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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires us to make a number of significant estimates. These include estimates of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, amount and timing of credit losses, prepayment rates, and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reported period. It is likely that changes in these estimates (e.g., valuation changes due to supply and demand, credit performance, prepayments, interest rates, or other reasons) will occur in the near term. Our estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ from our estimates and the differences could be material.
Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Our financial statements include assets and liabilities that are measured at their estimated fair values in accordance with GAAP. A fair value measurement represents the price at which an orderly transaction would occur between willing market participants at the measurement date. We develop fair values for financial assets or liabilities based on available inputs and pricing that is observed in the marketplace. Examples of market information that we attempt to obtain include the following:

 

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Quoted prices for the same or similar securities;

 

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Relevant reports issued by analysts and rating agencies;

 

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The current level of interest rates and any directional movements in relevant indices, such as credit risk indices;

 

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Information about the performance of the underlying mortgage loans, such as delinquency and foreclosure rates, loss experience, and prepayment rates;

 

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Indicative prices or yields from broker/dealers; and,

 

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Other relevant observable inputs, including nonperformance risk and liquidity premiums.

After considering all available indications of the appropriate rate of return that market participants would require, we consider the reasonableness of the range indicated by the results to determine an estimate that is most representative of fair value.

The markets for many of the loans and securities that we invest in and issue are generally illiquid. Establishing fair values for illiquid assets and liabilities is inherently subjective and is often dependent upon our estimates and modeling assumptions. If we determine that either the volume and/or level of trading activity for an asset or liability has significantly decreased from normal market conditions, or price quotations or observable inputs are not associated with orderly transactions, the market inputs that we obtain might not be relevant. For example, broker or pricing service quotes might not be relevant if an active market does not exist for the financial asset or liability. The nature of the quote (for example, whether the quote is an indicative price or a binding offer) is also evaluated.

In circumstances where relevant market inputs cannot be obtained, increased analysis and management judgment are required to estimate fair value. This generally requires us to establish internal assumptions about future cash flows and appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates. Regardless of the valuation inputs we apply, the objective of fair value measurement is unchanged from what it would be if markets were operating at normal activity levels and/or transactions were orderly; that is, to determine the current exit price.

See Note 5 for further discussion on fair value measurements.
Fair Value Option

Fair Value Option

We have the option to measure eligible financial assets, financial liabilities, and commitments at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. This option is available when we first recognize a financial asset or financial liability or enter into a firm commitment. Subsequent changes in the fair value of assets, liabilities, and commitments where we have elected the fair value option are recorded in our consolidated statements of income.

Our decision to apply the fair value option for new financial instruments is generally based upon our funding strategy for the specific financial asset acquired. For example, securities that we anticipate funding with equity will generally be accounted for as available-for-sale (“AFS”) securities. Securities that we anticipate funding with a combination of debt and equity or those financed through the issuance of asset-backed liabilities will generally be accounted for in a manner consistent with the associated liabilities. Additionally, we may elect to apply the fair value option for loans we anticipate selling to Sequoia securitizations or third parties and for financial instruments that may not perform similarly to our traditional real estate investments or are particularly volatile or complex in structure.

See Note 5 for further discussion on the fair value option.
Real Estate Loans

Real Estate Loans

Residential and Commercial Loans — Held-for-Sale

Residential and commercial loans held-for-sale include loans that we are marketing for sale to third parties, including transfers to securitization entities that we plan to sponsor and expect to be accounted for as sales for financial reporting purposes.

Residential and Commercial Loans — Lower of Cost or Fair Value

Residential and commercial loans, except for those where we have elected the fair value option, are carried at the lower of their cost or fair value, as measured on an individual basis or, in the case of the loans we intend to pool for securitization based upon similar underwriting characteristics, on an aggregate basis. If the fair value of an individual loan or pool of loans held-for-sale is lower than its amortized cost basis, this difference is reported through our consolidated statements of income as a negative market valuation adjustment in mortgage banking activities, net for residential loans and as a negative other market valuation adjustment for commercial loans. Coupon interest for loans held-for-sale is recognized as revenue when earned and deemed collectible or until a loan becomes more than 90 days past due at which point it is placed on non-accrual status. Gains or losses on the sale of residential or commercial loans are based on the specific identification method for loans measured on an individual basis or in aggregate for those loans measured on a pool basis.

Residential and Commercial Loans — Fair Value

We have elected the fair value option for certain residential and commercial loans held-for-sale. Coupon interest is recognized as revenue when earned and deemed collectible or until a loan becomes more than 90 days past due. Changes in fair value are recurring and are reported through our consolidated statements of income in mortgage banking activities, net for residential and commercial loans held at fair value.

Residential and Commercial Loans — Held-for-Investment

Loans held-for-investment include residential loans owned at consolidated Sequoia entities and commercial loans owned at the Commercial Securitization entity and by us, net of any allowance for loan losses. Coupon interest is recognized as revenue when earned and deemed collectible or until a loan becomes more than 90 days past due or has been individually impaired, at which point the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest previously accrued for loans that have become greater than 90 days past due or individually impaired is reserved for in the allowance for loan losses. Residential loans delinquent more than 90 days or in foreclosure are characterized as a serious delinquency. Cash principal and interest that is advanced from servicers subsequent to a loan becoming greater than 90 days past due or individually impaired is accounted for as a reduction in the outstanding loan principal balance. When a seriously delinquent loan previously placed on nonaccrual status has cured, meaning all delinquent principal and interest have been remitted by the borrower, the loan is placed back on accrual status. Alternately, loans that have been individually impaired may be placed back on accrual status if restructured and after the loan is considered reperforming. A restructured loan is considered reperforming when the loan has been current for at least 12 months.

We use the interest method to determine an effective yield to amortize the premium or discount on real estate loans held-for-investment. For residential loans acquired prior to July 1, 2004, we use coupon interest rates as they change over time and anticipated principal payments to determine periodic amortization. For residential and commercial loans acquired after July 1, 2004, we use the initial coupon interest rate of the loans (without regard to future changes in the underlying indices) and anticipated principal payments, if any, to determine periodic amortization.

We reclassify loans held-for-investment as loans held-for-sale if we determine that these loans will be sold or transferred to third parties. This may occur, for example, if we exercise our right to call ABS issued by a Sequoia securitization trust and decide to subsequently sell the underlying loans to third parties.

See Note 6 for further discussion on residential loans. See Note 7 for further discussion on commercial loans.

Residential Loans — Allowance for Loan Losses

For residential loans classified as held-for-investment, we establish and maintain an allowance for loan losses based on our estimate of credit losses inherent in our loan portfolios at the reporting date. To calculate the allowance for loan losses, we assess inherent losses by determining loss factors (defaults, the timing of defaults, and loss severities upon defaults) that can be specifically applied to each loan or pools of loans.

We consider the following factors in evaluating the allowance for loan losses:

 

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Ongoing analyses of loans, including, but not limited to, the age of loans and year of origination, underwriting standards, business climate, economic conditions, and other observable data;

 

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Historical loss rates and past performance of similar loans;

 

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Relevant market research and publicly available third-party reference loss rates;

 

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Trends in delinquencies and charge-offs;

 

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Effects and changes in credit concentrations;

 

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Information supporting a borrower’s ability to meet obligations;

 

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Ongoing evaluations of fair values of collateral using current appraisals and other valuations; and,

 

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Discounted cash flow analyses.

Once we determine the amount of defaults, the timing of the defaults, and severity of losses upon the defaults, we estimate expected losses for each individual loan or pool of loans over its expected life. We then estimate the timing of these losses and the losses probable to occur over an appropriate loss confirmation period. This period is defined as the range of time between the occurrence of a credit loss (such as the initial deterioration of the borrower’s financial condition) and the confirmation of that loss (the actual impairment or charge-off of the loan). The losses expected to occur within the estimated loss confirmation period are the basis of our allowance for loan losses, since we believe these losses exist at the reported date of the financial statements. We re-evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses quarterly.

As part of the loss mitigation efforts undertaken by servicers of residential loans owned at Sequoia securitization entities, a number of loan modifications have been completed to help make mortgage loans more affordable for certain borrowers. Loan modifications may include, but are not limited to: (i) conversion of a floating rate mortgage loan into a fixed rate mortgage loan; (ii) reduction in the contractual interest rate of a mortgage loan; (iii) forgiveness of a portion of the contractual interest and/or principal amounts owed on a mortgage loan; and, (iv) extension of the contractual maturity of a mortgage loan. We evaluate all loan modifications performed by servicers to determine if they constitute troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) according to GAAP. If a loan is determined to be a TDR, it is removed from the general loan pools used for calculating allowances for loan losses and assessed for impairment on an individual basis based upon any adverse change in the expected future cash flows resulting from the modification. This difference is recorded to the provision for loan losses in our consolidated statements of income.

When foreclosed property is received in full satisfaction for a defaulted loan, we estimate the fair value of the property, based on estimated net proceeds from the sale of the property (including servicer advances and other costs). To the extent that the fair value of the property is below the recorded investment of the loan, we record a charge against the allowance for loan losses for the difference. Foreclosed property is subsequently recorded as real estate owned (“REO”), a component of other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Actual losses incurred on loans liquidated through a short-sale are also charged against the allowance for loan losses.

See Note 6 for further discussion on the allowance for loan losses for residential loans.

Commercial Loans — Allowance for Loan Losses

For commercial loans classified as held-for-investment, we establish and maintain a general allowance for loan losses inherent in our portfolio at the reporting date and, where appropriate, a specific allowance for loan losses for loans we have determined to be impaired at the reporting date. An individual loan is considered impaired when it is deemed probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan.

Our methodology for assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses begins with a formal review of each commercial loan in the portfolio and the assignment of an internal impairment status. Reviews are performed at least quarterly. We consider the following factors in evaluating each loan:

 

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Loan to value ratios upon origination or acquisition of the loan;

 

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The most recent financial information available for each loan and associated properties, including net operating income, debt service coverage ratios, occupancy rates, rent rolls, as well as any other loss factors we consider relevant, such as, but not limited to, specific loan trigger events that would indicate an adverse change in expected cash flows or payment delinquency;

 

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Economic trends, both macroeconomic as well as those directly affecting the properties associated with our loans, and the supply and demand of competing projects in the sub-market in which the subject property is located; and,

 

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The loan sponsor or borrowing entity’s ability to ensure that properties associated with the loan are managed and operated sufficiently.

 

Loan reviews are completed by asset management and finance personnel and reviewed and approved by senior management.

Based on the assigned impairment status, a loan is categorized as “Pass,” “Watch List,” or “Workout.” Pass loans are defined as loans that are performing in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Watch List loans are defined as performing loans for which the timing of cost recovery is under review. Workout loans are defined as loans that we believe have a credit impairment that may lead to a realized loss. Workout loans are typically assessed for impairment on an individual basis. Where an individual commercial loan is impaired, we record an allowance to reduce the carrying value of the loan to the current present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate or if a loan is collateral dependent, we reduce the carrying value to the fair market value of the loan, with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses on our consolidated statements of income.

For all commercial loans that are not individually impaired, we assess the commercial loan portfolio in aggregate for loan losses based on our expectation of credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the reporting date. Our expectation of credit losses is informed by, among other things:

 

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Historical loss rates and past performance of similar loans in our own portfolio, if any;

 

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Publicly available third-party reference loss rates on similar loans; and,

 

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Trends in delinquencies and charge-offs in our own portfolio and among industry participants.

See Note 7 for further discussion on the allowance for loan losses for commercial loans.

Repurchase Reserves

We do not currently maintain a loan repurchase reserve and management is not aware of any outstanding repurchase claims that would require the establishment of such a reserve.

We do not originate residential loans and believe that the risk of loss due to loan repurchases (i.e., due to a breach of representations and warranties) would generally be a contingency to the companies from whom we acquired the loans and therefore would be covered by our recourse to those companies.

In circumstances where we believe that there is a risk of loss due to a loan repurchase demand (i.e., due to an allegation of a breach of representations and warranties) and we do not believe that full recourse to the company from whom we acquired the loan exists or is enforceable, we will review the need for any loan repurchase reserve in accordance with FASB guidance on accounting for contingencies and establish reserves when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that a repurchase demand would result in a liability and the amount of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated.

We have originated and sold commercial senior mortgage loans and have made standard representations and warranties upon sale of the loans to the loan purchasers, and in some cases, to securitization trusts. We review the need for a repurchase reserve related to these commercial loans on an ongoing basis and are not aware of any breaches of representations and warranties related to these loans.
Real Estate Securities, at Fair Value

Real Estate Securities, at Fair Value

We classify our real estate securities as trading or available-for-sale securities. We use the “prime” or “non-prime” designation to categorize our residential securities based upon the general credit characteristics of the residential loans underlying each security at the time of origination. For example, prime residential loans are generally characterized by lower loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios at the time the loans were originated, and are made to borrowers with higher Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) scores. Non-prime residential loans are generally characterized by higher LTV ratios at the time the loans were originated and may have been made to borrowers with lower credit scores or impaired credit histories (while exhibiting the ability to repay their loans) at the time the loan was originated. Regardless of whether or not the loans underlying a residential security were designated as prime or non-prime at origination, there is a risk that the borrower may not be able to repay the loan.

 

Trading Securities

We primarily denote trading securities as those securities where we have adopted the fair value option. Trading securities may include residential and commercial securities. Trading securities are carried at their estimated fair values. Coupon interest is recognized as interest income when earned and deemed collectible. Changes in the fair value of Sequoia IO securities designated as trading securities are reported in mortgage banking activities, net, a component of our consolidated statements of income. All changes in fair value of other trading securities are reported through our consolidated statements of income in other market valuation adjustments, net.

Available-for-Sale Securities

AFS securities may include certain residential and commercial securities. AFS securities are carried at their estimated fair values with cumulative unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated statements of changes in equity. Coupon interest is recognized as interest income when earned and deemed collectible, and the interest method is used to determine an effective yield to amortize purchase premiums, discounts, and fees associated with these securities into income over time. This requires us to project cash flows over the remaining life of each security and make assumptions with regards to interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. We review our cash flow projections on an ongoing basis and monitor these projections based on input and analyses received from external sources, internal models, and our own judgment and experience.

For an AFS security where its estimated fair value at the reporting date is below its amortized cost basis, we evaluate the security for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). If we either — (i) intend to sell the impaired security; (ii) will more likely than not be required to sell the impaired security before it recovers in value; or, (iii) do not expect to recover the impaired security’s amortized cost basis even if we do not intend to sell the security — the impairment is deemed an OTTI and we record the entire difference between the security’s fair value and its amortized cost in our consolidated statements of income. Conversely, if none of these three conditions is met, we analyze the expected cash flows, or cost recovery of the security, to determine what, if any, OTTI is recognized through our consolidated statements of income. This analysis includes an assessment of any changes in the regulatory and/or economic environment that might affect the performance of the security.

If we conclude through our analysis that there has been no significant adverse change in our cash flow assumptions for the security, then the impairment is deemed temporary in nature and the associated difference between the security’s fair value and its amortized cost basis is recorded as an unrealized loss through accumulated other comprehensive income, in our consolidated statements of changes in equity. Alternatively, if we conclude that there has been a significant adverse change in our cash flow assumptions for the security, then the impairment is deemed an OTTI and we perform an additional analysis to determine what portion of OTTI, if any, should be recorded through our consolidated statements of income. This analysis entails discounting the security’s cash flows to a present value using the prior period yield for the security to determine an “expected recoverable value.” The difference between this expected recoverable value and the amortized cost basis of the security is deemed to be the “credit” component of the OTTI that is recorded in our consolidated statements of income. The amortized cost of the security is then adjusted to the expected recoverable value, and the difference between this expected recoverable value and the estimated fair value is deemed to be the “non-credit” component of the OTTI and is recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income. Future amortization and accretion for the security is computed based upon the new amortized cost basis.

See Note 8 for further discussion on real estate securities.
MSRs

MSRs

We recognize MSRs through the acquisition of servicing rights released by third parties or through the retention of MSRs associated with residential loans that we have acquired and subsequently transferred to third parties. Typically, our MSRs are directly acquired from loan originators or created through the transfer of loans to a Sequoia residential mortgage securitization sponsored by us that meets the GAAP criteria for sale accounting.

Our MSRs are held and managed at Redwood Residential Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RWT Holdings, Inc., which is a taxable REIT subsidiary of ours. We contract with a licensed sub-servicer to perform servicing functions for loans underlying our MSRs. MSRs are initially recognized and carried at their estimated fair values. Changes in the fair value of MSRs are reported in mortgage banking activities, net, a component of our consolidated statements of income.

See Note 17 for further discussion on MSRs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include non-restricted cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily includes principal and interest payments that are collateral for, or payable to, owners of ABS issued by consolidated securitization entities. Restricted cash may also include cash retained in the Sequoia securitization entities or in the Residential Resecuritization or Commercial Securitization entities prior to the payments on or redemptions of outstanding ABS issued.
Accrued Interest Receivable

Accrued Interest Receivable

Accrued interest receivable includes interest that is due and payable to us and deemed collectible. Cash interest is generally received within thirty days of recording the receivable. For financial assets where we have elected the fair value option, the associated accrued interest receivable on these assets is measured at fair value. For financial assets where we have not elected the fair value option, the associated accrued interest carrying values approximate fair values.
Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments we typically utilize include contractual interest rate agreements, financial futures contracts, and “To Be Announced” (“TBA”) contracts. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Derivatives with positive fair values to us are reported as assets and derivatives with negative fair values to us are reported as liabilities. We classify each of our derivative financial instruments as either (i) a trading instrument (no specific hedging designation for financial reporting purposes) or (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge).

Changes in the fair values of derivatives accounted for as trading instruments, including any associated interest income or expense, are recorded in our consolidated statements of income through other market valuation adjustments, net. The valuation changes related to derivatives used to manage certain risks associated with the residential and commercial loans we own or plan to acquire and sell or securitize are excluded from other market valuation adjustments, net, and are included in mortgage banking activities, net, on our consolidated statements of income. Changes in the fair values of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of equity. Interest income or expense, and any ineffectiveness associated with these derivatives, are recorded as a component of net interest income in our consolidated statements of income. We measure the effective portion of cash flow hedges by comparing the change in fair value of the expected future variable cash flows of the derivative hedging instruments with the change in fair value of the expected future variable cash flows of the hedged item.

We will discontinue cash flow hedge accounting if (i) we determine that the hedging derivative is no longer expected to be effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the designated hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) the derivative is de-designated as a cash flow hedge; or, (iv) it is probable that a forecasted transaction associated with the hedged item will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. To the extent we de-designate or terminate a cash flow hedging relationship and the associated hedged item continues to exist, any unrealized gain or loss of the cash flow hedge at the time of de-designation remains in accumulated other comprehensive income and is amortized using the straight-line method through interest expense over the remaining life of the hedged item.

 

Interest Rate Agreements

Interest rate agreements that we currently utilize include swaps and swaptions. Interest rate swaps are agreements in which (i) one counterparty exchanges a stream of fixed interest payments for another counterparty’s stream of variable interest cash flows; or, (ii) each counterparty exchanges variable interest cash flows that are referenced to different indices. Interest rate swaptions are agreements that provide the owner the right but not the obligation to enter into an underlying interest rate swap with a counterparty in the future. Interest rate caps are agreements in which the owner receives payments at the end of each period for which the prevailing interest rate exceeds an agreed upon strike price. We enter into interest rate agreements primarily to reduce significant changes in our income or equity caused by interest rate volatility. Certain of these interest rate agreements may be designated as cash flow hedges.

Eurodollar Futures, Financial Futures and TBA Contracts

Eurodollar futures are futures contracts on time deposits denominated in U.S. dollars at banks outside the United States. Eurodollar futures, unlike our other derivatives, have maturities of only three months. Therefore, in order to achieve the desired interest rate offset necessary to manage our risk, consecutively maturing contracts are required, resulting in a stated notional amount that is typically higher than our other derivatives. Treasury futures are futures contracts on benchmark U.S. Treasury rates. TBA contracts are forward contracts to purchase mortgage-backed securities that will be issued by a U.S. government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) in the future. We purchase or sell these derivatives to offset — to varying degrees — changes in the values of mortgage products for which we have exposure to interest rate volatility.

See Note 9 for further discussion on derivative financial instruments.
Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred Tax Assets

Our deferred tax assets/liabilities are generated by temporary differences in GAAP and taxable income at our taxable subsidiaries. These differences generally reflect differing accounting treatments for GAAP and tax, such as accounting for mortgage servicing rights, discount and premium amortization, credit losses, equity awards, asset impairments, and certain valuation estimates. As a result of these differences, we may recognize taxable income in periods prior to when we recognize income for GAAP. When this occurs, we pay the tax liability as required and establish a deferred tax asset for GAAP. As the income is subsequently realized in future periods under GAAP, the deferred tax asset is reduced. We may also recognize GAAP income in periods prior to when we recognize income for tax. When this occurs, we establish a deferred tax liability for GAAP. As the income is subsequently realized in future periods for tax, the deferred tax liability is reduced.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider historical and projected future taxable income and capital gains as well as tax planning strategies in making this assessment. We determine the extent to which realization of this deferred asset is not assured and establish a valuation allowance accordingly. The estimate of net deferred tax assets could change in future periods to the extent that actual or revised estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward periods change from current expectations.
Deferred Securities Issuance Costs

Deferred Securities Issuance Costs

Securities issuance costs are expenses associated with the issuance of long-term debt, and the ABS issued from the Residential Resecuritization, the Commercial Securitization, and Sequoia securitization entities we sponsor and consolidate for financial reporting purposes. These expenses typically include underwriting, rating agency, legal, accounting, and other fees. ABS issuance costs associated with liabilities accounted for under the fair value option are expensed as incurred. ABS issuance costs associated with liabilities reported at cost are deferred. Deferred securities issuance costs are reported on our consolidated balance sheets as deferred charges (an asset) and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the interest method, based upon the actual and estimated repayment schedules of the related securities issued.
Other Assets

Other Assets

Other assets include REO, margin receivable, income tax receivables, fixed assets, principal receivable, and other prepaid expenses.

REO property acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value, and subsequently reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value (less estimated cost to sell). Changes in the fair value of an REO property that has a fair value at or below its carrying amount are recorded in our consolidated statements of income as a component of other market valuation adjustments, net. Margin receivable reflects cash collateral we have posted with various counterparties relating to our derivative and lending agreements with those counterparties, as applicable.

See Note 10 for further discussion on other assets.
Short-Term Debt

Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt includes borrowings under master repurchase agreements and other forms of borrowings that expire within one year with various counterparties. These borrowings may be unsecured or collateralized by cash, loans, or securities. If the value (as determined by the applicable counterparty) of the collateral securing those borrowings decreases, we may be subject to margin calls during the period the borrowings are outstanding. In instances where we do not satisfy the margin calls within the required time frame, the counterparty may retain the collateral and pursue any outstanding debt amount from us.

See Note 11 for further discussion on short-term debt.
Accrued Interest Payable

Accrued Interest Payable

Accrued interest payable includes interest that is due and payable to third parties. Interest is generally paid within one to three months of recording the payable, based upon our remittance requirements, and is paid semi-annually for our convertible debt. For borrowings where we have elected the fair value option, the associated accrued interest on these liabilities is measured at fair value. For financial liabilities where we have not elected the fair value option, the associated accrued interest carrying values approximate fair values.
Asset-Backed Securities Issued

Asset-Backed Securities Issued

The majority of the liabilities reported on our consolidated balance sheets represent ABS issued by bankruptcy-remote entities sponsored by Redwood. Sequoia, Acacia, the Residential Resecuritization, and the Commercial Securitization assets are held in the custody of securitization trustees and are not owned by Redwood. These trustees collect principal and interest payments (less servicing and related fees) from the assets and make corresponding principal and interest payments to the ABS investors.

Sequoia ABS Issued

Sequoia ABS issued are carried at their unpaid principal balances net of any unamortized discount or premium.

Acacia ABS Issued

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, we consolidated certain Acacia securitization entities. Acacia ABS issued were accounted for under the fair value option and carried at their estimated fair values. Changes in fair value (gains or losses) were reported in our consolidated statements of income through other market valuation adjustments, net.

Residential Resecuritization ABS Issued

Residential Resecuritization ABS issued are carried at their unpaid principal balances net of any unamortized discount or premium.

 

Commercial Securitization ABS Issued

Commercial Securitization ABS issued are carried at their unpaid principal balances net of any unamortized discount or premium.

See Note 12 for further discussion on ABS issued.
Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

Commercial Borrowings

Commercial borrowings include borrowings under a master repurchase agreement that expires in more than one year with a financial institution counterparty. These borrowings are collateralized by commercial loans. If the value (as determined by the applicable counterparty) of the collateral securing those borrowings decreases, we may be subject to margin calls during the period the borrowings are outstanding. In instances where we do not satisfy the margin calls within the required time frame, the counterparty may retain the collateral and pursue any outstanding debt amount from us.

Convertible Notes

Convertible notes include unsecured convertible senior notes and are carried at their unpaid principal balance. Interest on the notes is payable semiannually and the notes mature on April 15, 2018. If converted by a holder, upon conversion, the holder of the notes would receive shares of our common stock.

Trust Preferred Securities and Subordinated Notes

Trust preferred securities and subordinated notes are carried at their unpaid principal balance. This long-term debt is unsecured with quarterly interest payments determined based upon a floating rate equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin until it is redeemed in whole or matures at a future date.

See Note 13 for further discussion on long-term debt.
Equity

Equity

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Net unrealized gains and losses on real estate securities available-for-sale and interest rate agreements designated as cash flow hedges are reported as components of accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated statements of changes in equity and our statements of consolidated comprehensive income. Net unrealized gains and losses on securities and interest rate agreements held by our taxable subsidiaries that are reported in other comprehensive income are adjusted for the effects of taxation and may create deferred tax assets or liabilities.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding. Net income allocated to common shareholders represents net income allocable to common shareholders, less income allocated to participating securities (as described herein). Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus amounts representing the dilutive effect of share-based payment awards and the assumed conversion of convertible notes to common shares.

The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula under which EPS is calculated for common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participating rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated between participating securities and common shares based on their respective rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. Accounting guidance on EPS defines vested and unvested share-based payment awards containing nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents as participating securities that are included in computing EPS under the two-class method.

 

See Note 15 for further discussion on equity.
Incentive Plans

Incentive Plans

In May 2013, our shareholders approved an amendment and restatement to our previously amended 2002 Redwood Trust, Inc. Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”) for executive officers, employees, and non-employee directors. The amendment provided, among other things, for an increase in the number of shares available for distribution under the plan. The Incentive Plan authorizes our Board of Directors (or a committee appointed by our Board of Directors) to grant incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-qualifying stock options (“NQSOs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”), deferred stock units (“DSUs”), restricted stock, performance shares, performance units, stock appreciation rights, limited stock appreciation rights (awards), and dividend equivalent rights (“DERs”) to eligible recipients other than non-employee directors. Long-term incentive awards granted under the Incentive Plan generally vest over a three- or four-year period. Awards made under the Incentive Plan to officers and other employees in lieu of the payment in cash of a portion of annual bonuses earned generally vest immediately, but are subject to a three-year mandatory holding period. Non-employee directors are also provided annual awards under the Incentive Plan that generally vest immediately.

For equity awards granted after December 1, 2008, the cost of the awards is amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In May 2013, our shareholders approved an amendment to our previously amended 2002 Redwood Trust, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) to increase the number of shares available under the ESPP. The purpose of the ESPP is to give our employees an opportunity to acquire an equity interest in the Company through the purchase of shares of common stock at a discount. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase common stock at 85% of its fair value, subject to certain limits. Fair value as defined under the ESPP is the lesser of the closing market price of the common stock on the first day of the calendar year or the last day of the calendar quarter.

Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

In May 2002, our Board of Directors approved our 2002 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (“EDCP”). The EDCP allows eligible employees and directors to defer portions of current salary and certain other forms of compensation. The Company matches some deferrals. Compensation deferred under the EDCP is recorded as a liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The EDCP allows for the investment of deferrals in either an interest crediting account or DSUs.

401(k) Plan

We offer a tax-qualified 401(k) Plan to all employees for retirement savings. Under this Plan, employees are allowed to defer and invest up to 100% of their cash earnings, subject to the maximum 401(k) Plan contribution limit set forth by the Internal Revenue Service. We match some employee contributions to encourage participation and to provide a retirement planning benefit to employees. Vesting of the 401(k) Plan matching contributions is based on the employee’s tenure at the Company, and over time an employee becomes increasingly vested in both prior and new matching contributions.

See Note 16 for further discussion on equity compensation plans.
Taxes

Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and the corresponding provisions of state law. To qualify as a REIT we must distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to shareholders (not including taxable income retained in our taxable subsidiaries) within the time frame set forth in the tax code and also meet certain other requirements related to assets, income, and stock ownership. We assess our tax positions for all open tax years and record tax benefits only if tax positions meet a more-likely-than-not threshold in accordance with FASB guidance on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes. We classify interest and penalties on material uncertain tax positions as interest expense and operating expense, respectively, in our consolidated statements of income.

 

See Note 19 for further discussion on taxes.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU requires the presentation of gross and net information about transactions that are (1) offset in the financial statements or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, regardless of whether the transactions are actually offset in the statement of financial position. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We adopted ASU 2011-11 in the first quarter of 2013 and, as a result, presented disclosures on financial assets and liabilities subject to master netting agreements, which can be found below in this Note 3.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The ASU does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements and is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted ASU 2013-02 in the first quarter of 2013 and, as a result, expanded our disclosures related to items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. These disclosures can be found in Note 15.
Balance Sheet Netting

Balance Sheet Netting

Certain of our derivatives, warehouse, and repurchase agreements are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. Under GAAP, in certain circumstances we may elect to present certain financial assets and liabilities and collateral subject to master netting arrangements in a net position on our consolidated balance sheet. However, we do not report any of these financial assets or liabilities on a net basis, and instead present them on a gross basis on our consolidated balance sheet.

The table below presents financial assets and liabilities that are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements categorized by financial instrument, together with corresponding financial instruments and corresponding collateral received or pledged at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Offsetting of Financial Assets, Liabilities, and Collateral

 

     Gross     

Gross

Amounts

     

 Net Amounts of 

Assets

        Gross Amounts Not  
Offset
in Consolidated
Balance Sheet (1)		         

June 30, 2013

(In Thousands)

    Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
  (Liabilities)  		      Offset in
  Consolidated  
Balance
Sheet		      (Liabilities)
Presented in
Consolidated
Balance Sheet		      Financial
 Instruments 		      Cash
Collateral
  (Received)  
Pledged		        Net Amount    

Assets (2)

                  

Interest rate agreements

    $ 34,358          $ -            $ 34,358          $ (11,092)         $ (19,796)         $ 3,470      

TBAs

      8,655            -              8,655            (1,139)           (4,624)           2,892      

Futures

      328            -              328            (328)           -              -        
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total Assets

    $ 43,341          $ -            $ 43,341          $ (12,559)         $ (24,420)       $ 6,362      
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

Liabilities (2)

                  

Interest rate agreements

    $ (27,785)         $ -            $ (27,785)         $ 11,092          $ 15,444          $ (1,249)     

TBAs

      (1,139)           -              (1,139)           1,139            -              -        

Futures

      (647)           -              (647)           328            319            -        

Loan warehouse debt

      (1,082,726)           -              (1,082,726)           1,082,726            -              -        

Security repurchase agreements

      (363,235)           -              (363,235)           363,235            -              -        

Commercial borrowings

      (16,591)           -              (16,591)           16,591            -              -        
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total Liabilities

    $ (1,492,123)         $ -            $ (1,492,123)         $ 1,475,111          $ 15,763       $ (1,249)   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  
     Gross     

Gross

Amounts

     

  Net Amounts of  

Assets

      Gross Amounts Not Offset
in Consolidated
Balance Sheet (1)		         

December 31, 2012

(In Thousands)

    Amounts of
Recognized
Assets
  (Liabilities)  		      Offset in
  Consolidated  
Balance
Sheet		      (Liabilities)
Presented in
Consolidated
Balance Sheet		      Financial
  Instruments  		      Cash
Collateral
  (Received)  
Pledged		        Net Amount    

Assets (2)

                  

Interest rate agreements

    $ 2,972          $ -              $ 2,972          $ (2,210)         $ -              $ 762      

TBAs

      -                -                -                -                -                -          

Futures

      -                -                -                -                -                -          
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total Assets

    $ 2,972          $ -              $ 2,972          $ (2,210)         $ -              $ 762      
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Liabilities (2)

                  

Interest rate agreements

    $ (50,476)         $ -              $ (50,476)         $ 2,210          $ 48,266          $ -          

TBAs

      -                -                -                -                -                -          

Futures

      (607)           -                (607)           -                607            -          

Loan warehouse debt

      (179,982)           -                (179,982)           179,982            -                -          

Security repurchase agreements

      (371,936)           -                (371,936)           371,936            -                -          
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

Total Liabilities

    $ (603,001)         $ -              $ (603,001)         $ 554,128          $ 48,873          $ -          
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

  

 

(1)

Amounts presented in these columns are limited in total to the net amount of assets or liabilities presented in the prior column by instrument. In certain cases, there is excess cash collateral or financial assets we have pledged to a counterparty that exceed the financial liabilities subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Additionally, in certain cases, counterparties have pledged excess cash collateral to us that exceeds our corresponding financial assets. In each case, these excess amounts are excluded from the table although they are separately reported in our consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities, respectively.

 

(2)

Interest rate agreements, TBAs, and futures are components of derivatives instruments on our consolidated balances sheets. Loan warehouse debt, which is secured by residential mortgage loans, and security repurchase agreements are components of short-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets. Commercial borrowings are a component of long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheet.

With respect to each category of financial instrument set forth in the table above, the assets and liabilities resulting from individual transactions between Redwood and a counterparty are subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement that provides for all such individual transactions to be treated as a single transaction and, in the event of the termination and close-out of such transactions, to be settled on a net basis and for settlement to include the proceeds of the liquidation of any corresponding collateral, subject to certain limitations on termination, settlement, and liquidation of collateral that may apply in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of a party which limitations should not inhibit the eventual practical realization of the principal benefits of the transactions or the master netting arrangement or similar agreement and any corresponding collateral.