can reasonably be expected to (i) increase as the size of our investment portfolio increases through equity capital raises and as we increase our investment allocation to Agency RMBS and (ii) decrease as the size of our portfolio decreases through asset sales, principal paydowns, and as we increase our investment allocation to credit investments. Credit investments, due to their elevated risk profile, have lower allowable leverage ratios than Agency RMBS, which restricts our financing counterparties from providing as much repurchase agreement financing to us and lowers our total repurchase agreement balance.

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Master repurchase agreements on our investment portfolio

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have entered into master repurchase agreements on our investment portfolio with 39 counterparties under which we had outstanding debt with 28 and 27 counterparties, respectively, inclusive of repurchase agreements in affiliated entities. See Note 6 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” for a description of our material master repurchase agreements.

Our MRAs generally include customary representations, warranties, and covenants, but may also contain more restrictive supplemental terms and conditions. Although specific to each MRA, typical supplemental terms include requirements of minimum equity, leverage ratios, performance triggers or other financial ratios.

The following table presents, as of March 31, 2018, certain financial information related to our repurchase agreements secured by our real estate securities. It also reconciles these items to GAAP:

Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Days to Maturity		Weighted Average Haircut
Overnight	$	151,903,000		1.94	%		2		3.0	%
30 days or less		2,025,143,000		2.13	%		12		8.3	%
31-60 days		425,297,000		2.16	%		42		9.1	%
61-90 days		36,752,000		3.51	%		78		23.2	%
91-180 days		102,578,000		2.06	%		163		5.5	%
Greater than 180 days		246,779,925		3.74	%		598		19.8	%
Total: Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,988,452,925		2.27	%		70		9.2	%
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	193,818,925		4.01	%		614		20.6	%
Total: GAAP Basis	$	2,794,634,000		2.15	%		32		8.4	%

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2017, certain financial information related to our repurchase agreements secured by our real estate securities. It also reconciles these items to GAAP:

Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Days to Maturity		Weighted Average Haircut
Overnight	$	128,779,000		1.80	%		2		3.2	%
30 days or less		2,106,404,000		1.94	%		10		9.6	%
31-60 days		611,763,000		1.76	%		43		7.6	%
61-90 days		32,445,000		3.04	%		76		25.9	%
91-180 days		1,189,000		3.22	%		151		22.8	%
Greater than 180 days		93,059,628		3.00	%		644		20.4	%
Total: Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,973,639,628		1.94	%		37		9.4	%
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	1,359,000		3.31	%		24		6.0	%
Total: GAAP Basis	$	2,972,280,628		1.94	%		37		9.4	%

The increase in the balance of our repurchase agreements held in our investments in affiliates from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 is due to financing added on newly purchased residential whole loans we have structured as securities.

The following table presents certain financial information related to our repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans and real estate owned as of March 31, 2018 with a reconciliation of such information back to GAAP:

Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Days to Maturity		Weighted Average Haircut
Greater than 180 days: Non-GAAP Basis	$	25,149,584		4.35	%		364		35.8	%
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	15,000,262		4.33	%		388		33.2	%
Total: GAAP Basis	$	10,149,322		4.38	%		328		39.6	%

(1) As of March 31, 2018 the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on our repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

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The following table presents certain financial information related to our repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans and real estate owned as of December 31, 2017 with a reconciliation of such information back to GAAP:

Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Days to Maturity		Weighted Average Haircut
Greater than 180 days: Non-GAAP Basis	$	16,155,087		4.01	%		484		33.7	%
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	5,824,697		3.91	%		602		31.7	%
Total: GAAP Basis	$	10,330,390		4.07	%		418		34.8	%

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on our repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The increase in the balance of our repurchase agreements from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018 is due to financing added in MATT.

The following table presents certain financial information related to repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as of March 31, 2018:

Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Days to Maturity		Weighted Average Haircut
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		4.02	%		457		33.5	%

(1) As of March 31, 2018 the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on our repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information related to repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as of December 31, 2017:

Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Days to Maturity		Weighted Average Haircut
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		3.70	%		547		33.5	%

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on our repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents a summary of certain financial information related to repurchase agreements secured by our Investment Portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

	Agency					Credit
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within: (1)	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Balance		Weighted Average Rate
Overnight	$	151,903,000		1.94	%	$	-		-
30 days or less		1,355,046,000		1.77	%		670,097,000		2.86	%
31-60 days		305,773,000		1.78	%		119,524,000		3.12	%
61-90 days		-		-			36,752,000		3.51	%
91-180 days		100,887,000		2.02	%		1,691,000		4.12	%
Greater than 180 days		-		-			293,725,509		3.82	%
Total: Non-GAAP Basis	$	1,913,609,000		1.80	%	$	1,121,789,509		3.16	%
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	-		-		$	208,819,187		4.04	%
Total: GAAP Basis	$	1,913,609,000		1.80	%	$	912,970,322		2.96	%

(1)  As of March 31, 2018, our weighted average days to maturity is 75 days and our weighted average original days to maturity is 129 days.

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The following table presents a summary of certain financial information related to repurchase agreements secured by our Investment Portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

	Agency					Credit
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within: (1)	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Balance		Weighted Average Rate
Overnight	$	128,779,000		1.80	%	$	-		-
30 days or less		1,398,411,000		1.57	%		707,993,000		2.68	%
31-60 days		477,943,000		1.49	%		133,820,000		2.75	%
61-90 days		-		-			32,445,000		3.04	%
91-180 days		-		-			1,189,000		3.22	%
Greater than 180 days		-		-			131,010,715		3.24	%
Total: Non-GAAP Basis	$	2,005,133,000		1.56	%	$	1,006,457,715		2.77	%
Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	-		-		$	7,183,697		3.80	%
Total: GAAP Basis	$	2,005,133,000		1.56	%	$	999,274,018		2.77	%

(1) As of December 31, 2017, our weighted average days to maturity is 43 days and our weighted average original days to maturity is 118 days.

Other financing transactions

In 2014, we entered into a resecuritization transaction, pursuant to which we created a special purpose entity (“SPE”) to facilitate the transaction (the “Resecuritization”). We determined that the SPE was a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and that the VIE should be consolidated by us under ASC 810-10 and treated as a secured borrowing (the “Consolidated VIE”). See Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for more detail on the Consolidated VIE.

The following table details certain information on the Consolidated VIE as of March 31, 2018:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	15,360,643	$	15,496,402		3.41	%		4.24	%		2.84
Retained tranche		8,556,332		6,177,041		3.72	%		16.54	%		9.01
Total resecuritized asset	$	23,916,975	$	21,673,443		3.52	%		7.74	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of March 31, 2018, the Company has recorded secured financing of $15.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The following table details certain information on the Consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2017:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	16,354,718	$	16,477,801		3.11	%		3.92	%		2.95
Retained tranche		8,617,903		6,100,571		4.28	%		15.48	%		9.04
Total resecuritized asset	$	24,972,621	$	22,578,372		3.51	%		7.04	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of December 31, 2017, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded secured financing of $16.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

In February 2016, we originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and, at closing, transferred a 15.0% or $1.8 million participation interest in the loan (the “Participation Interest”) to an unaffiliated third party. The Participation Interest bore interest at a rate of LIBOR+ 10.00% with a LIBOR floor of 0.25%. We determined that the Participation Interest should be consolidated under ASC 860 due to the fact that the sale of the Participation Interest did not meet the sales criteria established under ASC 860. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017. The principal and interest due on the Participation Interest was paid from these proceeds.

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Leverage

We define non-GAAP “at-risk” leverage as the sum of: (i) our GAAP repurchase agreements, (ii) repurchase agreements held through affiliated entities but exclusive of any financing utilized through AG Arc (iii) the amount payable on purchases that have not yet settled less the financing remaining on sales that have not yet settled, (iv) the consolidated tranche issued by the Consolidated VIE, (v) the Participation Interest and (vi) our net TBA position (at cost). Our calculations of each type of leverage exclude repurchase agreements and net receivables/payables on unsettled trades pertaining to U.S. Treasury securities due to the highly liquid and temporary nature of these investments. The calculations in the tables below divide our leverage calculations by our GAAP stockholders’ equity to derive our leverage ratios. The following tables present a reconciliation of our non-GAAP “at-risk” leverage ratio back to GAAP.

			Stockholders'
March 31, 2018	Leverage		Equity		Leverage Ratio
GAAP Leverage	$	2,864,258,805	$	705,826,124		4.1	x
Repurchase agreements through affiliated entities		212,440,035
Net TBA receivable/(payable) adjustment		143,694,688
Non-GAAP "At Risk" Leverage	$	3,220,393,528	$	705,826,124		4.6	x

			Stockholders'
December 31, 2017	Leverage		Equity		Leverage Ratio
GAAP Leverage	$	3,023,293,361	$	714,259,207		4.2	x
Repurchase agreements through affiliated entities		7,183,697
Net TBA receivable/(payable) adjustment		102,484,375
Non-GAAP "At Risk" Leverage	$	3,132,961,433	$	714,259,207		4.4	x

Hedging activities

Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our Investment Company Act exemption, to the extent leverage is deployed, we utilize hedging instruments, including interest rate swaps, swaption agreements, Futures, and other financial instruments such as short positions in U.S. Treasury securities, in an effort to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the financing of our portfolio. Specifically, we may seek to hedge our exposure to potential interest rate mismatches between the interest we earn on our investments and our borrowing costs caused by fluctuations in short-term interest rates. In utilizing leverage and interest rate hedges, our objectives are to improve risk-adjusted returns and, where possible, to lock in, on a long-term basis, a spread between the yield on our assets and the costs of our financing and hedging. Refer to the tables below for a summary of our hedging instruments.

Our centrally cleared trades require that we post an “initial margin” to our counterparties of an amount determined by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), the central clearinghouse through which those trades are cleared, which is generally intended to be set at a level sufficient to protect the CME from the maximum estimated single-day price movement in that market participant’s contracts. We also exchange cash “variation margin” with our counterparties on our centrally cleared trades based upon daily changes in the fair value as measured by the CME. Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, as a result of a CME amendment to its rule book governing central clearing activities, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with a CME cleared instrument is legally characterized as the daily settlement of the derivative instrument itself, as opposed to a pledge of collateral. Accordingly, beginning in 2017, we account for the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with our centrally cleared interest rate swaps and futures as a direct reduction to the carrying value of the interest rate swap and future derivative asset or liability, respectively. Beginning in 2017, the carrying amount of centrally cleared interest rate swaps and futures reflected in our consolidated balance sheets is equal to the unsettled fair value of such instruments. See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

The following table presents the fair value of our derivative and other instruments and their balance sheet location at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Derivatives and Other Instruments	GAAP Designation	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value	$	(428,630	)	$	(450,208	)
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		2,431,220			1,428,240
Swaptions	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,128,348			362,202
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		-			-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		-			110,063
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Non-Hedge	Obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value (2)		-			(24,379,356	)

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin. As of December 31, 2017, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

 (2) The Company's obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements relates to securities borrowed to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities. The change in fair value of the borrowed securities is recorded in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives and other instruments, net" line item in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

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The following table summarizes the notional amount of certain of our non-hedge derivatives and other instruments:

Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments held long/(short):	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Notional amount of Pay Fix/Receive Float Interest Rate Swap Agreements	$	2,442,000,000		$	2,227,000,000
Notional amount of Swaptions		210,000,000			270,000,000
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)		(50,000,000	)		(52,500,000	)
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasuries		-			(24,668,000	)

(1) Each U.S. Treasury Future contract embodies $100,000 of notional value.

The following table summarizes gains/(losses) related to derivatives and other instruments:

		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments gain/(loss):	Statement of Operations Location	March 31, 2018			March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	$	36,251,709		$	1,231,214
Swaptions, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		351,771			-
Swaptions, at fair value	Net realized gain/(loss)		50,625
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(494,357	)		106,499
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Net realized gain/(loss)		672,780			(947,936	)
Long positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		(448,242	)		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(94,004	)		(1,724,922	)
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain		579,617			1,730,547

The following table summarizes the weighted average life of our non-hedge derivatives and other instruments:

Weighted Average Life (Years) on non-hedge derivatives and other instruments	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps		4.59		4.56
Swaptions		0.72		0.59
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures		0.24		0.22
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries		-		6.86

Interest rate swaps

To help mitigate exposure to increases in short-term interest rates, we use currently-paying and may use forward-starting, one- or three-month LIBOR-indexed, pay-fixed, receive-variable, interest rate swap agreements. This arrangement helps hedge our exposure to higher short-term interest rates because the variable-rate payments received on the swap agreements help to offset additional interest accruing on the related borrowings due to the higher interest rate, leaving the fixed-rate payments to be paid on the swap agreements as our effective borrowing rate, subject to certain adjustments including changes in spreads between variable rates on the swap agreements and actual borrowing rates.

As of March 31, 2018, our interest rate swap positions consisted of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about our interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2018:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.89	%		1.63
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		2.02	%		2.28
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		2.00	%		4.34
2023		75,000,000		2.70	%		1.79	%		4.85
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.94	%		6.25
2025		45,000,000		2.78	%		2.08	%		6.93
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.90	%		8.64
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.97	%		9.44
2028		95,000,000		2.81	%		1.87	%		9.87
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,442,000,000		1.97	%		1.98	%		4.59

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As of December 31, 2017, our interest rate swap positions consisted of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about our interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2017:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.43	%		1.88
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		1.52	%		2.54
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		1.51	%		4.59
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.47	%		6.50
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.44	%		8.89
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.50	%		9.69
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,227,000,000		1.89	%		1.50	%		4.56

Dividends

We intend to continue to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock if and to the extent authorized by our board of directors. Federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT ordinary taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income. 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 on our repurchase agreements and other debt payable. 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 or distribution of debt securities. In addition, prior to the time we have fully deployed the net proceeds of our follow-on offerings to acquire assets in our target asset classes we may fund our quarterly distributions out of such net proceeds.

As mentioned above, our distribution requirements are based on taxable income rather than GAAP net income. The primary differences between taxable income and GAAP net income include (i) unrealized gains and losses associated with investment and derivative portfolios which are marked-to-market in current income for GAAP purposes, but excluded from taxable income until realized or settled, (ii) temporary differences related to amortization of premiums and discounts paid on investments, (iii) the timing and amount of deductions related to stock-based compensation, (iv) temporary differences related to the recognition of realized gains and losses on sold investments and certain terminated derivatives and (v) taxes. Undistributed taxable income is based on current estimates and is not finalized until we file our annual tax return, typically in September of the following year. As of March 31, 2018 the Company had estimated undistributed taxable income of approximately $1.54 per share.

The following table details our common stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/15/2018	3/29/2018	4/30/2018	$	0.475

2017
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/10/2017	3/21/2017	4/28/2017	$	0.475

The following tables detail our preferred stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.50

2017
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.50

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Liquidity and capital resources

Our liquidity determines our ability to meet our cash obligations, including commitments to make distributions to our stockholders, pay our expenses, finance our investments and satisfy other general business needs. Our principal sources of cash as of March 31, 2018 consisted of borrowings under repurchase agreements, payments of principal and interest we receive on our Agency RMBS and credit portfolio, cash generated from our operating results, and proceeds from capital market transactions. We typically use cash to repay principal and interest on our repurchase agreements, to purchase real estate securities, loans and other real estate related assets, to make dividend payments on our capital stock, and to fund our operations. At March 31, 2018, we had $115.0 million available to support our liquidity needs, comprised of $25.3 million of cash, $84.6 million of Agency fixed rate securities and CMOs, and $5.1 million of Agency Interest-Only and Inverse Interest-Only securities that have not been pledged as collateral under any of our financing agreements. Refer to the “Contractual obligations” section of this Item 2 for additional obligations that could impact our liquidity.

Leverage

The amount of leverage we may deploy for particular assets depends upon our Manager’s assessment of the credit and other risks of those assets, and also depends on any limitations placed upon us through covenants contained in our master repurchase agreements. We generate income principally from the yields earned on our investments and, to the extent that leverage is deployed, on the difference between the yields earned on our investments and our cost of borrowing and the cost of any hedging activities. Subject to maintaining both our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our Investment Company Act exemption, to the extent leverage is deployed, we may use a number of sources to finance our investments.

As of March 31, 2018, we had MRAs with 39 counterparties, allowing us to utilize leverage in our operations. As of March 31, 2018, we had debt outstanding of $3.0 billion from 28 counterparties, inclusive of repurchase agreements through affiliated entities. The borrowings under repurchase agreements have maturities between April 2, 2018 and December 9, 2019. These agreements generally include customary representations, warranties, and covenants, but may also contain more restrictive supplemental terms and conditions. Although specific to each lending agreement, typical supplemental terms include requirements of minimum equity, leverage ratios, performance triggers or other financial ratios. If we fail to meet or satisfy any covenants, supplemental terms or representations and warranties, we would be in default under these agreements and our lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the agreements to be immediately due and payable, enforce their respective interests against collateral pledged under such agreements and restrict our ability to make additional borrowings. Certain financing agreements may contain cross-default provisions, so that if a default occurs under any one agreement, the lenders under our other agreements could also declare a default.

Under our repurchase agreements, we may be required to pledge additional assets to our lenders in the event the estimated fair value of the existing pledged collateral under such agreements declines and such lenders demand additional collateral, which may take the form of additional securities or cash. Certain securities that are pledged as collateral under our repurchase agreements are in unrealized loss positions.

The following table presents contractual maturity information for our repurchase agreements at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Overnight	$	151,903,000	$	128,779,000
30 days or less		2,025,143,000		2,106,404,000
31-60 days		425,297,000		611,763,000
61-90 days		36,752,000		32,445,000
91-180 days		102,578,000		1,189,000
Greater than 180 days		293,725,509		131,010,715
Total: Non-GAAP Basis	$	3,035,398,509	$	3,011,590,715
Less: Investments in Debt and Equity of Affiliates	$	208,819,187	$	7,183,697
Total: GAAP Basis	$	2,826,579,322	$	3,004,407,018

As described above in the “Financing activities” section of this Item 2, we entered into the Resecuritization in 2014 that resulted in the consolidation of the VIE created with the SPE. We recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the “Cash Flows from Financing Activities” section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. See Note 3 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) for more detail.

As described above in the “Financing activities” section of this Item 2, we originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and transferred the Participation Interest to an unaffiliated third party. We recorded proceeds from the transfer in the “Cash Flows from Financing Activities” section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017. The principal and interest due on the loan participation was paid from these proceeds.

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The following table presents information at March 31, 2018 with respect to each counterparty that provides us with financing for which we had greater than 5% of our stockholders’ equity at risk.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity  at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
Credit Suisse Securities, LLC	$	68,846,212		536		10	%
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation		39,125,300		24		6	%

The following table presents information at December 31, 2017 with respect to each counterparty that provides us with financing for which we had greater than 5% of our stockholders’ equity at risk.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	45,239,399		26		6	%
Barclays Capital Inc		39,358,150		13		6	%

Margin requirements

The fair value of our real estate securities and loans fluctuate according to market conditions. When the fair value of the assets pledged as collateral to secure a repurchase agreement decreases to the point where the difference between the collateral fair value and the repurchase agreement amount is less than the haircut, our lenders may issue a “margin call,” which requires us to post additional collateral to the lender in the form of additional assets or cash. Under our repurchase facilities, our lenders have full discretion to determine the fair value of the securities we pledge to them. Our lenders typically value assets based on recent trades in the market. Lenders also issue margin calls as the published current principal balance factors change on the pool of mortgages underlying the securities pledged as collateral when scheduled and unscheduled paydowns are announced monthly. We experience margin calls in the ordinary course of our business. In seeking to manage effectively the margin requirements established by our lenders, we maintain a position of cash and unpledged Agency RMBS. We refer to this position as our “liquidity.” The level of liquidity we have available to meet margin calls is directly affected by our leverage levels, our haircuts and the price changes on our securities. If interest rates increase or if credit spreads widen, then the prices of our collateral (and our unpledged assets that constitute our liquidity) will decline, we will experience margin calls, and we will need to use our liquidity to meet the margin calls. There can be no assurance that we will maintain sufficient levels of liquidity to meet any margin calls. If our haircuts increase, our liquidity will proportionately decrease. In addition, if we increase our borrowings, our liquidity will decrease by the amount of additional haircut on the increased level of indebtedness. We intend to maintain a level of liquidity in relation to our assets that enables us to meet reasonably anticipated margin calls but that also allows us to be substantially invested in securities. We may misjudge the appropriate amount of our liquidity by maintaining excessive liquidity, which would lower our investment returns, or by maintaining insufficient liquidity, which would force us to liquidate assets into potentially unfavorable market conditions and harm our results of operations and financial condition. Further, an unexpected rise in interest rates and a corresponding fall in the fair value of our securities may also force us to liquidate assets under difficult market conditions, thereby harming our results of operations and financial condition, in an effort to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet increased margin calls. Refer to the “Liquidity risk – derivatives” section of Item 3 below for a further discussion on margin.

Similar to the margin calls that we receive on our borrowing agreements, we may also receive margin calls on our derivative instruments when their fair values decline. This typically occurs when prevailing market rates change adversely, with the severity of the change also dependent on the terms of the derivatives involved. Our posting of collateral with our counterparties can be done in cash or securities, and is generally bilateral, which means that if the fair value of our interest rate hedges increases, our counterparty will be required to post collateral with us.

Equity distribution agreement

On May 5, 2017, we entered into an equity distribution agreement with each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and JMP Securities LLC (collectively, the “Sales Agents”), which we refer to as the “Equity Distribution Agreements,” pursuant to which we may sell up to $100.0 million aggregate offering price of shares of our common stock from time to time through the Sales Agents, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. As of March 31, 2018, we have sold 460,932 shares of common stock under the Equity Distribution Agreements for net proceeds of approximately $8.7 million.

Real estate securities

Real estate securities in any remaining unrealized loss position as of the balance sheet date are not considered other than temporarily impaired as we have the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or above the cost of the investment and we are not required to sell the security for regulatory or other reasons.

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Forward-looking statements regarding liquidity

Based upon our current portfolio, leverage and available borrowing arrangements, we believe that the net proceeds of our common equity offerings, preferred equity offerings, and private placements, combined with cash flow from operations and our available borrowing capacity will be sufficient to enable us to meet our anticipated liquidity requirements, including funding our investment activities, paying fees under our management agreement, funding our distributions to stockholders and paying general corporate expenses.

Contractual obligations

Management agreement

On June 29, 2011, we entered into an agreement with our Manager pursuant to which our Manager is entitled to receive a management fee and the reimbursement of certain expenses. The management fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in an amount equal to 1.50% of our Stockholders’ Equity, per annum.

For purposes of calculating the management fee, “Stockholders’ Equity” means the sum of the net proceeds from any issuances of equity securities (including preferred securities) since inception (allocated on a pro rata daily basis for such issuances during the fiscal quarter of any such issuance, and excluding any future equity issuance to the Manager), plus our retained earnings at the end of such quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense or other non-cash items described below incurred in current or prior periods), less any amount that we pay for repurchases of our common stock, excluding any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders’ equity as reported in our 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 our independent directors and after approval by a majority of our independent directors. Stockholders’ Equity, for purposes of calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders’ equity shown on our financial statements. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, we incurred management fees of approximately $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Our Manager uses the proceeds from its management fee in part to pay compensation to its officers and personnel, who, notwithstanding that certain of them also are our officers, receive no compensation directly from us. We are required to reimburse our Manager or its affiliates for operating expenses which are incurred by our Manager or its affiliates on our behalf, including certain salary expenses and other expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence and other services. Our reimbursement obligation is not subject to any contractual dollar limitation; however, the reimbursement is subject to an annual budget process which combines guidelines from the Management Agreement with oversight by our board of directors and discussions with our Manager. Of the $3.2 million and $2.8 million of Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, we have accrued $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, representing a reimbursement of expenses.

Share-based compensation

Pursuant to the Manager Equity Incentive Plan and the Equity Incentive Plan, we can award up to 277,500 shares of common stock in the form of restricted stock, stock options, restricted stock units or other types of awards to our directors, officers, advisors, consultants and other personnel and to our Manager. As of March 31, 2018, 59,006 shares of common stock were available to be awarded under the equity incentive plans. Awards under the equity incentive plans are forfeitable until they become vested. An award will become vested only if the vesting conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement (as determined by the compensation committee) are satisfied. The vesting conditions may include performance of services for a specified period, achievement of performance goals, or a combination of both. The compensation committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of an award upon the occurrence of certain events in its discretion.

As of March 31, 2018, we have granted an aggregate of 58,244 and 40,250 shares of restricted common stock to our independent directors and Manager, respectively, and 120,000 shares of restricted stock units to our Manager under our equity incentive plans. As of March 31, 2018, all the shares of restricted common stock granted to our Manager and independent directors have vested and 60,000 restricted stock units granted to our Manager have vested.

On July 1, 2017, we granted 60,000 restricted stock units to the Manager that represent the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock if and when the units vest. Annual vesting of approximately 20,000 units will occur on each of July 1, 2018, July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The units do not entitle the participant the rights of a holder of our common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The vesting of such units is subject to the continuation of the management agreement. If the management agreement terminates, all unvested units then held by the Manager or the Manager’s transferee shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited without consideration.

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Commercial mortgage loans

On February 28, 2017, we, alongside a private fund under the management of Angelo, Gordon, purchased a mezzanine loan and agreed to fund a commitment of $21.9 million. Our share of the commitment is $14.6 million of which we had funded $10.4 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, our remaining commitment was $4.2 million.

Mortgage Acquisition Trust I LLC

On August 29, 2017, we, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, formed MATH to conduct a residential mortgage investment strategy. MATH in turn sponsored the formation of MATT to purchase predominantly Non-QMs, which are residential mortgage loans that are not deemed “qualified mortgage,” or “QM,” loans under the rules of the CFPB. Non-QMs are not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. MATT is expected to make an election to be treated as a real estate investment trust beginning with the 2018 tax year. In furtherance of this business, MATH’s sponsoring funds have agreed to provide up to $75.0 million of capital to MATH, of which we agreed to provide $33.4 million for use in this mortgage investment business. As of March 31, 2018, we had funded $4.2 million of our total capital commitment and our outstanding commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to us).

Revolving note

On March 29, 2018, we alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, purchased a revolving note (the “Revolving Note”). Our share of the total commitment to the Revolving Note is $7.1 million, of which we have funded $3.0 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, our remaining commitment was $4.1 million.

Other

We have presented a table that details the contractual maturity of our financing arrangements at March 31, 2018 in the “Liquidity and capital resources” section for this Item 2. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we are obligated to pay accrued interest on our repurchase agreements in the amount of $5.9 million and $5.1 million, respectively, inclusive of accrued interest accounted for through investments in debt and equity of affiliates, and exclusive of accrued interest on any financing utilized through AG Arc. The change in accrued interest on our repurchase agreements resulted primarily from the increase in one-month LIBOR from 1.564% at December 31, 2017 to 1.883% at March 31, 2018. As most of our financing arrangements have maturities of one month or less, the change in one-month LIBOR contributed to the increase in our accrued interest.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

We have entered into TBA positions to facilitate the future purchase or sale of Agency RMBS. We record TBA purchases and sales on the trade date and present the purchase or receipt net of the corresponding payable or receivable until the settlement date of the transaction. As of March 31, 2018, we had a net long TBA position with a net payable amount of $143.1 million and fair market value of $143.7 million. We recorded $1.0 million and $0.4 million, in the “Derivative assets, at fair value” and “Derivative liabilities, at fair value” line items, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets.

Our investments in debt and equity of affiliates are comprised of (i) real estate securities and loans, (ii) associated repurchase agreements, (iii) interest receivable/payable on such real estate securities and loans and repurchase agreements and (iv) our interest in AG Arc. Investments in debt and equity of affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As of March 31, 2018, our real estate securities and loans, and interest in AG Arc had a fair market value of $349.4 million. As of March 31, 2018, these investments, inclusive of associated repurchase agreements and interest receivable/payable had a fair market value of $141.7 million which is included in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheets.

We have committed to fund a $14.6 million mezzanine loan. As of March 31, 2018 we have funded $10.4 million, and our remaining commitment was $4.2 million.

We have committed to invest up to $33.4 million in MATT through our ownership of MATH. As of March 31, 2018, we had funded $4.2 million of our total capital commitment and our outstanding commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to us).

We have committed to invest up to $7.1 million in the Revolving Note. As of March 31, 2018, we had funded $3.0 million of our total commitment and our outstanding commitment was $4.1 million.

Management views our TBA position and our investments in debt and equity of affiliates as part of our investment portfolio. We do not expect these off-balance sheet arrangements, taken as a whole, to be significant to, or have a material impact on, our overall liquidity or capital resources or our operations.

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Certain related person transactions

Our board of directors has adopted a policy regarding the approval of any “related person transaction,” which is any transaction or series of transactions in which (i) we or any of our subsidiaries is or are to be a participant, (ii) the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and (iii) a “related person” (as defined under SEC rules) has a direct or indirect material interest. Under the policy, a related person would need to promptly disclose to our Secretary or Assistant Secretary any related person transaction and all material facts about the transaction. Our Secretary or Assistant Secretary, in consultation with outside counsel, to the extent appropriate, would then assess and promptly communicate that information to the audit committee of our board of directors. Based on its consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, the audit committee will review, approve or ratify such transactions as appropriate. The audit committee will not approve or ratify a related person transaction unless it shall have determined that such transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests and does not create a conflict of interest. If we become aware of an existing related person transaction that has not been approved under this policy, the transaction will be referred to the audit committee which will evaluate all options available, including ratification, revision or termination of such transaction. Our policy requires any director who may be interested in a related person transaction to recuse himself or herself from any consideration of such related person transaction.

Grants of restricted common stock

As of March 31, 2018, we have granted an aggregate of 58,244 and 40,250 shares of restricted common stock to our independent directors and Manager, respectively, and 120,000 shares of restricted stock units to our Manager under our equity incentive plans. As of March 31, 2018, all the shares of restricted common stock granted to our Manager and independent directors have vested and 60,000 restricted stock units granted to our Manager have vested.

Red Creek

In connection with our investments in residential loans and Securitized Whole Loans, we may engage asset managers to provide advisory, consultation, asset management and other services to help our third-party servicers formulate and implement strategic plans to manage, collect and dispose of loans in a manner that is reasonably expected to maximize the amount of proceeds from each loan. Beginning in November 2015, we engaged Red Creek Asset Management LLC (“Asset Manager”), an affiliate of the Manager and a direct subsidiary of Angelo, Gordon, as the asset manager for certain of our residential loans and Securitized Whole Loans. The Asset Manager acknowledges that we will at all times have and retain ownership of all loans and that the Asset Manager will not acquire (i) title to any loan, (ii) any security interest in any loan, or (iii) any other rights or interests of any kind or any nature whatsoever in or to any loan. We pay separate arm’s-length asset management fees, as assessed and confirmed periodically by a third-party valuation firm, for (i) non-performing loans and (ii) re-performing loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017 the fees paid by us to the Asset Manager totaled $47,641 and $50,466, respectively.

Arc Home

On December 9, 2015, we, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc, formed Arc Home, a Delaware limited liability company. Arc Home, through its subsidiary, originates conforming, Government, Jumbo and other non-conforming residential mortgage loans, retains the mortgage servicing rights associated with the loans it originates, and purchases additional mortgage servicing rights from third-party sellers. Our investment in Arc Home, which is conducted through AG Arc, one of our indirect subsidiaries, is reflected on the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on our consolidated balance sheets and had a fair value of $18.4 million and $17.9 million on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Arc Home may sell loans to us or to affiliates of our Manager. Arc Home may also enter into agreements with us, third parties, or affiliates of our Manager to sell Excess MSRs on the mortgage loans that it either purchases from third parties or originates. We have entered into agreements with Arc Home to purchase rights to receive the excess servicing spread related to certain of its MSRs and as of March 31, 2018, these Excess MSRs had fair value of approximately $31.5 million. In connection with our investments in Excess MSRs purchased through Arc Home, we pay a sourcing fee to Arc Home. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 the sourcing fees paid by us to Arc Home totaled $19,935. No sourcing fees were paid to Arc Home for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Mortgage Acquisition Trust I LLC

On August 29, 2017, we, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon entered into the MATH LLC Agreement, which requires that MATH fund a capital commitment of $75.0 million to MATT. Our share of MATH’s total capital commitment to MATT is $33.4 million, of which we had funded $4.2 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, our remaining commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to us).

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Management agreement

On June 29, 2011 we entered into a management agreement with our Manager, which governs the relationship between us and our Manager and describes the services to be provided by our Manager and its compensation for those services. The terms of our management agreement, including the fees payable by us to Angelo, Gordon, were not negotiated at arm’s length, and its terms may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated party. Our Manager, pursuant to the delegation agreement dated as of June 29, 2011, has delegated to Angelo, Gordon the overall responsibility of its day-to-day duties and obligations arising under our management agreement. For further detail on the Management Agreement, see the “Contractual obligations–Management agreement” section of this Item 2.

Other transactions with affiliates

Our board of directors has adopted a policy regarding the approval of any “affiliated transaction,” which is any transaction or series of transactions in which Angelo, Gordon arranges for the purchase and sale of a security or other investment between or among us, on the one hand, and an entity or entities under Angelo, Gordon’s management, on the other hand (an “Affiliated Transaction”). In order for the Company to enter into an Affiliated Transaction, the Affiliated Transaction must be approved by the Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel of the Company and the Chief Compliance Officer of Angelo, Gordon. The price at which the security or investment is traded is the market price or market bid for such security or investment. Independent third-party valuations are used when market prices or bids are not available or prove to be impracticable to acquire. Our Affiliated Transactions are reviewed by our Audit Committee on a quarterly basis to confirm compliance with the policy.

In June 2016, in accordance with our Affiliated Transactions Policy, we executed two trades whereby we acquired real estate securities from two separate affiliates of the Manager (the “June Selling Affiliates”). As of the date of the trades, the securities acquired from the June Selling Affiliates had a total fair value of $6.9 million. In each case, the June Selling Affiliates sold the real estate securities through a BWIC (Bids Wanted in Competition). Prior to the submission of the BWIC by the June Selling Affiliates, we submitted our bid for the real estate securities to the June Selling Affiliates. The pre-submission of our bid allowed us to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In February 2017, in accordance with our Affiliated Transactions Policy, we executed one trade whereby we acquired a real estate security from an affiliate of the Manager (the “February Selling Affiliate”). As of the date of the trade, the security acquired from the February Selling Affiliate had a total fair value of $2.0 million. The February Selling Affiliate sold the real estate security through a BWIC. Prior to the submission of the BWIC by the February Selling Affiliate, we submitted our bid for the real estate security to the February Selling Affiliate. the pre-submission of our bid allowed us to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In July 2017, in accordance with our Affiliated Transactions Policy, we acquired certain real estate securities from an affiliate of the Manager (the “July Selling Affiliate”). As of the date of the trade, the securities acquired from the July Selling Affiliate had a total fair value of $0.2 million. As procuring market bids for the real estate securities was determined to be impracticable in the Manager’s reasonable judgment, appropriate pricing was based on a valuation prepared by an independent third-party pricing vendor. The third-party pricing vendor allowed us to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In October 2017, in accordance with our Affiliated Transactions Policy, we acquired certain real estate securities and loans from two separate affiliates of the Manager (the “October Selling Affiliates”). As of the date of the trade, the securities and loans acquired from the October Selling Affiliates had a total fair value of $8.4 million. As procuring market bids for the real estate securities and loans was determined to be impracticable in the Manager’s reasonable judgment, appropriate pricing was based on a valuation prepared by independent third-party pricing vendors. The third-party pricing vendors allowed us to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

Critical accounting policies

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented. These specific issues include debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and beneficial interests in securitization transactions, among others. The adoption of this standard reclassified certain items on our consolidated statement of cash flows between the “Cash flows from Operating Activities” and the “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” line items as it pertains to the settlement of certain instruments. We adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to our prior period consolidated statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.  The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The adoption of this standard required us to reconcile changes in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result, we no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. We adopted ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to our prior period consolidated statement of cash flows.

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates that involve the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties. Our most critical accounting policies 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 are based are reasonable at the time made and based upon information available to us at that time. We rely upon independent pricing of our assets at each quarter end to arrive at what we believe to be reasonable estimates of fair market value, whenever available. For more information on our fair value measurements, see Note 5 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).” For a review of our significant accounting policies and the recent accounting pronouncements that may impact our results of operations, see Note 2 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).”

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 than inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates.

Other matters

We intend to conduct our business so as to maintain our exempt status under, and not to become regulated as an investment company for purposes of the Investment Company Act. If we failed to maintain our exempt status under the Investment Company Act and became regulated as an investment company, our ability to, among other things, use leverage would be substantially reduced and, as a result, we would be unable to conduct our business as described in this report. Accordingly, we monitor our compliance with both the 55% Test and the 80% Test of the Investment Company Act in order to maintain our exempt status. As of December 31, 2017, we determined that we maintained compliance with both the 55% Test and the 80% Test requirements.

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We calculate that at least 75% of our assets were real estate assets, cash and cash items and government securities for the year ended December 31, 2017. We also calculate that our revenue qualifies for the 75% gross income test and for the 95% gross income test rules for the year ended December 31, 2017. Overall, we believe that we met the REIT income and asset tests. We also believe that we met all other REIT requirements, including the ownership of our common stock and the distribution of our net income. Therefore, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we believe that we qualified as a REIT under the Code.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The primary components of our market risk relate to interest rates, liquidity, prepayment rates and credit risk. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we seek to assume risk that can be quantified from historical experience and to actively manage that risk, to earn sufficient returns to justify taking those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary, fiscal and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our control. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with both our investments and the financing under our repurchase agreements. We generally seek to manage this risk by monitoring, the reset index and interest rate related to our target assets and our financings; by structuring our financing agreements to have a range of maturity terms, amortizations and interest rate adjustment periods; and using hedging instruments to adjust interest rate sensitivity of our target assets and borrowings.

Interest rate effects on net interest income

Our operating results depend in large part upon differences between the yields earned on our investments and our cost of borrowing and upon the effectiveness of our interest rate hedging activities. The majority of our repurchase agreements are short term in nature with an initial term of between 30 and 90 days. The financing rate on these agreements will generally be determined at the outset of each transaction by reference to prevailing short-term rates plus a spread. As a result, our borrowing costs will tend to increase during periods of rising short-term interest rates as we renew, or “roll”, maturing transactions at the higher prevailing rates. When combined with the fact that the income we earn on our fixed interest rate investments will remain substantially unchanged, this will result in a narrowing of the net interest spread between the related assets and borrowings and may even result in losses. We have obtained term financing on certain borrowing arrangements. The financing on term facilities generally are fixed at the outset of each transaction by reference to a pre-determined interest rate plus a spread.

In an attempt to offset the increase in funding costs related to rising short term interest rates, our Manager enters into hedging transactions structured to provide us with positive cash flow in the event short term interest rates rise. Our Manager accomplishes this through the use of interest rate derivatives. Some hedging strategies involving the use of derivatives are highly complex, may produce volatile returns and may expose us to increased risks relating to counterparty defaults.

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.

Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, the fair value of our real estate securities and loan portfolios would be expected to decrease, all other factors being held constant. In particular, the portion of our real estate securities and loan portfolios with fixed-rate coupons would be expected to decrease in value more severely than that portion with a floating-rate coupon. This is because fixed-rate coupon assets tend to have significantly more duration or price sensitivity to changes in interest rates, than floating-rate coupon assets. Fixed-rate assets currently comprise a majority of our portfolio.

The fair value of our investment portfolio could change at a different rate than the fair value of our liabilities when interest rates change. We measure the sensitivity of our portfolio to changes in interest rates by estimating the duration of our assets and liabilities. Duration is the approximate percentage change in fair value for a 100 basis point parallel shift in the yield curve. In general, our assets have higher duration than our liabilities. In order to reduce this exposure we use hedging instruments to reduce the gap in duration between our assets and liabilities.

We calculate estimated effective duration (i.e., the price sensitivity to changes in risk-free interest rates) to measure the impact of changes in interest rates on portfolio value. We estimate duration based on third-party models. Different models and methodologies can produce different effective duration estimates for the same securities. We allocate the net duration by asset type based on the interest rate sensitivity.

The following chart details information about our duration gap as of March 31, 2018:

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Duration*	Years
Agency RMBS		2.77
Hedges		(2.72	)
Agency RMBS Gap Subtotal		0.05
Credit Investments		1.20
Duration Gap		1.25

*Duration related to repurchase agreements is netted within its respective Agency RMBS and Credit Investments line items

The following table quantifies the estimated changes in net interest income, GAAP equity, and the market value of our assets should interest rates go up or down by 25, 50 and 75 basis points, assuming (i) the yield curves of the rate shocks will be parallel to each other and the current yield curve and (ii) all other market risk factors remain constant. These estimates were compiled using a combination of third-party services and models, market data and internal models. All changes in income and equity are measured as percentage changes from the projected net interest income and GAAP equity from our base interest rate scenario. The base interest rate scenario assumes spot and forward interest rates, which existed as of March 31, 2018. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

Agency RMBS assumptions attempt to predict default and prepayment activity at projected interest rate levels. To the extent that these estimates or other assumptions do not hold true, actual results will likely differ materially from projections and could be larger or smaller than the estimates in the table below. Moreover, if different models were employed in the analysis, materially different projections could result. In addition, while the table below reflects the estimated impact of interest rate increases and decreases on a static portfolio as of March 31, 2018, our Manager may from time to time sell any of our investments as a part of the overall management of our investment portfolio.

Change in Interest Rates (basis points) (1)(2)	Change in Market Value as a Percentage of GAAP Equity			Change in Market Value as a Percentage of Assets			Percentage Change in Projected Net Interest Income (3)
+75		-6.5	%		-1.2	%		-2.2	%
+50		-4.1	%		-0.8	%		-1.4	%
+25		-1.9	%		-0.4	%		-0.7	%
-25		1.5	%		0.3	%		0.6	%
-50		2.6	%		0.5	%		1.0	%
-75		3.0	%		0.6	%		1.3	%

(1) Includes investments held through affiliated entities that are reported as "Investments in debt and equity of affiliates" on our consolidated balance sheet, but excludes AG Arc. 

(2)  Does not include cash investments, which typically have overnight maturities and are not expected to change in value as interest rates change. 

(3) Interest income includes trades settled as of March 31, 2018.

The information set forth in the interest rate sensitivity table above and all related disclosures constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated in the foregoing interest rate sensitivity table.

Liquidity risk

Our primary liquidity risk arises from financing long-maturity assets with shorter-term borrowing primarily in the form of repurchase agreements.

Liquidity risk – repurchase agreements

We pledge real estate securities or mortgage loans and cash as collateral to secure our repurchase transactions. Should the fair value of our real estate securities or mortgage loans pledged as collateral decrease (as a result of rising interest rates, changes in prepayment speeds, widening of credit spreads or otherwise), we will likely be subject to margin calls for additional collateral from our financing counterparties. Should the fair value of our real estate securities or mortgage loans decrease materially and suddenly, margin calls will likely increase causing an adverse change to our liquidity position which could result in substantial losses. In addition, we cannot be assured that we will always be able to roll our repurchase transactions at their scheduled maturities which could cause material additional harm to our liquidity position and result in substantial losses. Further, should funding conditions tighten as they did in 2007 - 2009, our repurchase agreement counterparties may increase our margin requirements on new financings, including repurchase transactions that we roll at maturity with the same counterparty, which would require us to post additional collateral and would reduce our ability to use leverage and could potentially cause us to incur substantial losses.

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Liquidity risk - derivatives

The terms of our interest rate swaps and futures require us to post collateral in the form of cash or Agency RMBS to our counterparties to satisfy two types of margin requirements: variation margin and initial margin.

We and our swap and futures counterparties are both required to post variation margin to each other depending upon the daily moves in prevailing benchmark interest rates. The amount of this variation margin is derived from the mark to market valuation of our swaps or futures. Hence, as our swaps or futures lose value in a falling interest rate environment, we are required to post additional variation margin to our counterparties on a daily basis; conversely, as our swaps or futures gain value in a rising interest rate environment, we are able to recall variation margin from our counterparties. By recalling variation margin from our swap or futures counterparties, we are able to partially mitigate the liquidity risk created by margin calls on our repurchase transactions during periods of rising interest rates.

Initial margin works differently. Collateral posted to meet initial margin requirements is intended to create a safety buffer to benefit our counterparties if we were to default on our payment obligations under the terms of the swap or futures and our counterparties were forced to unwind the swap or futures. For trades executed on a bilateral basis, the initial margin is set at the outset of each trade as a fixed percentage of the notional amount of the trade. This means that once we post initial margin at the outset of a bilateral trade, we will have no further posting obligations as it pertains to initial margin. However, the initial margin on our centrally cleared trades varies from day to day depending upon various factors, including the absolute level of interest rates and the implied volatility of interest rates. There is a distinctly positive correlation between initial margin, on the one hand, and the absolute level of interest rates and implied volatility of interest rates, on the other hand. As a result, in times of rising interest rates or increasing rate volatility, we anticipate that the initial margin required on our centrally-cleared trades will likewise increase, potentially by a substantial amount. These margin increases will have a negative impact on our liquidity position and will likely impair the intended liquidity risk mitigation effect of our swaps and futures discussed above.

Our TBA dollar roll contracts are also subject to margin requirements governed by the Mortgage-Backed Securities Division (“MBSD”) of the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation and by our prime brokerage agreements, which may establish margin levels in excess of the MBSD. Such provisions require that we establish an initial margin based on the notional value of the TBA contract, which is subject to increase if the estimated fair value of our TBA contract or the estimated fair value of our pledged collateral declines. The MBSD has the sole discretion to determine the value of our TBA contracts and of the pledged collateral securing such contracts. In the event of a margin call, we must generally provide additional collateral, either securities or cash, on the same business day.

Our Manager seeks to mitigate our liquidity risks by maintaining a prudent level of leverage, monitoring our liquidity position on a daily basis and maintaining a substantial cushion of cash and unpledged real estate securities and loans in our portfolio in order to meet future margin calls. In addition, our Manager seeks to further mitigate our liquidity risk by (i) diversifying our exposure across a broad number of financing counterparties, (ii) limiting our exposure to any single financing counterparty and (iii) monitoring the ongoing financial stability of our financing counterparties.

Prepayment risk

Premiums arise when we acquire real estate assets at a price in excess of the principal balance of the mortgages securing such assets (i.e., par value). Conversely, discounts arise when we acquire assets at a price below the principal balance of the mortgages securing such assets. Premiums paid on our assets are amortized against interest income and accretable purchase discounts on our assets are accreted to interest income. Purchase premiums on our assets, which are primarily carried on our Agency RMBS, are amortized against interest income over the life of each respective asset using the effective yield method, adjusted for actual prepayment activity. An increase in the prepayment rate, as measured by the CPR, will typically accelerate the amortization of purchase premiums, thereby reducing the yield or interest income earned on such assets. Generally, if prepayments on our Non-Agency RMBS or mortgage loans are less than anticipated, we expect that the income recognized on such assets would be reduced due to the slower accretion of purchase discounts, and impairments could result.

As further discussed in Note 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” , differences between previously estimated cash flows and current actual and anticipated cash flows caused by changes to prepayment or other assumptions are adjusted retrospectively through a “catch up” adjustment for the impact of the cumulative change in the effective yield through the reporting date for securities accounted for under ASC 320-10 (generally, Agency RMBS) or adjusted prospectively through an adjustment of the yield over the remaining life of the investment for investments accounted for under ASC 325-40 (generally, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and interest-only securities) and mortgage loans accounted for under ASC 310-30.

In addition, our interest rate hedges are structured in part based upon assumed levels of future prepayments within our real estate securities or mortgage loan portfolio. If prepayments are slower or faster than assumed, the life of the real estate securities or mortgage loans will be longer or shorter than assumed, respectively, which could reduce the effectiveness of our Manager’s hedging strategies and may cause losses on such transactions.

Our Manager seeks to mitigate our prepayment risk by investing in real estate assets with a variety of prepayment characteristics as well as by attempting to maintain in our portfolio a mix of assets purchased at a premium with assets purchased at a discount.

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Real estate value risk

Residential and commercial property values are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors outside of our control, 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 an oversupply of housing or commercial real estate); construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. Decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral underlying our RMBS and CMBS portfolios as well as the potential sale proceeds available to repay our loans in the event of a default. In addition, substantial decreases in property values can increase the rate of strategic defaults by residential mortgage borrowers which can impact and create significant uncertainty in the recovery of principal and interest on our investments.

Credit risk

Although we expect to encounter only de minimis credit risk in our Agency RMBS portfolio, we are exposed to the risk of potential credit losses from an unanticipated increase in borrower defaults as well as general credit spread widening on any Non-Agency assets in our portfolio, including residential and commercial mortgage loans as well as Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and CMBS. We seek to manage this risk through our Manager’s pre-acquisition due diligence process and, if available, through the use of non-recourse financing, which limits our exposure to credit losses to the specific pool of collateral which is the subject of the non-recourse financing. Our Manager’s pre-acquisition due diligence process includes the evaluation of, among other things, relative valuation, supply and demand trends, the shape of various yield curves, prepayment rates, delinquency and default rates, recovery of various sectors and vintage of collateral.

Basis risk

Basis risk refers to the possible decline in our book value triggered by the risk of incurring losses on the fair value of our Agency RMBS as a result of widening market spreads between the yields on our Agency RMBS and the yields on comparable duration Treasury securities. The basis risk associated with fluctuations in fair value of our Agency RMBS may relate to factors impacting the mortgage and fixed income markets other than changes in benchmark interest rates, such as actual or anticipated monetary policy actions by the Federal Reserve, market liquidity, or changes in required rates of return on different assets. Consequently, while we use interest rate swaps and other hedges to protect against moves in interest rates, such instruments will generally not protect our net book value against basis risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information the Company is required to disclose in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We have evaluated, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2018. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us 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 applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

No change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the period covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are at times subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, we can be and are involved in governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, investigations and proceedings. As of the date of this report, we are not party to any litigation or legal proceedings, or to our knowledge, any threatened litigation or legal proceedings, which we believe, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Refer to the risks identified under the caption “Risk Factors”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and our subsequent filings, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, and in the “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections herein.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

Exhibit No.	Description
*3.1	Articles of Amendment and Restatement of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 18, 2011 (“Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2”).
*3.2	Articles of Amendment to Articles of Amendment and Restatement of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2017.
*3.3	Amended and Restated Bylaws of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.
*3.4	Articles Supplementary of 8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2012.
*3.5	Articles Supplementary of 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2012.
*4.1	Specimen Stock Certificate of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.
*4.2	Specimen 8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2012.
*4.3	Specimen 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2012.
*10.1	Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Company and the purchasers of units and shares in the private placement, dated June 29, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Amendment No. 7 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2011 (“Pre-Effective Amendment No. 7”).
*10.2	Form of Management Agreement, dated June 29, 2011 by and between the Company and AG REIT Management, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2011.**
*10.3	Equity Incentive Plan, dated July 6, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.**

70

*10.4	Manager Equity Incentive Plan, dated July 6, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.**
*10.5	Form of Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated July 6, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.**
*10.6	Form of Manager Equity Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated July 6, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2.**
*10.7	Form of Indemnification Agreement, dated July 6, 2011, by and between the Company and the Company’s directors and officers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Pre-Effective Amendment No. 7.
*10.8	Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract dated as of April 12, 2013 between AG MIT, LLC, AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2013.
*10.9	Guarantee Agreement dated as of April 9, 2012 by AG Mortgage Invest Trust, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2012.
*10.10	Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract dated as of February 11, 2014 between AG MIT WFB1 2014 LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2014.
*10.11	Guarantee Agreement dated as of February 11, 2014 by AG MIT, LLC and AG Mortgage Invest Trust, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2014.
*10.12	Master Repurchase and Securities Contract dated as of September 17, 2014, as amended by Omnibus Amendment No.1, dated as of August 4, 2015, between AG MIT CREL LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2014.
*10.13	Guarantee Agreement dated as of September 17, 2014 as amended by Omnibus Amendment No.1, dated as of August 4, 2015, by AG MIT, LLC and AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 18, 2014.
*10.14	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated July 1, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2014.**
*10.15	Omnibus Amendment No.1 to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, Guarantee Agreement and Fee and Pricing Letter dated as of August 4, 2015 between AG MIT CREL, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2015.
*10.16	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated July 1, 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2017.**
31.1	Certification of David N. Roberts pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Brian C. Sigman pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of David N. Roberts pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Brian C. Sigman pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

71

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

*	Fully or partly previously filed.
**	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

72

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

	AG MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.
May 3, 2018	By:	/s/ David N. Roberts
	David N. Roberts
	Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
May 3, 2018	By:	/s/ Brian C. Sigman
	Brian C. Sigman
	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)

73

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

I, David N. Roberts, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 3, 2018
	/s/ David N. Roberts
	David N. Roberts
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

I, Brian C. Sigman, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 3, 2018
	/s/ Brian C. Sigman
	Brian C. Sigman
	Chief Financial Officer and
	Treasurer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, David N. Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

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

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates of, and for the periods covered by, the Report.

It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

/s/ David N. Roberts

David N. Roberts

Chief Executive Officer

May 3, 2018

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Brian C. Sigman, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

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

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates of, and for the periods covered by, the Report.

It is not intended that this statement be deemed to be filed for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

/s/ Brian C. Sigman

Brian C. Sigman

Chief Financial Officer and

Treasurer

May 3, 2018

XML

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 23, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001514281
Trading Symbol	MITT
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,200,928

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Residential mortgage loans, at fair value - $16,814,571 and $15,860,583 pledged as collateral, respectively	$ 19,872,126	$ 18,889,693
Commercial loans, at fair value - $32,800,000 pledged as collateral	57,665,864	57,520,646
Investments in debt and equity of affiliates	141,706,961	99,696,347
Excess mortgage servicing rights, at fair value	30,746,462	5,083,514
Cash and cash equivalents	25,293,928	15,199,655
Restricted cash	42,278,679	37,615,281
Interest receivable	12,396,233	12,607,386
Receivable on unsettled trades - $98,584,870 and $0 pledged as collateral, respectively	104,653,697	0
Receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	0	24,671,320
Derivative assets, at fair value	4,571,441	2,127,070
Other assets	2,830,990	2,491,201
Due from broker	1,382,960	850,514
Total Assets	3,697,084,432	3,789,295,378
Liabilities
Repurchase agreements	2,826,579,322	3,004,407,018
Securitized debt, at fair value	15,496,402	16,477,801
Obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value	0	24,379,356
Payable on unsettled trades	117,355,622	2,418,710
Interest payable	5,866,534	5,225,940
Derivative liabilities, at fair value	786,211	450,208
Dividend payable	13,392,945	13,391,457
Due to affiliates	4,080,540	4,258,074
Accrued expenses	1,288,618	790,271
Taxes payable	548,448	1,545,448
Due to broker	5,863,666	1,691,888
Total Liabilities	2,991,258,308	3,075,036,171
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 450,000,000 shares of common stock authorized and 28,195,673 and 28,192,541 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	281,958	281,927
Additional paid-in capital	585,610,068	585,530,292
Retained earnings/(deficit)	(41,279,907)	(32,767,017)
Total Stockholders' Equity	705,826,124	714,259,207
Total Liabilities & Stockholders' Equity	3,697,084,432	3,789,295,378
8.25 % Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized:	49,920,772	49,920,772
8.00 % Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized:	111,293,233	111,293,233
Agency [Member]
Assets
Real estate securities, at fair value:	2,118,422,605	2,247,161,035
Non-Agency [Member]
Assets
Real estate securities, at fair value:	858,632,285	1,004,255,658
ABS [Member]
Assets
Real estate securities, at fair value:	35,838,056	40,957,553
CMBS [Member]
Assets
Real estate securities, at fair value:	$ 240,792,145	$ 220,168,505

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical] - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,195,673	28,192,541
Common stock, shares outstanding	28,195,673	28,192,541
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Investments Pledged As Collateral (in dollars)	$ 98,584,870	$ 0
Residential mortgage loans [Member]
Loans Pledged as Collateral (in dollars)	16,814,571	15,860,583
Commercial loans [Member]
Loans Pledged as Collateral (in dollars)	32,800,000	32,800,000
Agency [Member]
Real estate securities, at fair value, pledged as collateral (in dollars)	1,929,807,027	2,126,135,420
Non-Agency [Member]
Real estate securities, at fair value, pledged as collateral (in dollars)	832,743,710	976,071,673
ABS [Member]
Real estate securities, at fair value, pledged as collateral (in dollars)	23,718,842	30,832,553
CMBS [Member]
Real estate securities, at fair value, pledged as collateral (in dollars)	$ 227,855,627	$ 211,179,945
8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	2,070,000	2,070,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,070,000	2,070,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value (in dollars)	$ 51,750,000	$ 51,750,000
8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	4,600,000	4,600,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	4,600,000	4,600,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value (in dollars)	$ 115,000,000	$ 115,000,000

XML

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net Interest Income
Interest income	$ 39,357,147	$ 27,959,892
Interest expense	15,325,782	8,161,412
Interest Income (Expense), Net	24,031,365	19,798,480
Other Income/(Loss)
Net realized gain/(loss)	(11,839,132)	(2,428,087)
Realized loss on periodic interest settlements of derivative instruments, net	(1,470,160)	(1,609,977)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	(36,154,808)	12,750,564
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	37,089,966	(125,872)
Other income	255	28,037
Total other income (loss)	(12,373,879)	8,614,665
Expenses
Management fee to affiliate	2,439,169	2,475,816
Other operating expenses	3,222,544	2,793,234
Servicing fees	62,178	76,001
Equity based compensation to affiliate	51,462	77,478
Excise tax	375,000	375,000
Total expenses	6,150,353	5,797,529
Income/(loss) before equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates	5,507,133	22,615,616
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates	2,740,276	2,502,046
Net Income/(Loss)	8,247,409	25,117,662
Dividends on preferred stock	3,367,354	3,367,354
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$ 4,880,055	$ 21,750,308
Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
Basic	$ 0.17	$ 0.79
Diluted	$ 0.17	$ 0.78
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
Basic	28,195,673	27,701,902
Diluted	28,216,794	27,709,037

XML

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - USD ($)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	8.25 % Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	8.00 % Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings/(Deficit) [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 655,876,390	$ 277,002	$ 49,920,772	$ 111,293,233	$ 576,276,322	$ (81,890,939)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		27,700,154
Grant of restricted stock and amortization of equity based compensation	137,415	$ 17	0	0	137,398	0
Grant of restricted stock and amortization of equity based compensation (in shares)		1,748
Common dividends declared	(13,158,404)	$ 0	0	0	0	(13,158,404)
Preferred Series A dividends declared	(1,067,354)	0	0	0	0	(1,067,354)
Preferred Series B dividends declared	(2,300,000)	0	0	0	0	(2,300,000)
Net Income/(Loss)	25,117,662	0	0	0	0	25,117,662
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	664,605,709	$ 277,019	49,920,772	111,293,233	576,413,720	(73,299,035)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017		27,701,902
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	714,259,207	$ 281,927	49,920,772	111,293,233	585,530,292	(32,767,017)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		28,192,541
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	(63,145)	$ 0	0	0	(63,145)	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock (in shares)		0
Grant of restricted stock and amortization of equity based compensation	142,952	$ 31	0	0	142,921	0
Grant of restricted stock and amortization of equity based compensation (in shares)		3,132
Common dividends declared	(13,392,945)	$ 0	0	0	0	(13,392,945)
Preferred Series A dividends declared	(1,067,354)	0	0	0	0	(1,067,354)
Preferred Series B dividends declared	(2,300,000)	0	0	0	0	(2,300,000)
Net Income/(Loss)	8,247,409	0	0	0	0	8,247,409
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 705,826,124	$ 281,958	$ 49,920,772	$ 111,293,233	$ 585,610,068	$ (41,279,907)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		28,195,673

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income/(loss)	$ 8,247,409	$ 25,117,662
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net amortization of premium	(959,487)	(1,956,993)
Net realized (gain)/loss	11,839,132	2,428,087
Unrealized (gains)/losses on real estate securities and loans, net	36,154,808	(12,750,564)
Unrealized (gains)/losses on derivative and other instruments, net	(37,089,966)	125,872
Equity based compensation to affiliate	51,462	77,478
Equity based compensation expense	91,490	59,937
(Income)/loss from investments in debt and equity of affiliates in excess of distributions received	2,126,634	(866,267)
Change in operating assets/liabilities:
Interest receivable	227,430	(211,830)
Other assets	(130,648)	(230,376)
Due from broker	(248,915)	20,628
Interest payable	5,155,495	1,918,238
Due to affiliates	(177,534)	382,101
Accrued expenses	561,492	(61,487)
Taxes payable	(997,000)	(1,291,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	24,851,802	12,761,486
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchase of real estate securities	(686,020,111)	(218,093,692)
Purchase of commercial loans	0	(10,270,833)
Purchase of U.S. Treasury securities	(249,658,991)	0
Purchase of excess mortgage servicing rights	(7,604,273)	(563,826)
Investments in debt and equity of affiliates	(39,215,900)	0
Proceeds from sales of real estate securities	728,366,471	119,058,418
Proceeds from sales of residential mortgage loans	0	4,512,819
Proceeds from sales of U.S. treasury securities	249,227,323	0
Principal repayments/return of basis on real estate securities and excess mortgage servicing rights	112,742,799	87,528,816
Principal repayments on commercial loans	0	12,301,688
Principal repayments on residential mortgage loans	182,647	673,963
Distribution received in excess of income from investments in debt and equity of affiliates	6,460,342	3,530,298
Net proceeds from/(payments made) on reverse repurchase agreements	24,695,299	22,680,932
Net proceeds from/(payments made) on sales of securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements	(24,032,417)	(22,413,242)
Net settlement of interest rate swaps and other instruments	6,504,134	332,939
Net settlement of TBAs	372,617	(242,031)
Cash flows provided by/(used in) other investing activities	1,223,914	1,981,673
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	123,243,854	1,017,922
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	(63,145)	0
Borrowings under repurchase agreements	13,806,248,300	6,201,064,049
Repayments of repurchase agreements	(13,950,355,552)	(6,223,001,433)
Repayments of loan participation	0	(1,800,000)
Net collateral received from/(paid to) derivative counterparty	27,206,885	130,000
Net collateral received from/(paid to) repurchase counterparty	384,338	(321,773)
Dividends paid on common stock	(13,391,457)	(13,157,573)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(3,367,354)	(3,367,354)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(133,337,985)	(40,454,084)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	14,757,671	(26,674,676)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, Beginning of Period	52,814,936	79,053,418
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, End of Period	67,572,607	52,378,742
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest on repurchase agreements	14,513,480	7,884,141
Cash paid for income tax	1,379,449	1,715,729
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Principal repayments on real estate securities not yet received	1,017,732	0
Common stock dividends declared but not paid	13,392,945	13,158,404
Decrease in securitized debt	994,075	1,575,619
Transfer from residential mortgage loans to other assets	0	924,712
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows	67,572,607	52,378,742
Non-Agency [Member]
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Transfer of investments in debt and equity of affiliates	44,969,520	0
Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:
Transfer of investments in debt and equity of affiliates	$ 33,720,444	$ 0

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Organization

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

1. Organization

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 1, 2011. The Company is focused on investing in, acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of residential mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS, issued or guaranteed by a government-sponsored entity such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (collectively, “GSEs”), or any agency of the U.S. Government such as Ginnie Mae (collectively, “Agency RMBS”) and other real estate-related securities and financial assets, including Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and loans (as defined below).

Non-Agency RMBS represent fixed- and floating-rate RMBS issued by entities or organizations other than a U.S. government-sponsored entity or agency of the U.S. government, including investment grade (AAA through BBB) and non-investment grade classes (BB and below). The mortgage loan collateral for Non-Agency RMBS consists of residential mortgage loans that do not generally conform to underwriting guidelines issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored entities.

Asset Backed Securities (“ABS”) are securitized investments similar to the aforementioned investments except the underlying assets are diverse, not only representing real estate related assets.

Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (“CMBS”) represent investments of fixed- and floating-rate CMBS, including investment grade (AAA through BBB) and non-investment grade classes (BB and below) secured by, or evidence an ownership interest in, a single commercial mortgage loan or a pool of commercial mortgage loans.

Collectively, the Company refers to Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and CMBS asset types as “real estate securities” or “securities.”

Commercial loans are secured by an interest in commercial real estate and represent a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates. Residential mortgage loans refer to performing, re-performing and non-performing loans secured by a first lien mortgage on residential mortgaged property located in any of the 50 states of the United States or in the District of Columbia. The Company refers to its residential and commercial mortgage loans as “mortgage loans” or “loans.”

The Company is externally managed by AG REIT Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Manager”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. (“Angelo, Gordon”), a privately-held, SEC-registered investment adviser, pursuant to a management agreement. The Manager, pursuant to a delegation agreement dated as of June 29, 2011, has delegated to Angelo, Gordon the overall responsibility of its day-to-day duties and obligations arising under the management agreement.

The Company conducts its operations to qualify and be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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Summary of significant accounting policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement for the interim period of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire  year.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is comprised of cash on deposit with financial institutions. The Company classifies highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase as cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company held no cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality institutions to minimize credit risk exposure. Cash pledged to the Company as collateral is unrestricted in use and, accordingly, is included as a component of “Cash and cash equivalents” on the consolidated balance sheets. Any cash held by the Company as collateral is included in the “Due to broker” line item on the consolidated balance sheets and in cash flows from financing activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows. Due to broker does not include variation margin received on centrally cleared derivatives. See Note 7 for more detail. Any cash due to the Company in the form of principal payments is included in the “Due from broker” line item on the consolidated balance sheets and in cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash includes cash pledged as collateral for clearing and executing trades, derivatives and repurchase agreements and is not available to the Company for general corporate purposes. Restricted cash may be returned to the Company when the related collateral requirements are exceeded or at the maturity of the derivative or repurchase agreement. Restricted cash is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash does not include variation margin pledged on centrally cleared derivatives. See Note 7 for more detail.

Offering costs

The Company incurred offering costs in connection with common stock offerings. The offering costs were paid out of the proceeds of the respective offerings. Offering costs in connection with common stock offerings have been accounted for as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Earnings/(Loss) per share

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, “Earnings per Share,” the Company calculates basic income/(loss) per share by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for the period by weighted-average shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted income per share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options, warrants, unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. In periods in which the Company records a loss, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation, as their effect on loss per share is anti-dilutive.

Valuation of financial instruments

The fair value of the financial instruments that the Company records at fair value will be determined by the Manager, subject to oversight of the Company’s board of directors, and in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” When possible, the Company determines fair value using independent data sources. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques giving the highest priority to readily available unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements) when market prices are not readily available or reliable.

The three levels of the hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below: 

• Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 – Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others.

• Level 3 – Prices 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. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

Transfers between levels are assumed to occur at the beginning of the reporting period.

Accounting for real estate securities

Investments in real estate securities are recorded in accordance with ASC 320-10, “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.” The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” for its real estate securities portfolio. Real estate securities are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and the periodic change in fair market value is recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.” Real estate securities acquired through securitizations are shown in the line item “Purchase of real estate securities” on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

These investments meet the requirements to be classified as available for sale under ASC 320-10-25 which requires the securities to be carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded to other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity. Electing the fair value option allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the consolidated statement of operations, which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all securities activities will be recorded in a similar manner.

When the Company purchases securities with evidence of credit deterioration since origination, it will analyze to determine if the guidance found in ASC 310-30 is applicable.

The Company accounts for its securities under ASC 310 and ASC 325 and evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a real estate security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

When a real estate security is impaired, an OTTI is considered to have occurred if (i) the Company intends to sell the security (i.e., a decision has been made as of the reporting date) or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the real estate security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire amount of the impairment loss, if any, is recognized in earnings as a realized loss and the cost basis of the security is adjusted to its fair value. Additionally for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40 an OTTI is deemed to have occurred when there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows to be received and the fair value of the security is less than its carrying amount. In determining whether an adverse change in cash flows occurred, the present value of the remaining cash flows, as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised), is compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the current reporting date. The estimated cash flows reflect those a “market participant” would use and include observations of current information and events, and assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of potential credit losses. Cash flows are discounted at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete interest income. Any resulting OTTI adjustments are reflected in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

The determination as to whether an OTTI exists is subjective, given that such determination is based on information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimate of the future performance and cash flow projections for the individual security. As a result, the timing and amount of an OTTI constitutes an accounting estimate that may change materially over time.

Increases in interest income may be recognized on a security on which the Company previously recorded an OTTI charge if the performance of such security subsequently improves.

Any remaining unrealized losses on securities at March 31, 2018 do not represent other than temporary impairment as the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or above the amortized cost of the investment, and the Company is not required to sell the security for regulatory or other reasons. In addition, any unrealized losses on the Company’s Agency RMBS accounted for under ASC 320 are not due to credit losses given their explicit guarantee of principal and interest by the GSEs, but rather are due to changes in interest rates and prepayment expectations. See Note 3 for a summary of OTTI charges recorded.

Sales of securities

Sales of securities are driven by the Manager’s portfolio management process. The Manager seeks to mitigate risks including those associated with prepayments, defaults, severities, amongst others and will opportunistically rotate the portfolio into securities with 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 securities, loans and derivatives are included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. The cost of positions sold is calculated using a first in, first out, or FIFO, basis. Realized gains and losses are recorded in earnings at the time of disposition.

Accounting for mortgage loans

Investments in mortgage loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-10. At purchase, the Company may aggregate its mortgage loans into pools based on common risk characteristics. Once a pool of loans is assembled, its composition is maintained. The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its mortgage loan portfolio. Loans are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and any periodic change in fair market value will be recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.”

The Company amortizes or accretes any premium or discount over the life of the related loans utilizing the effective interest method. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of its loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether they are impaired. A loan or pool of loans 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. When a loan or pool of loans is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated and recorded accordingly. 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 or pool of loans 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 to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

When the Company purchases mortgage loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it determines that it is probable it will not collect all contractual cash flows on those loans, it will apply the guidance found in ASC 310-30. Mortgage loans that are delinquent 60 or more days are considered non-performing.

The Company updates its estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected on at least a quarterly basis for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30. In estimating these cash flows, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to uncertainties and contingencies including both the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts, and assumptions of prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations. If based on the most current information and events it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected, the Company will recognize these changes prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life. The Company will adjust the amount of accretable yield by reclassification from the nonaccretable difference. The adjustment is accounted for as a change in estimate in conformity with ASC 250, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” with the amount of periodic accretion adjusted over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected from previously projected cash flows, which includes all cash flows originally expected to be collected by the investor plus any additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition, are recognized as impairment. Increases in interest income may be recognized on a loan on which the Company previously recorded an OTTI charge if the performance of such loan subsequently improves.

Investments in debt and equity of affiliates

The Company’s unconsolidated ownership interests in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method. A majority of the Company’s investments held through affiliated entities are comprised of real estate securities and loans, including loans held through Mortgage Acquisition Holding I LLC (“MATH”) as discussed below. These underlying entities have chosen to make a fair value election on their financial instruments pursuant to ASC 825; as such, the Company will treat these investments consistently with this election. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these investments had a fair market value of $331.0 million and $88.3 million, respectively.

On December 9, 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc LLC, one of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries (“AG Arc”), formed Arc Home LLC (“Arc Home”). The Company has chosen to make a fair value election with respect to its investment in AG Arc pursuant to ASC 825. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest in AG Arc had a fair market value of $18.4 million and $17.9 million, respectively. See Note 10 for additional detail.

On August 27, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, formed “MATH” to conduct a residential mortgage investment strategy. MATH in turn sponsored the formation of an entity called Mortgage Acquisition Trust I LLC (“MATT”) to purchase predominantly “Non-QMs,” which are residential mortgage loans that are not deemed “qualified mortgage,” or “QM,” loans under the rules of the CFPB. Non-QMs are not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. MATT is expected to make an election to be treated as a real estate investment trust beginning with the 2018 tax year. In furtherance of this business, MATH’s sponsoring funds have agreed to provide up to $75.0 million of capital to MATH, of which the Company agreed to provide $33.4 million for use in this mortgage investment business. The Company invests in MATT through MATH, and these indirect subsidiaries have chosen to make a fair value election on their respective financial instruments pursuant to ASC 825. As such, the Company will treat this investment consistently with this election. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had funded $4.2 of its total capital commitment and the Company’s outstanding commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

The Company’s investments in debt and equity of affiliates are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item and periodic changes in fair market value are recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates.” Capital contributions, distributions and profits and losses of such entities are allocated in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreements.

Excess mortgage servicing rights

The Company has acquired the right to receive the excess servicing spread related to excess mortgage servicing rights (“Excess MSRs”). The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for Excess MSRs. Excess MSRs are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and any periodic change in fair market value is recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

Investment consolidation and transfers of financial assets

For each investment made, the Company evaluates the underlying entity that issued the securities acquired or to which the Company makes a loan to determine the appropriate accounting. A similar analysis will be performed for each entity with which the Company enters into an agreement for management, servicing or related services. In performing the analysis, the Company refers to guidance in ASC 810-10, “Consolidation.” In situations where the Company is the transferor of financial assets, the Company refers to the guidance in ASC 860-10 “Transfers and Servicing.”

In variable interest entities (“VIEs”), an entity is subject to consolidation under ASC 810-10 if the equity investors either do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns. VIEs within the scope of ASC 810-10 are required to be consolidated by their 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 of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This determination can sometimes involve complex and subjective analyses. Further, ASC 810-10 also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. In accordance with ASC 810-10, all transferees, including variable interest entities, must be evaluated for consolidation. See Note 3 for more detail.

The Company entered into a resecuritization transaction which resulted in the Company consolidating the VIE that was created to facilitate the transaction and to which the underlying assets in connection with the resecuritization were transferred. In determining the accounting treatment to be applied to this resecuritization transaction, the Company evaluated whether the entity used to facilitate this transaction was a VIE and, if so, whether it should be consolidated. Based on its evaluation, the Company concluded that the VIE should be consolidated. If the Company had determined that consolidation was not required, it would have then assessed whether the transfer of the underlying assets would qualify as a sale or should be accounted for as secured financings under GAAP. See Note 3 below for more detail.

The Company may periodically enter into transactions in which it transfers assets to a third party. Upon a transfer of financial assets, the Company will sometimes retain or acquire senior or subordinated interests in the related assets. Pursuant to ASC 860-10, a determination must be made as to whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor’s continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. The financial components approach under ASC 860-10 limits the circumstances in which a financial asset, or portion of a financial asset, should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire original financial asset to an entity that is not consolidated with the transferor in the financial statements being presented and/or when the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial asset. It defines the term “participating interest” to establish specific conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale.

Under ASC 860-10, after a transfer of financial assets that meets the criteria for treatment as a sale—legal isolation, ability of transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred assets without constraint and transferred control—an entity recognizes the financial and servicing assets it acquired or retained and the liabilities it has incurred, derecognizes financial assets it has sold and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. The transferor would then determine the gain or loss on sale of financial assets by allocating the carrying value of the underlying mortgage between securities or loans sold and the interests retained based on their fair values. The gain or loss on sale is the difference between the cash proceeds from the sale and the amount allocated to the securities or loans sold. When a transfer of financial assets does not qualify for sale accounting, ASC 860-10 requires the transfer to be accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral.

On February 12, 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and at closing, transferred a 15% or $1.8 million interest in the loan (the “Participation Interest”) to an unaffiliated third party. The Company, as transferor, evaluated the transfer under ASC 860-10, and concluded the transferred participation interest should be accounted for as a secured borrowing. The Company has recorded the $12.0 million commercial loan on its consolidated balance sheets as an asset in the “Commercial loans, at fair value” line item. The Company has recorded a $1.8 million liability in the “Loan participation payable, at fair value” line item representing the transfer of the participation interest. The Company has chosen to make a fair value election on the consolidated interest pursuant to ASC 825. The holder of the participation interest has no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017. The principal and interest due on the Participation Interest was paid from these proceeds. See Note 4 for more detail.

From time to time, the Company may securitize mortgage loans it holds if such financing is available. These transactions will be recorded in accordance with ASC 860-10 and will be accounted for as either a “sale” and the loans will be removed from the consolidated balance sheets or as a “financing” and will be classified as “real estate securities” on the consolidated balance sheets, depending upon the structure of the securitization transaction. ASC 860-10 is a standard that may require the Company to exercise significant judgment in determining whether a transaction should be recorded as a “sale” or a “financing.”

Interest income recognition

Interest income on the Company’s real estate securities portfolio is accrued based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance of such securities. The Company has elected to record interest in accordance with ASC 835-30-35-2 using the effective interest method for all securities accounted for under the fair value option (ASC 825). As such, premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the lives of the securities in accordance with ASC 310-20, “Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs,” ASC 320-10 or ASC 325-40 as applicable. Total interest income is recorded in the “Interest income” line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

On at least a quarterly basis for securities accounted for under ASC 320-10 and ASC 310-20 (generally Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest-only securities), prepayments of the underlying collateral must be estimated, which directly affect the speed at which the Company amortizes premiums on its securities. If actual and anticipated cash flows differ from previous estimates, the Company recognizes a “catch-up” adjustment in the current period to the amortization of premiums for the impact of the cumulative change in the effective yield through the reporting date.

Similarly, the Company also reassesses the cash flows on at least a quarterly basis for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40 (generally Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS, interest-only securities and Excess MSRs). In estimating these cash flows, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to uncertainties and contingencies. These include the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts (including assumptions of prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations), the pass-through or coupon rate and interest rate fluctuations. In addition, interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying mortgage loans have to be estimated. Differences between previously estimated cash flows and current actual and anticipated cash flows are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the yield over the remaining life of the security based on the current amortized cost of the investment as adjusted for credit impairment, if any.

Interest income on the Company’s loan portfolio is accrued based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance of such loans. The Company has elected to record interest in accordance with ASC 835-30-35-2 using the effective interest method for all loans accounted for under the fair value option (ASC 825). Any amortization will be reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statement of operations.

For security and loan investments purchased with evidence of deterioration of credit quality for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable, the Company will apply the provisions of ASC 310-30. For purposes of income recognition, the Company may aggregate loans that have common risk characteristics into pools and uses a composite interest rate and expectation of cash flows expected to be collected for the pool. ASC 310-30 addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities (loans) acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. ASC 310-30 limits the yield that may be accreted (accretable yield) to the excess of the investor’s estimate of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows (cash flows expected at acquisition to be collected) over the investor’s initial investment in the loan. ASC 310-30 requires that the excess of contractual cash flows over cash flows expected to be collected (nonaccretable difference) not be recognized as an adjustment of yield, loss accrual or valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected generally should be recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected should be recognized as impairment.

The Company’s accrual of interest, discount accretion and premium amortization for U.S. federal and other tax purposes differs from the financial accounting treatment of these items as described above.

Repurchase agreements

The Company finances the acquisition of certain assets within its portfolio through the use of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and carried at primarily their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements. The carrying amount of the Company’s repurchase agreements approximates fair value.

The Company pledges certain securities or loans as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions, the terms and conditions of which are negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. The amounts available to be borrowed are dependent upon the fair value of the securities or loans pledged as collateral, which fluctuates with changes in interest rates, type of security and liquidity conditions within the banking, mortgage finance and real estate industries. In response to declines in fair value of pledged assets, lenders may require the Company to post additional collateral or pay down borrowings to re-establish agreed upon collateral requirements, referred to as margin calls. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has met all margin call requirements. 

Accounting for derivative financial instruments

The Company enters into derivative contracts as a means of mitigating interest rate risk rather than to enhance returns. The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging.” ASC 815-10 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, if or when hedge accounting is elected, the fair value adjustments 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 hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any interest rate derivatives designated as hedges. All derivatives have been recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 820-10, with corresponding changes in value recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company records derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis with respect to its counterparties. The Company records the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with the Company’s centrally cleared derivative instruments on a net basis. See Note 7 for a discussion of this accounting treatment. During the period in which the Company unwinds a derivative, it records a realized gain/(loss) in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item in the consolidated statement of operations.

To-be-announced securities

A to-be-announced security (“TBA”) is a forward contract for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date. The specific Agency RMBS delivered into or received from the contract upon the settlement date, published each month by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, are not known at the time of the transaction. The Company may also choose, prior to settlement, to move the settlement of these securities out to a later date by entering into an offsetting short or long position (referred to as a pair off), net settling the paired off positions for cash, simultaneously purchasing or selling a similar TBA contract for a later settlement date. This transaction is commonly referred to as a dollar roll. The Agency RMBS purchased or sold for a forward settlement date are typically priced at a discount to Agency RMBS for settlement in the current month. This difference, or discount, is referred to as the price drop. The price drop is the economic equivalent of net interest carry income on the underlying Agency RMBS over the roll period (interest income less implied financing cost) and is commonly referred to as dollar roll income/(loss). Consequently, forward purchases of Agency RMBS and dollar roll transactions represent a form of off-balance sheet financing. Dollar roll income is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the line item “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

The Company presents the purchase or sale of TBAs net of the corresponding payable or receivable, respectively, until the settlement date of the transaction. Contracts for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS are accounted for as derivatives if they do not qualify for the “regular way” security trade scope exception found in ASC 815-10. To be eligible for this scope exception, the contract must meet the following conditions: (1) there is no other way to purchase or sell that security, (2) delivery of that security and settlement will occur within the shortest period possible for that type of security, and (3) it is probable at inception and throughout the term of the individual contract that the contract will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of a security when it is issued. Unrealized gains and losses associated with TBA contracts not meeting the regular-way exception and not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the line item “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

U.S. Treasury securities

The Company may purchase long or sell short U.S. Treasury securities to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates. The Company may finance its purchase of U.S. Treasury securities with overnight repurchase agreements. The Company may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities through overnight reverse repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as borrowing transactions, and the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed securities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets based on the value of the underlying borrowed securities as of the reporting date. Interest income and expense associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Interest income” and “Interest expense”, respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Net realized gain/(loss)” and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net,” respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had no positions in U.S. Treasury securities.

Short positions in U.S. Treasury securities through reverse repurchase agreements

The Company may sell short U.S. Treasury securities to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates. The Company may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities under reverse repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as borrowing transactions, and the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed securities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets based on the value of the underlying borrowed securities as of the reporting date. The Company establishes haircuts to ensure the market value of the underlying assets remain sufficient to protect the Company in the event of a default by a counterparty. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Net realized gain/(loss)” and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net,” respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations.

Manager compensation

The management agreement provides for payment to the Manager of a management fee. The management fee is accrued and expensed during the period for which it is calculated and earned. For a more detailed discussion on the fees payable under the management agreement, see Note 10.

Income taxes

The Company conducts its operations to qualify and be taxed as a REIT. Accordingly, the Company will generally not be subject to federal or state corporate income tax to the extent that the Company makes qualifying distributions to its stockholders, and provided that it 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, it will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which the Company fails to qualify as a REIT.

The dividends paid deduction of a REIT for qualifying dividends to its stockholders is computed using the Company’s taxable income/(loss) as opposed to net income/(loss) reported on the Company’s GAAP financial statements. Taxable income/(loss), generally, will differ from net income/(loss) reported on the financial statements because the determination of taxable income/(loss) is based on tax principles and not financial accounting principles.

The Company elected to treat certain domestic subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) and may elect to treat other subsidiaries as TRSs. 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 may declare dividends to the Company which will be included in the Company’s taxable income/(loss) and necessitate a distribution to stockholders. Conversely, if the Company retains earnings at the domestic TRS level, no distribution is required and the Company can increase book equity of the consolidated entity. A domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

The Company elected to treat one of its foreign subsidiaries as a TRS and, accordingly, taxable income generated by this foreign TRS may not be subject to local income taxation, but generally will be included in the Company’s income on a current basis as Subpart F income, whether or not distributed.

The Company’s financial results are generally not expected to reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes, except for any activities conducted through one or more TRSs that are subject to corporate income taxation. The Company believes that it will operate in a manner that will allow it to qualify for taxation as a REIT. As a result of the Company’s expected REIT qualification, it does not generally expect to pay federal or state corporate income tax. Many of the REIT requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If the Company were to fail to meet the REIT requirements, it would be subject to federal income taxes and applicable state and local taxes.

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 Company evaluates uncertain income tax positions, if any, in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” The Company classifies interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of provision for income taxes. See Note 9 for further details.

Stock-based compensation

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” with regard to its equity incentive plans. ASC 718 covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights and employee stock purchase plans. ASC 718 requires that compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. Compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.

Compensation cost related to restricted common shares issued to the Company’s directors is measured at its estimated fair value at the grant date, and is amortized and expensed over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Compensation cost related to restricted common shares and restricted stock units issued to the Manager is initially measured at estimated fair value at the grant date, and is remeasured on subsequent dates to the extent the awards are unvested. Restricted stock units granted to the Manager do not entitle the participant the rights of a shareholder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The restricted stock units are not considered to be participating shares. Restricted stock units are measured at fair value reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at an assumed risk free rate. The Company has elected to use the straight-line method to amortize compensation expense for restricted stock units. 

Recent accounting pronouncements

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented. These specific issues include debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and beneficial interests in securitization transactions, among others. The adoption of this standard reclassified certain items on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows between the “Cash flows from Operating Activities” and the “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” line items as it pertains to the settlement of certain instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to its prior period consolidated statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.  The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The adoption of this standard required the Company to reconcile changes in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result, the Company no longer presents transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to its prior period consolidated statement of cash flows. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 introduces a new model related to the accounting for credit losses on instruments, specifically, financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU 2016-13 amends the current guidance, requiring an OTTI charge only when fair value is below the amortized cost of an asset. The length of time the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security has been below the amortized cost will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. As such, it is no longer an other-than-temporary model. In addition, credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will now be limited to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. The new debt security model will also require the use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses. The new guidance also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, and models. In addition, public entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating its method of adoption and the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). The amendments in this update require purchase premiums for investments in debt securities that are noncontingently callable by the issuer (at a fixed price and preset date) to be amortized to the earliest call date. Previously, purchase premiums for such investments were permitted to be amortized to the instrument’s maturity date. ASU 2017-08 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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Real Estate Securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Mortgage-Backed Securities Disclosure [Text Block]

3. Real Estate Securities

The following tables detail the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company’s Agency RMBS are mortgage pass-through certificates or collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of residential mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. The Company’s Non-Agency RMBS, ABS and CMBS portfolios are primarily not issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or any agency of the U.S. Government and are therefore subject to credit risk. The principal and interest payments on Agency RMBS securities have an explicit guarantee by either an agency of the U.S. government or a U.S government-sponsored entity.

The following table details the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Unrealized (1)							Weighted Average
	Current Face		Premium / (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (2)				Yield
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,811,490,058	$	71,789,601	$	1,883,279,659	$	1,086,867	$	(28,992,188)	$	1,855,374,338			3.88	%		3.33	%
Fixed Rate CMO		50,935,170		399,564		51,334,734		-		(459,397)		50,875,337			3.00	%		2.80	%
ARM		117,027,852		51,429		117,079,281		-		(1,187,653)		115,891,628			2.42	%		2.85	%
Interest Only		570,498,512		(474,481,629)		96,016,883		2,023,607		(1,759,188)		96,281,302			3.79	%		7.49	%
Total Agency:		2,549,951,592		(402,241,035)		2,147,710,557		3,110,474		(32,398,426)		2,118,422,605			3.78	%		3.48	%
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		1,005,616,106		(208,794,767)		796,821,339		62,177,364		(3,278,798)		855,719,905			4.56	%		6.38	%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		359,519,282		(356,247,271)		3,272,011		124,325		(483,956)		2,912,380			0.44	%		14.11	%
Total Non-Agency:		1,365,135,388		(565,042,038)		800,093,350		62,301,689		(3,762,754)		858,632,285			3.91	%		6.41	%
ABS		35,649,380		(227,469)		35,421,911		440,594		(24,449)		35,838,056			8.33	%		8.85	%
CMBS		239,599,012		(46,725,949)		192,873,063		1,110,232		(1,816,126)		192,167,169			5.75	%		6.25	%
CMBS Interest Only		2,014,518,351		(1,968,803,554)		45,714,797		2,944,479		(34,300)		48,624,976			0.40	%		6.67	%
Total CMBS:		2,254,117,363		(2,015,529,503)		238,587,860		4,054,711		(1,850,426)		240,792,145			0.86	%		6.34	%
Total	$	6,204,853,723	$	(2,983,040,045)	$	3,221,813,678	$	69,907,468	$	(38,036,055)	$	3,253,685,091			2.74	%		4.52	%

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

(2) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.                  

The following table details the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Current Face		Premium / (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (2)			Yield
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,848,172,215	$	81,133,356	$	1,929,305,571	$	5,124,870	$	(5,397,445)	$	1,929,032,996		3.79	%		3.13	%
Fixed Rate CMO		52,263,914		406,502		52,670,416		280,340		-		52,950,756		3.00	%		2.79	%
ARM		176,560,807		(834,745)		175,726,062		683,254		(21,920)		176,387,396		2.35	%		2.83	%
Interest Only		644,238,995		(554,353,362)		89,885,633		1,608,431		(2,704,177)		88,789,887		3.27	%		6.84	%
Total Agency:		2,721,235,931		(473,648,249)		2,247,587,682		7,696,895		(8,123,542)		2,247,161,035		3.56	%		3.25	%
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		1,165,533,510		(228,542,116)		936,991,394		66,812,751		(2,210,053)		1,001,594,092		4.45	%		6.10	%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		371,297,100		(367,976,760)		3,320,340		129,480		(788,254)		2,661,566		0.30	%		10.49	%
Total Non-Agency:		1,536,830,610		(596,518,876)		940,311,734		66,942,231		(2,998,307)		1,004,255,658		3.38	%		6.12	%
ABS		40,655,000		(438,491)		40,216,509		741,044		-		40,957,553		7.61	%		8.27	%
CMBS		221,305,103		(51,818,496)		169,486,607		1,059,546		(1,079,582)		169,466,571		5.58	%		6.23	%
CMBS Interest Only		2,021,260,566		(1,974,312,498)		46,948,068		3,778,264		(24,398)		50,701,934		0.40	%		6.63	%
Total CMBS:		2,242,565,669		(2,026,130,994)		216,434,675		4,837,810		(1,103,980)		220,168,505		0.80	%		6.32	%
Total	$	6,541,287,210	$	(3,096,736,610)	$	3,444,550,600	$	80,217,980	$	(12,225,829)	$	3,512,542,751		2.60	%		4.32	%

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

 

(2) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s real estate securities by length of time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	Less than 12 months				Greater than 12 months
As of	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2018	$	1,966,445,757	$	(34,847,549)	$	97,161,337	$	(3,188,506)
December 31, 2017		1,116,925,170		(8,011,731)		188,434,092		(4,214,098)

As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates securities for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a real estate security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 the Company recognized an OTTI charge of $1.0 million on its securities, which is included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company recorded $1.0 million of OTTI due to an adverse change in cash flows on certain securities where the fair values of the securities were less than their carrying amounts. Of the $1.0 million of OTTI recorded, $0.6 million related to securities where OTTI was not recognized in a prior year.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 the Company recognized an OTTI charge of $2.7 million on its securities, which is included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. Of this amount, $1.0 million was recognized on one security in an unrealized loss position which the Company demonstrated intent to sell, and the charge represents a write-down of cost to fair value as of the reporting date. The Company recorded $1.7 million of OTTI due to an adverse change in cash flows on certain securities where the fair values of the securities were less than their carrying amounts. Of the $2.7 million of OTTI recorded, $1.1 million related to securities where OTTI was not recognized in a prior year.

The decline in value of the remaining real estate securities is solely due to market conditions and not the credit quality of the assets. The investments in any remaining unrealized loss positions are not considered other than temporarily impaired because the Company currently has the ability and intent to hold the investments to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or beyond the cost of the investments and the Company is not required to sell the investments for regulatory or other reasons.

The following table details weighted average life broken out by Agency RMBS, Agency Interest-Only (“IO”) and Credit Securities as of March 31, 2018:

	Agency RMBS (1)							Agency IO							Credit Investments (2)
Weighted Average Life (3)	Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon (4)
Less than or equal to 1 year	$	-	$	-		-		$	-	$	-		-		$	92,567,490	$	92,906,904		5.66	%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years		166,766,965		168,414,014		2.59	%		21,877,339		21,029,824		3.12	%		447,882,191		434,741,071		1.03	%
Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years		1,440,382,354		1,467,446,517		3.92	%		74,403,963		74,987,059		4.16	%		424,347,868		396,396,441		3.04	%
Greater than ten years		414,991,984		415,833,143		3.76	%		-		-		-			170,464,937		150,058,705		5.58	%
Total	$	2,022,141,303	$	2,051,693,674		3.77	%	$	96,281,302	$	96,016,883		3.79	%	$	1,135,262,486	$	1,074,103,121		1.95	%

(1) For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

(2) For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

(3) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(4) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

The following table details weighted average life broken out by Agency RMBS, Agency IO and Credit Securities as of December 31, 2017:

	Agency RMBS (1)							Agency IO							Credit Investments (2)
Weighted Average Life (3)	Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon (4)
Less than or equal to 1 year	$	-	$	-		-		$	-	$	-		-		$	117,531,313	$	117,804,751		2.15	%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years		229,338,153		228,396,478		2.50	%		28,836,904		29,519,508		2.36	%		477,066,079		460,333,652		1.07	%
Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years		1,865,474,374		1,865,706,312		3.79	%		59,952,983		60,366,125		4.36	%		482,183,493		452,403,504		2.87	%
Greater than ten years		63,558,621		63,599,259		3.50	%		-		-		-			188,600,831		166,421,011		5.31	%
Total	$	2,158,371,148	$	2,157,702,049		3.64	%	$	88,789,887	$	89,885,633		3.27	%	$	1,265,381,716	$	1,196,962,918		1.89	%

(1) For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

(2) For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

(3) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(4) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company sold 57 securities for total proceeds of $728.4 million, with an additional $104.7 million of proceeds on 8 unsettled security sales as of quarter end, recording realized gains of $5.9 million and realized losses of $18.4 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold 15 securities for total proceeds of $119.1 million, with an additional $12.9 million of proceeds on 1 unsettled security sale as of quarter end, recording realized gains of $0.5 million and realized losses of $0.7 million.

See Notes 4 and 7 for amounts realized on sales of loans and the settlement of certain derivatives, respectively.

A Special Purpose Entity (“SPE”) is an entity designed to fulfill a specific limited need of the company that organized it. SPEs are often used to facilitate transactions that involve securitizing financial assets or resecuritizing previously securitized financial assets. The objective of such transactions may include obtaining non-recourse financing, obtaining liquidity or refinancing the underlying securitized financial assets on improved terms. Securitization involves transferring assets to a SPE to convert all or a portion of those assets into cash before they would have been realized in the normal course of business through the SPE’s issuance of debt or equity instruments. Investors in an SPE usually have recourse only to the assets in the SPE and depending on the overall structure of the transaction, may benefit from various forms of credit enhancement, such as over-collateralization in the form of excess assets in the SPE, priority with respect to receipt of cash flows relative to holders of other debt or equity instruments issued by the SPE, or a line of credit or other form of liquidity agreement that is designed with the objective of ensuring that investors receive principal and/or interest cash flow on the investment in accordance with the terms of their investment agreement. See Note 2 for more detail.

The Company previously entered into a resecuritization transaction that resulted in the Company consolidating the VIE created with the SPE which was used to facilitate the transaction. The Company concluded that the entity created to facilitate this transaction was a VIE. The Company also determined that the VIE created to facilitate the resecuritization transaction should be consolidated by the Company and treated as a secured borrowing, based on the Company’s involvement in the VIE, including the design and purpose of the SPE, and whether the Company’s involvement reflected a controlling financial interest that resulted in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIE.

The following table details certain information on the Company’s consolidated VIE as of March 31, 2018:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	15,360,643	$	15,496,402		3.41	%		4.24	%		2.84
Retained tranche		8,556,332		6,177,041		3.72	%		16.54	%		9.01
Total resecuritized asset	$	23,916,975	$	21,673,443		3.52	%		7.74	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of March 31, 2018, the Company has recorded secured financing of $15.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The following table details certain information on the Company’s consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2017:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	16,354,718	$	16,477,801		3.11	%		3.92	%		2.95
Retained tranche		8,617,903		6,100,571		4.28	%		15.48	%		9.04
Total resecuritized asset	$	24,972,621	$	22,578,372		3.51	%		7.04	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of December 31, 2017, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded secured financing of $16.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The holders of the consolidated tranche have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The Company has no obligation to provide any other explicit or implicit support to any VIE.

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Loans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Receivables [Abstract]

Financing Receivables [Text Block]

4. Loans

Residential mortgage loans

The table below details certain information regarding the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Residential mortgage loans	$	25,393,461	$	(7,305,239)	$	18,088,222	$	1,783,904	$	-	$	19,872,126		3.09	%		12.12	%		5.77

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities.  Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

The table below details certain information regarding the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Residential mortgage loans	$	25,675,566	$	(7,792,057)	$	17,883,509	$	1,006,184	$	-	$	18,889,693		3.10	%		12.24	%		5.67

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities.  Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

The table below summarizes certain aggregate pool level information pertaining to the Company’s residential mortgage loans:

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Loan Pool	Fair Value		Unpaid Principal Balance		Fair Value		Unpaid Principal Balance
Re-Performing	$	11,880,681	$	15,342,268	$	11,384,032	$	15,350,657
Non-Performing		7,991,445		10,051,193		7,505,661		10,324,909
	$	19,872,126	$	25,393,461	$	18,889,693	$	25,675,566

As described in Note 2, the Company evaluates loans for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a loan is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a loan is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the loan is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

No OTTI was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017 on the Company’s residential mortgage loans.

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the Company had residential mortgage loans that were in the process of foreclosure with a fair value of $9.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively.

The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consisted of mortgage loans on residential real estate located throughout the U.S. The following is a summary of certain concentrations of credit risk within the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio:

Concentration of Credit Risk	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Percentage of fair value of mortgage loans secured by properties in the following states:
Representing 5% or more of fair value:
New York		38	%		37	%
California		7	%		7	%
Maryland		7	%		7	%
New Jersey		6	%		6	%

The Company records interest income on a level-yield basis. The accretable discount is determined by the excess of the Company’s estimate of undiscounted principal, interest, and other cash flows expected to be collected over its initial investment in the mortgage loan. The following is a summary of the changes in the accretable portion of discounts for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Beginning Balance	$	9,318,058	$	18,281,517
Accretion		(490,629)		(753,537)
Reclassifications from/(to) non-accretable difference		997,258		1,472,340
Disposals		-		(274,849)
Ending Balance	$	9,824,687	$	18,725,471

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio was comprised of 123 conventional loans with original loan balances between $9,000 and $1.1 million.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio was comprised of 125 conventional loans with original loan balances between $9,000 and $1.1 million.

No residential mortgage loans were sold for the three months ended March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company sold 6 loans for total proceeds of $0.9 million, recording realized losses of $0.1 million. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company received $3.6 million of proceeds from sold loans which were unsettled at December 31, 2016.

Commercial loans

The following table presents detail on the Company’s commercial loan portfolio on March 31, 2018.

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
Loan (7)	Current Face		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (5)			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (6)		Initial Stated Maturity Date	Extended Maturity Date (8)	Location
Loan B (2)	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	-	$	32,800,000		6.44	%		6.82	%		1.28	July 1, 2016	July 1, 2019	TX
Loan E (3)		14,521,806		(97,715)		14,424,091		25,107		-		14,449,198		10.13	%		37.40	%		0.02	April 9, 2017	April 9, 2021	Various
Loan F (4)		10,416,666		(49,299)		10,367,367		49,299		-		10,416,666		12.22	%		14.39	%		0.45	September 9, 2018	September 9, 2019	MN
	$	57,738,472	$	(147,014)	$	57,591,458	$	74,406	$	-	$	57,665,864		8.41	%		15.85	%		0.82

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

(3) Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of March 31, 2018, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018. Loan E paid off at par on April 9, 2018.

(4) Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

(5) Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

(6) Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities.  Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

(7) The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

(8) Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

The following table presents detail on the Company’s commercial loan portfolio on December 31, 2017.

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
Loan (7)	Current Face		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (5)			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (6)		Initial Stated Maturity Date	Extended Maturity Date (8)	Location
Loan B (2)	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	-	$	32,800,000		6.14	%		6.52	%		1.53	July 1, 2016	July 1, 2019	TX
Loan E (3)		14,521,806		(1,027,510)		13,494,296		809,684		-		14,303,980		9.83	%		12.70	%		3.01	April 9, 2017	April 9, 2021	Various
Loan F (4)		10,416,666		(76,512)		10,340,154		76,512		-		10,416,666		12.43	%		13.98	%		0.70	September 9, 2018	September 9, 2019	MN
	$	57,738,472	$	(1,104,022)	$	56,634,450	$	886,196	$	-	$	57,520,646		8.20	%		9.41	%		1.76

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

(3) Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of December 31, 2017, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018.

(4) Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

(5) Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

(6) Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

(7) The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

(8) Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

In February 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and, at closing, transferred a 15.0%, or $1.8 million, participation interest in the loan (the “Participation Interest”) to an unaffiliated third party. The Participation Interest did not meet the sales criteria established under ASC 860; therefore, the entire commercial loan has been recorded as an asset in the “Commercial loans, at fair value” line item on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, referred to in the above table as “Loan D.” The weighted average coupon and yield on the commercial loan was 10.62% and 14.33%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. A $1.8 million liability was recorded in the “Loan participation payable, at fair value” line item on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets representing the transfer of the Participation Interest. The Company recorded the origination of the commercial loan in the “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” section and the proceeds from the transfer in the “Cash Flows from Financing Activities” section of the consolidated statement of cash flows. The weighted average coupon and yield on the Participation Interest was 10.62% and 21.70%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. In February 2017, the Company received $12.0 million of proceeds from the pay-off of Loan D. The principal and interest due on the Participation Interest was paid from these proceeds.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company recorded $1.0 million and $0.1 million of discount accretion, respectively, on its commercial loans.

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Fair value measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

5. Fair value measurements

As described in Note 2, the fair value of financial instruments that are recorded at fair value will be determined by the Manager, subject to oversight of the Company’s board of directors, and in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” When possible, the Company determines fair value using independent data sources. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques giving the highest priority to readily available unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements) when market prices are not readily available or reliable. 

Values for the Company’s securities, Excess MSRs, securitized debt, derivatives and U.S. Treasury securities are based upon prices obtained from third party pricing services, which are indicative of market activity. The fair value of the Company’s obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements is based upon the value of the underlying borrowed U.S. Treasury securities as of the reporting date. The evaluation methodology of the Company’s third-party pricing services incorporates commonly used market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to various indices such as the one-year constant maturity treasury and LIBOR, which are observable inputs. The evaluation also considers the underlying characteristics of each investment, which are also observable inputs, including: coupon; maturity date; loan age; reset date; collateral type; periodic and life cap; geography; and prepayment speeds. The Company collects and considers current market intelligence on all major markets, including benchmark security evaluations and bid-lists from various sources, when available. As part of the Company’s risk management process, the Company reviews and analyzes all prices obtained by comparing prices to recently completed transactions involving the same or similar investments on or near the reporting date. If, in the opinion of the Manager, one or more prices reported to the Company are not reliable or unavailable, the Manager reviews the fair value based on characteristics of the investment it receives from the issuer and available market information.

In valuing its derivatives, 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. All of the Company’s derivatives are either subject to bilateral collateral arrangements or clearing in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd Frank Act”). For swaps cleared under the Dodd Frank Act, a Central Counterparty Clearing House (“CCP”) now stands between the Company and the over-the-counter derivative counterparties. In order to access clearing, the Company has entered into clearing agreements with Futures Commissions Merchants (“FCMs”).

Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, as a result of a CME amendment to its rule book governing central clearing activities, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with a CME centrally cleared derivative instrument is legally characterized as the daily settlement of the derivative instrument itself, as opposed to a pledge of collateral. Accordingly, beginning in 2017, the Company accounts for the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with its centrally cleared interest rate swaps and futures as a direct reduction to the carrying value of the interest rate swap and future derivative asset or liability, respectively. Beginning in 2017, the carrying amount of centrally cleared interest rate swaps and futures reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is equal to the unsettled fair value of such instruments. See Note 7 for more information.

The fair value of the Company's mortgage loans and loan participation considers data such as loan origination information, additional updated borrower information, loan servicing data, as available, forward interest rates, general economic conditions, home price index forecasts and valuations of the underlying properties. The variables considered most significant to the determination of the fair value of the Company's mortgage loans include market-implied discount rates, projections of default rates, delinquency rates, prepayment rates and loss severity (considering mortgage insurance). Projections of default and prepayment rates are impacted by other variables such as reperformance rates and timeline to liquidation. The Company uses loan level data and macro-economic inputs to generate loss adjusted cash flows and other information in determining the fair value of its mortgage loans. Because of the inherent uncertainty of such valuation, the fair values established for mortgage loans held by the Company may differ from the fair values that would have been established if a ready market existed for these mortgage loans. Accordingly, mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Manager may also engage specialized third party valuation service providers to assess and corroborate the valuation of a selection of investments in the Company’s loan portfolio on a periodic basis. These specialized third party valuation service providers conduct independent valuation analyses based on a review of source documents, available market data, and comparable investments. The analyses provided by valuation service providers are reviewed and considered by the Manager.

TBA instruments are similar in form to the Company’s Agency RMBS portfolio, and the Company therefore estimates fair value based on similar methods.

The Company entered into a resecuritization transaction that resulted in the Company consolidating a VIE created with the SPE which was used to facilitate the transaction. The Company categorizes the fair value measurement of the consolidated tranche as Level 3.

In December 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc, formed Arc Home. The Company invests in Arc Home through AG Arc. In June 2016, Arc Home closed on the acquisition of a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae seller/servicer of residential mortgages. Through this subsidiary, Arc Home originates conforming, Government, Jumbo and other non-conforming residential mortgage loans, retains the mortgage servicing rights associated with the loans it originates, and purchases additional mortgage servicing rights from third-party sellers. As a result of this acquisition, the Company transferred its investment in AG Arc from Level 1 into Level 3.

In February 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and transferred a 15% participation interest in the loan to an unaffiliated third party. The Company categorizes the fair value measurement of the commercial loan and consolidated participation interest as Level 3. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017.

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2018:

	Fair Value at March 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	-	$	1,855,374,338	$	-	$	1,855,374,338
Fixed Rate CMO		-		50,875,337		-		50,875,337
ARM		-		115,891,628		-		115,891,628
Interest Only		-		96,281,302		-		96,281,302
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		-		124,800,787		730,919,118		855,719,905
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		-		-		2,912,380		2,912,380
ABS		-		-		35,838,056		35,838,056
CMBS		-		9,197,017		182,970,152		192,167,169
CMBS Interest Only		-		-		48,624,976		48,624,976
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		19,872,126		19,872,126
Commercial loans		-		-		57,665,864		57,665,864
Excess mortgage servicing rights		-		-		30,746,462		30,746,462
Derivative assets		-		4,571,441		-		4,571,441
AG Arc		-		-		18,438,220		18,438,220
Total Assets Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	2,256,991,850	$	1,127,987,354	$	3,384,979,204
Liabilities:
Securitized debt	$	-	$	-	$	(15,496,402)	$	(15,496,402)
Derivative liabilities		-		(786,211)		-		(786,211)
Total Liabilities Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	(786,211)	$	(15,496,402)	$	(16,282,613)

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017:

	Fair Value at December 31, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	-	$	1,929,032,996	$	-	$	1,929,032,996
Fixed Rate CMO		-		52,950,756		-		52,950,756
ARM		-		176,387,396		-		176,387,396
Interest Only		-		88,789,887		-		88,789,887
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		-		156,170,350		845,423,742		1,001,594,092
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		-		-		2,661,566		2,661,566
ABS		-		-		40,957,553		40,957,553
CMBS		-		8,216,506		161,250,065		169,466,571
CMBS Interest Only		-		-		50,701,934		50,701,934
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		18,889,693		18,889,693
Commercial loans		-		-		57,520,646		57,520,646
Excess mortgage servicing rights		-		-		5,083,514		5,083,514
Derivative assets		110,063		2,017,007		-		2,127,070
AG Arc		-		-		17,911,091		17,911,091
Total Assets Carried at Fair Value	$	110,063	$	2,413,564,898	$	1,200,399,804	$	3,614,074,765
Liabilities:
Securitized debt	$	-	$	-	$	(16,477,801)	$	(16,477,801)
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		-		(24,379,356)		-		(24,379,356)
Derivative liabilities		-		(450,208)		-		(450,208)
Total Liabilities Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	(24,829,564)	$	(16,477,801)	$	(41,307,365)

The Company did not have any transfers of assets or liabilities between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

The following tables present additional information about the Company’s assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
	Non-Agency RMBS		Non-Agency RMBS IO		ABS		CMBS		CMBS Interest Only		Residential Mortgage Loans		Commercial Loans		Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights		AG Arc		Securitized debt
Beginning balance	$	845,423,742	$	2,661,566	$	40,957,553	$	161,250,065	$	50,701,934	$	18,889,693	$	57,520,646	$	5,083,514	$	17,911,091	$	(16,477,801)
Transfers (1):
Transfers into level 3		8,034,505		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Transfers out of level 3		-		-		-		(6,951,115)		-		-		-		-		-		-
Purchases/Transfers		91,585,501		-		2,968,228		30,200,000		-		-		-		25,371,355		-		-
Sales/Transfers		(178,121,105)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Proceeds from settlement		(37,950,606)		-		(7,973,847)		(903,961)		-		(182,647)		-		(333,636)		-		994,076
Total net gains/(losses) (2)
Included in net income		1,947,081		250,814		(113,878)		(624,837)		(2,076,958)		1,165,080		145,218		625,229		527,129		(12,677)
Ending Balance	$	730,919,118	$	2,912,380	$	35,838,056	$	182,970,152	$	48,624,976	$	19,872,126	$	57,665,864	$	30,746,462	$	18,438,220	$	(15,496,402)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held as of March 31, 2018 (3)	$	1,024,331	$	271,144	$	(95,342)	$	(624,837)	$	(2,076,958)	$	1,165,080	$	145,218	$	625,229	$	527,129	$	(12,677)

(1) Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

(2) Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	(3,323,576)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(12,677)
Net realized gain/(loss)		4,641,325
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		527,129
Total	$	1,832,201

(3) Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	433,865
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(12,677)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		527,129
Total	$	948,317

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
	Non-Agency RMBS		Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		ABS		CMBS		CMBS Interest Only		Residential Mortgage Loans		Commercial Loans		Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights		AG Arc		Securitized debt		Loan Participation payable
Beginning balance	$	717,760,534	$	3,761,446	$	21,231,956	$	130,789,615	$	52,136,726	$	38,195,576	$	60,068,800	$	412,648	$	12,894,819	$	(21,491,710)	$	(1,800,000)
Transfers (1):
Transfers into level 3		85,643,243		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Transfers out of level 3		(35,886,288)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Purchases/Transfers (2)		42,203,390		-		6,730,646		3,568,749		-		-		10,270,833		706,365		-		-		-
Capital contributions		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Reclassification of security type (3)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Proceeds from sales/redemptions		(23,675,362)		-		(7,665,627)		(4,533,594)		-		(854,447)		-		-		-		-		-
Proceeds from settlement		(29,360,521)		-		-		(8,485,256)		-		(665,982)		(12,357,896)		(10,364)		-		1,575,619		1,954,927
Total net gains/(losses) (4)
Included in net income		5,404,352		(203,496)		868,467		875,780		785,201		(419,236)		292,751		(52,526)		115,634		(32,648)		(154,927)
Ending Balance	$	762,089,348	$	3,557,950	$	21,165,442	$	122,215,294	$	52,921,927	$	36,255,911	$	58,274,488	$	1,056,123	$	13,010,453	$	(19,948,739)	$	-
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held as of March 31, 2017 (5)	$	5,394,508	$	(203,496)	$	838,732	$	960,672	$	785,201	$	(488,629)	$	236,542	$	(52,526)	$	115,634	$	(32,648)	$	-

(1) Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

(2) Transfers represent proceeds from transfer of loan participation.

(3) Represents a reclassification from investments in debt and equity of affiliates.

(4) Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	7,836,461
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(187,575)
Net realized gain/(loss)		(285,168)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Total	$	7,479,352

(5) Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	7,471,004
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(32,648)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Total	$	7,553,990

Refer to the tables above for details on transfers between the Level 3 and Level 2 categories under ASC 820. Transfers into the Level 3 category of the fair value hierarchy occur due to instruments exhibiting indications of reduced levels of market transparency. Transfers out of the Level 3 category of the fair value hierarchy occur due to instruments exhibiting indications of increased levels of market transparency. Indications of increases or decreases in levels of market transparency include a change in observable transactions or executable quotes involving these instruments or similar instruments. Changes in these indications could impact price transparency, and thereby cause a change in level designations in future periods.

 

The following tables present a summary of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of investments for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.

Asset Class	Fair Value at March 31, 2018		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Non-Agency RMBS				Yield		1.92% - 31.75%   (4.46%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		0.00% - 35.00%   (11.11%)
	$	712,175,513	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 30.00%   (3.25%)
				Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 100.00%   (33.89%)
	$	18,743,605	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		75.00 - 100.21   (79.86)
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only				Yield		7.00% - 25.00%   (22.17%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		10.00% - 18.00%   (16.79%)
				Projected Collateral Losses		0.75% - 2.00%   (1.54%)
	$	2,912,380	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities		10.00% - 40.00%   (13.91%)
ABS				Yield		6.03% - 10.06%   (8.83%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		20.00% - 40.00%   (23.40%)
	$	32,869,828	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 2.00%   (1.66%)
				Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 50.00%   (41.51%)
	$	2,968,228	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		100.00 - 100.00   (100.00)
CMBS				Yield		4.69% - 8.49%   (6.64%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	179,926,667	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
				Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	3,043,485	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		4.05 - 8.59   (7.46)
CMBS Interest Only				Yield		3.28% - 6.22%   (4.77%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
				Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	48,624,976	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
Residential Mortgage Loans				Yield		6.25% - 9.00%   (7.93%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		3.75% - 4.79%   (4.20%)
				Projected Collateral Losses		3.74% - 6.44%   (4.50%)
	$	19,872,126	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities		13.03% - 36.62%   (17.24%)
Commercial Loans				Yield		6.82% - 6.82%   (6.82%)
	$	32,800,000	Discounted Cash Flow	Credit Spread		4.75 bps - 4.75 bps   (4.75 bps)
				Recovery Percentage (1)		100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
	$	24,865,864	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		99.50 - 100.00    (99.71)
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights	$	30,473,264	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield		8.50% - 11.55%   (9.18%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		6.34% - 10.23%   (8.53%)
	$	273,198	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		0.04 - 0.53   (0.50)
AG Arc	$	18,438,220	Comparable Multiple	Book Value Multiple		1.0x

 

(1) Represents the proportion of the principal expected to be collected relative to the loan balances as of March 31, 2018.

 

Liability Class	Fair Value at March 31, 2018			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Securitized debt					Yield	3.77% - 3.77%   (3.77%)
					Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.00% - 10.00%   (10.00%)
					Projected Collateral Losses	3.50% - 3.50%   (3.50%)
	$	(15,496,402	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	45.00% - 45.00%   (45.00%)

Asset Class	Fair Value at December 31, 2017		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Non-Agency RMBS				Yield	0.94% - 31.75%   (4.49%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 35.00%   (10.50%)
	$	783,880,884	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 50.00%   (3.25%)
				Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 100.00%   (34.77%)
	$	14,794,010	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	74.75 - 74.75   (74.75)
	$	46,748,848	Recent Transaction	Recent Transaction	N/A
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only				Yield	7.00% - 25.00%   (22.34%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.50% - 18.00%   (16.89%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	1.50% - 2.00%   (1.57%)
	$	2,661,566	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	10.00% - 40.00%   (14.43%)
ABS				Yield	4.62% - 9.83%   (7.56%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	20.00% - 40.00%   (22.62%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 2.00%   (1.74%)
	$	40,957,533	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 50.00%   (43.45%)
CMBS				Yield	-1.45% - 8.35%   (6.24%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	157,684,840	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
				Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	3,565,225	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	6.20 - 7.60    (7.12)
CMBS Interest Only				Yield	2.93% - 5.90%   (4.43%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	50,701,934	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
Residential Mortgage Loans				Yield	6.25% - 9.00%   (7.81%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	2.98% - 5.05%   (3.93%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	3.88% - 6.91%   (4.27%)
	$	18,889,693	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	20.21% - 37.25%   (22.00%)
Commercial Loans				Yield	6.52% - 6.52%   (6.52%)
	$	32,800,000	Discounted Cash Flow	Credit Spread	4.75 bps - 4.75 bps   (4.75 bps)
				Recovery Percentage*	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
	$	24,720,646	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	98.50 - 100.00   (99.13)
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights	$	4,800,708	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	9.12% - 11.74%   (10.29%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	7.59% - 11.85%   (9.67%)
	$	282,806	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	0.04 - 0.52   (0.48)
AG Arc	$	17,911,091	Comparable Multiple	Book Value Multiple	1.0x

Liability Class	Fair Value at December 31, 2017			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Securitized debt					Yield	3.23% - 3.23%   (3.23%)
					Projected Collateral Prepayments	14.00% - 14.00%   (14.00%)
					Projected Collateral Losses	7.00% - 7.00%   (7.00%)
	$	(16,477,801	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	40.00% - 40.00%   (40.00%)

(1) Represents the proportion of the principal expected to be collected relative to the loan balances as of December 31, 2017.

As further described above, values for the Company’s securities portfolio are based upon prices obtained from third-party pricing services. Broker quotations may also be used. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s securities are prepayment rates, probability of default, and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.

Also, as described above, valuation of the Company’s loan portfolio is determined by the Manager using third-party pricing services where available, specialized third party valuation service providers, or model-based pricing. The evaluation considers the underlying characteristics of each loan, which are observable inputs, including: coupon, maturity date, loan age, reset date, collateral type, periodic and life cap, geography, and prepayment speeds. These valuations also require significant judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, re-performance rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders and other factors deemed necessary by management. Changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of our investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different than the valuations currently estimated. If applicable, analyses provided by valuation service providers are reviewed and considered by the Manager.

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Repurchase agreements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]

Repurchase Agreements, Resale Agreements, Securities Borrowed, and Securities Loaned Disclosure [Text Block]

6. Repurchase agreements

The Company pledges certain real estate securities and loans as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions, the terms and conditions of which are negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Repurchase agreements involve the sale and a simultaneous agreement to repurchase the transferred assets or similar assets at a future date. The amount borrowed generally is equal to the fair value of the assets pledged less an agreed-upon discount, referred to as a “haircut.” The Company calculates haircuts disclosed in the tables below by dividing allocated capital on each borrowing by the current fair market value of each investment. Repurchase agreements entered into by the Company are accounted for as financings and require the repurchase of the transferred assets at the end of each agreement’s term, typically 30 to 90 days. The carrying amount of the Company’s repurchase agreements approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities or floating rate coupons. If the Company maintains the beneficial interest in the specific assets pledged during the term of the borrowing, it receives the related principal and interest payments. If the Company does not maintain the beneficial interest in the specific assets pledged during the term of the borrowing, it will have the related principal and interest payments remitted to it by the lender. Interest rates on these borrowings are fixed based on prevailing rates corresponding to the terms of the borrowings, and interest is paid at the termination of the borrowing at which time the Company may enter into a new borrowing arrangement at prevailing market rates with the same counterparty or repay that counterparty and negotiate financing with a different counterparty. If the fair value of pledged assets declines due to changes in market conditions or the publishing of monthly security paydown factors, lenders typically would require 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, referred to as margin calls. The fair value of financial instruments pledged as collateral on the Company’s repurchase agreements disclosed in the tables below represent the Company’s fair value of such instruments which may differ from the fair value assigned to the collateral by its counterparties. The Company maintains a level of liquidity in the form of cash and unpledged Agency RMBS and Agency Interest-Only securities in order to meet these obligations. Under the terms of the Company’s master repurchase agreements, the counterparties may, in certain cases, sell or re-hypothecate the pledged collateral.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by real estate securities as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Overnight	$	151,903,000		1.94	%		3.0	%	$	156,588,143	$	145,763,694	$	456,989
30 days or less		2,024,067,000		2.13	%		8.2	%		2,240,364,126		2,132,654,293		8,139,124
31-60 days		425,297,000		2.16	%		9.1	%		484,440,715		475,429,145		1,595,810
61-90 days		36,694,000		3.51	%		23.2	%		47,830,538		46,937,640		259,376
91-180 days		102,578,000		2.06	%		5.5	%		111,944,057		110,514,688		338,035
Greater than 180 days		54,095,000		2.77	%		16.9	%		65,171,980		65,582,185		42,579
Total / Weighted Average	$	2,794,634,000		2.15	%		8.4	%	$	3,106,339,559	$	2,976,881,645	$	10,831,913

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by real estate securities as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Overnight	$	128,779,000		1.80	%		3.2	%	$	133,012,426	$	133,030,219	$	375,987
30 days or less		2,105,103,000		1.94	%		9.6	%		2,361,573,884		2,302,744,090		8,406,811
31-60 days		611,763,000		1.76	%		7.6	%		677,310,405		670,307,102		2,131,225
61-90 days		32,445,000		3.04	%		25.9	%		43,850,631		42,711,854		300,842
91-180 days		1,131,000		3.21	%		22.7	%		1,462,574		1,478,767		1,296
Greater than 180 days		93,059,628		3.00	%		20.4	%		119,489,680		118,698,392		46,682
Total / Weighted Average	$	2,972,280,628		1.94	%		9.4	%	$	3,336,699,600	$	3,268,970,424	$	11,262,843

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in residential mortgage loans as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	10,149,322		4.38	%		39.6	%	$	16,814,571	$	14,907,020	$	10,168

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in residential mortgage loans as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	10,330,390		4.07	%		34.8	%	$	15,860,583	$	14,870,542	$	10,316

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in commercial loans as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		4.02	%		33.5	%	$	32,800,000	$	32,800,000	$	242,200

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		3.70	%		33.5	%	$	32,800,000	$	32,800,000	$	203,633

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

Although repurchase agreements are committed borrowings until maturity, the lender retains the right to mark the underlying collateral to fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets resulting from changes in market conditions or factor changes would require the Company to provide additional collateral or cash to fund margin calls. See Note 7 for details on collateral posted/received against certain derivatives. The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s posting of collateral under repurchase agreements on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by investment type:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Agency RMBS	$	1,923,436,510	$	2,118,615,429
Non-Agency RMBS		832,743,710		976,071,673
ABS		23,718,842		30,832,553
CMBS		227,855,627		211,179,945
Residential Mortgage Loans		16,814,571		15,860,583
Commercial Loans		32,800,000		32,800,000
Cash pledged (i.e., restricted cash) under repurchase agreements		13,077,367		12,155,251
Fair Value of unsettled trades pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements:		98,584,870		-
Total collateral pledged under Repurchase agreements	$	3,169,031,497	$	3,397,515,434

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s total borrowings under repurchase agreements on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by investment type:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Repurchase agreements secured by investments:
Agency RMBS	$	1,913,609,000	$	2,005,133,000
Non-Agency RMBS		679,431,000		784,896,628
ABS		17,934,000		22,761,000
CMBS		183,660,000		159,490,000
Residential Mortgage Loans		10,149,322		10,330,390
Commercial Loans		21,796,000		21,796,000
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	$	2,826,579,322	$	3,004,407,018

The following table presents both gross information and net information about repurchase agreements eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments Posted		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements	$	2,826,579,322	$	-	$	2,826,579,322	$	2,826,579,322	$	-	$	-

The following table presents both gross information and net information about repurchase agreements eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments Posted		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements	$	3,004,407,018	$	-	$	3,004,407,018	$	3,004,407,018	$	-	$	-

The Company seeks to obtain financing from several different counterparties in order to reduce the financing risk related to any single counterparty. The Company has entered into master repurchase agreements (“MRAs”) or loan agreements with such financing counterparties. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the Company had 39 financing counterparties under which it had outstanding debt with 28 and 27 counterparties, respectively.

The following table presents information at March 31, 2018 with respect to each counterparty that provides the Company with financing for which the Company had greater than 5% of its stockholders’ equity at risk, excluding stockholders’ equity at risk under financing through affiliated entities.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	39,125,300		24		6	%

The following table presents information at December 31, 2017 with respect to each counterparty that provides the Company with financing for which the Company had greater than 5% of its stockholders’ equity at risk, excluding stockholders’ equity at risk under financing through affiliated entities.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	45,239,399		26		6	%
Barclays Capital Inc		39,358,150		13		6	%

On February 14, 2018, AG MIT WFB1 2014 LLC (“AG MIT WFB1”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into Amendment Number Six of the Master Repurchase Agreement and Securities Contract (as amended, the “WFB1 Repurchase Agreement”) with Wells Fargo to finance the ownership and acquisition of certain beneficial interests in trusts owning participation interests in one or more pools of residential mortgage loans. Each transaction under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement has its own specific terms, such as identification of the assets subject to the transaction, sale price, repurchase price and rate. The WFB1 Repurchase Agreement provides for a funding period ending May 23, 2018 and a facility termination date of February 22, 2019. The maximum aggregate borrowing capacity available under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement is $50.0 million. The WFB1 Repurchase Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants, including financial covenants, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of this type. In the event the debt outstanding under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement falls below $7.0 million, a cash trap trigger event will occur in which all income payments received by Wells Fargo will be applied against the outstanding balance until the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement is paid off. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $10.2 million and $10.3 million of debt outstanding under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement, respectively.

On September 17, 2014, AG MIT CREL, LLC (“AG MIT CREL”), a subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Master Repurchase Agreement and Securities Contract (the “CREL Repurchase Agreement”) with Wells Fargo to finance AG MIT CREL’s acquisition of certain beneficial interests in one or more commercial mortgage loans. Each transaction under the CREL Repurchase Agreement will have its own specific terms, such as identification of the assets subject to the transaction, sale price, repurchase price and rate. The CREL Repurchase Agreement provided for a funding period ending September 17, 2016 and an initial facility termination date of September 17, 2016 (the “Initial Termination Date”), subject to the satisfaction of certain terms of the extensions described below. AG MIT CREL had three (3) one-year options to extend the term of the CREL Repurchase Agreement.

On August 4, 2015, the Company, AG MIT CREL and AG MIT entered into an Omnibus Amendment No. 1 to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, Guarantee Agreement and Fee and Pricing Letter (the “First Amendment”) with Wells Fargo. The First Amendment amended certain terms in the CREL Repurchase Agreement, the Guarantee, dated as of September 17, 2014, delivered by the Company and AG MIT to Wells Fargo and the Fee and Pricing Letter, dated as of September 17, 2014, between AG MIT CREL and Wells Fargo. The First Amendment lowered the maximum aggregate borrowing capacity available under the CREL Repurchase Agreement from $150 million to approximately $42.8 million. The First Amendment also provided that the CREL Repurchase Agreement become full recourse to the Company and AG MIT, LLC. By amending the recourse of the CREL Repurchase Agreement to the Company and AG MIT, the Company was able to remove certain financial covenants on AG MIT CREL that limited the amount that AG MIT CREL could borrow under the CREL Repurchase Agreement. The First Amendment also eliminated the fee for the portion of the repurchase facility that was unused. The CREL Repurchase Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants, including financial covenants, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of this type. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $21.8 million of debt outstanding under this facility.

In September 2016, the Company exercised its first option to extend the term of the CREL Repurchase Agreement. In June 2017, the Company, AG MIT CREL and AG MIT entered into an Omnibus Amendment No. 2 to Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, Guarantee Agreement and Fee and Pricing Letter (the “Second Amendment”) with Wells Fargo. The Second Amendment amended the CREL Repurchase Agreement to extend the facility termination date to July 1, 2019 and removed the second and third extension options.

The Company’s MRAs generally include customary representations, warranties, and covenants, but may also contain more restrictive supplemental terms and conditions. Although specific to each MRA, typical supplemental terms include requirements of minimum equity, leverage ratios, performance triggers or other financial ratios.

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Derivatives

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivatives [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

7. Derivatives

The Company’s derivatives may include interest rate swaps (“swaps”), TBAs, swaption contracts and Eurodollar Futures and U.S. Treasury Futures, (collectively, “Futures”). Derivatives have not been designated as hedging instruments. The Company may also utilize other instruments to manage interest rate risk, including long and short positions in U.S. Treasury securities.

The Company may exchange cash “variation margin” with the counterparties to its derivative instruments at least on a daily basis based upon daily changes in fair value as measured by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”), the central clearinghouse through which those derivatives are cleared. In addition, the CME requires market participants to deposit and maintain an “initial margin” amount which is determined by the CME and is generally intended to be set at a level sufficient to protect the CME from the maximum estimated single-day price movement in that market participant’s contracts.

Receivables recognized for the right to reclaim cash initial margin posted in respect of derivative instruments are included in the “Restricted cash” line item in the consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the first quarter of 2017, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with centrally cleared derivative instruments was considered a pledge of collateral. For these prior periods, receivables recognized for the right to reclaim cash variation margin posted in respect of derivative instruments are included in the “Restricted cash” line item in the consolidated balance sheets.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, as a result of a CME amendment to their rule book which governs their central clearing activities, the daily exchange of variation margin associated with a centrally cleared derivative instrument is legally characterized as the daily settlement of the derivative instrument itself, as opposed to a pledge of collateral. Accordingly, beginning in 2017, the Company accounts for the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with its centrally cleared derivative instruments as a direct reduction to the carrying value of the derivative asset or liability, respectively. Beginning in 2017, the carrying amount of centrally cleared derivative instruments reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets approximates the unsettled fair value of such instruments; because variation margin is exchanged on a one-day lag, the unsettled fair value of such instruments represents the change in fair value that occurred on the last day of the reporting period. Non-exchange traded derivatives were not affected by these legal interpretations and continue to be reported at fair value including accrued interest.

The following table presents the fair value of the Company's derivative and other instruments and their balance sheet location at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Derivatives and Other Instruments	Designation	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value	$	(428,630)	$	(450,208)
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		2,431,220		1,428,240
Swaptions	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,128,348		362,202
TBAs	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		(357,581)		-
TBAs	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,011,873		226,565
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		-		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		-		110,063
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Non-Hedge	Obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value (2)		-		(24,379,356)

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin. As of December 31, 2017, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

(2) The Company's obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements relates to securities borrowed to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities. The change in fair value of the borrowed securities is recorded in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives and other instruments, net" line item in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

The following table summarizes information related to derivatives and other instruments:

Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments held long/(short):	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Notional amount of Pay Fix/Receive Float Interest Rate Swap Agreements	$	2,442,000,000	$	2,227,000,000
Notional amount of Swaptions		210,000,000		270,000,000
Net notional amount of TBAs		139,000,000		100,000,000
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)		(50,000,000)		(52,500,000)
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasuries		-		(24,668,000)

(1) Each U.S. Treasury Future contract embodies $100,000 of notional value.

The following table summarizes gains/(losses) related to derivatives and other instruments:

		Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments gain/(loss):	Statement of Operations Location	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	$	36,251,709	$	1,231,214
Swaptions, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		351,771		-
Swaptions, at fair value	Net realized gain/(loss)		50,625		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(494,357)		106,499
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Net realized gain/(loss)		672,780		(947,936)
TBAs (1)	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		427,727		359,765
TBAs (1)	Net realized gain/(loss)		372,617		(242,031)
Long positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		(448,242)		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(94,004)		(1,724,922)
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		579,617		1,730,547

(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2018, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.5 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net gains of $0.3 million due to price changes. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.4 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net losses of $(0.2) million due to price changes.

The following table presents both gross information and net information about derivative and other instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Description (1)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		Net Amount
Derivative Assets (2)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	10,276,759	$	-	$	10,276,759	$	-	$	10,276,759	$	-
Interest Rate Swaptions		1,128,348		-		1,128,348		-		800,000		328,348
TBAs		1,011,873		-		1,011,873		-		-		1,011,873
Total Derivative Assets	$	12,416,980	$	-	$	12,416,980	$	-	$	11,076,759	$	1,340,221
Derivative Liabilities (3)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(215,477)	$	-	$	(215,477)	$	-	$	(215,477)	$	-
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short		-		-		-		-		-		-
TBAs		(357,581)		-		(357,581)		-		(357,581)		-
Total Derivative Liabilities	$	(573,058)	$	-	$	(573,058)	$	-	$	(573,058)	$	-

(1) The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin.

(2) Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $12,416,980 less accrued interest of $7,845,539 for a total of $4,571,441.

(3) Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(573,058) plus accrued interest of $(213,153) for a total of $786,211.

The following table presents both gross information and net information about derivative instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Description (1)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		Net Amount
Receivable Under Reverse Repurchase Agreements	$	24,671,320	$	-	$	24,671,320	$	24,379,356	$	-	$	291,964
Derivative Assets (2)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	4,543,743	$	-	$	4,543,743	$	-	$	1,666,444	$	2,877,299
Interest Rate Swaptions		362,202		-		362,202		-		-		362,202
TBAs		226,565		-		226,565		-		-		226,565
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short		110,063		-		110,063		-		-		110,063
Total Derivative Assets	$	5,242,573	$	-	$	5,242,573	$	-	$	1,666,444	$	3,576,129
Derivative Liabilities (3)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-
Total Derivative Liabilities	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-

(1) The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

(2) Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $5,242,573 less accrued interest of $(3,115,503) for a total of $2,127,070.

(3) Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(5,645) plus accrued interest of $(444,563) for a total of $450,208.

The Company must post cash or securities as collateral on its derivative instruments when their fair value declines. This typically occurs when prevailing market rates change adversely, with the severity of the change also dependent on the term of the derivatives involved. The posting of collateral is generally bilateral, meaning that if the fair value of the Company’s derivatives increases, its counterparty will post collateral to it. As of March 31, 2018, the Company pledged real estate securities with a fair  value of $6.4 million and cash of $27.7 million as collateral against certain derivatives. The Company’s counterparties posted cash of $4.3 million to it as collateral for certain derivatives. As of December 31, 2017, the Company pledged real estate securities with a fair value of $7.5 million and cash of $25.4 million as collateral against certain derivatives. The Company’s counterparties posted  cash of $1.7 million as collateral for certain derivatives.

Interest rate swaps

To help mitigate exposure to increases in short-term interest rates, the Company uses currently-paying and may use forward-starting, one- or three-month LIBOR-indexed, pay-fixed, receive-variable, interest rate swap agreements. This arrangement hedges our exposure to higher short-term interest rates because the variable-rate payments received on the swap agreements largely offset additional interest accruing on the related borrowings due to the higher interest rate, leaving the fixed-rate payments to be paid on the swap agreements as the Company’s effective borrowing rate, subject to certain adjustments including changes in spreads between variable rates on the swap agreements and actual borrowing rates.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s interest rate swap positions consist of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2018:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.89	%		1.63
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		2.02	%		2.28
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		2.00	%		4.34
2023		75,000,000		2.70	%		1.79	%		4.85
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.94	%		6.25
2025		45,000,000		2.78	%		2.08	%		6.93
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.90	%		8.64
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.97	%		9.44
2028		95,000,000		2.81	%		1.87	%		9.87
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,442,000,000		1.97	%		1.98	%		4.59

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest rate swap positions consist of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2017:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.43	%		1.88
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		1.52	%		2.54
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		1.51	%		4.59
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.47	%		6.50
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.44	%		8.89
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.50	%		9.69
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,227,000,000		1.89	%		1.50	%		4.56

TBAs

As discussed in Note 2, the Company has entered into TBAs. The following table presents information about the Company’s TBAs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Beginning Notional Amount		Buys or Covers		Sales or Shorts		Ending Notional Amount		Fair Value as of Period End		Receivable/(Payable) from/to Broker		Derivative Asset		Derivative Liability
TBAs - Long	$	100,000,000	$	635,000,000	$	(596,000,000)	$	139,000,000	$	143,722,690	$	(143,068,398)	$	1,011,873	$	(357,581)
TBAs - Short	$	-	$	551,000,000	$	(551,000,000)	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Beginning Notional Amount		Buys or Covers		Sales or Shorts		Ending Notional Amount		Fair Value as of Period End		Receivable/(Payable) from/to Broker		Derivative Asset		Derivative Liability
TBAs - Long	$	50,000,000	$	285,000,000	$	(245,000,000)	$	90,000,000	$	93,367,972	$	(93,432,031)	$	417,956	$	(482,015)
TBAs - Short	$	(75,000,000)	$	75,000,000	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

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Earnings per share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

8. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted- average shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding for that period that participate in the Company’s common dividends. Diluted EPS takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options, warrants, unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

As of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company’s outstanding warrants and unvested restricted stock units were as follows:

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Outstanding warrants		1,007,500		1,007,500
Unvested restricted stock units previously granted to the Manager		60,000		20,003

Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase half a share of the Company’s common stock at a fixed price upon exercise of the warrant. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company excluded the effects of such from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Restricted stock units granted to the manager do not entitle the participant the rights of a shareholder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The restricted stock units are not considered to be participating shares. The dilutive effects of the restricted stock units are only included in diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	4,880,055	$	21,750,308
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		28,195,673		27,701,902
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		21,121		7,135
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		28,216,794		27,709,037
Basic Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$	0.17	$	0.79
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$	0.17	$	0.78

The following tables detail our common stock dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/15/2018	3/29/2018	4/30/2018	$	0.475

2017
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/10/2017	3/21/2017	4/28/2017	$	0.475

The following tables detail our preferred stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.50

2017
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.50

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Income taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

9. 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 provided it satisfies on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, the REIT requirements including certain asset, income, distribution and stock ownership tests. Most states follow U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company recorded excise tax expense of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Excise tax represents a four percent tax on the required amount of the Company’s ordinary income and net capital gains not distributed during the year. The expense is calculated in accordance with applicable tax regulations.

The Company files tax returns in several U.S jurisdictions. There are no ongoing U.S. federal, state or local tax examinations.

The Company elected to treat certain domestic subsidiaries as TRSs and may elect to treat other subsidiaries as TRSs. 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.

The Company elected to treat one of its foreign subsidiaries as a TRS and, accordingly, taxable income generated by this TRS may not be subject to local income taxation, but generally will be included in the Company’s income on a current basis as Subpart F income, whether or not distributed.

Cash distributions declared by the Company that do not exceed its current or accumulated earnings and profits will be considered ordinary income to stockholders for income tax purposes unless all or a portion of a distribution is designated by the Company as a capital gain dividend. Distributions in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be characterized as return of capital or capital gains.

Based on the Company’s analysis of any potential uncertain income tax positions, the Company concluded it did not have any uncertain tax positions that meet the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740 as of March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the last three tax years are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. In the event that the Company incurs income tax related interest and penalties, its policy is to classify them as a component of provision for income taxes.

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Related party transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

10. Related party transactions

The Company has entered into a management agreement with the Manager, which provided for an initial term and will be deemed renewed automatically each year for an additional one-year period, subject to certain termination rights. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no event of termination had occurred. The Company is externally managed and advised by the Manager. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, which became effective July 6, 2011 (upon the consummation of the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”)), the Manager provides the Company with its management team, including its officers, along with appropriate support personnel. Each of the Company’s officers is an employee of Angelo, Gordon. The Company does not have any employees. The Manager, pursuant to a delegation agreement dated as of June 29, 2011, has delegated to Angelo, Gordon the overall responsibility of its day-to-day duties and obligations arising under the Company’s management agreement.

Management fee

The Manager is entitled to a management fee equal to 1.50% per annum, calculated and paid quarterly, of the Company’s Stockholders’ Equity. For purposes of calculating the management fee, “Stockholders’ Equity” means the sum of the net proceeds from any issuances of equity securities (including preferred securities) since inception (allocated on a pro rata daily basis for such issuances during the fiscal quarter of any such issuance, and excluding any future equity issuance to the Manager), plus the Company’s retained earnings at the end of such quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense or other non-cash items described below incurred in current or prior periods), less any amount that the Company pays for repurchases of its common stock, excluding any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders’ equity as reported in the Company’s 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. Stockholders’ Equity, for purposes of calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders’ equity shown on the Company’s financial statements.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company incurred management fees of approximately $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Termination fee

The termination fee, payable upon the occurrence of (i) the Company’s termination of the management agreement without cause or (ii) the Manager’s termination of the management agreement upon a breach of any material term of the management agreement, will be equal to three times the average annual management fee during the 24-month period prior to such termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no event of termination of the management agreement had occurred.

Expense reimbursement

The Company is required to reimburse the Manager or its affiliates for operating expenses which are incurred by the Manager or its affiliates on behalf of the Company, including expenses relating to legal, accounting, due diligence and other services. The Company’s reimbursement obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation; however, the reimbursement is subject to an annual budget process which combines guidelines from the Management Agreement with oversight by the Company’s board of directors.

The Company reimburses the Manager or its affiliates for the Company’s allocable share of the compensation, including, without limitation, annual base salary, bonus, any related withholding taxes and employee benefits paid to (i) the Company’s chief financial officer based on the percentage of time spent on Company affairs, (ii) the Company’s general counsel based on the percentage of time spent on the Company’s affairs, and (iii) other corporate finance, tax, accounting, internal audit, legal, risk management, operations, compliance and other non-investment personnel of the Manager and its affiliates who spend all or a portion of their time managing the Company’s affairs based upon the percentage of time devoted by such personnel to the Company’s affairs. In their capacities as officers or personnel of the Manager or its affiliates, they devote such portion of their time to the Company’s affairs as is necessary to enable the Company to operate its business.

Of the $3.2 million and $2.8 million of Other operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively, the Company has accrued $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, representing a reimbursement of expenses.

Restricted stock grants

Pursuant to the Company’s Manager Equity Incentive Plan and the Equity Incentive Plan adopted on July 6, 2011, the Company can award up to 277,500 shares of its common stock in the form of restricted stock, stock options, restricted stock units or other types of awards to the directors, officers, advisors, consultants and other personnel of the Company and to the Manager. As of March 31, 2018, 59,006 shares of common stock were available to be awarded under the equity incentive plans. Awards under the equity incentive plans are forfeitable until they become vested. An award will become vested only if the vesting conditions set forth in the applicable award agreement (as determined by the compensation committee) are satisfied. The vesting conditions may include performance of services for a specified period, achievement of performance goals, or a combination of both. The compensation committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of an award upon the occurrence of certain events in its discretion.

As of March 31, 2018, the Company has granted an aggregate of 58,244 and 40,250 shares of restricted common stock to its independent directors and Manager, respectively, and 120,000 shares of restricted stock units to its Manager under its equity incentive plans. As of March 31, 2018, all the shares of restricted common stock granted to the Company’s Manager and independent directors have vested and 60,000 restricted stock units granted to the Company’s Manager have vested.

On July 1, 2014, the Company granted 60,000 restricted stock units to the Manager that represent the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued if and when such units vest. Annual vesting of approximately 20,000 units occurred on each of July 1, 2015, July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017.

On July 1, 2017, the Company granted 60,000 restricted stock units to the Manager that represent the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued if and when the units vest. Annual vesting of approximately 20,000 units will occur on each of July 1, 2018, July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The units do not entitle the participant the rights of a holder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The vesting of such units is subject to the continuation of the management agreement. If the management agreement terminates, all unvested units then held by the Manager or the Manager’s transferee shall be immediately cancelled and forfeited without consideration.

Director compensation

Beginning in 2018, the Company pays a $160,000 annual base director’s fee to each independent director. Base director’s fees are paid 50% in cash and 50% in restricted common stock. The number of shares of restricted common stock to be issued each quarter to each independent director is determined based on the average of the high and low prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day of each fiscal quarter. To the extent that any fractional shares would otherwise be issuable and payable to each independent director, a cash payment is made to each independent director in lieu of any fractional shares. All directors’ fees are paid pro rata (and restricted stock grants determined) on a quarterly basis in arrears, and shares issued are fully vested and non-forfeitable. These shares may not be sold or transferred by such director during the time of his service as an independent member of the Company’s board.

Investments in debt and equity of affiliates

The Company invests in credit sensitive residential and commercial real estate assets through affiliated entities which hold an ownership interest in the assets. The Company is one investor, amongst other investors managed by affiliates of Angelo, Gordon, in such entities and has applied the equity method of accounting for such investments. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s share of these investments had a fair market value of $331.0 million and $88.3 million, respectively.

The Company’s investment in AG Arc is reflected on the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item on its consolidated balance sheets at a fair value of $18.4 million and $17.9 million on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. On March 8, 2016, an affiliate of the Manager (“the Affiliate”) became a member of AG Arc. The Affiliate acquired an ownership interest in AG Arc which resulted in the Company’s ownership interest being reduced on a pro-rata basis.

In June 2016, Arc Home closed on the acquisition of a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), Veteran’s Administration (“VA”) and Ginnie Mae seller/servicer of mortgages with licenses to conduct business in 47 states, including Washington D.C. Through this subsidiary, Arc Home originates conforming, Government, Jumbo and other non-conforming residential mortgage loans, retains the mortgage servicing rights associated with the loans it originates, and purchases additional mortgage servicing rights from third-party sellers. Arc Home is led by an external management team.

On August 29, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon entered into the MATH LLC Agreement, which requires that MATH fund a capital commitment of $75.0 million to MATT. The Company’s share of MATH’s total capital commitment to MATT is $33.4 million, of which the Company had funded $4.2 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

Transactions with affiliates

In connection with the Company’s investments in residential mortgage loans and residential mortgage loans in securitized form that it purchases from an affiliate (or affiliates) of the Manager (“Securitized Whole Loans”), the Company may engage asset managers to provide advisory, consultation, asset management and other services to help our third-party servicers formulate and implement strategic plans to manage, collect and dispose of loans in a manner that is reasonably expected to maximize the amount of proceeds from each loan. Beginning in November 2015, the Company engaged Red Creek Asset Management LLC (“Asset Manager”), a related party of the Manager and direct subsidiary of Angelo, Gordon, as the asset manager for certain of its residential loans and Securitized Whole Loans. The Asset Manager acknowledges that the Company will at all times have and retain ownership and control of all loans and that the Asset Manager will not acquire (i) title to any loan, (ii) any security interest in any loan, or (iii) any other rights or interests of any kind or any nature whatsoever in or to any loan. The Company pays separate arm’s-length asset management fees as assessed and confirmed periodically by a third party valuation firm for (i) non-performing loans and (ii) reperforming loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the fees paid by the Company to the Asset Manager, totaled $47,641 and $50,466, respectively.

Arc Home may sell loans to the Company, to third parties, or to affiliates of the Manager. Arc Home may also enter into agreements with third parties or affiliates of the Manager to sell rights to receive the excess servicing spread related to MSRs that it either purchases from third parties or originates. The Company has entered into agreements with Arc Home to purchase rights to receive the excess servicing spread related to certain of its MSRs and as of March 31, 2018, these Excess MSRs had fair value of approximately $31.5 million.

In connection with the Company’s investments in Excess MSRs purchased through Arc Home, the Company pays a sourcing fee to Arc Home. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 the sourcing fees paid by the Company to Arc Home totaled $19,935. No sourcing fees were paid to Arc Home for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

In June 2016, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company executed two trades whereby the Company acquired real estate securities from two separate affiliates of the Manager (the “June Selling Affiliates”). As of the date of the trades, the securities acquired from the June Selling Affiliates had a total fair value of $6.9 million. In each case, the June Selling Affiliates sold the real estate securities through a BWIC (Bids Wanted in Competition). Prior to the submission of the BWIC by the June Selling Affiliates, the Company submitted its bid for the real estate securities to the June Selling Affiliates. The Company’s pre-submission of its bid allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In February 2017, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company executed one trade whereby the Company acquired a real estate security from an affiliate of the Manager (the “February Selling Affiliate”). As of the date of the trade, the security acquired from the February Selling Affiliate had a total fair value of $2.0 million. The February Selling Affiliate sold the real estate security through a BWIC. Prior to the submission of the BWIC by the February Selling Affiliate, the Company submitted its bid for the real estate security to the February Selling Affiliate. The Company’s pre-submission of its bid allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In July 2017, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company acquired certain real estate securities from an affiliate of the Manager (the “July Selling Affiliate”). As of the date of the trade, the securities acquired from the July Selling Affiliate had a total fair value of $0.2 million. As procuring market bids for the real estate securities was determined to be impracticable in the Manager’s reasonable judgment, appropriate pricing was based on a valuation prepared by an independent third-party pricing vendor. The third-party pricing vendor allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

In October 2017, in accordance with the Company’s Affiliated Transactions Policy, the Company acquired certain real estate securities and loans from two affiliates of the Manager (the “October Selling Affiliates”). As of the date of the trade, the real estate securities and loans acquired from the October Selling Affiliates had a total fair value of $8.4 million. As procuring market bids for the real estate securities and loans were determined to be impracticable in the Manager’s reasonable judgment, appropriate pricing was based on a valuation prepared by independent third-party pricing vendors. The third-party pricing vendors allowed the Company to confirm third-party market pricing and best execution.

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Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

11. Equity

On May 6, 2015, the Company filed a shelf registration statement registering up to $750.0 million of its securities, including capital stock (the “2015 Registration Statement”). As of March 31, 2018, $650.0 million of the Company’s securities, including capital stock, was available for issuance under the 2015 Registration Statement. The 2015 Registration Statement will expire on May 21, 2018. On May 2, 2018, the Company filed a new shelf registration statement registering up to $750.0 million of its securities, including capital stock, which has not yet been declared effective by the SEC. 

Concurrently with the IPO in 2011, the Company offered a private placement of 3,205,000 units at $20.00 per share to a limited number of investors qualifying as “accredited investors” under Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each unit consisted of one share of common stock (“private placement share”) and a warrant (“private placement warrant”) to purchase 0.5 of a share of common stock. Each private placement warrant had an exercise price of $20.50 per share (as adjusted for reorganizations, reclassifications, consolidations, mergers, sales, transfers or other dispositions) and is set to expire on July 6, 2018. No warrants were exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017.

The Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock have no stated maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. Under certain circumstances upon a change of control, the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are convertible to shares of the Company’s common stock. Holders of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock have no voting rights, except under limited conditions, and holders are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at a rate of 8.25% and 8.00% per annum on the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference before holders of the common stock are entitled to receive any dividends. Shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are currently redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) exclusively at the Company’s option. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on the 17th day of each March, June, September and December. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had declared all required quarterly dividends on the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.

On November 3, 2015, the Company’s board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program (“Repurchase Program”) to repurchase up to $25.0 million of its outstanding common stock. Such authorization does not have an expiration date. As part of the Repurchase Program, shares may be purchased in open market transactions, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act. Open market repurchases will be made in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 10b-18, which sets certain restrictions on the method, timing, price and volume of open market stock repurchases. Subject to applicable securities laws, the timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases of common stock under the Repurchase Program may be determined by the Company in its discretion, using available cash resources. Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company under the Repurchase Program, if any, will be cancelled and, until reissued by the Company, will be deemed to be authorized but unissued shares of its common stock as required by Maryland law. The Repurchase Program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time and without prior notice and the authorization does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock. The cost of the acquisition by the Company of shares of its own stock in excess of the aggregate par value of the shares first reduces additional paid-in capital, to the extent available, with any residual cost applied against retained earnings. No shares were repurchased under the Repurchase Program during the three months ended March 31, 2018 or March 31, 2017, and approximately $14.6 million of common stock remained authorized for future share repurchases under the Repurchase Program.

On May 5, 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with each of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and JMP Securities LLC (collectively, the "Sales Agents”), which the Company refers to as the “Equity Distribution Agreements,” pursuant to which the Company may sell up to $100.0 million aggregate offering price of shares of its common stock from time to time through the Sales Agents, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. As of March 31, 2018, the Company sold 460,932 shares of common stock under the Equity Distribution Agreements for net proceeds of approximately $8.7 million.

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

12. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may become involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.

On December 9, 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc, entered into Arc Home’s LLC Agreement and agreed to fund an initial capital commitment of $30.0 million. On April 25, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, agreed to fund an additional capital commitment to Arc Home in the amount of $10.0 million. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s share of Arc Home’s total capital commitment was $17.8 million. The Company had funded all of its capital commitment to Arc Home as of March 31, 2018.

On February 28, 2017, the Company, alongside a private fund under the management of Angelo, Gordon, purchased a mezzanine loan and agreed to fund a commitment of $21.9 million. The Company’s share of the commitment is $14.6 million of which the Company had funded $10.4 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $4.2 million.

On August 29, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, entered into the MATH LLC Agreement, which requires that MATH fund a capital commitment of $75.0 million to MATT. The Company’s share of MATH’s total capital commitment to MATT is $33.4 million, of which the Company had funded $4.2 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

On March 29, 2018, the Company alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, purchased a revolving note. The Company’s share of the total commitment to the revolving note is $7.1 million, of which the Company has funded $3.0 million as of March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s remaining commitment was $4.1 million.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements where payment may become due if certain events occur. Management believes that the probability of making such payments is remote.

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Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is comprised of cash on deposit with financial institutions. The Company classifies highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase as cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company held no cash equivalents. The Company places its cash with high credit quality institutions to minimize credit risk exposure. Cash pledged to the Company as collateral is unrestricted in use and, accordingly, is included as a component of “Cash and cash equivalents” on the consolidated balance sheets. Any cash held by the Company as collateral is included in the “Due to broker” line item on the consolidated balance sheets and in cash flows from financing activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows. Due to broker does not include variation margin received on centrally cleared derivatives. See Note 7 for more detail. Any cash due to the Company in the form of principal payments is included in the “Due from broker” line item on the consolidated balance sheets and in cash flows from operating activities on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restricted cash

Restricted cash includes cash pledged as collateral for clearing and executing trades, derivatives and repurchase agreements and is not available to the Company for general corporate purposes. Restricted cash may be returned to the Company when the related collateral requirements are exceeded or at the maturity of the derivative or repurchase agreement. Restricted cash is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Restricted cash does not include variation margin pledged on centrally cleared derivatives. See Note 7 for more detail.

Offering and Organization Costs [Policy Text Block]

Offering costs

The Company incurred offering costs in connection with common stock offerings. The offering costs were paid out of the proceeds of the respective offerings. Offering costs in connection with common stock offerings have been accounted for as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings/(Loss) per share

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, “Earnings per Share,” the Company calculates basic income/(loss) per share by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for the period by weighted-average shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted income per share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options, warrants, unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. In periods in which the Company records a loss, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation, as their effect on loss per share is anti-dilutive.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Valuation of financial instruments

The fair value of the financial instruments that the Company records at fair value will be determined by the Manager, subject to oversight of the Company’s board of directors, and in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” When possible, the Company determines fair value using independent data sources. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques giving the highest priority to readily available unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements) when market prices are not readily available or reliable.

The three levels of the hierarchy under ASC 820 are described below: 

• Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• Level 2 – Prices determined using other significant observable inputs. These may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk and others.

• Level 3 – Prices 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. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

Transfers between levels are assumed to occur at the beginning of the reporting period.

Real Estate, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting for real estate securities

Investments in real estate securities are recorded in accordance with ASC 320-10, “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.” The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” for its real estate securities portfolio. Real estate securities are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and the periodic change in fair market value is recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.” Real estate securities acquired through securitizations are shown in the line item “Purchase of real estate securities” on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

These investments meet the requirements to be classified as available for sale under ASC 320-10-25 which requires the securities to be carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value recorded to other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity. Electing the fair value option allows the Company to record changes in fair value in the consolidated statement of operations, which, in management’s view, more appropriately reflects the results of operations for a particular reporting period as all securities activities will be recorded in a similar manner.

When the Company purchases securities with evidence of credit deterioration since origination, it will analyze to determine if the guidance found in ASC 310-30 is applicable.

The Company accounts for its securities under ASC 310 and ASC 325 and evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis. The determination of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired involves judgments and assumptions based on subjective and objective factors. When the fair value of a real estate security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired, and the impairment is designated as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.”

When a real estate security is impaired, an OTTI is considered to have occurred if (i) the Company intends to sell the security (i.e., a decision has been made as of the reporting date) or (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the real estate security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the entire amount of the impairment loss, if any, is recognized in earnings as a realized loss and the cost basis of the security is adjusted to its fair value. Additionally for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40 an OTTI is deemed to have occurred when there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows to be received and the fair value of the security is less than its carrying amount. In determining whether an adverse change in cash flows occurred, the present value of the remaining cash flows, as estimated at the initial transaction date (or the last date previously revised), is compared to the present value of the expected cash flows at the current reporting date. The estimated cash flows reflect those a “market participant” would use and include observations of current information and events, and assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of potential credit losses. Cash flows are discounted at a rate equal to the current yield used to accrete interest income. Any resulting OTTI adjustments are reflected in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

The determination as to whether an OTTI exists is subjective, given that such determination is based on information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimate of the future performance and cash flow projections for the individual security. As a result, the timing and amount of an OTTI constitutes an accounting estimate that may change materially over time.

Increases in interest income may be recognized on a security on which the Company previously recorded an OTTI charge if the performance of such security subsequently improves.

Any remaining unrealized losses on securities at March 31, 2018 do not represent other than temporary impairment as the Company has the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity or for a period of time sufficient for a forecasted market price recovery up to or above the amortized cost of the investment, and the Company is not required to sell the security for regulatory or other reasons. In addition, any unrealized losses on the Company’s Agency RMBS accounted for under ASC 320 are not due to credit losses given their explicit guarantee of principal and interest by the GSEs, but rather are due to changes in interest rates and prepayment expectations. See Note 3 for a summary of OTTI charges recorded.

Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Sales of securities

Sales of securities are driven by the Manager’s portfolio management process. The Manager seeks to mitigate risks including those associated with prepayments, defaults, severities, amongst others and will opportunistically rotate the portfolio into securities with 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 securities, loans and derivatives are included in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item on the consolidated statement of operations. The cost of positions sold is calculated using a first in, first out, or FIFO, basis. Realized gains and losses are recorded in earnings at the time of disposition.

Accounting For Loans [Policy Text Block]

Accounting for mortgage loans

Investments in mortgage loans are recorded in accordance with ASC 310-10. At purchase, the Company may aggregate its mortgage loans into pools based on common risk characteristics. Once a pool of loans is assembled, its composition is maintained. The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its mortgage loan portfolio. Loans are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and any periodic change in fair market value will be recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net.”

The Company amortizes or accretes any premium or discount over the life of the related loans utilizing the effective interest method. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of its loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether they are impaired. A loan or pool of loans 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. When a loan or pool of loans is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated and recorded accordingly. 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 or pool of loans 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 to be resumed. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or legally discharged.

When the Company purchases mortgage loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it determines that it is probable it will not collect all contractual cash flows on those loans, it will apply the guidance found in ASC 310-30. Mortgage loans that are delinquent 60 or more days are considered non-performing.

The Company updates its estimate of the cash flows expected to be collected on at least a quarterly basis for loans accounted for under ASC 310-30. In estimating these cash flows, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to uncertainties and contingencies including both the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts, and assumptions of prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations. If based on the most current information and events it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected, the Company will recognize these changes prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life. The Company will adjust the amount of accretable yield by reclassification from the nonaccretable difference. The adjustment is accounted for as a change in estimate in conformity with ASC 250, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections” with the amount of periodic accretion adjusted over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected from previously projected cash flows, which includes all cash flows originally expected to be collected by the investor plus any additional cash flows expected to be collected arising from changes in estimate after acquisition, are recognized as impairment. Increases in interest income may be recognized on a loan on which the Company previously recorded an OTTI charge if the performance of such loan subsequently improves.

Investments In and Advances To Affiliates Schedule Of Investments [Policy Text Block]

Investments in debt and equity of affiliates

The Company’s unconsolidated ownership interests in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method. A majority of the Company’s investments held through affiliated entities are comprised of real estate securities and loans, including loans held through Mortgage Acquisition Holding I LLC (“MATH”) as discussed below. These underlying entities have chosen to make a fair value election on their financial instruments pursuant to ASC 825; as such, the Company will treat these investments consistently with this election. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these investments had a fair market value of $331.0 million and $88.3 million, respectively.

On December 9, 2015, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, through AG Arc LLC, one of the Company’s indirect subsidiaries (“AG Arc”), formed Arc Home LLC (“Arc Home”). The Company has chosen to make a fair value election with respect to its investment in AG Arc pursuant to ASC 825. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest in AG Arc had a fair market value of $18.4 million and $17.9 million, respectively. See Note 10 for additional detail.

On August 27, 2017, the Company, alongside private funds under the management of Angelo, Gordon, formed “MATH” to conduct a residential mortgage investment strategy. MATH in turn sponsored the formation of an entity called Mortgage Acquisition Trust I LLC (“MATT”) to purchase predominantly “Non-QMs,” which are residential mortgage loans that are not deemed “qualified mortgage,” or “QM,” loans under the rules of the CFPB. Non-QMs are not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. MATT is expected to make an election to be treated as a real estate investment trust beginning with the 2018 tax year. In furtherance of this business, MATH’s sponsoring funds have agreed to provide up to $75.0 million of capital to MATH, of which the Company agreed to provide $33.4 million for use in this mortgage investment business. The Company invests in MATT through MATH, and these indirect subsidiaries have chosen to make a fair value election on their respective financial instruments pursuant to ASC 825. As such, the Company will treat this investment consistently with this election. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had funded $4.2 of its total capital commitment and the Company’s outstanding commitment was $29.2 million (net of any return of capital to the Company).

The Company’s investments in debt and equity of affiliates are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets in the “Investments in debt and equity of affiliates” line item and periodic changes in fair market value are recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates.” Capital contributions, distributions and profits and losses of such entities are allocated in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreements.

Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights, Basis Of Accounting Policy [Policy Text Block]

Excess mortgage servicing rights

The Company has acquired the right to receive the excess servicing spread related to excess mortgage servicing rights (“Excess MSRs”). The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for Excess MSRs. Excess MSRs are recorded at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets and any periodic change in fair market value is recorded in current period earnings on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment consolidation and transfers of financial assets

For each investment made, the Company evaluates the underlying entity that issued the securities acquired or to which the Company makes a loan to determine the appropriate accounting. A similar analysis will be performed for each entity with which the Company enters into an agreement for management, servicing or related services. In performing the analysis, the Company refers to guidance in ASC 810-10, “Consolidation.” In situations where the Company is the transferor of financial assets, the Company refers to the guidance in ASC 860-10 “Transfers and Servicing.”

In variable interest entities (“VIEs”), an entity is subject to consolidation under ASC 810-10 if the equity investors either do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, are unable to direct the entity’s activities or are not exposed to the entity’s losses or entitled to its residual returns. VIEs within the scope of ASC 810-10 are required to be consolidated by their 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 of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This determination can sometimes involve complex and subjective analyses. Further, ASC 810-10 also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. In accordance with ASC 810-10, all transferees, including variable interest entities, must be evaluated for consolidation. See Note 3 for more detail.

The Company entered into a resecuritization transaction which resulted in the Company consolidating the VIE that was created to facilitate the transaction and to which the underlying assets in connection with the resecuritization were transferred. In determining the accounting treatment to be applied to this resecuritization transaction, the Company evaluated whether the entity used to facilitate this transaction was a VIE and, if so, whether it should be consolidated. Based on its evaluation, the Company concluded that the VIE should be consolidated. If the Company had determined that consolidation was not required, it would have then assessed whether the transfer of the underlying assets would qualify as a sale or should be accounted for as secured financings under GAAP. See Note 3 below for more detail.

The Company may periodically enter into transactions in which it transfers assets to a third party. Upon a transfer of financial assets, the Company will sometimes retain or acquire senior or subordinated interests in the related assets. Pursuant to ASC 860-10, a determination must be made as to whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets. That determination must consider the transferor’s continuing involvement in the transferred financial asset, including all arrangements or agreements made contemporaneously with, or in contemplation of, the transfer, even if they were not entered into at the time of the transfer. The financial components approach under ASC 860-10 limits the circumstances in which a financial asset, or portion of a financial asset, should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire original financial asset to an entity that is not consolidated with the transferor in the financial statements being presented and/or when the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial asset. It defines the term “participating interest” to establish specific conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale.

Under ASC 860-10, after a transfer of financial assets that meets the criteria for treatment as a sale—legal isolation, ability of transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred assets without constraint and transferred control—an entity recognizes the financial and servicing assets it acquired or retained and the liabilities it has incurred, derecognizes financial assets it has sold and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. The transferor would then determine the gain or loss on sale of financial assets by allocating the carrying value of the underlying mortgage between securities or loans sold and the interests retained based on their fair values. The gain or loss on sale is the difference between the cash proceeds from the sale and the amount allocated to the securities or loans sold. When a transfer of financial assets does not qualify for sale accounting, ASC 860-10 requires the transfer to be accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral.

On February 12, 2016, the Company originated a $12.0 million commercial loan and at closing, transferred a 15% or $1.8 million interest in the loan (the “Participation Interest”) to an unaffiliated third party. The Company, as transferor, evaluated the transfer under ASC 860-10, and concluded the transferred participation interest should be accounted for as a secured borrowing. The Company has recorded the $12.0 million commercial loan on its consolidated balance sheets as an asset in the “Commercial loans, at fair value” line item. The Company has recorded a $1.8 million liability in the “Loan participation payable, at fair value” line item representing the transfer of the participation interest. The Company has chosen to make a fair value election on the consolidated interest pursuant to ASC 825. The holder of the participation interest has no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The commercial loan was paid off in full in February 2017. The principal and interest due on the Participation Interest was paid from these proceeds. See Note 4 for more detail.

From time to time, the Company may securitize mortgage loans it holds if such financing is available. These transactions will be recorded in accordance with ASC 860-10 and will be accounted for as either a “sale” and the loans will be removed from the consolidated balance sheets or as a “financing” and will be classified as “real estate securities” on the consolidated balance sheets, depending upon the structure of the securitization transaction. ASC 860-10 is a standard that may require the Company to exercise significant judgment in determining whether a transaction should be recorded as a “sale” or a “financing.”

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Interest income recognition

Interest income on the Company’s real estate securities portfolio is accrued based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance of such securities. The Company has elected to record interest in accordance with ASC 835-30-35-2 using the effective interest method for all securities accounted for under the fair value option (ASC 825). As such, premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the lives of the securities in accordance with ASC 310-20, “Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs,” ASC 320-10 or ASC 325-40 as applicable. Total interest income is recorded in the “Interest income” line item on the consolidated statement of operations.

On at least a quarterly basis for securities accounted for under ASC 320-10 and ASC 310-20 (generally Agency RMBS, exclusive of interest-only securities), prepayments of the underlying collateral must be estimated, which directly affect the speed at which the Company amortizes premiums on its securities. If actual and anticipated cash flows differ from previous estimates, the Company recognizes a “catch-up” adjustment in the current period to the amortization of premiums for the impact of the cumulative change in the effective yield through the reporting date.

Similarly, the Company also reassesses the cash flows on at least a quarterly basis for securities accounted for under ASC 325-40 (generally Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS, interest-only securities and Excess MSRs). In estimating these cash flows, there are a number of assumptions that will be subject to uncertainties and contingencies. These include the rate and timing of principal and interest receipts (including assumptions of prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations), the pass-through or coupon rate and interest rate fluctuations. In addition, interest payment shortfalls due to delinquencies on the underlying mortgage loans have to be estimated. Differences between previously estimated cash flows and current actual and anticipated cash flows are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the yield over the remaining life of the security based on the current amortized cost of the investment as adjusted for credit impairment, if any.

Interest income on the Company’s loan portfolio is accrued based on the actual coupon rate and the outstanding principal balance of such loans. The Company has elected to record interest in accordance with ASC 835-30-35-2 using the effective interest method for all loans accounted for under the fair value option (ASC 825). Any amortization will be reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statement of operations.

For security and loan investments purchased with evidence of deterioration of credit quality for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable, the Company will apply the provisions of ASC 310-30. For purposes of income recognition, the Company may aggregate loans that have common risk characteristics into pools and uses a composite interest rate and expectation of cash flows expected to be collected for the pool. ASC 310-30 addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities (loans) acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. ASC 310-30 limits the yield that may be accreted (accretable yield) to the excess of the investor’s estimate of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows (cash flows expected at acquisition to be collected) over the investor’s initial investment in the loan. ASC 310-30 requires that the excess of contractual cash flows over cash flows expected to be collected (nonaccretable difference) not be recognized as an adjustment of yield, loss accrual or valuation allowance. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected generally should be recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected should be recognized as impairment.

The Company’s accrual of interest, discount accretion and premium amortization for U.S. federal and other tax purposes differs from the financial accounting treatment of these items as described above.

Repurchase Agreements, Valuation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Repurchase agreements

The Company finances the acquisition of certain assets within its portfolio through the use of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and carried at primarily their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements. The carrying amount of the Company’s repurchase agreements approximates fair value.

The Company pledges certain securities or loans as collateral under repurchase agreements with financial institutions, the terms and conditions of which are negotiated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. The amounts available to be borrowed are dependent upon the fair value of the securities or loans pledged as collateral, which fluctuates with changes in interest rates, type of security and liquidity conditions within the banking, mortgage finance and real estate industries. In response to declines in fair value of pledged assets, lenders may require the Company to post additional collateral or pay down borrowings to re-establish agreed upon collateral requirements, referred to as margin calls. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company has met all margin call requirements.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounting for derivative financial instruments

The Company enters into derivative contracts as a means of mitigating interest rate risk rather than to enhance returns. The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC 815-10, “Derivatives and Hedging.” ASC 815-10 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and to measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, if or when hedge accounting is elected, the fair value adjustments 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 hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any interest rate derivatives designated as hedges. All derivatives have been recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 820-10, with corresponding changes in value recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company records derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis with respect to its counterparties. The Company records the daily receipt or payment of variation margin associated with the Company’s centrally cleared derivative instruments on a net basis. See Note 7 for a discussion of this accounting treatment. During the period in which the Company unwinds a derivative, it records a realized gain/(loss) in the “Net realized gain/(loss)” line item in the consolidated statement of operations.

To Be Announced Securities [Policy Text Block]

To-be-announced securities

A to-be-announced security (“TBA”) is a forward contract for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS at a predetermined price, face amount, issuer, coupon and stated maturity on an agreed-upon future date. The specific Agency RMBS delivered into or received from the contract upon the settlement date, published each month by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, are not known at the time of the transaction. The Company may also choose, prior to settlement, to move the settlement of these securities out to a later date by entering into an offsetting short or long position (referred to as a pair off), net settling the paired off positions for cash, simultaneously purchasing or selling a similar TBA contract for a later settlement date. This transaction is commonly referred to as a dollar roll. The Agency RMBS purchased or sold for a forward settlement date are typically priced at a discount to Agency RMBS for settlement in the current month. This difference, or discount, is referred to as the price drop. The price drop is the economic equivalent of net interest carry income on the underlying Agency RMBS over the roll period (interest income less implied financing cost) and is commonly referred to as dollar roll income/(loss). Consequently, forward purchases of Agency RMBS and dollar roll transactions represent a form of off-balance sheet financing. Dollar roll income is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the line item “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

The Company presents the purchase or sale of TBAs net of the corresponding payable or receivable, respectively, until the settlement date of the transaction. Contracts for the purchase or sale of Agency RMBS are accounted for as derivatives if they do not qualify for the “regular way” security trade scope exception found in ASC 815-10. To be eligible for this scope exception, the contract must meet the following conditions: (1) there is no other way to purchase or sell that security, (2) delivery of that security and settlement will occur within the shortest period possible for that type of security, and (3) it is probable at inception and throughout the term of the individual contract that the contract will not settle net and will result in physical delivery of a security when it is issued. Unrealized gains and losses associated with TBA contracts not meeting the regular-way exception and not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the line item “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net.”

Us Treasury Securities [Policy Text Block]

U.S. Treasury securities

The Company may purchase long or sell short U.S. Treasury securities to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates. The Company may finance its purchase of U.S. Treasury securities with overnight repurchase agreements. The Company may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities through overnight reverse repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as borrowing transactions, and the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed securities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets based on the value of the underlying borrowed securities as of the reporting date. Interest income and expense associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Interest income” and “Interest expense”, respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Net realized gain/(loss)” and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net,” respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the Company had no positions in U.S. Treasury securities.

Short Positions in U.S Treasury Securities Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Policy Text Block]

Short positions in U.S. Treasury securities through reverse repurchase agreements

The Company may sell short U.S. Treasury securities to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates. The Company may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities under reverse repurchase agreements, which are accounted for as borrowing transactions, and the Company recognizes an obligation to return the borrowed securities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets based on the value of the underlying borrowed securities as of the reporting date. The Company establishes haircuts to ensure the market value of the underlying assets remain sufficient to protect the Company in the event of a default by a counterparty. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities are recognized in “Net realized gain/(loss)” and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net,” respectively, on the consolidated statement of operations.

Manager Remuneration [Policy Text Block]

Manager compensation

The management agreement provides for payment to the Manager of a management fee. The management fee is accrued and expensed during the period for which it is calculated and earned. For a more detailed discussion on the fees payable under the management agreement, see Note 10.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes

The Company conducts its operations to qualify and be taxed as a REIT. Accordingly, the Company will generally not be subject to federal or state corporate income tax to the extent that the Company makes qualifying distributions to its stockholders, and provided that it 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, it will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which the Company fails to qualify as a REIT.

The dividends paid deduction of a REIT for qualifying dividends to its stockholders is computed using the Company’s taxable income/(loss) as opposed to net income/(loss) reported on the Company’s GAAP financial statements. Taxable income/(loss), generally, will differ from net income/(loss) reported on the financial statements because the determination of taxable income/(loss) is based on tax principles and not financial accounting principles.

The Company elected to treat certain domestic subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) and may elect to treat other subsidiaries as TRSs. 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 may declare dividends to the Company which will be included in the Company’s taxable income/(loss) and necessitate a distribution to stockholders. Conversely, if the Company retains earnings at the domestic TRS level, no distribution is required and the Company can increase book equity of the consolidated entity. A domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

The Company elected to treat one of its foreign subsidiaries as a TRS and, accordingly, taxable income generated by this foreign TRS may not be subject to local income taxation, but generally will be included in the Company’s income on a current basis as Subpart F income, whether or not distributed.

The Company’s financial results are generally not expected to reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes, except for any activities conducted through one or more TRSs that are subject to corporate income taxation. The Company believes that it will operate in a manner that will allow it to qualify for taxation as a REIT. As a result of the Company’s expected REIT qualification, it does not generally expect to pay federal or state corporate income tax. Many of the REIT requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If the Company were to fail to meet the REIT requirements, it would be subject to federal income taxes and applicable state and local taxes.

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 Company evaluates uncertain income tax positions, if any, in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” The Company classifies interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of provision for income taxes. See Note 9 for further details.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-based compensation

The Company applies the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” with regard to its equity incentive plans. ASC 718 covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights and employee stock purchase plans. ASC 718 requires that compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. Compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.

Compensation cost related to restricted common shares issued to the Company’s directors is measured at its estimated fair value at the grant date, and is amortized and expensed over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Compensation cost related to restricted common shares and restricted stock units issued to the Manager is initially measured at estimated fair value at the grant date, and is remeasured on subsequent dates to the extent the awards are unvested. Restricted stock units granted to the Manager do not entitle the participant the rights of a shareholder of the Company’s common stock, such as dividend and voting rights, until shares are issued in settlement of the vested units. The restricted stock units are not considered to be participating shares. Restricted stock units are measured at fair value reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at an assumed risk free rate. The Company has elected to use the straight-line method to amortize compensation expense for restricted stock units.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent accounting pronouncements

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented. These specific issues include debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and beneficial interests in securitization transactions, among others. The adoption of this standard reclassified certain items on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows between the “Cash flows from Operating Activities” and the “Cash Flows from Investing Activities” line items as it pertains to the settlement of certain instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to its prior period consolidated statement of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.  The amendments in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The adoption of this standard required the Company to reconcile changes in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on the consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result, the Company no longer presents transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 in the first quarter of 2018 and applied the guidance retrospectively to its prior period consolidated statement of cash flows. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 introduces a new model related to the accounting for credit losses on instruments, specifically, financial assets subject to credit losses and measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU 2016-13 amends the current guidance, requiring an OTTI charge only when fair value is below the amortized cost of an asset. The length of time the fair value of an available-for-sale debt security has been below the amortized cost will no longer impact the determination of whether a credit loss exists. As such, it is no longer an other-than-temporary model. In addition, credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities will now be limited to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. The new debt security model will also require the use of an allowance to record estimated credit losses. The new guidance also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, and models. In addition, public entities will need to disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating its method of adoption and the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities” (“ASU 2017-08”). The amendments in this update require purchase premiums for investments in debt securities that are noncontingently callable by the issuer (at a fixed price and preset date) to be amortized to the earliest call date. Previously, purchase premiums for such investments were permitted to be amortized to the instrument’s maturity date. ASU 2017-08 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

XML

Real Estate Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule Of Real Estate Securities [Table Text Block]

The following table details the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Unrealized (1)							Weighted Average
	Current Face		Premium / (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (2)				Yield
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,811,490,058	$	71,789,601	$	1,883,279,659	$	1,086,867	$	(28,992,188)	$	1,855,374,338			3.88	%		3.33	%
Fixed Rate CMO		50,935,170		399,564		51,334,734		-		(459,397)		50,875,337			3.00	%		2.80	%
ARM		117,027,852		51,429		117,079,281		-		(1,187,653)		115,891,628			2.42	%		2.85	%
Interest Only		570,498,512		(474,481,629)		96,016,883		2,023,607		(1,759,188)		96,281,302			3.79	%		7.49	%
Total Agency:		2,549,951,592		(402,241,035)		2,147,710,557		3,110,474		(32,398,426)		2,118,422,605			3.78	%		3.48	%
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		1,005,616,106		(208,794,767)		796,821,339		62,177,364		(3,278,798)		855,719,905			4.56	%		6.38	%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		359,519,282		(356,247,271)		3,272,011		124,325		(483,956)		2,912,380			0.44	%		14.11	%
Total Non-Agency:		1,365,135,388		(565,042,038)		800,093,350		62,301,689		(3,762,754)		858,632,285			3.91	%		6.41	%
ABS		35,649,380		(227,469)		35,421,911		440,594		(24,449)		35,838,056			8.33	%		8.85	%
CMBS		239,599,012		(46,725,949)		192,873,063		1,110,232		(1,816,126)		192,167,169			5.75	%		6.25	%
CMBS Interest Only		2,014,518,351		(1,968,803,554)		45,714,797		2,944,479		(34,300)		48,624,976			0.40	%		6.67	%
Total CMBS:		2,254,117,363		(2,015,529,503)		238,587,860		4,054,711		(1,850,426)		240,792,145			0.86	%		6.34	%
Total	$	6,204,853,723	$	(2,983,040,045)	$	3,221,813,678	$	69,907,468	$	(38,036,055)	$	3,253,685,091			2.74	%		4.52	%

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

(2) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.                  

The following table details the Company’s real estate securities portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Current Face		Premium / (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (2)			Yield
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	1,848,172,215	$	81,133,356	$	1,929,305,571	$	5,124,870	$	(5,397,445)	$	1,929,032,996		3.79	%		3.13	%
Fixed Rate CMO		52,263,914		406,502		52,670,416		280,340		-		52,950,756		3.00	%		2.79	%
ARM		176,560,807		(834,745)		175,726,062		683,254		(21,920)		176,387,396		2.35	%		2.83	%
Interest Only		644,238,995		(554,353,362)		89,885,633		1,608,431		(2,704,177)		88,789,887		3.27	%		6.84	%
Total Agency:		2,721,235,931		(473,648,249)		2,247,587,682		7,696,895		(8,123,542)		2,247,161,035		3.56	%		3.25	%
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		1,165,533,510		(228,542,116)		936,991,394		66,812,751		(2,210,053)		1,001,594,092		4.45	%		6.10	%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		371,297,100		(367,976,760)		3,320,340		129,480		(788,254)		2,661,566		0.30	%		10.49	%
Total Non-Agency:		1,536,830,610		(596,518,876)		940,311,734		66,942,231		(2,998,307)		1,004,255,658		3.38	%		6.12	%
ABS		40,655,000		(438,491)		40,216,509		741,044		-		40,957,553		7.61	%		8.27	%
CMBS		221,305,103		(51,818,496)		169,486,607		1,059,546		(1,079,582)		169,466,571		5.58	%		6.23	%
CMBS Interest Only		2,021,260,566		(1,974,312,498)		46,948,068		3,778,264		(24,398)		50,701,934		0.40	%		6.63	%
Total CMBS:		2,242,565,669		(2,026,130,994)		216,434,675		4,837,810		(1,103,980)		220,168,505		0.80	%		6.32	%
Total	$	6,541,287,210	$	(3,096,736,610)	$	3,444,550,600	$	80,217,980	$	(12,225,829)	$	3,512,542,751		2.60	%		4.32	%

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

 

(2) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

Available-For-Sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s real estate securities by length of time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

	Less than 12 months				Greater than 12 months
As of	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
March 31, 2018	$	1,966,445,757	$	(34,847,549)	$	97,161,337	$	(3,188,506)
December 31, 2017		1,116,925,170		(8,011,731)		188,434,092		(4,214,098)

Weighted Average Life Of Real Estate Securities [Table Text Block]

The following table details weighted average life broken out by Agency RMBS, Agency Interest-Only (“IO”) and Credit Securities as of March 31, 2018:

	Agency RMBS (1)							Agency IO							Credit Investments (2)
Weighted Average Life (3)	Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon (4)
Less than or equal to 1 year	$	-	$	-		-		$	-	$	-		-		$	92,567,490	$	92,906,904		5.66	%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years		166,766,965		168,414,014		2.59	%		21,877,339		21,029,824		3.12	%		447,882,191		434,741,071		1.03	%
Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years		1,440,382,354		1,467,446,517		3.92	%		74,403,963		74,987,059		4.16	%		424,347,868		396,396,441		3.04	%
Greater than ten years		414,991,984		415,833,143		3.76	%		-		-		-			170,464,937		150,058,705		5.58	%
Total	$	2,022,141,303	$	2,051,693,674		3.77	%	$	96,281,302	$	96,016,883		3.79	%	$	1,135,262,486	$	1,074,103,121		1.95	%

(1) For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

(2) For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

(3) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(4) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

The following table details weighted average life broken out by Agency RMBS, Agency IO and Credit Securities as of December 31, 2017:

	Agency RMBS (1)							Agency IO							Credit Investments (2)
Weighted Average Life (3)	Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon			Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Weighted Average Coupon (4)
Less than or equal to 1 year	$	-	$	-		-		$	-	$	-		-		$	117,531,313	$	117,804,751		2.15	%
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years		229,338,153		228,396,478		2.50	%		28,836,904		29,519,508		2.36	%		477,066,079		460,333,652		1.07	%
Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years		1,865,474,374		1,865,706,312		3.79	%		59,952,983		60,366,125		4.36	%		482,183,493		452,403,504		2.87	%
Greater than ten years		63,558,621		63,599,259		3.50	%		-		-		-			188,600,831		166,421,011		5.31	%
Total	$	2,158,371,148	$	2,157,702,049		3.64	%	$	88,789,887	$	89,885,633		3.27	%	$	1,265,381,716	$	1,196,962,918		1.89	%

(1) For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

(2) For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

(3) Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(4) Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

Tabular Disclosure of Consolidate VIEs and Retained Tranches [Table Text Block]

The following table details certain information on the Company’s consolidated VIE as of March 31, 2018:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	15,360,643	$	15,496,402		3.41	%		4.24	%		2.84
Retained tranche		8,556,332		6,177,041		3.72	%		16.54	%		9.01
Total resecuritized asset	$	23,916,975	$	21,673,443		3.52	%		7.74	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of March 31, 2018, the Company has recorded secured financing of $15.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The following table details certain information on the Company’s consolidated VIE as of December 31, 2017:

					Weighted Average
	Current Face		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Life (Years) (1)
Consolidated tranche (2)	$	16,354,718	$	16,477,801		3.11	%		3.92	%		2.95
Retained tranche		8,617,903		6,100,571		4.28	%		15.48	%		9.04
Total resecuritized asset	$	24,972,621	$	22,578,372		3.51	%		7.04	%		5.05

(1) Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

(2) As of December 31, 2017, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded secured financing of $16.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

The holders of the consolidated tranche have no recourse to the general credit of the Company. The Company has no obligation to provide any other explicit or implicit support to any VIE.

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Loans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]

The table below details certain information regarding the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Residential mortgage loans	$	25,393,461	$	(7,305,239)	$	18,088,222	$	1,783,904	$	-	$	19,872,126		3.09	%		12.12	%		5.77

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities.  Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

The table below details certain information regarding the Company’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (2)
Residential mortgage loans	$	25,675,566	$	(7,792,057)	$	17,883,509	$	1,006,184	$	-	$	18,889,693		3.10	%		12.24	%		5.67

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities.  Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]

The table below summarizes certain aggregate pool level information pertaining to the Company’s residential mortgage loans:

	March 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Loan Pool	Fair Value		Unpaid Principal Balance		Fair Value		Unpaid Principal Balance
Re-Performing	$	11,880,681	$	15,342,268	$	11,384,032	$	15,350,657
Non-Performing		7,991,445		10,051,193		7,505,661		10,324,909
	$	19,872,126	$	25,393,461	$	18,889,693	$	25,675,566

Schedules of Concentration of Risk, by Risk Factor [Table Text Block]

The Company’s mortgage loan portfolio consisted of mortgage loans on residential real estate located throughout the U.S. The following is a summary of certain concentrations of credit risk within the Company’s mortgage loan portfolio:

Concentration of Credit Risk	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Percentage of fair value of mortgage loans secured by properties in the following states:
Representing 5% or more of fair value:
New York		38	%		37	%
California		7	%		7	%
Maryland		7	%		7	%
New Jersey		6	%		6	%

Schedule Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Accretable Yield [Table Text Block]

The following is a summary of the changes in the accretable portion of discounts for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Beginning Balance	$	9,318,058	$	18,281,517
Accretion		(490,629)		(753,537)
Reclassifications from/(to) non-accretable difference		997,258		1,472,340
Disposals		-		(274,849)
Ending Balance	$	9,824,687	$	18,725,471

Commercial Loans [Member]

Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]

The following table presents detail on the Company’s commercial loan portfolio on March 31, 2018.

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
Loan (7)	Current Face		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (5)			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (6)		Initial Stated Maturity Date	Extended Maturity Date (8)	Location
Loan B (2)	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	-	$	32,800,000		6.44	%		6.82	%		1.28	July 1, 2016	July 1, 2019	TX
Loan E (3)		14,521,806		(97,715)		14,424,091		25,107		-		14,449,198		10.13	%		37.40	%		0.02	April 9, 2017	April 9, 2021	Various
Loan F (4)		10,416,666		(49,299)		10,367,367		49,299		-		10,416,666		12.22	%		14.39	%		0.45	September 9, 2018	September 9, 2019	MN
	$	57,738,472	$	(147,014)	$	57,591,458	$	74,406	$	-	$	57,665,864		8.41	%		15.85	%		0.82

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

(3) Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of March 31, 2018, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018. Loan E paid off at par on April 9, 2018.

(4) Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

(5) Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

(6) Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities.  Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

(7) The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

(8) Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

The following table presents detail on the Company’s commercial loan portfolio on December 31, 2017.

							Gross Unrealized (1)						Weighted Average
Loan (7)	Current Face		Premium (Discount)		Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value		Coupon (5)			Yield			Weighted Average Life (Years) (6)		Initial Stated Maturity Date	Extended Maturity Date (8)	Location
Loan B (2)	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	32,800,000	$	-	$	-	$	32,800,000		6.14	%		6.52	%		1.53	July 1, 2016	July 1, 2019	TX
Loan E (3)		14,521,806		(1,027,510)		13,494,296		809,684		-		14,303,980		9.83	%		12.70	%		3.01	April 9, 2017	April 9, 2021	Various
Loan F (4)		10,416,666		(76,512)		10,340,154		76,512		-		10,416,666		12.43	%		13.98	%		0.70	September 9, 2018	September 9, 2019	MN
	$	57,738,472	$	(1,104,022)	$	56,634,450	$	886,196	$	-	$	57,520,646		8.20	%		9.41	%		1.76

(1) The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio.  Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item.  The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

(2) Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

(3) Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of December 31, 2017, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018.

(4) Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

(5) Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

(6) Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

(7) The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

(8) Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2018:

	Fair Value at March 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	-	$	1,855,374,338	$	-	$	1,855,374,338
Fixed Rate CMO		-		50,875,337		-		50,875,337
ARM		-		115,891,628		-		115,891,628
Interest Only		-		96,281,302		-		96,281,302
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		-		124,800,787		730,919,118		855,719,905
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		-		-		2,912,380		2,912,380
ABS		-		-		35,838,056		35,838,056
CMBS		-		9,197,017		182,970,152		192,167,169
CMBS Interest Only		-		-		48,624,976		48,624,976
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		19,872,126		19,872,126
Commercial loans		-		-		57,665,864		57,665,864
Excess mortgage servicing rights		-		-		30,746,462		30,746,462
Derivative assets		-		4,571,441		-		4,571,441
AG Arc		-		-		18,438,220		18,438,220
Total Assets Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	2,256,991,850	$	1,127,987,354	$	3,384,979,204
Liabilities:
Securitized debt	$	-	$	-	$	(15,496,402)	$	(15,496,402)
Derivative liabilities		-		(786,211)		-		(786,211)
Total Liabilities Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	(786,211)	$	(15,496,402)	$	(16,282,613)

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2017:

	Fair Value at December 31, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Agency RMBS:
30 Year Fixed Rate	$	-	$	1,929,032,996	$	-	$	1,929,032,996
Fixed Rate CMO		-		52,950,756		-		52,950,756
ARM		-		176,387,396		-		176,387,396
Interest Only		-		88,789,887		-		88,789,887
Credit Investments:
Non-Agency RMBS		-		156,170,350		845,423,742		1,001,594,092
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		-		-		2,661,566		2,661,566
ABS		-		-		40,957,553		40,957,553
CMBS		-		8,216,506		161,250,065		169,466,571
CMBS Interest Only		-		-		50,701,934		50,701,934
Residential mortgage loans		-		-		18,889,693		18,889,693
Commercial loans		-		-		57,520,646		57,520,646
Excess mortgage servicing rights		-		-		5,083,514		5,083,514
Derivative assets		110,063		2,017,007		-		2,127,070
AG Arc		-		-		17,911,091		17,911,091
Total Assets Carried at Fair Value	$	110,063	$	2,413,564,898	$	1,200,399,804	$	3,614,074,765
Liabilities:
Securitized debt	$	-	$	-	$	(16,477,801)	$	(16,477,801)
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		-		(24,379,356)		-		(24,379,356)
Derivative liabilities		-		(450,208)		-		(450,208)
Total Liabilities Carried at Fair Value	$	-	$	(24,829,564)	$	(16,477,801)	$	(41,307,365)

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

The following tables present additional information about the Company’s assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
	Non-Agency RMBS		Non-Agency RMBS IO		ABS		CMBS		CMBS Interest Only		Residential Mortgage Loans		Commercial Loans		Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights		AG Arc		Securitized debt
Beginning balance	$	845,423,742	$	2,661,566	$	40,957,553	$	161,250,065	$	50,701,934	$	18,889,693	$	57,520,646	$	5,083,514	$	17,911,091	$	(16,477,801)
Transfers (1):
Transfers into level 3		8,034,505		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Transfers out of level 3		-		-		-		(6,951,115)		-		-		-		-		-		-
Purchases/Transfers		91,585,501		-		2,968,228		30,200,000		-		-		-		25,371,355		-		-
Sales/Transfers		(178,121,105)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Proceeds from settlement		(37,950,606)		-		(7,973,847)		(903,961)		-		(182,647)		-		(333,636)		-		994,076
Total net gains/(losses) (2)
Included in net income		1,947,081		250,814		(113,878)		(624,837)		(2,076,958)		1,165,080		145,218		625,229		527,129		(12,677)
Ending Balance	$	730,919,118	$	2,912,380	$	35,838,056	$	182,970,152	$	48,624,976	$	19,872,126	$	57,665,864	$	30,746,462	$	18,438,220	$	(15,496,402)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held as of March 31, 2018 (3)	$	1,024,331	$	271,144	$	(95,342)	$	(624,837)	$	(2,076,958)	$	1,165,080	$	145,218	$	625,229	$	527,129	$	(12,677)

(1) Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

(2) Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	(3,323,576)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(12,677)
Net realized gain/(loss)		4,641,325
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		527,129
Total	$	1,832,201

(3) Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	433,865
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(12,677)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		527,129
Total	$	948,317

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
	Non-Agency RMBS		Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only		ABS		CMBS		CMBS Interest Only		Residential Mortgage Loans		Commercial Loans		Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights		AG Arc		Securitized debt		Loan Participation payable
Beginning balance	$	717,760,534	$	3,761,446	$	21,231,956	$	130,789,615	$	52,136,726	$	38,195,576	$	60,068,800	$	412,648	$	12,894,819	$	(21,491,710)	$	(1,800,000)
Transfers (1):
Transfers into level 3		85,643,243		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Transfers out of level 3		(35,886,288)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Purchases/Transfers (2)		42,203,390		-		6,730,646		3,568,749		-		-		10,270,833		706,365		-		-		-
Capital contributions		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Reclassification of security type (3)		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Proceeds from sales/redemptions		(23,675,362)		-		(7,665,627)		(4,533,594)		-		(854,447)		-		-		-		-		-
Proceeds from settlement		(29,360,521)		-		-		(8,485,256)		-		(665,982)		(12,357,896)		(10,364)		-		1,575,619		1,954,927
Total net gains/(losses) (4)
Included in net income		5,404,352		(203,496)		868,467		875,780		785,201		(419,236)		292,751		(52,526)		115,634		(32,648)		(154,927)
Ending Balance	$	762,089,348	$	3,557,950	$	21,165,442	$	122,215,294	$	52,921,927	$	36,255,911	$	58,274,488	$	1,056,123	$	13,010,453	$	(19,948,739)	$	-
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held as of March 31, 2017 (5)	$	5,394,508	$	(203,496)	$	838,732	$	960,672	$	785,201	$	(488,629)	$	236,542	$	(52,526)	$	115,634	$	(32,648)	$	-

(1) Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

(2) Transfers represent proceeds from transfer of loan participation.

(3) Represents a reclassification from investments in debt and equity of affiliates.

(4) Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	7,836,461
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(187,575)
Net realized gain/(loss)		(285,168)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Total	$	7,479,352

(5) Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net	$	7,471,004
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(32,648)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Total	$	7,553,990

Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]

The following tables present a summary of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of investments for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.

Asset Class	Fair Value at March 31, 2018		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Non-Agency RMBS				Yield		1.92% - 31.75%   (4.46%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		0.00% - 35.00%   (11.11%)
	$	712,175,513	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 30.00%   (3.25%)
				Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 100.00%   (33.89%)
	$	18,743,605	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		75.00 - 100.21   (79.86)
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only				Yield		7.00% - 25.00%   (22.17%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		10.00% - 18.00%   (16.79%)
				Projected Collateral Losses		0.75% - 2.00%   (1.54%)
	$	2,912,380	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities		10.00% - 40.00%   (13.91%)
ABS				Yield		6.03% - 10.06%   (8.83%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		20.00% - 40.00%   (23.40%)
	$	32,869,828	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 2.00%   (1.66%)
				Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 50.00%   (41.51%)
	$	2,968,228	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		100.00 - 100.00   (100.00)
CMBS				Yield		4.69% - 8.49%   (6.64%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	179,926,667	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
				Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	3,043,485	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		4.05 - 8.59   (7.46)
CMBS Interest Only				Yield		3.28% - 6.22%   (4.77%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
				Projected Collateral Losses		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	48,624,976	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities		0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
Residential Mortgage Loans				Yield		6.25% - 9.00%   (7.93%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		3.75% - 4.79%   (4.20%)
				Projected Collateral Losses		3.74% - 6.44%   (4.50%)
	$	19,872,126	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities		13.03% - 36.62%   (17.24%)
Commercial Loans				Yield		6.82% - 6.82%   (6.82%)
	$	32,800,000	Discounted Cash Flow	Credit Spread		4.75 bps - 4.75 bps   (4.75 bps)
				Recovery Percentage (1)		100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
	$	24,865,864	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		99.50 - 100.00    (99.71)
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights	$	30,473,264	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield		8.50% - 11.55%   (9.18%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments		6.34% - 10.23%   (8.53%)
	$	273,198	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes		0.04 - 0.53   (0.50)
AG Arc	$	18,438,220	Comparable Multiple	Book Value Multiple		1.0x

 

(1) Represents the proportion of the principal expected to be collected relative to the loan balances as of March 31, 2018.

 

Liability Class	Fair Value at March 31, 2018			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Securitized debt					Yield	3.77% - 3.77%   (3.77%)
					Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.00% - 10.00%   (10.00%)
					Projected Collateral Losses	3.50% - 3.50%   (3.50%)
	$	(15,496,402	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	45.00% - 45.00%   (45.00%)

Asset Class	Fair Value at December 31, 2017		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Non-Agency RMBS				Yield	0.94% - 31.75%   (4.49%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 35.00%   (10.50%)
	$	783,880,884	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 50.00%   (3.25%)
				Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 100.00%   (34.77%)
	$	14,794,010	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	74.75 - 74.75   (74.75)
	$	46,748,848	Recent Transaction	Recent Transaction	N/A
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only				Yield	7.00% - 25.00%   (22.34%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	10.50% - 18.00%   (16.89%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	1.50% - 2.00%   (1.57%)
	$	2,661,566	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	10.00% - 40.00%   (14.43%)
ABS				Yield	4.62% - 9.83%   (7.56%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	20.00% - 40.00%   (22.62%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 2.00%   (1.74%)
	$	40,957,533	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 50.00%   (43.45%)
CMBS				Yield	-1.45% - 8.35%   (6.24%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	157,684,840	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
				Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	3,565,225	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	6.20 - 7.60    (7.12)
CMBS Interest Only				Yield	2.93% - 5.90%   (4.43%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
	$	50,701,934	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	0.00% - 0.00%   (0.00%)
Residential Mortgage Loans				Yield	6.25% - 9.00%   (7.81%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	2.98% - 5.05%   (3.93%)
				Projected Collateral Losses	3.88% - 6.91%   (4.27%)
	$	18,889,693	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	20.21% - 37.25%   (22.00%)
Commercial Loans				Yield	6.52% - 6.52%   (6.52%)
	$	32,800,000	Discounted Cash Flow	Credit Spread	4.75 bps - 4.75 bps   (4.75 bps)
				Recovery Percentage*	100.00% - 100.00%   (100.00%)
	$	24,720,646	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	98.50 - 100.00   (99.13)
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights	$	4,800,708	Discounted Cash Flow	Yield	9.12% - 11.74%   (10.29%)
				Projected Collateral Prepayments	7.59% - 11.85%   (9.67%)
	$	282,806	Consensus Pricing	Offered Quotes	0.04 - 0.52   (0.48)
AG Arc	$	17,911,091	Comparable Multiple	Book Value Multiple	1.0x

Liability Class	Fair Value at December 31, 2017			Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
Securitized debt					Yield	3.23% - 3.23%   (3.23%)
					Projected Collateral Prepayments	14.00% - 14.00%   (14.00%)
					Projected Collateral Losses	7.00% - 7.00%   (7.00%)
	$	(16,477,801	)	Discounted Cash Flow	Projected Collateral Severities	40.00% - 40.00%   (40.00%)

(1) Represents the proportion of the principal expected to be collected relative to the loan balances as of December 31, 2017.

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Repurchase agreements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Disclosure of Repurchase Agreements [Abstract]

Schedule of Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by real estate securities as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Overnight	$	151,903,000		1.94	%		3.0	%	$	156,588,143	$	145,763,694	$	456,989
30 days or less		2,024,067,000		2.13	%		8.2	%		2,240,364,126		2,132,654,293		8,139,124
31-60 days		425,297,000		2.16	%		9.1	%		484,440,715		475,429,145		1,595,810
61-90 days		36,694,000		3.51	%		23.2	%		47,830,538		46,937,640		259,376
91-180 days		102,578,000		2.06	%		5.5	%		111,944,057		110,514,688		338,035
Greater than 180 days		54,095,000		2.77	%		16.9	%		65,171,980		65,582,185		42,579
Total / Weighted Average	$	2,794,634,000		2.15	%		8.4	%	$	3,106,339,559	$	2,976,881,645	$	10,831,913

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by real estate securities as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Overnight	$	128,779,000		1.80	%		3.2	%	$	133,012,426	$	133,030,219	$	375,987
30 days or less		2,105,103,000		1.94	%		9.6	%		2,361,573,884		2,302,744,090		8,406,811
31-60 days		611,763,000		1.76	%		7.6	%		677,310,405		670,307,102		2,131,225
61-90 days		32,445,000		3.04	%		25.9	%		43,850,631		42,711,854		300,842
91-180 days		1,131,000		3.21	%		22.7	%		1,462,574		1,478,767		1,296
Greater than 180 days		93,059,628		3.00	%		20.4	%		119,489,680		118,698,392		46,682
Total / Weighted Average	$	2,972,280,628		1.94	%		9.4	%	$	3,336,699,600	$	3,268,970,424	$	11,262,843

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in residential mortgage loans as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	10,149,322		4.38	%		39.6	%	$	16,814,571	$	14,907,020	$	10,168

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in residential mortgage loans as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	10,330,390		4.07	%		34.8	%	$	15,860,583	$	14,870,542	$	10,316

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by interests in commercial loans as of March 31, 2018:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		4.02	%		33.5	%	$	32,800,000	$	32,800,000	$	242,200

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

The following table presents certain financial information regarding the Company’s repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as of December 31, 2017:

	Repurchase Agreements								Financial Instruments Pledged
Repurchase Agreements Maturing Within:	Balance		Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost (1)			Weighted Average Haircut			Fair Value Pledged		Amortized Cost		Accrued Interest
Greater than 180 days	$	21,796,000		3.70	%		33.5	%	$	32,800,000	$	32,800,000	$	203,633

(1) As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

Schedule Of Securities Collateral Information [Table Text Block]

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s posting of collateral under repurchase agreements on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by investment type:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Agency RMBS	$	1,923,436,510	$	2,118,615,429
Non-Agency RMBS		832,743,710		976,071,673
ABS		23,718,842		30,832,553
CMBS		227,855,627		211,179,945
Residential Mortgage Loans		16,814,571		15,860,583
Commercial Loans		32,800,000		32,800,000
Cash pledged (i.e., restricted cash) under repurchase agreements		13,077,367		12,155,251
Fair Value of unsettled trades pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements:		98,584,870		-
Total collateral pledged under Repurchase agreements	$	3,169,031,497	$	3,397,515,434

Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s total borrowings under repurchase agreements on March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by investment type:

	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Repurchase agreements secured by investments:
Agency RMBS	$	1,913,609,000	$	2,005,133,000
Non-Agency RMBS		679,431,000		784,896,628
ABS		17,934,000		22,761,000
CMBS		183,660,000		159,490,000
Residential Mortgage Loans		10,149,322		10,330,390
Commercial Loans		21,796,000		21,796,000
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	$	2,826,579,322	$	3,004,407,018

Schedule Of Gross and Net Information About Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]

The following table presents both gross information and net information about repurchase agreements eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments Posted		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements	$	2,826,579,322	$	-	$	2,826,579,322	$	2,826,579,322	$	-	$	-

The following table presents both gross information and net information about repurchase agreements eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Description	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments Posted		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements	$	3,004,407,018	$	-	$	3,004,407,018	$	3,004,407,018	$	-	$	-

Schedule Of Repurchase Agreement Counterparty [Table Text Block]

The following table presents information at March 31, 2018 with respect to each counterparty that provides the Company with financing for which the Company had greater than 5% of its stockholders’ equity at risk, excluding stockholders’ equity at risk under financing through affiliated entities.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	39,125,300		24		6	%

The following table presents information at December 31, 2017 with respect to each counterparty that provides the Company with financing for which the Company had greater than 5% of its stockholders’ equity at risk, excluding stockholders’ equity at risk under financing through affiliated entities.

Counterparty	Stockholders' Equity at Risk		Weighted Average Maturity (days)		Percentage of Stockholders' Equity
RBC (Barbados) Trading Bank Corporation	$	45,239,399		26		6	%
Barclays Capital Inc		39,358,150		13		6	%

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Derivatives (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Derivatives [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the fair value of the Company's derivative and other instruments and their balance sheet location at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Derivatives and Other Instruments	Designation	Balance Sheet Location	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value	$	(428,630)	$	(450,208)
Interest rate swaps (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		2,431,220		1,428,240
Swaptions	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,128,348		362,202
TBAs	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		(357,581)		-
TBAs	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		1,011,873		226,565
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)	Non-Hedge	Derivative liabilities, at fair value		-		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Non-Hedge	Derivative assets, at fair value		-		110,063
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Non-Hedge	Obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements, at fair value (2)		-		(24,379,356)

(1) As of March 31, 2018, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin. As of December 31, 2017, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

(2) The Company's obligation to return securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements relates to securities borrowed to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities. The change in fair value of the borrowed securities is recorded in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives and other instruments, net" line item in the Company's consolidated statement of operations.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes information related to derivatives and other instruments:

Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments held long/(short):	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Notional amount of Pay Fix/Receive Float Interest Rate Swap Agreements	$	2,442,000,000	$	2,227,000,000
Notional amount of Swaptions		210,000,000		270,000,000
Net notional amount of TBAs		139,000,000		100,000,000
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures (1)		(50,000,000)		(52,500,000)
Notional amount of short positions on U.S. Treasuries		-		(24,668,000)

(1) Each U.S. Treasury Future contract embodies $100,000 of notional value.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes gains/(losses) related to derivatives and other instruments:

		Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
Non-hedge derivatives and other instruments gain/(loss):	Statement of Operations Location	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	$	36,251,709	$	1,231,214
Swaptions, at fair value	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		351,771		-
Swaptions, at fair value	Net realized gain/(loss)		50,625		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(494,357)		106,499
Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures	Net realized gain/(loss)		672,780		(947,936)
TBAs (1)	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		427,727		359,765
TBAs (1)	Net realized gain/(loss)		372,617		(242,031)
Long positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		(448,242)		-
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(94,004)		(1,724,922)
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries	Net realized gain/(loss)		579,617		1,730,547

(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2018, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.5 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net gains of $0.3 million due to price changes. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.4 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net losses of $(0.2) million due to price changes.

Schedule Of Gross and Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

The following table presents both gross information and net information about derivative and other instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Description (1)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		Net Amount
Derivative Assets (2)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	10,276,759	$	-	$	10,276,759	$	-	$	10,276,759	$	-
Interest Rate Swaptions		1,128,348		-		1,128,348		-		800,000		328,348
TBAs		1,011,873		-		1,011,873		-		-		1,011,873
Total Derivative Assets	$	12,416,980	$	-	$	12,416,980	$	-	$	11,076,759	$	1,340,221
Derivative Liabilities (3)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(215,477)	$	-	$	(215,477)	$	-	$	(215,477)	$	-
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short		-		-		-		-		-		-
TBAs		(357,581)		-		(357,581)		-		(357,581)		-
Total Derivative Liabilities	$	(573,058)	$	-	$	(573,058)	$	-	$	(573,058)	$	-

(1) The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin.

(2) Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $12,416,980 less accrued interest of $7,845,539 for a total of $4,571,441.

(3) Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(573,058) plus accrued interest of $(213,153) for a total of $786,211.

The following table presents both gross information and net information about derivative instruments eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017:

							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Description (1)	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		Net Amount
Receivable Under Reverse Repurchase Agreements	$	24,671,320	$	-	$	24,671,320	$	24,379,356	$	-	$	291,964
Derivative Assets (2)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	4,543,743	$	-	$	4,543,743	$	-	$	1,666,444	$	2,877,299
Interest Rate Swaptions		362,202		-		362,202		-		-		362,202
TBAs		226,565		-		226,565		-		-		226,565
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short		110,063		-		110,063		-		-		110,063
Total Derivative Assets	$	5,242,573	$	-	$	5,242,573	$	-	$	1,666,444	$	3,576,129
Derivative Liabilities (3)
Interest Rate Swaps	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-
Total Derivative Liabilities	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-	$	(5,645)	$	-

(1) The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

(2) Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $5,242,573 less accrued interest of $(3,115,503) for a total of $2,127,070.

(3) Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(5,645) plus accrued interest of $(444,563) for a total of $450,208.

Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block]

As of March 31, 2018, the Company’s interest rate swap positions consist of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2018:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.89	%		1.63
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		2.02	%		2.28
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		2.00	%		4.34
2023		75,000,000		2.70	%		1.79	%		4.85
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.94	%		6.25
2025		45,000,000		2.78	%		2.08	%		6.93
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.90	%		8.64
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.97	%		9.44
2028		95,000,000		2.81	%		1.87	%		9.87
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,442,000,000		1.97	%		1.98	%		4.59

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s interest rate swap positions consist of pay-fixed interest rate swaps. The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2017:

Maturity	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate			Weighted Average Years to Maturity
2019	$	170,000,000		1.36	%		1.43	%		1.88
2020		835,000,000		1.77	%		1.52	%		2.54
2022		653,000,000		1.90	%		1.51	%		4.59
2024		230,000,000		2.06	%		1.47	%		6.50
2026		75,000,000		2.12	%		1.44	%		8.89
2027		264,000,000		2.35	%		1.50	%		9.69
Total/Wtd Avg	$	2,227,000,000		1.89	%		1.50	%		4.56

Schedule Of To Be Announced Securities Activity [Table Text Block]

As discussed in Note 2, the Company has entered into TBAs. The following table presents information about the Company’s TBAs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	Beginning Notional Amount		Buys or Covers		Sales or Shorts		Ending Notional Amount		Fair Value as of Period End		Receivable/(Payable) from/to Broker		Derivative Asset		Derivative Liability
TBAs - Long	$	100,000,000	$	635,000,000	$	(596,000,000)	$	139,000,000	$	143,722,690	$	(143,068,398)	$	1,011,873	$	(357,581)
TBAs - Short	$	-	$	551,000,000	$	(551,000,000)	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

	Beginning Notional Amount		Buys or Covers		Sales or Shorts		Ending Notional Amount		Fair Value as of Period End		Receivable/(Payable) from/to Broker		Derivative Asset		Derivative Liability
TBAs - Long	$	50,000,000	$	285,000,000	$	(245,000,000)	$	90,000,000	$	93,367,972	$	(93,432,031)	$	417,956	$	(482,015)
TBAs - Short	$	(75,000,000)	$	75,000,000	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

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Earnings per share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2018

Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Warrants or Rights [Table Text Block]

As of March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, the Company’s outstanding warrants and unvested restricted stock units were as follows:

	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Outstanding warrants		1,007,500		1,007,500
Unvested restricted stock units previously granted to the Manager		60,000		20,003

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

	Three Months Ended		Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2018		March 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	4,880,055	$	21,750,308
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		28,195,673		27,701,902
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units		21,121		7,135
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		28,216,794		27,709,037
Basic Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$	0.17	$	0.79
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$	0.17	$	0.78

Common Stock [Member]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following tables detail our common stock dividends for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/15/2018	3/29/2018	4/30/2018	$	0.475

2017
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
3/10/2017	3/21/2017	4/28/2017	$	0.475

Preferred Stock [Member]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following tables detail our preferred stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017:

2018
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2018	2/28/2018	3/19/2018	$	0.50

2017
Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.25% Series A	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.51563

Dividend	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
8.00% Series B	2/16/2017	2/28/2017	3/17/2017	$	0.50

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Summary of significant accounting policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 09, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 27, 2017	Apr. 25, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 12, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items]
Description Of Real Estate Investment Trust For Federal Income Tax Purposes					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.
Amount Of Loans And Leases Receivable Commercial Transferred To Unaffiliated Third Party							$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000
Investments in affiliates					$ 141,706,961	$ 99,696,347
Investments fair market value					331,000,000	88,300,000
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment	$ 30,000,000			$ 10,000,000
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount					4,200,000
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure			$ 33,400,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable before Fees, Gross								$ 12,000,000	$ 12,000,000
Mortgage Acquisition Trust [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment		$ 75,000,000	$ 75,000,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount		$ 33,400,000			29,200,000
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount					4,200,000
Mortgage Acquisition Holding I LLC [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items]
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount					4,200,000
ARC Home LLC [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items]
Investments in affiliates					$ 18,400,000	$ 17,900,000

XML

Real Estate Securities (Details) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 6,204,853,723		$ 6,541,287,210
Premium/(Discount)		(2,983,040,045)		(3,096,736,610)
Amortized Cost		3,221,813,678		3,444,550,600
Gross Unrealized Gains		69,907,468	[1]	80,217,980	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(38,036,055)	[1]	(12,225,829)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 3,253,685,091		$ 3,512,542,751
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	2.74%		2.60%
Weighted Average Yield		4.52%		4.32%
Agency RMBS: 30 Year Fixed Rate [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 1,811,490,058		$ 1,848,172,215
Premium/(Discount)		71,789,601		81,133,356
Amortized Cost		1,883,279,659		1,929,305,571
Gross Unrealized Gains		1,086,867	[1]	5,124,870	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(28,992,188)	[1]	(5,397,445)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 1,855,374,338		$ 1,929,032,996
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	3.88%		3.79%
Weighted Average Yield		3.33%		3.13%
Agency RMBS: Fixed Rate CMO [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 50,935,170		$ 52,263,914
Premium/(Discount)		399,564		406,502
Amortized Cost		51,334,734		52,670,416
Gross Unrealized Gains		0	[1]	280,340	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(459,397)	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value		$ 50,875,337		$ 52,950,756
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	3.00%		3.00%
Weighted Average Yield		2.80%		2.79%
Agency RMBS: ARM [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 117,027,852		$ 176,560,807
Premium/(Discount)		51,429		(834,745)
Amortized Cost		117,079,281		175,726,062
Gross Unrealized Gains		0	[1]	683,254	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(1,187,653)	[1]	(21,920)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 115,891,628		$ 176,387,396
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	2.42%		2.35%
Weighted Average Yield		2.85%		2.83%
Agency RMBS: Interest Only [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 570,498,512		$ 644,238,995
Premium/(Discount)		(474,481,629)		(554,353,362)
Amortized Cost		96,016,883		89,885,633
Gross Unrealized Gains		2,023,607	[1]	1,608,431	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(1,759,188)	[1]	(2,704,177)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 96,281,302		$ 88,789,887
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	3.79%		3.27%
Weighted Average Yield		7.49%		6.84%
Credit Securities: Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 1,005,616,106		$ 1,165,533,510
Premium/(Discount)		(208,794,767)		(228,542,116)
Amortized Cost		796,821,339		936,991,394
Gross Unrealized Gains		62,177,364	[1]	66,812,751	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(3,278,798)	[1]	(2,210,053)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 855,719,905		$ 1,001,594,092
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	4.56%		4.45%
Weighted Average Yield		6.38%		6.10%
Credit Securities: Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 359,519,282		$ 371,297,100
Premium/(Discount)		(356,247,271)		(367,976,760)
Amortized Cost		3,272,011		3,320,340
Gross Unrealized Gains		124,325	[1]	129,480	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(483,956)	[1]	(788,254)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 2,912,380		$ 2,661,566
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	0.44%		0.30%
Weighted Average Yield		14.11%		10.49%
Credit Securities: ABS [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 35,649,380		$ 40,655,000
Premium/(Discount)		(227,469)		(438,491)
Amortized Cost		35,421,911		40,216,509
Gross Unrealized Gains		440,594	[1]	741,044	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(24,449)	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value		$ 35,838,056		$ 40,957,553
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	8.33%		7.61%
Weighted Average Yield		8.85%		8.27%
Credit Securities: CMBS [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 239,599,012		$ 221,305,103
Premium/(Discount)		(46,725,949)		(51,818,496)
Amortized Cost		192,873,063		169,486,607
Gross Unrealized Gains		1,110,232	[1]	1,059,546	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(1,816,126)	[1]	(1,079,582)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 192,167,169		$ 169,466,571
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	5.75%		5.58%
Weighted Average Yield		6.25%		6.23%
Credit Securities: CMBS Interest Only [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 2,014,518,351		$ 2,021,260,566
Premium/(Discount)		(1,968,803,554)		(1,974,312,498)
Amortized Cost		45,714,797		46,948,068
Gross Unrealized Gains		2,944,479	[1]	3,778,264	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(34,300)	[1]	(24,398)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 48,624,976		$ 50,701,934
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	0.40%		0.40%
Weighted Average Yield		6.67%		6.63%
Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 2,549,951,592		$ 2,721,235,931
Premium/(Discount)		(402,241,035)		(473,648,249)
Amortized Cost		2,147,710,557		2,247,587,682
Gross Unrealized Gains		3,110,474	[1]	7,696,895	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(32,398,426)	[1]	(8,123,542)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 2,118,422,605		$ 2,247,161,035
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	3.78%		3.56%
Weighted Average Yield		3.48%		3.25%
Total Non Agency Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 1,365,135,388		$ 1,536,830,610
Premium/(Discount)		(565,042,038)		(596,518,876)
Amortized Cost		800,093,350		940,311,734
Gross Unrealized Gains		62,301,689	[1]	66,942,231	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(3,762,754)	[1]	(2,998,307)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 858,632,285		$ 1,004,255,658
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	3.91%		3.38%
Weighted Average Yield		6.41%		6.12%
Total Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Current Face		$ 2,254,117,363		$ 2,242,565,669
Premium/(Discount)		(2,015,529,503)		(2,026,130,994)
Amortized Cost		238,587,860		216,434,675
Gross Unrealized Gains		4,054,711	[1]	4,837,810	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		(1,850,426)	[1]	(1,103,980)	[2]
Fair Value		$ 240,792,145		$ 220,168,505
Weighted Average Coupon	[3]	0.86%		0.80%
Weighted Average Yield		6.34%		6.32%

[1] The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

[2] The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its real estate securities portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item in the consolidated statement of operations. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains/(losses).

[3] Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

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Real Estate Securities (Details 1) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	$ 1,966,445,757	$ 1,116,925,170
Less than 12 months, Unrealized Losses	(34,847,549)	(8,011,731)
Greater than 12 months, Fair Value	97,161,337	188,434,092
Greater than 12 months, Unrealized Losses	$ (3,188,506)	$ (4,214,098)

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Real Estate Securities (Details 2) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Agency RMBS [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Total	[1],[2]	$ 2,022,141,303	$ 2,158,371,148
Amortized Cost Total	[1],[2]	$ 2,051,693,674	$ 2,157,702,049
Weighted Average Coupon Total	[1],[2]	3.77%	3.64%
Agency RMBS [Member] | Less than or equal to 1 year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Less than or equal to 1 year	[1],[2]	$ 0	$ 0
Amortized Cost Less than or equal to 1 year	[1],[2]	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Coupon Less than or equal to 1 year	[1],[2]	0.00%	0.00%
Agency RMBS [Member] | Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1],[2]	$ 166,766,965	$ 229,338,153
Amortized Cost Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1],[2]	$ 168,414,014	$ 228,396,478
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1],[2]	2.59%	2.50%
Agency RMBS [Member] | Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1],[2]	$ 1,440,382,354	$ 1,865,474,374
Amortized Cost Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1],[2]	$ 1,467,446,517	$ 1,865,706,312
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1],[2]	3.92%	3.79%
Agency RMBS [Member] | Greater than ten years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than ten years	[1],[2]	$ 414,991,984	$ 63,558,621
Amortized Cost Greater than ten years	[1],[2]	$ 415,833,143	$ 63,599,259
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than ten years	[1],[2]	3.76%	3.50%
Agency IO [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Total	[1]	$ 96,281,302	$ 88,789,887
Amortized Cost Total	[1]	$ 96,016,883	$ 89,885,633
Weighted Average Coupon Total	[1]	3.79%	3.27%
Agency IO [Member] | Less than or equal to 1 year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Less than or equal to 1 year	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
Amortized Cost Less than or equal to 1 year	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Coupon Less than or equal to 1 year	[1]	0.00%	0.00%
Agency IO [Member] | Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1]	$ 21,877,339	$ 28,836,904
Amortized Cost Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1]	$ 21,029,824	$ 29,519,508
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1]	3.12%	2.36%
Agency IO [Member] | Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1]	$ 74,403,963	$ 59,952,983
Amortized Cost Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1]	$ 74,987,059	$ 60,366,125
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1]	4.16%	4.36%
Agency IO [Member] | Greater than ten years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than ten years	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
Amortized Cost Greater than ten years	[1]	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than ten years	[1]	0.00%	0.00%
Credit Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Total	[1],[3]	$ 1,135,262,486	$ 1,265,381,716
Amortized Cost Total	[1],[3]	$ 1,074,103,121	$ 1,196,962,918
Weighted Average Coupon Total	[1],[3],[4]	1.95%	1.89%
Credit Securities [Member] | Less than or equal to 1 year [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Less than or equal to 1 year	[1],[3]	$ 92,567,490	$ 117,531,313
Amortized Cost Less than or equal to 1 year	[1],[3]	$ 92,906,904	$ 117,804,751
Weighted Average Coupon Less than or equal to 1 year	[1],[3],[4]	5.66%	2.15%
Credit Securities [Member] | Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1],[3]	$ 447,882,191	$ 477,066,079
Amortized Cost Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1],[3]	$ 434,741,071	$ 460,333,652
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than one year and less than or equal to five years	[1],[3],[4]	1.03%	1.07%
Credit Securities [Member] | Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1],[3]	$ 424,347,868	$ 482,183,493
Amortized Cost Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1],[3]	$ 396,396,441	$ 452,403,504
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than five years and less than or equal to ten years	[1],[3],[4]	3.04%	2.87%
Credit Securities [Member] | Greater than ten years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value Greater than ten years	[1],[3]	$ 170,464,937	$ 188,600,831
Amortized Cost Greater than ten years	[1],[3]	$ 150,058,705	$ 166,421,011
Weighted Average Coupon Greater than ten years	[1],[3],[4]	5.58%	5.31%

[1] Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

[2] For purposes of this table, Agency RMBS represent securities backed by Fixed Rate 30 Year mortgages, ARMs and Fixed Rate CMOs.

[3] For purposes of this table, Credit Investments represent Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, CMBS and Interest Only credit securities.

[4] Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

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Real Estate Securities (Details 3) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Face Amount		$ 6,204,853,723		$ 6,541,287,210
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 3,253,685,091		$ 3,512,542,751
Securities Weighted Average Coupon	[1]	2.74%		2.60%
Available For Sale Securities Weighted Average Yield Rate		4.52%		4.32%
Resecuritized Asset [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Face Amount		$ 23,916,975		$ 24,972,621
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 21,673,443		$ 22,578,372
Securities Weighted Average Coupon		3.52%		3.51%
Available For Sale Securities Weighted Average Yield Rate		7.74%		7.04%
Variable Interest Entity Weighted Average Life	[2]	5 years 18 days		5 years 18 days
Retained tranche [Member] | Resecuritized Asset [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Face Amount		$ 8,556,332		$ 8,617,903
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 6,177,041		$ 6,100,571
Securities Weighted Average Coupon		3.72%		4.28%
Available For Sale Securities Weighted Average Yield Rate		16.54%		15.48%
Variable Interest Entity Weighted Average Life	[2]	9 years 4 days		9 years 14 days
Consolidated tranche [Member] | Resecuritized Asset [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment Owned, Face Amount		$ 15,360,643	[3]	$ 16,354,718	[4]
Available-for-sale Securities		$ 15,496,402	[3]	$ 16,477,801	[4]
Securities Weighted Average Coupon		3.41%	[3]	3.11%	[4]
Available For Sale Securities Weighted Average Yield Rate		4.24%	[3]	3.92%	[4]
Variable Interest Entity Weighted Average Life	[2]	2 years 10 months 2 days	[3]	2 years 11 months 12 days	[4]

[1] Equity residual investments and principal only securities with a zero coupon rate are excluded from this calculation.

[2] Actual maturities of investments and loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

[3] As of March 31, 2018, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of March 31, 2018, the Company has recorded secured financing of $15.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

[4] As of December 31, 2017, the fair market value of the consolidated tranche is included in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as "Non-Agency RMBS". As of December 31, 2017, the Company has recorded secured financing of $16.5 million on the consolidated balance sheets in the "Securitized debt, at fair value" line item. The Company recorded the proceeds from the issuance of the secured financing in the "Cash Flows from Financing Activities" section of the consolidated statement of cash flows at the time of securitization.

XML

Real Estate Securities (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,700,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	728,366,471	119,058,418
Other Secured Financings	15,496,402		$ 16,477,801
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities	$ 1,000,000	$ 2,700,000
Settled Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Number Of Securities Sold	57	15
Securities, Gross Realized Gains	$ 5,900,000	$ 500,000
Securities, Gross Realized Losses	18,400,000	700,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities	1,000,000	1,100,000
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	728,400,000	119,100,000
Fair Values of Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities		1,000,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities	600,000	2,700,000
Unsettled Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$ 104,700,000	$ 12,900,000

XML

Loans (Details) - Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unpaid Principal Balance		$ 25,393,461		$ 25,675,566
Premium (Discount)		(7,305,239)		(7,792,057)
Amortized Cost		18,088,222		17,883,509
Gross Unrealized Gains		1,783,904	[1]	1,006,184	[2]
Gross Unrealized Losses		0	[1]	0	[2]
Fair Value		$ 19,872,126		$ 18,889,693
Weighted Average Coupon		3.09%		3.10%
Weighted Average Yield		12.12%		12.24%
Weighted Average Useful Life (in years)	[3]	5 years 9 months 7 days		5 years 8 months 1 day

[1] The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

[2] The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

[3] Actual maturities of residential mortgage loans are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities.Maturities are affected by the lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.

XML

Loans (Details 1) - Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value	$ 19,872,126	$ 18,889,693
Unpaid Principal Balance	25,393,461	25,675,566
Re-Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Fair Value	11,880,681	11,384,032
Unpaid Principal Balance	15,342,268	15,350,657
Non-Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Fair Value	7,991,445	7,505,661
Unpaid Principal Balance	$ 10,051,193	$ 10,324,909

XML

Loans (Details 2) - Accounts Receivable [Member]	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New York [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	38.00%	37.00%
California [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	7.00%	7.00%
Maryland [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	7.00%	7.00%
New Jersey [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%	6.00%

XML

Loans (Details 3) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 9,318,058	$ 18,281,517
Accretion	(490,629)	(753,537)
Reclassifications from/(to) non-accretable difference	997,258	1,472,340
Disposals	0	(274,849)
Ending Balance	$ 9,824,687	$ 18,725,471

XML

Loans (Details 4) - Commercial Loan [Member] - Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Face, Commerical Loans		$ 57,738,472	[1]	$ 57,738,472
Premium (Discount), Commercial Loans		(147,014)	[1]	(1,104,022)
Amortized Cost, Commercial Loans		57,591,458	[1]	56,634,450
Gross Unrealized Gains, Commercial Loans	[2]	74,406		886,196
Gross Unrealized Losses, Commercial Loans	[2]	0		0
Fair Value, Commercial Loans		$ 57,665,864	[1]	$ 57,520,646
Weighted Average Coupon, Commercial Loans	[3]	8.41%	[1]	8.20%
Weighted Average Yield, Commercial Loans		15.85%	[1]	9.41%
Weighted Average Life (in years), Commercial Loans	[4]	9 months 25 days	[1]	1 year 9 months 4 days
Loan B [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Face, Commerical Loans		$ 32,800,000	[5]	$ 32,800,000	[6]
Premium (Discount), Commercial Loans		0	[5]	0	[6]
Amortized Cost, Commercial Loans		32,800,000	[5]	32,800,000	[6]
Gross Unrealized Gains, Commercial Loans		0	[2],[5]	0	[6],[7]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Commercial Loans		0	[2],[5]	0	[6],[7]
Fair Value, Commercial Loans		$ 32,800,000	[5]	$ 32,800,000	[6]
Weighted Average Coupon, Commercial Loans	[3]	6.44%	[5]	6.14%	[6]
Weighted Average Yield, Commercial Loans		6.82%	[5]	6.52%	[6]
Weighted Average Life (in years), Commercial Loans	[4]	1 year 3 months 11 days	[5]	1 year 6 months 11 days	[6]
Initial Stated Maturity Date		Jul. 01, 2016	[5]	Jul. 01, 2016	[6]
Extended Maturity Date		Jul. 01, 2019	[5]	Jul. 01, 2019	[6]
Loan E [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Face, Commerical Loans	[1]	$ 14,521,806	[8]	$ 14,521,806	[9]
Premium (Discount), Commercial Loans	[1]	(97,715)	[8]	(1,027,510)	[9]
Amortized Cost, Commercial Loans	[1]	14,424,091	[8]	13,494,296	[9]
Gross Unrealized Gains, Commercial Loans	[2]	25,107	[8]	809,684	[1],[9]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Commercial Loans	[2]	0	[8]	0	[1],[9]
Fair Value, Commercial Loans	[1]	$ 14,449,198	[8]	$ 14,303,980	[9]
Weighted Average Coupon, Commercial Loans	[1],[3]	10.13%	[8]	9.83%	[9]
Weighted Average Yield, Commercial Loans	[1]	37.40%	[8]	12.70%	[9]
Weighted Average Life (in years), Commercial Loans	[1],[4]	7 days	[8]	3 years 4 days	[9]
Initial Stated Maturity Date	[1]	Apr. 09, 2017	[8]	Apr. 09, 2017	[9]
Extended Maturity Date	[1],[10]	Apr. 09, 2021	[8]	Apr. 09, 2021	[9]
Loan F [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Current Face, Commerical Loans	[1],[11]	$ 10,416,666		$ 10,416,666
Premium (Discount), Commercial Loans	[1],[11]	(49,299)		(76,512)
Amortized Cost, Commercial Loans	[1],[11]	10,367,367		10,340,154
Gross Unrealized Gains, Commercial Loans	[2],[11]	49,299		76,512	[1]
Gross Unrealized Losses, Commercial Loans	[2],[11]	0		0	[1]
Fair Value, Commercial Loans	[1],[11]	$ 10,416,666		$ 10,416,666
Weighted Average Coupon, Commercial Loans	[1],[3],[11]	12.22%		12.43%
Weighted Average Yield, Commercial Loans	[1],[11]	14.39%		13.98%
Weighted Average Life (in years), Commercial Loans	[1],[4],[11]	5 months 12 days		8 months 12 days
Initial Stated Maturity Date	[1],[11]	Sep. 09, 2018		Sep. 09, 2018
Extended Maturity Date	[1],[10],[11]	Sep. 09, 2019		Sep. 09, 2019

[1] The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

[2] The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized columns above represent inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

[3] Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

[4] Actual maturities of commercial mortgage loans may be shorter than stated contractual maturities. Maturities are affected by prepayments of principal.

[5] Loan B is comprised of a first mortgage and mezzanine loan of $31.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, Loan B has been extended to the extended maturity date shown above.

[6] Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of December 31, 2017, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018.

[7] The Company has chosen to make a fair value election pursuant to ASC 825 for its loan portfolio. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings in the "Unrealized gain/(loss) on real estate securities and loans, net" line item. The gross unrealized stated above represents inception to date unrealized gains (losses).

[8] Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of March 31, 2018, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018. Loan E paid off at par on April 9, 2018.

[9] Loan E is a mezzanine loan. As of December 31, 2017, Loan E has been extended to April 9, 2018.

[10] Represents the maturity date of the last possible extension option.

[11] Loan F is a mezzanine loan of up to $14.6 million, of which $10.4 million has been advanced.

XML

Loans (Details Textual) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 12, 2016
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale					$ 900,000
Realized Gain On Sale of Loan					100,000
Percentage Of Loans And Leases Receivable Commercial Transferred To Unaffiliated Third Party								15.00%
Amount Of Loans And Leases Receivable Commercial Transferred To Unaffiliated Third Party							$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000
Accretion of Purchase, Discount			$ 1,000,000		100,000
Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount			9,700,000			$ 9,100,000
Unsettled Loan [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale					$ 3,600,000
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable before Fees, Gross								$ 12,000,000	$ 12,000,000
Loan C [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Loan Receivable Commercial Weighted Average Coupon Rate							10.62%
Loan Receivable Commercial Weighted Average Yield							21.70%
Loan D [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Collection of Loans Receivable		$ 12,000,000
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total			25,393,461			25,675,566
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total			1,100,000			1,100,000
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total			$ 9,000			$ 9,000
Commercial Loan [Member] | Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Loan Receivable Commercial Weighted Average Coupon Rate	[1]		8.41%	[2]		8.20%
Loan Receivable Commercial Weighted Average Yield			15.85%	[2]		9.41%
Mezzanine Loan [Member] | Loan B [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total			$ 31,800,000			$ 31,800,000
Mezzanine Loan [Member] | Loan B [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total			1,000,000			1,000,000
Mezzanine Loan [Member] | Loan F [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount			14,600,000			14,600,000
Mezzanine Loan [Member] | Loan F [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Principal Amount Outstanding of Loans Held-in-portfolio, Total			$ 10,400,000			$ 10,400,000
Participation Interest [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Loan Receivable Commercial Weighted Average Coupon Rate							10.62%
Loan Receivable Commercial Weighted Average Yield							14.33%

[1] Each commercial loan investment has a variable coupon rate.

[2] The Company has the contractual right to receive a balloon payment.

XML

Fair value measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 3,384,979,204	$ 3,614,074,765
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(16,282,613)	(41,307,365)
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		(24,379,356)
AG Arc [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	18,438,220	17,911,091
Derivative Assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,571,441	2,127,070
Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(786,211)	(450,208)
Agency RMBS: 30 Year Fixed Rate [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,855,374,338	1,929,032,996
Agency RMBS: Fixed Rate CMO [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	50,875,337	52,950,756
Agency RMBS: ARM [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	115,891,628	176,387,396
Agency RMBS: Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	96,281,302	88,789,887
Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	855,719,905	1,001,594,092
Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,912,380	2,661,566
Credit Investments: ABS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	35,838,056	40,957,553
Credit Investments: CMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	192,167,169	169,466,571
Credit Investment: CMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	48,624,976	50,701,934
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	19,872,126	18,889,693
Commercial Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	57,665,864	57,520,646
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	30,746,462	5,083,514
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	110,063
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | AG Arc [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Derivative Assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	110,063
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Agency RMBS: 30 Year Fixed Rate [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Agency RMBS: Fixed Rate CMO [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Agency RMBS: ARM [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Agency RMBS: Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Credit Investments: ABS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Credit Investments: CMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Credit Investment: CMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,256,991,850	2,413,564,898
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(786,211)	(24,829,564)
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		(24,379,356)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | AG Arc [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Derivative Assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,571,441	2,017,007
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(786,211)	(450,208)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Agency RMBS: 30 Year Fixed Rate [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,855,374,338	1,929,032,996
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Agency RMBS: Fixed Rate CMO [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	50,875,337	52,950,756
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Agency RMBS: ARM [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	115,891,628	176,387,396
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Agency RMBS: Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	96,281,302	88,789,887
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	124,800,787	156,170,350
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Credit Investments: ABS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Credit Investments: CMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	9,197,017	8,216,506
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Credit Investment: CMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,127,987,354	1,200,399,804
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	(15,496,402)	(16,477,801)
Securities borrowed under reverse repurchase agreements		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | AG Arc [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	18,438,220	17,911,091
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Derivative Assets [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities:
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Agency RMBS: 30 Year Fixed Rate [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Agency RMBS: Fixed Rate CMO [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Agency RMBS: ARM [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Agency RMBS: Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	730,919,118	845,423,742
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	2,912,380	2,661,566
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Credit Investments: ABS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	35,838,056	40,957,553
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Credit Investments: CMBS [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	182,970,152	161,250,065
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Credit Investment: CMBS Interest Only [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	48,624,976	50,701,934
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	19,872,126	18,889,693
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Loans [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	57,665,864	57,520,646
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 30,746,462	$ 5,083,514

XML

Fair value measurements (Details 1) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018		Mar. 31, 2017
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		$ 18,889,693		$ 38,195,576
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		0		0	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				(854,447)
Proceeds from settlement		(182,647)		(665,982)
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		1,165,080	[4]	(419,236)
Ending Balance		19,872,126		36,255,911
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		1,165,080	[5]	(488,629)
Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		845,423,742		717,760,534
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		8,034,505	[1]	85,643,243
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	(35,886,288)
Purchases/Transfers		91,585,501		42,203,390	[2]
Sales/Transfers		(178,121,105)
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				(23,675,362)
Proceeds from settlement		(37,950,606)		(29,360,521)
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		1,947,081	[4]	5,404,352
Ending Balance		730,919,118		762,089,348
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		1,024,331	[5]	5,394,508
Credit Investments: Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		2,661,566		3,761,446
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		0		0	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement		0		0
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		250,814	[4]	(203,496)
Ending Balance		2,912,380		3,557,950
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		271,144	[5]	(203,496)
Credit Investments: ABS [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		40,957,553		21,231,956
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		2,968,228		6,730,646	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				(7,665,627)
Proceeds from settlement		(7,973,847)		0
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		(113,878)	[4]	868,467
Ending Balance		35,838,056		21,165,442
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		(95,342)	[5]	838,732
CMBS [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		161,250,065		130,789,615
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		(6,951,115)	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		30,200,000		3,568,749	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				(4,533,594)
Proceeds from settlement		(903,961)		(8,485,256)
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		(624,837)	[4]	875,780
Ending Balance		182,970,152		122,215,294
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		(624,837)	[5]	960,672
Credit Investment: CMBS Interest Only [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		50,701,934		52,136,726
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		0		0	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement		0		0
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		(2,076,958)	[4]	785,201
Ending Balance		48,624,976		52,921,927
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		(2,076,958)	[5]	785,201
Commercial Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		57,520,646		60,068,800
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		0		10,270,833	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement		0		(12,357,896)
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		145,218	[4]	292,751
Ending Balance		57,665,864		58,274,488
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		145,218	[5]	236,542
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		5,083,514		412,648
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		25,371,355		706,365	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement		(333,636)		(10,364)
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		625,229	[4]	(52,526)
Ending Balance		30,746,462		1,056,123
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		625,229	[5]	(52,526)
AG Arc [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		17,911,091		12,894,819
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		0		0	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement		0		0
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		527,129	[4]	115,634
Ending Balance		18,438,220		13,010,453
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		527,129	[5]	115,634
Securitized Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(16,477,801)		(21,491,710)
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3		0	[1]	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	[1]	0
Purchases/Transfers		0		0	[2]
Sales/Transfers		0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement		994,076		1,575,619
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income		(12,677)	[4]	(32,648)
Ending Balance		(15,496,402)		(19,948,739)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held		$ (12,677)	[5]	(32,648)
Loan Participation Payable [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance				(1,800,000)
Transfers:
Transfers into level 3				0
Transfers out of level 3				0
Purchases/Transfers	[2]			0
Capital contributions				0
Reclassification of security type	[3]			0
Proceeds from sales/redemptions				0
Proceeds from settlement				1,954,927
Total net gains/(losses)
Included in net income				(154,927)
Ending Balance				0
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 assets/liabilities still held				$ 0

[1] Transfers are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.

[2] Transfers represent proceeds from transfer of loan participation.

[3] Represents a reclassification from investments in debt and equity of affiliates.

[4] Gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

[5] Unrealized gains/(losses) are recorded in the following line items in the consolidated statement of operations:

XML

Fair value measurements (Details 2) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings, Total	$ 948,317	$ 7,471,004
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	37,089,966	(125,872)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates	2,740,276	2,502,046
Trading Securities [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings, Total		7,553,990
Interest Income [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings, Total	433,865
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	(12,677)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	1,832,201	7,479,352
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(32,648)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates	527,129	115,634
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Trading Securities [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings, Total	4,641,325	(285,168)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	(12,677)	(187,575)
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates	527,129
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Interest Income [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Equity in earnings/(loss) from affiliates		115,634
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real Estate Securities And Loans [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measured on Recurring Basis, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings, Total	$ (3,323,576)	$ 7,836,461

XML

Fair value measurements (Details 3) - Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares
Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	$ (15,496,402)	$ (16,477,801)
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.77%	3.23%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	14.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	3.50%	7.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	45.00%	40.00%
Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.77%	3.23%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	14.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	3.50%	7.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	45.00%	40.00%
Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Securitized Debt [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.77%	3.23%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	14.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	3.50%	7.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	45.00%	40.00%
Non-Agency RMBS | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 712,175,513	$ 783,880,884
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
Non-Agency RMBS | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 18,743,605	$ 14,794,010
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Consensus Pricing	Consensus Pricing
Non-Agency RMBS | Recent Transaction Price [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		$ 46,748,848
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques		Recent Transaction
Non-Agency RMBS | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	1.92%	0.94%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
Non-Agency RMBS | Minimum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 75.00	$ 74.75
Non-Agency RMBS | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	31.75%	31.75%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	35.00%	35.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	30.00%	50.00%
Non-Agency RMBS | Maximum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 100.21	$ 74.75
Non-Agency RMBS | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	4.46%	4.49%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	11.11%	10.50%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	3.25%	3.25%
Non-Agency RMBS | Weighted Average [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	33.89%	34.77%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 79.86	$ 74.75
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 2,912,380	$ 2,661,566
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	7.00%	7.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.00%	10.50%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.75%	1.50%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	10.00%	10.00%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	25.00%	25.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	18.00%	18.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	2.00%	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	40.00%	40.00%
Non-Agency RMBS Interest Only [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	22.17%	22.34%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	16.79%	16.89%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	1.54%	1.57%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	13.91%	14.43%
ABS [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 32,869,828	$ 40,957,533
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
ABS [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 2,968,228
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Consensus Pricing
ABS [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.03%	4.62%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	20.00%	20.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity		0.00%
ABS [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 100.00
ABS [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	10.06%	9.83%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	40.00%	40.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	2.00%	2.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity		50.00%
ABS [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	50.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 100.00
ABS [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	8.83%	7.56%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	23.40%	22.62%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	1.66%	1.74%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity		43.45%
ABS [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	41.51%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 100.00
CMBS [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 179,926,667	$ 157,684,840
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
CMBS [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 3,043,485	$ 3,565,225
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Consensus Pricing	Consensus Pricing
CMBS [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		(1.45%)
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
CMBS [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 4.05	$ 6.2
CMBS [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	8.49%	8.35%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
CMBS [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 8.59	$ 7.6
CMBS [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.64%	6.24%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
CMBS [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 7.46	$ 7.12
CMBS Interest Only [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 48,624,976	$ 50,701,934
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
CMBS Interest Only [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	3.28%	2.93%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity		0.00%
CMBS Interest Only [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.22%	5.90%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%	0.00%
CMBS Interest Only [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	4.77%	4.43%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	100.00%	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	0.00%	0.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	0.00%	0.00%
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 19,872,126	$ 18,889,693
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.25%	6.25%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	3.75%	2.98%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	3.74%	3.88%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	13.03%	20.21%
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		9.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate		5.05%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses		6.91%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity		37.25%
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	9.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	4.79%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	6.44%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	36.62%
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		7.81%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate		3.93%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses		4.27%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity		22.00%
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	7.93%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	4.20%
Fair Value Inputs, Collateral Losses	4.50%
Fair Value Inputs, Loss Severity	17.24%
Commercial Loans [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 32,800,000	$ 32,800,000
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
Commercial Loans [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 24,865,864	$ 24,720,646
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Consensus Pricing	Consensus Pricing
Commercial Loans [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.82%	6.52%
Fair Value Measurement Credit Spread	4.75
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Percentage	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate		4.75%
Commercial Loans [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Percentage		100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 99.50	$ 98.5
Commercial Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.82%	6.52%
Fair Value Measurement Credit Spread	4.75
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Percentage	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate		4.75%
Commercial Loans [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Percentage		100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 100.00	$ 100
Commercial Loans [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.82%	6.52%
Fair Value Measurement Credit Spread	4.75
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Percentage	100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate		4.75%
Commercial Loans [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Recovery Percentage		100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 99.13	$ 99.13
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 30,473,264	$ 4,800,708
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Discounted Cash Flow	Discounted Cash Flow
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 273,198	$ 282,806
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Consensus Pricing	Consensus Pricing
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	8.50%	9.12%
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	6.34%	7.59%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 0.04	$ 0.04
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	11.55%	11.74%
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	10.23%	11.85%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 0.52	$ 0.52
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	9.18%	10.29%
Excess Mortgage Servicing Rights [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Consensus Pricing [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Prepayment Rate	8.53%	9.67%
Fair Value Inputs, Offered Quotes | $ / shares	$ 0.48	$ 0.48
AG Arc [Member] | Comparable Multiple [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements, with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	$ 18,438,220	$ 17,911,091
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques	Comparable Multiple	Comparable Multiple
Book Value Multiple	1.0	1.0

XML

Fair value measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 12, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Percentage Of Loans And Leases Receivable Commercial Transferred To Unaffiliated Third Party	15.00%
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable before Fees, Gross	$ 12.0	$ 12.0

XML

Repurchase agreements (Details) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 2,794,634,000		$ 2,972,280,628
Weighted Average Rate		2.15%		1.94%
Weighted Average Haircut		8.40%		9.40%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 3,106,339,559		$ 3,336,699,600
Amortized Cost		2,976,881,645		3,268,970,424
Accrued Interest		10,831,913		11,262,843
Overnight
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 151,903,000		$ 128,779,000
Weighted Average Rate		1.94%		1.80%
Weighted Average Haircut		3.00%		3.20%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 156,588,143		$ 133,012,426
Amortized Cost		145,763,694		133,030,219
Accrued Interest		456,989		375,987
30 days or less [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 2,024,067,000		$ 2,105,103,000
Weighted Average Rate		2.13%		1.94%
Weighted Average Haircut		8.20%		9.60%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 2,240,364,126		$ 2,361,573,884
Amortized Cost		2,132,654,293		2,302,744,090
Accrued Interest		8,139,124		8,406,811
31-60 days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 425,297,000		$ 611,763,000
Weighted Average Rate		2.16%		1.76%
Weighted Average Haircut		9.10%		7.60%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 484,440,715		$ 677,310,405
Amortized Cost		475,429,145		670,307,102
Accrued Interest		1,595,810		2,131,225
61-90 days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 36,694,000		$ 32,445,000
Weighted Average Rate		3.51%		3.04%
Weighted Average Haircut		23.20%		25.90%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 47,830,538		$ 43,850,631
Amortized Cost		46,937,640		42,711,854
Accrued Interest		259,376		300,842
Maturity 91 to 180 Days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 102,578,000		$ 1,131,000
Weighted Average Rate		2.06%		3.21%
Weighted Average Haircut		5.50%		22.70%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 111,944,057		$ 1,462,574
Amortized Cost		110,514,688		1,478,767
Accrued Interest		338,035		1,296
Maturity Over 180 Days [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 54,095,000		$ 93,059,628
Weighted Average Rate		2.77%		3.00%
Weighted Average Haircut		16.90%		20.40%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 65,171,980		$ 119,489,680
Amortized Cost		65,582,185		118,698,392
Accrued Interest		42,579		46,682
Maturity Over 180 Days [Member] | Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 10,149,322		$ 10,330,390
Weighted Average Funding Cost	[1]			4.07%
Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost	[2]	4.38%
Weighted Average Haircut		39.60%		34.80%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 16,814,571		$ 15,860,583
Amortized Cost		14,907,020		14,870,542
Accrued Interest		10,168		10,316
Maturity Over 180 Days [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Balance		$ 21,796,000		$ 21,796,000
Weighted Average Rate and Funding Cost		4.02%	[3]	3.70%	[4]
Weighted Average Haircut		33.50%		33.50%
Fair Value Pledged		$ 32,800,000		$ 32,800,000
Amortized Cost		32,800,000		32,800,000
Accrued Interest		$ 242,200		$ 203,633

[1] As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

[2] As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by residential mortgage loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

[3] As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

[4] As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average rate equaled the weighted average funding cost on the Company's repurchase agreements secured by commercial loans as a result of the full recognition of deferred fee amounts.

XML

Repurchase agreements (Details 1) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Cash pledged (i.e., restricted cash) under repurchase agreements	$ 13,077,367	$ 12,155,251
Fair Value of unsettled trades pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements:	98,584,870	0
Total collateral pledged under Repurchase agreements	3,169,031,497	3,397,515,434
Agency RMBS [Member]
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Trading Securities Pledged as Collateral	1,923,436,510	2,118,615,429
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Trading Securities Pledged as Collateral	832,743,710	976,071,673
ABS [Member]
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Trading Securities Pledged as Collateral	23,718,842	30,832,553
CMBS [Member]
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Trading Securities Pledged as Collateral	227,855,627	211,179,945
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member]
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Loans Pledged as Collateral	16,814,571	15,860,583
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member]
Fair Value of investments pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements
Loans Pledged as Collateral	$ 32,800,000	$ 32,800,000

XML

Repurchase agreements (Details 2) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	$ 2,826,579,322	$ 3,004,407,018
Agency RMBS [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	1,913,609,000	2,005,133,000
Non-Agency RMBS [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	679,431,000	784,896,628
ABS [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	17,934,000	22,761,000
CMBS [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	183,660,000	159,490,000
Residential Mortgage Loans [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	10,149,322	10,330,390
Commercial Mortgage Loans [Member] | Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Total Borrowings Under Repurchase Agreements [Line Items]
Gross Liability for Repurchase agreements	$ 21,796,000	$ 21,796,000

XML

Repurchase agreements (Details 3) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	$ 2,826,579,322	$ 3,004,407,018
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities [Member]
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	2,826,579,322	3,004,407,018
Gross Amounts Offset In The Consolidated Balance Sheets [Member]
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	0	0
Net Amounts Of Liabilities Presented In The Consolidated Balance Sheets [Member]
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	2,826,579,322	3,004,407,018
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Posted [Member]
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	2,826,579,322	3,004,407,018
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Cash Collateral Posted [Member]
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	0	0
Net Amount [Member]
Gross And Net Information About Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Repurchase Agreements	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Repurchase agreements (Details 4) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
RBC Capital Markets [Member]
Repurchase Agreement Counterparty [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity at Risk	$ 39,125,300	$ 45,239,399
Weighted Average Maturity (days)	24 days	26 days
Percentage of Stockholders' Equity	6.00%	6.00%
Barclays Capital Inc [Member]
Repurchase Agreement Counterparty [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity at Risk		$ 39,358,150
Weighted Average Maturity (days)		13 days
Percentage of Stockholders' Equity		6.00%

XML

Repurchase agreements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 14, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 04, 2015
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A [Member]
Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description	In the event the debt outstanding under the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement falls below $7.0 million, a cash trap trigger event will occur in which all income payments received by Wells Fargo will be applied against the outstanding balance until the WFB1 Repurchase Agreement is paid off.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on renewal of repurchase agreement	$ 50.0
AG MIT WFB1 [Member]
Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 10.2	$ 10.3
AG MIT CREL [Member]
Repurchase Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on renewal of repurchase agreement				$ 150.0
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 21.8	$ 21.8	$ 42.8

XML

Derivatives (Details) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liabilities at Fair Value	[1]	$ (428,630)	$ (450,208)
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Assets at Fair Value	[1]	2,431,220	1,428,240
Swaptions [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Assets at Fair Value		1,128,348	362,202
TBAs [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liabilities at Fair Value		(357,581)	0
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Assets at Fair Value		1,011,873	226,565
US Treasury Futures [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Assets at Fair Value		0	110,063
US Treasury Futures [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liabilities at Fair Value	[1]	0	0
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liabilities at Fair Value		$ 0	$ (24,379,356)

[1] As of March 31, 2018, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin. As of December 31, 2017, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

XML

Derivatives (Details 1) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 2,442,000,000	$ 2,227,000,000
Long [Member] | Float Interest Rate Swap Agreements [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		2,442,000,000	2,227,000,000
Notional Amount of Swaptions [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		210,000,000	270,000,000
Net notional amount of TBAs [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		139,000,000	100,000,000
US Treasury Futures [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	[1]	(50,000,000)	(52,500,000)
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount		$ 0	$ (24,668,000)

[1] Each U.S. Treasury Future contract embodies $100,000 of notional value.

XML

Derivatives (Details 2) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Interest rate swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		$ 36,251,709	$ 1,231,214
Swaptions, at fair value [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		351,771	0
Net realized gain/(loss)		50,625	0
US Treasury Futures [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(494,357)	106,499
Net realized gain/(loss)		672,780	(947,936)
TBAs [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net	[1]	427,727	359,765
Net realized gain/(loss)	[1]	372,617	(242,031)
Long positions on U.S. Treasuries [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(448,242)	0
Short positions on U.S. Treasuries [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative and other instruments, net		(94,004)	(1,724,922)
Net realized gain/(loss)		$ 579,617	$ 1,730,547

[1] For the three months ended March 31, 2018, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.5 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net gains of $0.3 million due to price changes. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, gains and losses from purchases and sales of TBAs consisted of $0.4 million of net TBA dollar roll net interest income and net losses of $(0.2) million due to price changes.

XML

Derivatives (Details 3) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		$ 12,416,980	[1],[2]	$ 5,242,573	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		12,416,980	[1],[2]	5,242,573	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		11,076,759	[1],[2]	1,666,444	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amount		1,340,221	[1],[2]	3,576,129	[3],[4]
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		(573,058)	[2],[5]	(5,645)	[4],[6]
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		0	[2],[5]	0	[4],[6]
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		(573,058)	[2],[5]	(5,645)	[4],[6]
Derivative Liabilities, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		0	[2],[5]	0	[4],[6]
Derivative Liabilities, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		(573,058)	[2],[5]	(5,645)	[4],[6]
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amount		0	[2],[5]	0	[4],[6]
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		10,276,759	[1],[2]	4,543,743	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		10,276,759	[1],[2]	4,543,743	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		10,276,759	[1],[2]	1,666,444	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amount		0	[1],[2]	2,877,299	[3],[4]
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)	[4],[6]			(5,645)
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[4],[6]			0
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[4],[6]			(5,645)
Derivative Liabilities, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received	[4],[6]			0
Derivative Liabilities, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received	[4],[6]			(5,645)
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amount	[4],[6]			0
Interest Rate Swaps One [Member]
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)	[2],[5]	(215,477)
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[2],[5]	(215,477)
Derivative Liabilities, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received	[2],[5]	(215,477)
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amount	[2],[5]	0
Interest Rate Swaptions [Member]
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		1,128,348	[1],[2]	362,202	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		1,128,348	[1],[2]	362,202	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		800,000	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amount		328,348	[1],[2]	362,202	[3],[4]
TBAs [Member]
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)		1,011,873	[1],[2]	226,565	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets		1,011,873	[1],[2]	226,565	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received		0	[1],[2]	0	[3],[4]
Derivative Assets, Net Amount		1,011,873	[1],[2]	226,565	[3],[4]
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)	[2],[5]	(357,581)
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[2],[5]	(357,581)
Derivative Liabilities, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received	[2],[5]	(357,581)
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amount	[2],[5]	0
Receivable Under Reverse Repurchase Agreements [Member]
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)	[4]			24,671,320
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[4]			0
Derivative Assets, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[4]			24,671,320
Derivative Assets, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received	[4]			24,379,356
Derivative Assets, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received	[4]			0
Derivative Assets, Net Amount	[4]			291,964
U.S. Treasury Futures - Short [Member]
Schedule Of Gross And Net Information About Derivative Instruments [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)	[3],[4]			110,063
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[3],[4]			0
Derivative Assets, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[3],[4]			110,063
Derivative Assets, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received	[3],[4]			0
Derivative Assets, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received	[3],[4]			0
Derivative Assets, Net Amount	[3],[4]			$ 110,063
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Financial Instruments (Posted)/Received	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Cash Collateral (Posted)/Received	[2],[5]	0
Derivative Liabilities, Net Amount	[2],[5]	$ 0

[1] Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $12,416,980 less accrued interest of $7,845,539 for a total of $4,571,441.

[2] The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin.

[3] Included in Derivative Assets on the consolidated balance sheet is $5,242,573 less accrued interest of $(3,115,503) for a total of $2,127,070.

[4] The Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

[5] Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(573,058) plus accrued interest of $(213,153) for a total of $786,211.

[6] Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(5,645) plus accrued interest of $(444,563) for a total of $450,208.

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Derivatives (Details 4) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 2,442,000,000	$ 2,227,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	1.97%	1.89%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.98%	1.50%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 7 months 2 days	4 years 6 months 22 days
2019 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 170,000,000	$ 170,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	1.36%	1.36%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.89%	1.43%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	1 year 7 months 17 days	1 year 10 months 17 days
2020 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 835,000,000	$ 835,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	1.77%	1.77%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	2.02%	1.52%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	2 years 3 months 11 days	2 years 6 months 14 days
2022 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 653,000,000	$ 653,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	1.90%	1.90%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	2.00%	1.51%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 4 months 2 days	4 years 7 months 2 days
2023 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	2.70%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.79%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	4 years 10 months 6 days
2024 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 230,000,000	$ 230,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	2.06%	2.06%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.94%	1.47%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	6 years 3 months	6 years 6 months
2025 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 45,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	2.78%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	2.08%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	6 years 11 months 5 days
2026 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 75,000,000	$ 75,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	2.12%	2.12%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.90%	1.44%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	8 years 7 months 20 days	8 years 10 months 20 days
2027 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 264,000,000	$ 264,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	2.35%	2.35%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.97%	1.50%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	9 years 5 months 8 days	9 years 8 months 8 days
2028 [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 95,000,000
Weighted Average Pay-Fixed Rate	2.81%
Weighted Average Receive-Variable Rate	1.87%
Weighted Average Years to Maturity	9 years 10 months 13 days

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Derivatives (Details 5) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of To Be Announced Securities Activity [Line Items]
Beginning Notional Amount	$ 2,227,000,000
Ending Net Notional Amount	2,442,000,000
Net Payable to Broker	(5,863,666)		$ (1,691,888)
Net Receivable from Broker	1,382,960		850,514
Derivative Asset	4,571,441		2,127,070
Derivative Liability	(786,211)		$ (450,208)
To Be Announced Securities [Member] | Long [Member]
Schedule Of To Be Announced Securities Activity [Line Items]
Beginning Notional Amount	100,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Buys or Covers	635,000,000	285,000,000
Sales or Shorts	(596,000,000)	(245,000,000)
Ending Net Notional Amount	139,000,000	90,000,000
Net Fair Value as of Year End	143,722,690	93,367,972
Net Payable to Broker	(143,068,398)	(93,432,031)
Derivative Asset	1,011,873	417,956
Derivative Liability	(357,581)	(482,015)
To Be Announced Securities [Member] | Short [Member]
Schedule Of To Be Announced Securities Activity [Line Items]
Beginning Notional Amount	0	(75,000,000)
Buys or Covers	551,000,000	75,000,000
Sales or Shorts	(551,000,000)	0
Ending Net Notional Amount	0	0
Net Fair Value as of Year End	0	0
Net Payable to Broker	0
Net Receivable from Broker		0
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	$ 0	$ 0

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Derivatives (Details Textual) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 2,442,000,000		$ 2,227,000,000
Derivative Assets Before Accrued Interest		12,416,980		5,242,573
Derivative Assets Accrued Interest		7,845,539		(3,115,503)
Derivative Assets, At Fair Value		4,571,441		2,127,070
Derivative Liabilities Before Accrued Interest		(573,058)		(5,645)
Derivative Liabilities Accrued Interest		(213,153)		(444,563)
Derivative Liabilities, At Fair Value		(786,211)		(450,208)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities		(36,154,808)	$ 12,750,564
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Real Estate Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value		6,400,000		7,500,000
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Other Assets Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value		4,300,000		1,700,000
Proceeds Pledged To Serve Collateral Against Certain Derivatives		27,700,000		25,400,000	[1]
US Treasury Futures [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		100,000
US Treasury Futures [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Liability At Fair Value		400,000
Interest Rate Swaps, At Fair Value [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Asset At Fair Value	[2]	2,431,220		1,428,240
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Liability At Fair Value	[2]	428,630		450,208
Interest Rate Swaps, At Fair Value [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Asset At Fair Value		50,500,000		19,500,000
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Liability At Fair Value		900,000		600,000
TBA [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities		500,000	400,000
Unrealized Gain on Securities		300,000
Unrealized Loss on Securities			(200,000)
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Asset At Fair Value		1,011,873		226,565
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments, Liability At Fair Value		357,581		0
TBA [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		0	0	$ 0		$ (75,000,000)
Derivative Assets, At Fair Value		0	0
Derivative Liabilities, At Fair Value		$ 0	$ 0

[1] Included in Derivative Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet is $(5,645) plus accrued interest of $(444,563) for a total of $450,208.

[2] As of March 31, 2018, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $50.5 million and $0.9 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, as well as a reduction in fair value of $0.4 million to its Short positions on U.S. Treasury Futures liabilities related to variation margin. As of December 31, 2017, the Company applied a reduction in fair value of $19.5 million and $0.6 million to its interest rate swap assets and liabilities, respectively, related to variation margin.

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Earnings per share (Details) - shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Outstanding warrants	1,007,500		1,007,500
Unvested restricted stock units previously granted to the Manager	28,195,673	28,192,541
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Manager [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock units previously granted to the Manager	60,000		20,003

XML

Earnings per share (Details 1) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Numerator:
Net income/(loss) available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 4,880,055	$ 21,750,308
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	28,195,673	27,701,902
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units	21,121	7,135
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	28,216,794	27,709,037
Basic Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$ 0.17	$ 0.79
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:	$ 0.17	$ 0.78

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Earnings per share (Details 2) - Common Stock [Member] - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Declaration Date	Mar. 15, 2018	Mar. 10, 2017
Record Date	Mar. 29, 2018	Mar. 21, 2017
Payment Date	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 28, 2017
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.475	$ 0.475

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Earnings per share (Details 3) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Series A Preferred Stock One [Member]
Dividend	8.25%	8.25%
Declaration Date	Feb. 16, 2018	Feb. 16, 2017
Record Date	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Payment Date	Mar. 19, 2018	Mar. 17, 2017
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.51563	$ 0.51563
Series B Preferred Stock one [Member]
Dividend	8.00%	8.00%
Declaration Date	Feb. 16, 2018	Feb. 16, 2017
Record Date	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Payment Date	Mar. 19, 2018	Mar. 17, 2017
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.50	$ 0.50

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Income taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Excise Tax Expenses	$ 0.4	$ 0.4

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Related party transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Dec. 09, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 27, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 25, 2017	Jul. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fee to affiliate							$ 2,439,169	$ 2,475,816
Noninterest Expense Directors Fees							160,000
Non Reimbursable expenses Incurred By Manager							$ 1,800,000	1,700,000
Management Fee Percentage							1.50%
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value							$ 141,706,961		$ 99,696,347
Fees Paid to Asset Manager							47,641	50,466
Other Cost and Expense, Operating							$ 3,222,544	$ 2,793,234
Noninterest Expense Directors Fees Paid In Cash, Percentage							50.00%
Noninterest Expense Directors Fees Paid In Restricted Common Stock ,Percentage							50.00%
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment	$ 30,000,000				$ 10,000,000
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount							$ 4,200,000
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Assets [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value							331,000,000		88,300,000
AG Arc LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value							18,400,000		$ 17,900,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount							17,800,000
Mortgage Servicing Rights, Fair Value							31,500,000
ARC Home LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments for Sourcing Fees							19,935
Mortgage Acquisition Trust [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount		$ 33,400,000					29,200,000
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment		$ 75,000,000	$ 75,000,000
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount							$ 4,200,000
October Selling Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value										$ 8,400,000
Selling Affiliates [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Trading Securities, Total												$ 6,900,000
July Selling Affiliate [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value				$ 200,000
BWIC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, at Fair Value											$ 2,000,000
Manager Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued In Period							277,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant							59,006
Manager [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period							40,250
Manager [Member] | July 1, 2015 [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares						20,000
Manager [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period				60,000		60,000	120,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period							60,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance				20,000
Director [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period							58,244

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Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
	May 05, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	May 02, 2018	Nov. 03, 2015	May 06, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Capital Available For Issuance		$ 650,000,000			$ 750,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 25,000,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues		$ (63,145)
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Capital Available For Issuance			$ 750,000,000
Repurchase [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		14,600,000
Sale Agents [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues		460,932
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 100,000,000	$ 8,700,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value (in dollars per share)		$ 25.00
Dividend		8.25%
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value (in dollars per share)		$ 25.00
Dividend		8.00%
Private Placement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share		$ 20.00
Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction		3,205,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right		0.5
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights		$ 20.50
Class Of Warrant Or Right Expiration Date		Jul. 06, 2018

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Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Dec. 09, 2015	Mar. 29, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 27, 2017	Apr. 25, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment	$ 30.0				$ 10.0
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment	$ 30.0				$ 10.0
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount							$ 4.2
Mezzanine Loan [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount							10.4
ABS Note [Member]
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount							3.0
AG Arc LLC [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount							17.8
Mortgage Acquisition Trust [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount			$ 33.4				29.2
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment			75.0	$ 75.0
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment			$ 75.0	$ 75.0
Long Term Purchase Commitment Funded, Amount							4.2
Mortgage Acquisition Trust [Member] | Mezzanine Loan [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount						$ 14.6	4.2
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment						21.9
Amount Committed Under Long Term Purchase Commitment						$ 21.9
Mortgage Acquisition Trust [Member] | ABS Note [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount		$ 7.1					$ 4.1