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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany amounts have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Our most significant estimates include current expected credit loss ("CECL") allowances. Actual results may differ from estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts to conform to the current period’s presentation. We currently operate in one reporting segment. See further discussion in "Note 21 – Segment Reporting." Principles of Consolidation We consolidate all entities that we control through either majority ownership or voting rights. In addition, we consolidate all variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which we are considered the primary beneficiary. VIEs are defined as 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 known as 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. Consolidated Joint Venture In the third quarter of 2022, we contributed an assemblage of properties in downtown Brooklyn, NY to a joint venture with WG Bowtie, LLC, a real estate developer. The entity was deemed to be a VIE of which we were deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, we hold a 100% equity ownership interest in the joint venture and our partner is only entitled to profit upon achievement of certain returns under our joint venture agreement. See further discussion in "Note 5 – Real Estate Owned." Barclays Securitization During the second quarter of 2020, we entered into a private securitization with Barclays Bank plc. We have determined that the issuer of this securitization, ACRE Debt 2 PLC, is a VIE of which we were deemed to be the primary beneficiary, because we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE, and therefore, we consolidated the operations of this entity in accordance with GAAP. The collateral assets of the securitization are included in commercial mortgage loans, net on our consolidated balance sheets. The liabilities of the securitization to the senior note holders, excluding the notes held by us, are included in secured debt arrangements, net on our consolidated balance sheet. See further discussion in "Note 7 - Secured Debt Arrangements, Net." Unconsolidated Joint Ventures In September 2018, we entered a joint venture with Turner Consulting II, LLC ("Turner Consulting"), through an entity which owns the underlying property that secures our loan. Turner Consulting contributed 10% of the venture’s equity and we contributed 90%. The entity was deemed to be a VIE and we determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of that VIE as we do not have the power to direct the entity's activities. See further discussion in "Note 4 – Commercial Mortgage, Subordinate Loans and Other Lending Assets, Net." In October 2020, we entered a joint venture with CCOF Design Venture, LLC ("CCOF"), which owned the underlying properties that secured our first mortgage loan. The entity in which we owned an interest, and which owned the underlying properties was deemed to be a VIE and we determined that we were not the primary beneficiary of that VIE as we did not have the power to direct the entities activities. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the underlying properties were sold to a third party and proceeds of the sale were distributed to the joint venture partners. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents represent cash held in banks and liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Substantially all of the Company's cash on deposit is in interest bearing accounts with major financial institutions and exceeds federally insured limits. As of both December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had no restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheets. Classification of Investments and Valuations of Financial Instruments Our investments consist primarily of commercial mortgage loans, subordinate loans, and other lending assets that are classified as held-to-maturity. Classification of Loans and Other Lending Assets Loans and other lending assets held to maturity are stated at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for deferred fees and current expected credit losses, in accordance with GAAP. Loans and other lending assets held for sale are classified as such if there is a reasonable expectation to sell them in the short-term following the reporting date and are reported at the lower of amortized cost or fair value, in accordance with GAAP. The amount by which amortized cost basis exceeds fair value shall be accounted for as a valuation allowance. Changes in the valuation allowance are recorded within change in valuation allowance on our consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the change occurs. Securities, held-to-maturity GAAP requires that at the time of purchase, we designate investment securities as held-to-maturity or trading, depending on our investment strategy and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities where we have not elected to apply the fair value option are stated at cost plus any premiums or discounts, which are amortized or accreted through the consolidated statements of operations using the effective interest method. Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL") In accordance with ASC Topic 326 "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses," which we refer to as the "CECL Standard", we record allowances for our commercial mortgage loans and subordinate loans and other lending assets that are held-to-maturity. These allowances are deducted from the carrying amount of the assets to present the net carrying value of the amounts expected to be collected on the assets. As a practical expedient in accordance with the CECL Standard, we record loan specific allowances ("Specific CECL Allowance") for assets that are collateral dependent and where the borrower or sponsor is experiencing financial difficulty. For the remainder of the loan portfolio, we record a general allowance ("General CECL Allowance", and together with Specific CECL Allowance, "CECL Allowances") on a collective basis by assets with similar risk characteristics. Subsequent changes to the CECL Allowance are recognized through net income on our consolidated statement of operations. The CECL Standard requires an entity to consider historical loss experience, current conditions, and a reasonable and supportable forecast of the macroeconomic environment. The FASB recognizes the weighted average remaining maturity ("WARM") method as an acceptable approach for computing current expected credit losses. We utilize the WARM method to determine a General CECL Allowance for a majority of our portfolio. In the future, we may use other acceptable methods, such as a probability-of-default/loss-given-default method. Specific CECL Allowance Our loans are typically collateralized by commercial real estate. As a result, we regularly evaluate the extent and impact of any credit migration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower/sponsor on a loan-by-loan basis. Specifically, a property's operating results and any cash reserves are analyzed and used to assess (i) whether cash flows from operations are sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan, and/or (iii) the property's liquidation value. We also evaluate the financial wherewithal of any loan guarantors as well as the borrower's competency in managing and operating the properties. In addition, we consider the overall economic environment, real estate sector, and geographic sub-market in which the borrower operates. Such analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management and finance personnel, who utilize various data sources, including (i) periodic financial data such as debt service coverage ratio, property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrower's exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, and (iii) current credit spreads and discussions with market participants. For loans where we have deemed the borrower/sponsor to be experiencing financial difficulty, we have elected to apply a practical expedient in accordance with the CECL Standard. In accordance with the practical expedient approach, we determine the loan loss provision to be the difference between the fair value of the underlying collateral and the carrying value of the loan (prior to the loan loss allowance). When the repayment or satisfaction of a loan is dependent on a sale, rather than operations, of the collateral, the fair value is adjusted for the estimated cost to sell the collateral. The fair value of the underlying collateral is determined by using method(s) such as discounted cash flow, the market approach, or direct capitalization approach. The key unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the underlying collateral may vary depending on the information available to us and market conditions as of the valuation date. If we deem all or any portion of a loan balance uncollectible, that amount is written-off. General CECL Allowance In accordance with the WARM method, an annual historical loss rate is applied to the amortized cost of an asset or pool of assets over the remaining expected life. The WARM method requires consideration of the timing of expected future fundings of existing commitments and repayments over each asset's remaining life. An annual loss factor, adjusted for macroeconomic estimates, is applied over each subsequent period and aggregated to arrive at the General CECL Allowance. In determining the General CECL Allowance, we considered various factors including (i) historical loss experience in the commercial real estate lending market, (ii) timing of expected repayments and satisfactions, (iii) expected future funding, (iv) capital subordinate to us when we are the senior lender, (v) capital senior to us when we are the subordinate lender, and (vi) our current and future view of the macroeconomic environment. The standard requires the use of significant judgment to arrive at an estimated credit loss. We derived an annual historical loss rate based on a CMBS database with historical losses from 1998 through the fourth quarter of 2024 provided by a third party, Trepp LLC. We applied various filters to arrive at a CMBS dataset analogous to our current portfolio from which to determine an appropriate historical loss rate. The annual historical loss rate was further adjusted to reflect our expectations of the macroeconomic environment for a reasonable and supportable forecast period. The General CECL Allowance on subordinate loans is calculated by incorporating both the loan balance of the position(s) of the structurally senior third-party lender(s) and the balance of our subordinate loan(s). The subordinate loans, by virtue of being the first loss position, are required to absorb losses prior to the senior position(s) being impacted, resulting in a higher percentage allowance attributable to the subordinate loan. The General CECL Allowance on unfunded loan commitments is time-weighted based on our expected commitment to fund such obligations. The General CECL Allowance on unfunded commitments is recorded as a liability on our consolidated balance sheets within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. The considerations in estimating our General CECL reserve for unfunded loan commitments are similar to those used for the related outstanding loans receivable. Refer to "Note 4 - Commercial Mortgage, Subordinate Loans and Other Lending Assets, Net" for further information regarding CECL. Assets and Liabilities Related to Real Estate Owned In order to maximize recovery against a defaulted loan, we may assume legal title or physical possession of the underlying collateral through foreclosure or the execution of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are classified as real estate owned and recognized at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets in accordance with the acquisition method under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, "Business Combinations." When determining the fair value of real estate assets and liabilities, we make certain assumptions including, but not limited to, consideration of projected operating cash flows, comparable selling prices and projected cash flows from the eventual disposition of the real estate asset based upon our estimate of a capitalization rate and discount rate. Real estate assets and liabilities are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis. A real estate asset is considered impaired when the sum of estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the real estate asset over the estimated remaining holding period is less than the carrying value of such real estate asset. An impairment charge is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value of the real estate asset over the fair value. Real Estate Owned, Held for Investment Real estate assets that are acquired for investment are assumed at their estimated fair value at acquisition and presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairments, if applicable. Upon acquisition, we allocate the value of acquired real estate assets based on the fair value of the acquired land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and intangible assets, if applicable. Real estate assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the assets' estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings and up to 8 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the real estate asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. For real estate projects under development, we capitalize costs incurred to prepare the property for its intended use in accordance with ASC Topic 970, "Real Estate — General." Such costs can include costs related to acquisition, construction, financing, development and real estate taxes. 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. Real estate owned, held for sale is held at the lower of cost or fair market value. Once a real estate asset is classified as held for sale, depreciation expense is no longer recorded. Deferred Financing Costs Costs incurred in connection with financings are capitalized and amortized over the respective financing terms and are reflected on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations as a component of interest expense. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had $17.6 million and $25.2 million, respectively, of capitalized financing costs, net of amortization, included as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of our debt. Earnings per Share GAAP requires the use of the two-class method of computing earnings per share for all periods presented for each class of common stock and participating security as if all earnings for the period had been distributed. Under the two-class method, during periods of net income, the net income is first reduced for dividends declared on all classes of securities to arrive at undistributed earnings. During periods of net losses, the net loss is reduced for dividends declared on participating securities only if the security has the right to participate in the earnings of the entity and an objectively determinable contractual obligation to share in net losses of the entity. The remaining earnings are allocated to common stockholders and participating securities to the extent that each security shares in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Each total is then divided by the applicable number of shares to arrive at basic earnings per share. For the diluted earnings, the denominator includes all outstanding shares of common stock and all potential shares of common stock assumed issued if they are dilutive. The numerator is adjusted for any changes in income or loss that would result from the assumed conversion of these potential shares of common stock. On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2020-06 "Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity's Own Equity" ("ASU 2020-06"), which requires the inclusion of convertible instruments in the computation of diluted earnings per share, regardless of a company's intent and ability to settle such debt in cash. We adopted ASU 2020-06 through the modified retrospective method, resulting in a $3.4 million net impact to stockholders' equity. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, dilutive earnings per share was calculated under the more dilutive computation of the treasury stock method and the "if-converted" method. Under the treasury stock method, the denominator includes the weighted-average outstanding common shares plus the incremental shares related to participating securities. The incremental shares are determined by subtracting the average unrecognized compensation cost for the period divided by the average stock price from the unvested RSUs. The dilutive effect to earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2022 was determined using the "if-converted" method whereby, if the conversion of the convertible notes would be dilutive, interest expense on the outstanding notes is added back to the diluted earnings numerator and all of the potentially dilutive shares are included in the diluted common shares outstanding denominator for the computation of diluted earnings per share. Equity Method Investments We account for investments in entities under the equity method of accounting where we exercise significant influence over the entity but do not meet the requirements for consolidation. Equity method investments, for which we have not elected a fair value option, are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. We classify distributions received from equity method investees using the cumulative earnings approach. Distributions received up to the cumulative earnings from each equity method investee, including distributions of operating profits, are considered returns on investment and are presented within "Cash flows from operating activities" in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Distributions in excess of cumulative earnings, including those in excess of operating profits, are considered returns of investment and are presented within "Cash flows from investing activities" in our consolidated statement of cash flows. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Our impairment analyses can include current plans, intended holding periods and other relevant information available at the time the analyses are prepared. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based on assumptions that could differ materially from actual results. Foreign Currency From time to time we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than USD. Foreign exchange ("Fx") gains and losses arising on such transactions are recorded as a gain or loss in our consolidated statement of operations. Assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than USD are translated to USD at the exchange rate prevailing at the reporting date and income, expenses, gains, and losses are translated at the prevailing exchange rate on the dates that they were recorded. Hedging Instruments and Hedging Activities Consistent with maintaining our qualification as a REIT, in the normal course of business, we use a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate and foreign currency risk. Derivatives are used for hedging purposes rather than speculation. There is a gain or loss associated with forward points on our foreign currency hedges, which reflect the interest rate differentials, at the time of entering into the hedge, between the applicable local base rate of our foreign currency investments and the comparable rate in the U.S. GAAP requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheets and to measure those instruments at fair value. To the extent the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, the fair value adjustments will be recorded as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. We have not designated any of our derivative instruments as hedges under GAAP and therefore, changes in the fair value of our derivatives are recorded directly in earnings. We determine fair value of our derivative contracts using quotations from a third-party expert. The fair value is derived by comparing the contracted forward exchange rate to the current market exchange rate, as well as by using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. If our hedging activities do not achieve the desired results, reported earnings may be adversely affected. Income Taxes We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856-859 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains and determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction, as a dividend to its stockholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its stockholders. We have elected to treat certain consolidated subsidiaries and may in the future elect to treat newly formed subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate related activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and are subject to U.S. federal and state income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Our major tax jurisdictions are U.S. federal, New York State and New York City and the statute of limitations is open for all jurisdictions for the years 2021 through 2024. We do not have any unrecognized tax benefits and do not expect a change in our position for unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months. Secured Debt Arrangements Secured debt arrangements are accounted for as financing transactions, unless they meet the criteria for sale accounting. Loans financed through a secured debt arrangement remain on our consolidated balance sheets as an asset and cash received from the purchaser is recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as a liability. Interest incurred in accordance with secured debt arrangements is recorded as interest expense. Securitization/Sale and Financing Arrangements We periodically sell our financial assets, such as commercial mortgage loans, subordinate loans and other lending assets. In connection with these transactions, we may retain or acquire senior or subordinated interests in the related assets. Gains and losses on such transactions are recognized using the guidance in ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing", which is based on a financial-components approach that focuses on control. Under this approach, after a transfer of financial assets that meets the criteria for treatment as a sale-legal isolation, ability of transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred assets without constraint, and transferred control an entity recognizes the financial assets it retains and any liabilities it has incurred, derecognizes the financial assets it has sold, and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. We determine the gain or loss on sale of the assets by allocating the carrying value of the sold asset between the sold asset and the interests retained based on their relative fair values, as applicable. The gain or loss on sale is the difference between the cash proceeds from the sale and the amount allocated to the sold asset. When a transfer does not meet the criteria of a sale under ASC 860, we account for such transfer as a secured borrowing on our consolidated balance sheets as both an asset and a non-recourse liability. The non-recourse liability is recorded under "Participations Sold" and the income earned is recorded as interest income and an identical amount is recorded as interest expense on our consolidated statements of operations. Senior Secured Notes We include senior secured notes in our consolidated balance sheets as a liability, net of original issue discount and deferred financing costs. Discount or transaction expenses are deferred and amortized through the maturity. Interest paid in accordance with senior secured notes is recorded in interest expense. Senior Secured Term Loans We include senior secured term loans (the "Term Loans") in our consolidated balance sheets as a liability, net of original issue discount and deferred financing costs. Discount or transaction expenses are deferred and amortized through the maturity. Interest paid in accordance with the Term Loans is recorded in interest expense. Convertible Senior Notes We include convertible senior notes in our consolidated balance sheets as a liability, net of original issue discount. Discounts are deferred and amortized through the maturity of the notes. Additionally, shares issuable under convertible notes are included in diluted earnings per share in our consolidated financial statement if the effect is dilutive, using the "if-converted" method, regardless of settlement intent. Interest paid in accordance with convertible senior notes is recorded in interest expense. Revenue Recognition Interest income on our lending assets is accrued based on the actual coupon rate adjusted for accretion of any purchase discounts, the amortization of any purchase premiums and the accretion of any deferred fees, in accordance with GAAP. Loans that are significantly past due may be placed on nonaccrual if we determine it is probable that we will not collect all payments which are contractually due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, interest is only recorded as interest income when it's received. Under certain circumstances, we may apply cost recovery under which interest collected on a loan reduces its amortized cost. The cost recovery method will no longer apply if collection of all principal and interest is reasonably assured. A loan may be placed back on accrual status if we determine it is probable that we will collect all payments which are contractually due. Operating revenue from real estate owned, held for sale that is a hotel property represents revenue associated with the operations of the hotel property. Revenue from the operation of the hotel property is recognized when guestrooms are occupied or services have been rendered. Revenues are recorded net of any discounts and sales and other taxes collected from customers. Revenues consist of room sales, food and beverage sales and other hotel revenues. Gains or losses on the sale of real estate assets, including residential property, are recognized in accordance with ASC 610-20, "Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets." We use specific identification method to allocate costs. Share-based Payments We account for share-based compensation to our independent directors, to the Manager and to employees of the Manager and its affiliates using the fair value-based methodology prescribed by GAAP. Compensation cost related to restricted common stock issued is measured at its fair value at the grant date and amortized into expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. We recognize forfeitures of restricted common stock as they occur. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2023-07 "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-07"). ASU 2023-07 intends to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, enhance interim disclosure requirements and provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. ASU 2023-07 is to be adopted retrospectively to all prior periods presented. As of December 31, 2024, we have adopted ASU 2023-07. Adoption of the standard has not impacted our financial statements but has resulted in incremental disclosures, which are included within "Note 21 – Segment Reporting". In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09"). ASU 2023-09 intends to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and is to be adopted on a prospective basis with the option to apply retrospectively. We are currently assessing the impact of this guidance; however, we do not expect a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

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