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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including fair valuation of its residential loans, multi-family loans, certain equity investments and Consolidated SLST CDOs. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects those conditions to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting emergency measures have led (and may continue to lead) to significant disruptions in the global supply chain, global capital markets, the economy of the U.S. and the economies of other countries impacted by COVID-19. The fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19 on economic and market conditions. The Company believes the estimates and assumptions underlying our consolidated financial statements are reasonable and supportable based on the information available as of December 31, 2021; however, uncertainty over the ultimate impact COVID-19 will have on the global economy generally, and our business in particular, makes any estimates and assumptions as of December 31, 2021 inherently less certain than they would be absent the current and potential impacts of COVID-19. Accordingly, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications – Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified on the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.

Principles of Consolidation and Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs

Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities – The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all its subsidiaries which are majority-owned, controlled by the Company or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation (see Note 7).

A VIE is an entity that lacks one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A VIE is defined as an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The Company consolidates a VIE in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810") when it is the primary beneficiary of such VIE, herein referred to as a “Consolidated VIE”. As primary beneficiary, the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. The Company is required to reconsider its evaluation of whether to consolidate a VIE each reporting period, based upon changes in the facts and circumstances pertaining to the VIE.

The Company evaluates the initial consolidation of each Consolidated VIE, which includes a determination of whether the VIE constitutes the definition of a business in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), by considering if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets within the VIE are concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or group of single identifiable assets. Upon consolidation, the Company recognizes the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any third-party ownership of membership interests as non-controlling interest as of the consolidation or acquisition date, measured at their relative fair values (see Note 7). Non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs is adjusted prospectively for its share of the allocation of income or loss and equity contributions and distributions from each respective Consolidated VIE.

Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIEs – The third-party owners of certain of the non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs have the ability to sell their ownership interests to the Company, at their election. The Company has classified these third-party ownership interests as redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated VIEs in mezzanine equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs is recorded at the greater of the carrying amount, adjusted for its share of the allocation of income or loss and equity contributions and distributions, or the redemption value, which is equivalent to fair value, of such ownership interests at the end of each reporting period. Adjustments to redemption value, if any, are recorded to the Company's additional paid-in capital and redeemable non-controlling interest in Consolidated VIEs.

Residential Loans

Residential Loans – The Company’s acquired residential loans, including performing, re-performing and non-performing residential loans and business purpose loans are presented at fair value as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company has elected the fair value option for residential loans either at the time of acquisition pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”) or following the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2019-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief (“ASU 2019-05”), effective January 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, residential loans on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes those residential loans previously accounted for under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality ("ASC 310-30"), and the Company's residential loans held in securitization trusts, both previously carried at amortized cost, net.

As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, residential loans included seasoned re-performing and non-performing residential loans held in a Freddie Mac-sponsored residential loan securitization, of which we own or have owned the first loss subordinated securities and certain IOs and senior securities issued by this securitization, and that we consolidate in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP (“Consolidated SLST”). Based on a number of factors, management determined that the Company was the primary beneficiary of Consolidated SLST and met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated the securitization, including its assets, liabilities, income and expenses in our financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within Consolidated SLST, which requires that changes in valuations be reflected on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company measures both the financial assets and financial liabilities of a qualifying consolidated collateralized financing entity (“CFE”) using the fair value of either the CFE’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable. As the related securitization trust is considered a qualifying CFE, the Company determines the fair value of the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST based on the fair value of its residential collateralized debt obligations and the Company's investment in the securitization (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the residential loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. Residential loans are considered past due when they are 30 days past their contractual due date, and are placed on nonaccrual status when delinquent for more than 90 days or when, in management's opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business. Interest accrued but not yet collected at the time loans are placed on nonaccrual status is reversed and subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until it qualifies for return to accrual status. Loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current or the collection of future payments is reasonably assured.

Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of residential loans are amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the related loan using the effective interest method. Any premium amortization or discount accretion is reflected as a component of interest income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Prior to January 1, 2020, certain of the residential loans acquired by the Company at a discount, with evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and where it was probable that the Company would not collect all contractually required principal payments, were accounted for under ASC 310-30. Loans considered credit impaired were recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, with no allowance for loan losses.

Under ASC 310-30, the acquired credit impaired loans were accounted for individually or aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. The Company estimated the principal and interest expected to be collected for these loans at the time of acquisition and periodically thereafter. The difference between the cash flows expected to be collected and the carrying amount of the loans was referred to as the “accretable yield.” This amount was accreted as interest income over the life of the loans using a level yield methodology. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments and the cash flows expected to be collected, referred to as the “nonaccretable difference,” included estimates of both the impact of prepayments and expected credit losses over the life of the individual loan or the pool. Management monitored actual cash collections against its expectations, and revised cash flow expectations were prepared as necessary. A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may have indicated that the loan pool or individual loan was impaired, thus requiring the establishment of an allowance for loan losses by a charge to the provision for loan losses. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods initially reduced any previously established allowance for loan losses by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and resulted in a recalculation of the amount of accretable yield for the loan pool. The adjustment of accretable yield due to an increase in expected cash flows was accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate.

Disposal of a residential loan accounted for under ASC 310-30 resulted in removal of the loan at its allocated carrying amount, and a gain or loss was recognized and reported based on the difference between the sales proceeds or payment from the borrower and the carrying amount of the loan. The Company used the specific allocation method for the removal of loans within a pool, as the estimated cash flows and related carrying amount for each individual loan were known. In these cases, the remaining accretable yield was unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by the removal of the loan from the pool was addressed by the re-assessment of the estimate of cash flows for the pool prospectively. Residential loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 subject to modification were not removed from the pool even if those loans would otherwise be considered troubled debt restructurings because the pool, and not the individual loan, represented the unit of account.

Prior to January 1, 2020, the Company also accounted for certain residential loans held in securitization trusts at amortized cost, net. These loans are comprised of certain ARMs transferred to Consolidated VIEs that have been securitized into sequentially rated classes of beneficial interests and are included in residential loans on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounted for these securitization trusts as financings which are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.

The Company previously established an allowance for loan losses based on management’s judgment and estimate of expected credit losses inherent in our portfolio of residential loans held in securitization trusts, net. Estimation involved the consideration of various credit-related factors, including but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, current housing market conditions, loan-to-value ratios, delinquency status, historical credit loss severity rates, purchased mortgage insurance, the borrower’s current economic condition and other factors deemed to warrant consideration. Additionally, management looked at the balance of any delinquent loan and compared that to the current value of the collateralizing property. Management utilized various home valuation methodologies including appraisals, broker pricing opinions, internet-based property data services to review comparable properties in the same area or consult with a broker in the property’s area.

Multi-Family Loans

Multi-Family Loans – As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, multi-family loans included preferred equity investments in, and mezzanine loans to, entities that have multi-family real estate assets. A preferred equity investment is an equity investment in the entity that owns the underlying property. Preferred equity is not secured by the underlying property, but holders have priority relative to common equity holders on cash flow distributions and proceeds from capital events. In addition, preferred equity holders may be able to enhance their position and protect their equity position with covenants that limit the entity’s activities and grant the holder the exclusive right to control the property after an event of default.

Mezzanine loans are secured by a pledge of the borrower’s equity ownership in the property. Unlike a mortgage, this loan does not represent a lien on the property. Therefore, it is always junior and subordinate to any first lien as well as second liens, if applicable, on the property. These loans are senior to any preferred equity or common equity interests in the entity that owns the property.

The Company has evaluated its preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments for accounting treatment as loans versus equity investments utilizing the guidance provided by the Acquisition, Development and Construction Arrangements Subsection of ASC 310, Receivables. Effective January 1, 2020, preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, for which the characteristics, facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate, are stated at fair value. The Company elected the fair value option for its preferred equity investments in and mezzanine loan investments because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible. The Company accretes or amortizes any discounts or premiums and deferred fees and expenses over the life of the related asset utilizing the effective interest method or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Prior to January 1, 2020, preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, for which the characteristics, facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate, were stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount and deferred fees or expenses, net of valuation allowances. Management evaluated the collectability of both interest and principal of each of these loans, if circumstances warranted, to determine whether they were impaired. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the investment to the estimated fair value of the loan or, as a practical expedient, to the value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Preferred equity investments where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment are included in Equity Investments below.

In 2019 and 2020, the Company, or one of its “special purpose entities” (“SPEs”), owned the first loss POs, certain IOs, and certain senior and mezzanine securities issued by certain Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family loan K-Series securitizations that we consolidated in our financial statements in accordance with GAAP (the “Consolidated K-Series”). Based on a number of factors, management determined that the Company was the primary beneficiary of each VIE within the Consolidated K-Series and met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, consolidated these securitizations, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses in the Company's financial statements. In response to market conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company's intention to improve its liquidity, in March 2020, the Company sold its entire portfolio of first loss POs issued by the Consolidated K-Series which resulted in the de-consolidation of each Consolidated K-Series as of the sale date of each first loss PO (see Note 7).

The Company elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within the Consolidated K-Series, which required that changes in valuations be reflected on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In accordance with ASC 810, the Company measured both the financial assets and financial liabilities of a qualifying consolidated CFE using the fair value of either the CFE’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable. As the Consolidated K-Series were considered qualifying CFEs, the Company determined the fair value of multi-family loans held in the Consolidated K-Series based on the fair value of the multi-family collateralized debt obligations issued by the Consolidated K-Series and the Company's investments in these securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments was more observable.

Interest income was accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the multi-family loans held in the Consolidated K-Series and when, in the opinion of management, it was collectible. The accrual of interest on these loans was discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest was not collectible in the normal course of business.

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company’s investment securities, where the fair value option has not been elected and which are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), include non-Agency RMBS and CMBS (collectively, "CECL Securities"). Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company made a fair value election at the time of acquisition of newly purchased investment securities pursuant to ASC 825. The fair value option was elected for these investment securities to provide stockholders and others who rely on our financial statements with a more complete and accurate understanding of our economic performance. Changes in fair value of investment securities subject to the fair value election are recorded in current period earnings in unrealized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The Company generally intends to hold its investment securities until maturity; however, from time to time, it may sell any of its securities as part of the overall management of its business. As a result, our investment securities are classified as available for sale securities. Realized gains and losses recorded on the sale of investment securities available for sale are based on the specific identification method and included in realized gains (losses), net on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Interest income on our investment securities available for sale is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Purchase premiums or discounts associated with Agency RMBS and Agency CMBS assessed as high credit quality at the time of purchase are amortized or accreted to interest income over the estimated life of these investment securities using the effective yield method.

Interest income on certain of our credit sensitive securities that were purchased at a premium or discount to par value, such as certain of our non-Agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS that are of less than high credit quality, is recognized based on the security’s effective yield. The effective yield on these securities is based on management’s estimate of the projected cash flows from each security, which incorporates assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, management reviews and, if appropriate, adjusts its cash flow projections based on input and analysis received from external sources, internal models, and its judgment about interest rates, prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation, may result in a prospective change in the yield (or interest income) recognized on these securities.

The Company accounts for investment securities that are of high credit quality (generally those rated AA or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, or NRSRO) at the date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 320-10, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities (“ASC 320-10”). The Company accounts for investment securities that are not of high credit quality (i.e., those whose risk of loss is more than remote) or securities that can be contractually prepaid such that we would not recover our initial investment at the date of acquisition in accordance with ASC 325-40, Investments - Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (“ASC 325-40”). The Company considers credit ratings, the underlying credit risk and other market factors in determining whether the investment securities are of high credit quality; however, securities rated lower than AA or an equivalent rating are not considered of high credit quality and are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-40. If ratings are inconsistent among NRSROs, the Company uses the lower rating in determining whether the securities are of high credit quality.

When the fair value of a CECL security is less than its amortized cost as of the reporting balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired. If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired security before its anticipated recovery, the Company recognizes a loss through earnings equal to the difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value and reduces the amortized cost basis to the fair value as of the balance sheet date. If the Company does not expect to sell an impaired security, it performs an analysis to determine if a portion of the impairment is a result of credit losses. The portion of the impairment related to credit losses (limited by the difference between the fair value and amortized cost basis) is recognized through earnings and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is established against the amortized cost basis. The remainder of the impairment is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and does not impact earnings. Subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded through earnings with reversals limited to the previously recorded allowance for credit losses. The determination of whether a credit loss exists, and if so, the amount considered to be a credit loss is subjective, as such determinations are based on both observable and subjective information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company's estimates of the future performance and cash flow projections. As a result, the timing and amount of credit losses constitute material estimates that are susceptible to significant change.

In determining if a credit loss evaluation is required for securities that are impaired, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected at the prior reporting date or purchase date, whichever is most recent, against the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date. The Company considers information available about the past and expected future performance of underlying collateral, including timing of expected future cash flows, prepayment rates, default rates, loss severities and delinquency rates.

Equity Investments

Equity Investments – Non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interests in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method or the cost method. In circumstances where the Company has a non-controlling interest but either owns a significant interest or is able to exert influence over the affairs of the enterprise, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial investment is increased each period for additional capital contributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s earnings or preferred return and decreased for cash distributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s losses. Equity investments also include certain of the Company's multi-family preferred equity investments where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment. The Company records its equity in earnings or losses from these multi-family preferred equity investments under the hypothetical liquidation of book value method of accounting due to the structures and the preferences it receives on the distributions from these entities pursuant to the respective agreements. Under this method, the Company recognizes income or loss in each period based on the change in liquidation proceeds it would receive from a hypothetical liquidation of its investment.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company has elected the fair value option for all equity investments. The Company elected the fair value option for its equity investments in entities that own interests (directly or indirectly) in multi-family or residential real estate assets or loans or entities that originate residential loans because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. The Company records the change in fair value of its investment in income from equity investments on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (see Note 6). Prior to January 1, 2020, management periodically reviewed its investments for impairment based on projected cash flows from the entity over the holding period. When any impairment was identified, the investments were written down to recoverable amounts.

Operating Real Estate Held in Consolidated Variable Interest Entity, Net

Real Estate, Net – Upon the acquisition of real estate properties which do not constitute the definition of a business, the Company records its initial investments in income-producing real estate as asset acquisitions at fair value as of the acquisition date. The purchase price of acquired properties is apportioned to the tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities acquired at their respective estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Company utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective real estate, its own analysis of recently-acquired and existing comparable properties, property financial results, and other market data. The Company also considers information obtained about the real estate as a result of its due diligence, including marketing and leasing activities, in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company considers the value of acquired in-place leases and utilizes an amortization period that is the average remaining term of the acquired leases.

The Company considers real estate to be held for sale when the following criteria are met: (i) management commits to a plan to sell the property, (ii) the property is available for sale immediately, (iii) the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, (iv) the sale of the property within one year is considered probable and (v) significant changes to the plan to sell are not expected. When real estate assets are identified as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating (amortizing) the assets and estimates the fair value, net of selling costs, of such assets. Real estate held for sale is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated net fair value. If the estimated net fair value of the real estate held for sale is less than the net carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in other income with an allocation to non-controlling interest in the respective Consolidated VIEs, if any.

The Company assesses the net fair value of real estate held for sale each reporting period that assets remain classified as held for sale. Subsequent changes, if any, in the net fair value of the real estate assets held for sale that require an adjustment to the carrying amount are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in other income with an allocation to non-controlling interest in the respective Consolidated VIEs, if any, unless the adjustment causes the carrying amount of the assets to exceed the net carrying amount upon initial classification as held for sale.

If circumstances arise that the Company previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell real estate assets previously classified as held for sale, the real estate assets are reclassified to another real estate classification. Real estate assets that are reclassified are measured at the lower of (a) their carrying amount before they were classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the assets remained in their previous classification, or (b) their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

Rental revenue is recognized when earned from residents of the Company's real estate properties over the terms of the rental agreements, typically a duration of one year or less. The Company evaluates the collectability of amounts due from residents and recognizes revenue from residents when collectability is deemed probable. Other property revenues are recognized in the period earned.

Real Estate - Capitalization and Depreciation – The Company depreciates on a straight-line basis the building component of its real estate over a 30-year estimated useful life, building and improvements over a 10-year to 30-year estimated useful life, and furniture, fixtures and equipment over a 5-year estimated useful life, all of which are judgmental determinations. Betterments and certain costs directly related to the improvement of real estate are capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred.

Real Estate Sales – The Company accounts for its real estate sales in accordance with ASC 360-20, Property, Plant and Equipment - Real Estate Sales. When real estate is sold, the nature of the entire real estate component being sold is considered in relation to the entire transaction to determine whether the substance of the transaction is the sale of real estate. Profit is recognized on the date of the real estate sale provided that (a) a sale is consummated, (b) the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate commitment to pay for the property, (c) the seller’s receivable is not subject to future subordination, and (d) the seller has transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership and does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the sold property. Sales value is calculated based on the stated sales price plus any other proceeds that are additions to the sales price subtracting any discount needed to reduce a receivable to its present value and any services the seller commits to perform without compensation.

Real Estate Under Development

Real Estate Under Development – The Company’s expenditures which directly relate to the acquisition, development, construction and improvement of properties are capitalized at cost. During the development period, which culminates once a property is substantially complete and ready for intended use, operating and carrying costs such as interest expense, real estate taxes, insurance and other direct costs are capitalized. Advertising and general administrative costs that do not relate to the development of a property are expensed as incurred. The Company had no real estate under development as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Real Estate - Impairment – The Company periodically evaluates its real estate assets for indicators of impairment. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions and legal and environmental concerns, as well as the Company’s ability and intent to hold each asset. Future events could occur which would cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment is warranted. If impairment indicators exist for long-lived assets to be held and used, and the expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then the Company will record an impairment loss for the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying amount. If the asset is to be disposed of, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value of the asset, net of selling costs, and its carrying amount.

The Company evaluated the home pricing and lot values of the real estate under development that was owned by Kiawah River View Investors ("KRVI"), a Consolidated VIE (see Note 7), on a quarterly basis. Based on evaluations during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company determined that the real estate under development in KRVI was not fully recoverable and recognized a $1.8 million impairment loss which is included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, $0.9 million of this impairment loss is included in net income attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, resulting in a net loss to the Company of $0.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a $1.9 million impairment loss which is included in other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, $1.0 million of this impairment loss is included in net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, resulting in a net loss to the Company of $0.9 million. Fair value was determined based on the sales comparison approach which derives a value indication by comparing the subject property to similar properties that have been recently sold and assumes a purchaser will not pay more for a particular property than a similar substitute property. KRVI sold its remaining real estate under development in the year ended December 31, 2020.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and overnight deposits. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in highly rated financial institutions, and at times these balances exceed insurable amounts.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets consisting of acquired trade name, acquired technology, employment/non-compete agreements, and acquired in-place leases with useful lives ranging from 5 months to 10 years are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. See "Real Estate, Net" for further discussion of acquired in-place lease intangible assets.

Other Assets

Other Assets – Other assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 include net lease intangibles, escrow balances, prepaid expenses and receivables in Consolidated VIEs and a wholly-owned subsidiary that owns a multi-family apartment community totaling $62.7 million and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other assets also include restricted cash held by third parties, including cash held by the Company's securitization trusts, of $48.3 million and $11.3 million, respectively. Collections receivable from loan servicers, recoverable advances and interest receivable on residential loans totaling $48.6 million and $63.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are also included in other assets. Other assets include operating lease right of use assets of $9.0 million and $10.1 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively (with corresponding operating lease liabilities of $9.6 million and $10.6 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets).

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments – In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), the Company records derivative financial instruments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value. Changes in fair value are accounted for depending on the use of the derivative instruments and whether they qualify for hedge accounting treatment.

The Company has used interest rate swaps to hedge the variable cash flows associated with our variable rate borrowings. At the inception of an interest rate swap agreement, the Company determines whether the instrument will be part of a qualifying hedge accounting relationship or whether the Company will account for the contract as a trading instrument. The Company has elected to treat all interest rate swaps as trading instruments due to volatility and difficulty in effectively matching cash flows. We typically pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, based on one or three month LIBOR, on the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. The floating rate we receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of our financing arrangements. Changes in fair value for interest rate swaps designated as trading instruments are reported on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses), net.

All of the Company’s interest rate swaps were cleared through a central clearing house. The Company exchanged variation margin for swaps based upon daily changes in fair value. As a result of amendments to rules governing certain central clearing activities, the exchange of variation margin is treated as a legal settlement of the exposure under the swap contract. Previously such payments were treated as cash collateral pledged against the exposure under the swap contract. Accordingly, the Company accounted for the receipt or payment of variation margin as a direct reduction to or increase in the carrying value of the interest rate swap asset or liability.

The Company had no outstanding derivatives as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Goodwill

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity. In May 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding membership interests in RiverBanc LLC (“RiverBanc”), RB Multifamily Investors LLC and RB Development Holding Company, LLC (“RBDHC”) that were not previously owned by the Company. These transactions were accounted for by applying the acquisition method for business acquisitions under ASC 805.

Goodwill was not amortized but was evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believed indicators of impairment existed, by initially performing a qualitative screen and, if necessary, then comparing fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying value, an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeded the reporting unit’s fair value (in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit) was recognized.

The Company’s annual evaluation of goodwill in the year ended December 31, 2019 indicated no impairment. However, in response to market conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company's intention to improve its liquidity, in March 2020, the Company sold, among other things, its entire portfolio of first loss POs issued by the Consolidated K-Series, certain senior and mezzanine securities issued by the Consolidated K-Series, Agency CMBS and CMBS that were held by its multi-family investment reporting unit. As a result of the sales, the Company re-evaluated its goodwill balance associated with the multi-family investment reporting unit for impairment. The Company considered qualitative indicators such as macroeconomic conditions, disruptions in equity and credit markets, REIT-specific market considerations, and changes in the net assets in the multi-family investment reporting unit to determine that a quantitative assessment of the fair value of the reporting unit was necessary. The Company performed its quantitative analysis by updating its discounted cash flow projection for the multi-family investment reporting unit for the reduced investment portfolio. This analysis yielded an impairment of the entire goodwill balance reported as a $25.2 impairment of goodwill on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Repurchase Agreements

Repurchase Agreements – As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company financed a portion of its residential loans through repurchase agreements that expire within 2 to 11 months (see Note 10). Amounts outstanding under the repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over one-month LIBOR or an interest rate floor, as applicable per the terms of the agreements. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Costs related to the establishment of the repurchase agreements which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Collateralized Debt Obligations

Collateralized Debt Obligations – The Company records collateralized debt obligations used to permanently finance the residential loans held in Consolidated SLST, the Company's residential loans held in securitization trusts and non-Agency RMBS re-securitization as debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For financial reporting purposes, the loans and investment securities held as collateral for these obligations are recorded as assets of the Company.

Convertible Notes – On January 23, 2017, the Company issued its 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes”) to finance the acquisition of targeted assets and for general working capital purposes. The Company evaluated the conversion features of the Convertible Notes for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815 and determined that the conversion features should not be bifurcated from the notes.

Senior Unsecured Notes - On April 27, 2021, the Company issued its 5.75% Senior Notes due 2026 to originate new investments, repay outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The Company evaluated the call option feature of the Senior Notes for embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815 and determined that the call option feature should not be bifurcated from the notes.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The Company’s comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders includes net income, the change in fair value of its available for sale securities purchased prior to October 2019, adjusted by realized net gains (losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for available for sale securities, reduced by dividends declared on the Company’s preferred stock and charges related to redemptions of the Company's preferred stock and increased (decreased) for net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities. See “Investment Securities Available for Sale” for discussion of the reporting of the change in fair value of available for sale securities purchased after September 2019.

Employee Benefits Plans

Employee Benefits Plans – The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”) for all eligible domestic employees. The Plan qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”).

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation – The Company has awarded restricted stock and other equity-based awards to eligible employees, officers and individuals who provide services to the Company as part of their compensation. Compensation expense for equity-based awards and stock issued for services are recognized over the vesting period of such awards and services based upon the fair value of the award at the grant date.

During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company granted Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) to the Company's executive officers and certain other employees. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2017 Plan”). The PSUs are subject to performance-based vesting under the 2017 Plan pursuant to a form of PSU award agreement (the “PSU Agreement”). Vesting of the PSUs will occur after a three-year period based on the Company’s relative total stockholders' return (“TSR”) percentile ranking as compared to an identified performance peer group. The feature in this award constitutes a “market condition” which impacts the amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards. The grant date fair values of PSUs were determined through Monte-Carlo simulation analysis. The PSUs awarded during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 also include dividend equivalent rights (“DERs”) which entitle the holders of vested PSUs to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the vested PSU to which such DER relates.

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company granted Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) to the Company's executive officers and certain other employees. The awards were issued pursuant to and are consistent with the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan and are subject to a service condition, vesting ratably over a three-year period. Upon vesting, each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The RSUs include DERs which entitle the holders of vested RSUs to receive payments in an amount equal to any dividends paid by the Company in respect of the share of the Company's common stock underlying the vested RSU to which such DER relates.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – The Company operates in such a manner so as to qualify as a REIT under the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Requirements for qualification as a REIT include various restrictions on ownership of the Company’s stock, requirements concerning distribution of taxable income and certain restrictions on the nature of assets and sources of income. A REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders, of which 85% plus any undistributed amounts from the prior year must be distributed within the taxable year in order to avoid the imposition of an excise tax. Distribution of the remaining balance may extend until timely filing of the Company’s tax return in the subsequent taxable year. Qualifying distributions of taxable income are deductible by a REIT in computing taxable income.

Certain activities of the Company are conducted through TRSs and therefore are subject to federal and various state and local income taxes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. In situations involving uncertain tax positions related to income tax matters, we do not recognize benefits unless it is more likely than not that they will be sustained. ASC 740 was applied to all open taxable years as of the effective date. Management’s determinations regarding ASC 740 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, an ongoing analysis of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. The Company will recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company’s common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the Company.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting – ASC 280, Segment Reporting, is the authoritative guidance for the way public entities report information about operating segments in their annual financial statements. We are a REIT focused on the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related single-family and multi-family residential assets and currently operate in only one reportable segment.

Adoption of Accounting Standards Codification and Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Adoption of Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326)

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts (“CECL”). In adopting ASU 2016-13, the Company elected to apply the fair value option in accordance with ASU 2019-05 to the Company’s residential loans, net and preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments that are accounted for as loans and preferred equity investments that are accounted for as equity investments. In adopting ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-05, the Company applied a modified retrospective basis by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. Adjustments resulting from this one-time election to record the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of these assets have been reflected in our consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2020. Subsequent changes in fair value for these assets are recorded in unrealized gains (losses), net or income from equity investments on our consolidated statements of operations, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. As a result of the implementation of ASU 2019-05, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $12.3 million as an increase to stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2020.

The following table presents the classification and balances at December 31, 2019, the transition adjustments, and the balances at January 1, 2020 for those balance sheet line items impacted by the implementation of ASU 2019-05 (dollar amounts in thousands):


	December 31, 2019		Transition Adjustment		January 1, 2020
Assets
Residential loans, net	$	202,756	$	5,715	$	208,471
Multi-family loans	180,045		2,420		182,465
Equity investments	106,083		1,394		107,477
Other assets	865		2,755		3,620
Total Assets	$	489,749	$	12,284	$	502,033

Stockholders' Equity
Accumulated deficit	$	(148,863)	$	12,284	$	(136,579)
Total Stockholders' Equity	$	(148,863)	$	12,284	$	(136,579)

The Company also assessed the impact of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s investment securities available for sale where the fair value option has not been elected and determined that the adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on our financial statements as of January 1, 2020.

Adoption of Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. These amendments added, modified, or removed disclosure requirements regarding the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, narrative descriptions of measurement uncertainty, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements.

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP requirements for modifications to debt agreements, leases, derivatives and other contracts, related to the expected market transition from LIBOR, and certain other floating rate benchmark indices, or collectively, IBORs, to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 generally considers contract modifications related to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date nor a reassessment of a previous accounting determination. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope ("ASU 2021-01"). ASU 2021-01 clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the "discounting transition" (i.e., changes in the interest rates used for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment for derivative instruments that are being implemented as part of the market-wide transition to new reference rates). The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time, through December 31, 2022, as reference rate reform activities occur. Once ASU 2020-04 is elected, the guidance must be applied prospectively for all eligible contract modifications. The amendments in ASU 2021-01 are effective immediately and may be applied on a full retrospective basis as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 or on a prospective basis for eligible contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 and may apply elections, as applicable, as the expected market transition from IBORs to alternative reference rates continues to develop.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity ("ASU 2020-06"). ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer's accounting for convertible instruments, enhances disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain instruments that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted earnings per share computation. Entities may adopt the guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The amendments are effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company does not anticipate that the implementation of ASU 2020-06 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.