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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The Company's consolidated financial statements and related footnotes have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Regulation S-X, as appropriate.
Use of Estimates
GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the OP and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In determining whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in a joint venture and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, management considers factors such as ownership interest, authority to make decisions and contractual and substantive participating rights of the other partners or members, as well as whether the entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.
The Company has determined the OP is a VIE of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Substantially all of the Company's assets and liabilities are held by the OP.
The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through either majority ownership or voting rights. In addition, the Company consolidates all VIEs of which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. VIEs are entities in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The entity that consolidates a VIE is its primary beneficiary and is generally the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Non-controlling interest represents the equity of consolidated joint ventures that are not owned by the Company.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") issued and securitized by wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company has determined the CLOs are VIEs of which the Company's subsidiary is the primary beneficiary. The assets and liabilities of the CLOs are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in order to conform to the current period presentation. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, Realized (gain)/loss on sale of real estate securities of $1.4 million and $10.1 million respectively, was reclassified to Trading (gain)/loss in our consolidated statements of operations.
Acquisition Expenses
The Company capitalizes certain direct costs relating to loan origination activities. The cost is amortized over the life of the loan and recognized in interest income in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition expenses paid on future funding amounts are expensed within the acquisition expenses line in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash consists of amounts deposited with high quality financial institutions. These deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company up to an insurance limit. Cash equivalents include short-term, liquid investments in money market funds with original maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of cash pledged as margin on repurchase agreements and derivative transactions. The duration of this restricted cash generally matches the duration of the related repurchase agreements or derivative transaction.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Held for Investment - Commercial mortgage loans that are held for investment purposes and are anticipated to be held until maturity, are carried at cost, net of unamortized acquisition expenses, discounts or premiums and unfunded commitments. Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment purposes, are carried at amortized cost less a allowance for credit losses. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and related discounts, premiums and acquisition expenses on investments are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Amortization or accretion is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Guaranteed loan commitment fees payable by the borrower upon maturity are accreted over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The accretion of guaranteed loan commitment fees is recognized in interest income in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
Held for Sale - Commercial mortgage loans that are intended to be sold in the foreseeable future are reported as held for sale and are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value with changes recorded through the statements of operations. Unamortized loan origination costs for commercial mortgage loans held for sale that are carried at the lower of cost or fair value are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the loans and recognized upon the sale of such loans. Amortization of origination costs ceases upon transfer of commercial mortgage loans to held for sale.
Held for Sale, Measured at Fair Value - The fair value option provides an option to irrevocably elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets, financial liabilities, and written loan commitments. The Company has elected to measure commercial mortgage loans held for sale in the Company's TRS under the fair value option. These commercial mortgage loans are included in the Commercial mortgage loans, held for sale, measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income received on commercial mortgage loans held for sale, measured at fair value is recorded on the accrual basis of accounting and is included in interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. Costs to originate these investments are expensed when incurred.
Real estate owned
The Company classifies its real estate owned as long-lived assets held for investment or as long-lived assets held for sale. Held for investment assets are stated at cost, as adjusted for any impairment loss, less accumulated depreciation.
Real estate owned, held for investment - Amounts capitalized to real estate owned, held for investment consist of the cost of acquisition or construction, any tenant improvements or major improvements, betterments that extend the useful life of the related asset, and transaction costs associated with the acquisition of an individual asset that does not qualify as a business combination. All repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Additionally, the Company capitalizes interest while the development, or redevelopment, of a real estate owned asset is in progress. No development or redevelopments of real estate owned assets are in progress as of December 31, 2022.
The Company’s real estate owned, held for investment assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:
Building40 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment15 years
Site Improvements
5 - 25 years
Intangible Lease AssetsLease Term
The Company continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of the real estate and related intangible assets of either operating properties or properties under construction in which the Company has an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present, management assesses whether the respective carrying values will be recovered from the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition for assets held for use, or from the estimated fair values, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale. In the event that the expected undiscounted future cash flows for assets held for use or the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, for assets held for sale do not exceed the respective asset carrying value, management adjusts such assets to the respective estimated fair values and recognizes an impairment loss. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information, depending upon availability, in order of preference: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of undiscounted cash flows, including estimated sales value (which is based on key assumptions such as estimated market rents, lease-up periods, estimated lease terms, and capitalization and discount rates) less estimated selling costs.
Real estate owned, held for sale - Real estate owned is classified as held for sale in the period in which the six criteria under ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant, and Equipment" are met: (1) we commit to a plan and have the authority to sell the asset; (2) the asset is available for sale in its current condition; (3) we have initiated an active marketing plan to locate a buyer for the asset; (4) the sale of the asset is both probable and expected to qualify for full sales recognition within a period of 12 months; (5) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reflective of its current fair value; and (6) we do not anticipate changes to our plan to sell the asset. Held for sale assets are carried at the lower of depreciated cost or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell.
Real estate owned assets are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale. Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale continue to be accrued. Upon the disposition of a real estate owned asset, the Company calculates realized gains and losses as net proceeds received less the carrying value of the real estate owned asset. Net proceeds received are net of direct selling costs associated with the disposition of the real estate owned asset.
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities of Acquired Properties
Upon the acquisition of real properties, the Company records the fair value of properties (plus any related acquisition costs) allocated based on relative fair value as tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based on their estimated fair values. Substantially all of the Company’s property acquisitions qualify as asset acquisitions under ASC 805, Business Combinations.
The estimated fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building based on management’s determination of the estimated fair value of these assets. Management relies on a sales comparison approach using closed land sales and listings in determining the land value, and determines the as-if-vacant estimated fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates the cost to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal, and other related costs.
The estimated fair values of above-market and below-market in-place leases are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of market rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases, taking into consideration the probability of renewals for any below-market leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental revenues over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
The estimated fair values of in-place leases include an estimate of the direct costs associated with obtaining the acquired or "in place" tenant and estimates of opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease. The amount capitalized as direct costs associated with obtaining a tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated based on management’s consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct lease origination costs are included in deferred lease costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. These lease intangibles are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses required under ASU 2016-13 is deducted from the respective loan's amortized cost basis on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
General allowance for credit losses
The general allowance for credit losses for the Company’s financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans held for investment and unfunded loan commitments represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. Factors considered by the Company when determining the general provision for credit losses reserve include loan-specific characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, vintage year, loan term, property type, occupancy and geographic location, financial performance of the borrower, expected payments of principal and interest, as well as internal or external information relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The general allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist for multiple financial instruments. If similar risk characteristics do not exist, the Company measures the general allowance for credit losses on an individual instrument basis. The determination of whether a particular financial instrument should be included in a pool can change over time. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics change, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to continue to keep the financial instrument in its existing pool or evaluate it individually.
In measuring the general allowance for credit losses for financial instruments including our unfunded loan commitments that share similar risk characteristics, the Company primarily applies a probability of default (“PD”)/loss given default (“LGD”) model for instruments that are collectively assessed, whereby the provision for credit losses is calculated as the product of PD, LGD and exposure at default (“EAD”). The Company’s model principally utilizes historical loss rates derived from a commercial mortgage backed securities database with historical losses from 1998 to 2018 provided by a reputable third party, forecasting the loss parameters using a scenario-based statistical approach over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of twelve months, followed by an immediate reversion to average historical losses.
Specific allowance for credit losses
For financial instruments where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company’s assessment at the reporting date and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the Company may elect to use as a practical expedient the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date when determining the provision for credit losses.
For financial instruments which the Company identifies reasonable doubt as to whether the collection of contractual components can be satisfied, a loan specific allowance for credit losses analysis is performed. Determining whether a specific allowance for credit losses for a loan is required entails significant judgment from management and is based on several factors including (i) the underlying collateral performance, (ii) discussions with the borrower, (iii) borrower events of default, and (iv) other facts that impact the borrower’s ability to pay the contractual amounts due under the terms of the loan. If a loan is determined to have a specific allowance for credit losses, the specific allowance for credit losses is recorded as a component of our Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") reserve by applying the practical expedient for collateral dependent loans. The CECL reserve is assessed on an individual basis for such loans by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to the book value of the respective loan. These valuations require judgments, which include assumptions regarding capitalization rates, discount rates, leasing, creditworthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability and cost of financing, exit plans, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders, and other factors deemed relevant by the Company. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ materially from these estimates. The Company only expects to write-off specific provisions if and when such amounts are deemed non-recoverable. Non-recoverability is generally determined at the time a loan is settled, or in the case of foreclosure, when the underlying asset is sold. Non-recoverability may also be concluded if, in the Company's determination, it is deemed certain that all amounts due will not be collected. If a loan is determined to be impaired based on the above considerations, management records a write-off through a charge to the allowance for credit losses and the respective loan balance.
Risk Rating
In developing the provision for credit losses for its loans held for investment, the Company performs a comprehensive analysis of its loan portfolio and assigns risk ratings to loans that incorporate management's current judgments about their credit quality based on all known and relevant internal and external factors that may affect collectability, using similar factors as those in developing the provision for credit losses. This methodology results in loans being segmented by risk classification into risk rating categories that are associated with estimated probabilities of default and principal loss. Risk rating categories range from "1" to "5" with "1" representing the lowest risk of loss and "5" representing the highest risk of loss with the ratings updated quarterly. At the time of origination or purchase, loans held for investment are ranked as a “2” and will move accordingly going forward based on the ratings which are defined as follows:
1.Very Low Risk- Investment exceeding fundamental performance expectations and/or capital gain expected. Trends and risk factors since time of investment are favorable.
2.Low Risk- Performing consistent with expectations and a full return of principal and interest expected. Trends and risk factors are neutral to favorable.
3.Average Risk- Performing investments requiring closer monitoring. Trends and risk factors show some deterioration.
4.High Risk/Delinquent/Defaulted/Potential for Loss- Underperforming investment with the potential of some interest loss but still expecting a positive return on investment. Trends and risk factors are negative.
5.Impaired/Loss Likely- Underperforming investment with expected loss of interest and some principal.
The Company also considers qualitative and environmental factors, including, but not limited to, economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, lending terms, volume and severity of past due loans, concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations in its determination of the provision for credit losses.
Changes in the provision for credit losses for the Company’s financial instruments are recorded in Provision/(benefit) for credit losses on the consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding offset to the financial instrument’s amortized cost recorded on the consolidated balance sheets, or as a component of Accounts payable and accrued expenses for unfunded loan commitments.
The Company has elected to not measure a provision for credit losses for accrued interest receivable as balances are written off in a timely manner when loans, real estate securities or preferred equity investments are designated as non-performing and placed on non-accrual or cost recovery status within 90 days of becoming past due.
Non-performing status
The Company designates loans as non-performing when (i) full payment of principal and coupon interest components become 90-days past due ("non-accrual status"); or (ii) the Company has reasonable doubt as to whether the collection of contractual components can be satisfied ("cost recovery status"). When a loan is designated as non-performing and placed on non-accrual status, interest is only recognized as income when payment has been received. Loans designated as non-performing and placed on non-accrual status are removed from their non-performing designation when collection of principal and coupon interest components have been satisfied. When a loan is designated as non-performing and placed on cost recovery status, the cost-recovery method is applied to which receipt of principal or coupon interest is recorded as a reduction to the amortized cost until collection of all contractual components are reasonably assured.
Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”)
The Company classifies an individual financial instrument as a TDR when it has a reasonable expectation that the financial instrument’s contractual terms will be modified in a manner that grants concession to the borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions could include term extensions, payment deferrals, interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, forbearance, or other actions designed to maximize the Company’s collection on the financial instrument. The Company determines the provision for credit losses for financial instruments that are TDRs individually.
Real Estate Securities
Available For Sale
On the acquisition date, all of the Company’s real estate securities were classified as available for sale ("AFS") and carried at fair value, and subsequently any unrealized gains or losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The Company elected the fair value option for its real estate securities, available for sale, and as a result, any unrealized gains or losses on such real estate securities will be recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Related discounts, premiums and acquisition expenses on investments are amortized or accreted over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Amortization and accretion is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses the specific identification method in determining the cost relief for real estate securities sold. Realized gains and losses from the sale of real estate securities are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
AFS real estate securities which have experienced a decline in the fair value below their amortized cost basis (i.e., impairment) are evaluated each reporting period to determine whether the decline in fair value is due to credit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, while credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding adjustment on the consolidated statements of operations. If the Company intends to sell an impaired real estate security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis.
The Company analyzes the AFS real estate securities portfolio on a periodic basis for credit losses at the individual security level using the same criteria described above for those amortized cost financial assets subject to an provision for credit losses including but not limited to; performance of the underlying assets in the security, borrower financial resources and investment in collateral, collateral type, credit ratings, project economics and geographic location as well as national and regional economic factors.
The non-credit loss component of the unrealized loss within the Company’s AFS portfolio is recognized as an adjustment to the individual security’s asset balance with an offsetting entry to accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets.
Trading
In the merger with Capstead, the Company acquired a portfolio of residential mortgage pass-through securities consisting primarily of ARM Agency Securities issued and guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, either Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or by an agency of the federal government, Ginnie Mae. ARM Agency Securities and are classified as "trading".
ARM Agency Securities are recorded at fair value on the balance sheets with trading gains and losses due to fair value changes and sales of these securities recorded in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company calculates trading gains and losses on the sales of ARM Agency Securities based on the specific identification method. Fair values fluctuate with current and projected changes in interest rates, prepayment expectations and other factors such as market liquidity conditions and the perceived credit quality of agency securities. Judgment is required to interpret market data and develop estimated fair values, particularly in circumstances of deteriorating credit quality and market liquidity.
Repurchase Agreements
Commercial mortgage loans and real estate securities sold under repurchase agreements have been treated as collateralized financing transactions because the Company maintains effective control over the transferred securities. Commercial mortgage loans and real estate securities financed through a repurchase agreement remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as an asset and cash received from the purchaser is recorded as a liability. Interest paid in accordance with repurchase agreements is recorded in interest expense on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
Deferred Financing Costs
The deferred financing costs related to the Company's various Master Repurchase Agreements as well as certain prepaid subscription costs are included in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing cost on the Company's CLO are netted against the Company's CLO payable in the Collateralized loan obligations on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the terms of the respective financing agreement using the effective interest method and included in interest expense on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Unamortized deferred financing costs are generally expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity.
Offering and Related Costs
Since 2018, the Company has from time to time offered, shares of the Company’s common stock or one or more series of its preferred stock, including its former Series C convertible preferred stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock,”), former Series D convertible preferred stock (the “Series D Preferred Stock”), Series H convertible preferred stock (the “Series H Preferred Stock”) and former Series I convertible preferred stock (the “Series I Preferred Stock”) in private placements exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In connection with these offerings, the Company incurred various offering costs. These offering costs include but are not limited to legal, accounting, printing, mailing and filing fees, and diligence expenses of broker-dealers. Offering costs for the common stock are recorded in the Company’s stockholders’ equity, while the offering costs for the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock are included within Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock, respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Offering costs for the Series H Preferred Stock and Series I Preferred Stock were expensed to the Company's consolidated statement of operations.
Equity Incentive Plan
The Company maintains the Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Incentive Plan”), pursuant to which the Company has granted and may in the future, from time to time, grant equity awards to the Company’s directors, officers and employees (if it ever has employees), employees of the Advisor and its affiliates, or certain of the Company’s consultants, advisors or other service providers to the Company or an affiliate of the Company. The 2021 Incentive Plan, which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors, provides for the grant of awards of share options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, deferred share units, unrestricted shares, dividend equivalent rights, performance shares and other performance-based awards, other equity-based awards, long-term incentive plan units and cash bonus awards.
In January 2022, the Company issued for the first time under the 2021 Incentive Plan awards of restricted stock units ("RSUs") to its officers and certain other personnel of the Advisor who provide services to the Company. These awards are service-based and vest in equal annual installments beginning on the anniversary of the date of grant over a period of three years, subject to continuing service. One share of the Company’s common stock will be issued for each unit that vests. These awards also grant non-forfeitable dividend equivalent rights equal to the cash dividend paid in the ordinary course on a common share to the Company's common shareholders. Upon termination for any reason, all unvested RSUs will be forfeited by the grantee, who will be given no further rights to such RSUs. The fair value of the RSUs are expensed over the vesting period, which are included in share-based compensation expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Restricted Share Plan
The Company also had an Amended and Restated Employee and Director Incentive Restricted Share Plan (the "RSP"), which provided the Company with the ability to grant awards of restricted shares to the Company’s directors, officers and employees (if the Company ever has employees), employees of the Advisor and its affiliates, employees of entities that provide services to the Company, directors of the Advisor or of entities that provide services to the Company, the Advisor and its affiliates. The total number of common shares granted under the RSP shall not exceed 5% of the Company’s authorized common shares, and in any event, will not exceed 4.0 million shares (as such number may be adjusted for stock splits, stock distributions, combinations and similar events). The RSP expired on February 7, 2023.
Restricted share awards entitle the recipient to receive common shares from the Company under terms that provide for vesting over a specified period of time or upon attainment of pre-established performance objectives. Such awards would typically be forfeited with respect to the unvested shares upon the termination of the recipient’s employment or other relationship with the Company. Restricted shares may not, in general, be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions are removed and the shares have vested. Holders of restricted shares may receive cash distributions prior to the time that the restrictions on the shares have lapsed. Any distributions payable in common shares shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying restricted shares. The fair value of the restricted share awards are expensed over the vesting period, which are included in share-based compensation expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
The Company maintains a dividend reinvestment plan ("DRIP") pursuant to which stockholders may reinvest dividends into shares of common stock. Shares of common stock purchased through the DRIP for dividend reinvestments are supplied either directly by the Company as newly issued shares or via purchases by the DRIP administrator of shares of common stock on the open market, at the Company’s option. If the shares are purchased in the open market, the purchase price is the average price per share of shares purchased; if the shares are purchased directly from the Company, the purchase price is generally the average of the daily high and low sales prices for a share of common stock reported by the NYSE on the dividend payment date authorized by the Company’s board of directors. The Company may suspend, modify or terminate the DRIP at any time in its sole discretion.
Income Taxes
The Company has conducted its operations to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a REIT, if the Company meets certain organizational and operational requirements and distributes at least 90% of its "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to its stockholders in a year, it will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that it distributes. However, even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain state and local taxes on income in addition to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed income. The Company, through its TRSs, is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. The Company’s TRSs are not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but are instead taxed as C corporations. For financial reporting purposes, the TRSs are consolidated and a provision for current and deferred taxes is established for the portion of earnings recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in its TRSs. Total income tax provision/(benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $(0.4) million, $3.6 million and $(2.1) million, respectively.
The Company uses a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition of tax positions taken or to be taken in a tax return. The Company has assessed its tax positions for all open tax years beginning with December 31, 2017 and concluded that there were no uncertainties to be recognized. The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as provision for income taxes.
The Company utilizes the TRSs to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax and to avoid penalty for the holding of assets not qualifying as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests. Any income associated with a TRS is fully taxable because the TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes as a domestic C corporation based upon its net income.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and may undertake a strategy to limit these risks through the use of derivatives. The Company uses derivatives primarily to economically hedge against interest rates, CMBS spreads and macro market risk in order to minimize volatility. The Company may use a variety of derivative instruments that are considered conventional, including but not limited to: Treasury note futures and credit derivatives on various indices including CMBX and CDX.
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company does not designate derivatives as hedges to qualify for hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes and therefore any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of these derivatives have been recognized currently in unrealized (gain)/loss on derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company records derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis with any collateral posted with or received from counterparties recorded separately within Restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Certain derivatives that the Company has entered into are subject to master netting agreements with its counterparties, allowing for netting of the same transaction, in the same currency, on the same date.
Per Share Data
The Company’s Series H Preferred Stock and Series I Preferred Stock are each considered a participating security and the Company calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The Company’s dilutive earnings per share calculation is computed using the more dilutive result of the treasury stock method, assuming the participating security is a potential common share, or the two-class method, assuming the participating security is not converted. The Company calculates basic earnings per share by dividing net income applicable to common stock for the period by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from shares outstanding if potential shares of common stock with a dilutive effect have been issued in connection with the restricted stock plan or upon conversion of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Series H Preferred Stock and Series I Preferred Stock, except when doing so would be anti-dilutive.
Reportable Segments
The Company has determined that it has four reportable segments based on how the chief operating decision maker reviews and manages the business. The four reporting segments are as follows:
The real estate debt business which is focused on originating, acquiring and asset managing commercial real estate debt investments, including first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgages, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans.
The real estate securities business focuses on investing in and asset managing real estate securities. Historically this business has focused primarily on CMBS, CRE CLO bonds, CDO notes and other securities. As a result of the October 2021 acquisition of Capstead, the Company acquired and continues to hold a portfolio of RMBS in the form of the ARM Agency Securities. The Company has, and intends to reinvest the cash and proceeds from dividends, interest, repayments and sales of these assets into its other segments and does not intend to continue to invest in ARM Agency Securities or RMBS in general.
The commercial conduit business in the Company's TRS, which is focused on originating and subsequently selling fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market.
The real estate owned business represents real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or purchase.
See Note 16 - Segment Reporting for further information regarding the Company's segments.
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
The Company’s outstanding classes of redeemable convertible preferred stock are classified outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Series C Preferred Stock
Pursuant to the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock, 400 outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock each converted into 299.2 shares of common stock on October 19, 2022, while 1,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company’s newly created Series I Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share, on October 20, 2022.
Series D Preferred Stock
All of the shares of the Series D Preferred Stock were exchanged for an equivalent number of shares of Series H Preferred Stock on June 24, 2022.
Series H Preferred Stock
The Series H Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and on parity with the Series I Preferred Stock and the Company’s 7.50% Series E Preferred Stock with respect to priority in dividends and in the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. The liquidation preference of each share of Series H Preferred Stock is the greater of (i) $5,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends, and (ii) the amount that would be received upon a conversion of the Series H Preferred Stock into the Common Stock.
Dividends on the Series H Preferred Stock, which are typically declared and paid quarterly, accrue at a rate equal to the greater of (i) an annual amount equal to 4.0% of the liquidation preference per share and (ii) the dividends that would have been paid had such share of Series H Preferred Stock been converted into a share of common stock on the first day of such quarter, subject to proration in the event the share of Series H preferred stock is not outstanding for the full quarter. Dividends are paid in arrears. Dividends will accumulate and be cumulative from the most recent date to which dividends had been paid.
On June 24, 2022, the Company issued 17,950 shares of Series H Preferred Stock to the holder of the Series D Preferred Stock in exchange for an equal amount of shares of Series D Preferred Stock. The exchange was undertaken to accommodate the holder’s request to extend the mandatory conversion date set forth in the terms of the Series D Preferred Stock, which was set to occur on October 19, 2022, to January 19, 2023. The Company received no consideration for the exchange. On January 19, 2023, the Series H Preferred Stock was amended such that the mandatory conversion date was extended by one year, to January 19, 2024.
The Series H Preferred Stock is on parity with the Series I Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock with respect to preference on liquidation and dividend rights.
Unless earlier converted, the Series H Preferred Stock will automatically convert into common stock at a rate of 299.2 shares of common stock per share of Series H Preferred Stock (subject to adjustments as described in the Articles Supplementary for the Series H Preferred Stock) on January 19, 2024. The holder of the Series H Preferred Stock has the right to convert up to 4,487 shares of Series H Preferred Stock one time in each calendar month through December 2023, upon 10 business days’ advance notice to the Company.
Holders of the Series H Preferred Stock (voting as a single class with holders of common stock) are entitled to vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company upon which the holders of common stock are entitled to vote. The number of votes applicable to a share of outstanding Series H Preferred Stock will be equal to the number of shares of common stock a share of Series H Preferred Stock could have been converted into as of the record date set for purposes of such stockholder vote (rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of common stock). In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series H Preferred Stock, voting as a single class with other shares of parity preferred stock, is required to approve the issuance of any equity securities senior to the Series H Preferred Stock and to take certain actions materially adverse to the holders of the Series H Preferred Stock.
Series I Preferred Stock
On October 20, 2022, 1,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock were exchanged for an equal number of shares of the Company’s newly created Series I Preferred Stock.
The exchange was undertaken to accommodate the holder’s request to extend the mandatory conversion date set forth in the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock, which was set to occur on October 19, 2022, to January 19, 2023. There were no other material differences between the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series I Preferred Stock. The Company received no consideration for the exchange.
The Series I Preferred Stock was parity with the Series H Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock with respect to preference on liquidation and dividend rights. The terms of the Series I Preferred Stock were substantially the same as the Series H Preferred Stock, except that the holders of the Series I Preferred Stock have the option to accelerate the mandatory conversion date, which is January 19, 2023, upon at least 10 days' written notice.
On January 19, 2023, all of the 1,000 outstanding shares of the Series I Preferred Stock converted by their terms into 299.2 shares of common stock per share of Series I Preferred Stock.
Automatically Convertible Preferred Stock - Series F Preferred Stock
On April 19, 2022, all of the 39,733,299 outstanding shares of the Company’s Series F Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, automatically converted on a one-for-one basis into an equal amount of shares of Common Stock, pursuant to the terms of the Articles Supplementary of the Series F Preferred Stock. There are no shares of Series F Preferred Stock outstanding.
Perpetual Preferred Stock—Series E Preferred Stock
The Series E Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. The Series E Preferred Stock ranks, with respect to rights to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets upon its liquidation, dissolution or winding up, senior to the common stock and on a parity with the Series I Preferred Stock and Series H Preferred Stock. The liquidation preference is $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends.
Holders of shares of the Series E Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by our board of directors and declared by the Company, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 7.50% of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $1.875 per annum per share). Dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears.
Dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock will accumulate whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of those dividends and whether or not those dividends are declared.
The Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series E Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. Upon a change of control of the Company, in the event the Company does not redeem the Series E Preferred Stock, a holder of Series E Preferred Stock will have the right to convert to Common Stock upon the terms set forth in the applicable Articles Supplementary.
The Series E Preferred Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FBRT PRE”.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02 "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures," or ASU 2022-02. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and requires disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of loan origination. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 updates the accounting for credit losses under ASC 326 and adds enhanced disclosures with respect to loan refinancing and restructuring in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate concessions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or term extensions when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. ASU 2022-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The amendments should be applied prospectively, however for the recognition and measurement of troubled debt restructurings, the entity has the option to apply a modified retrospective transition method, resulting in a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating what impact, if any ASU 2022-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the US GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be elected over time through December 31, 2024, as extended under ASU No. 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. The Company has not adopted any of the optional expedients or exceptions through December 31, 2022, but will continue to evaluate the possible adoption of any such expedients or exceptions during the effective period as circumstances evolve.