Market Risks Related to Real Estate Loans

A prolonged economic slowdown, a lengthy or severe recession or declining real estate values could impair our loans and harm our operations.

A prolonged economic slowdown, a recession or declining real estate values could impair the performance of our loans and harm our financial condition and results of operations and limit our ability to raise capital. As a result, we believe the risks associated with our business will be more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession because these periods are likely to be accompanied by declining real estate values and declining demand for new mortgage loan originations. Declining real estate values are likely to have one or more of the following adverse consequences:

Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect both our interest income from loans in our portfolio as well as our ability to originate new loans, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

In addition, public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as those caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) that has impacted commerce and travel and has spread to multiple countries, including the United States, could have a material adverse effect on global, national and local economies, as well as on our business by reducing the demand for commercial or residential real estate that our borrowers might have developed.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

An increase in interest rates could adversely affect our ability to generate income and pay dividends.

Rising interest rates generally reduce the demand for mortgage loans due to the higher cost of borrowing. The rising cost of borrowing may cause reduced demand for real estate, possibly resulting in declining real estate values. Declining real estate values significantly increase the likelihood that we will incur losses on our loans in the event of default. In addition, rising interest rates may also cause loans that we originated prior to an interest rate increase to provide yields that are below prevailing market interest rates. These factors could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

We operate in a highly competitive market and competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a highly competitive market and we believe these conditions will persist for the foreseeable future as the financial services industry continues to consolidate, producing larger, better capitalized and more geographically diverse companies with broad product and service offerings, and new entrants come into the real estate lending market. As a result, our profitability depends, in large part, on our ability to compete effectively.

Our existing and potential future competitors include “hard money” lenders, mortgage REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage banks, credit unions, insurance companies, mutual funds, pension funds, private equity funds, hedge funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, non-bank financial institutions, governmental bodies, family offices and high net worth individuals. We may also compete with companies that partner with and/or receive financing from the U.S. government. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. In addition, larger and more established competitors may enjoy significant competitive advantages, including enhanced operating efficiencies, more extensive referral networks, greater and more favorable access to investment capital and more desirable lending opportunities. Several of these competitors, including mortgage REITs, have recently raised or are expected to raise significant amounts of capital, which enables them to make larger loans or a greater number of loans. Some competitors may also have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us, such as funding from various governmental agencies or under various governmental programs for which we are not eligible. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of possible loan transactions or to offer more favorable financing terms than we could. For example, we may find that the pool of potential qualified borrowers available to us is limited. Finally, as a REIT and because we operate in a manner intended to be exempt from the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), we may face further restrictions to which some of our competitors may not be subject. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders. As a result of these competitive factors, we may not in the future be able to originate and fund mortgage loans on favorable terms, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Prepayment rates are difficult to predict and may result in excess capital; the inability to redeploy this capital at comparable yields or risk could result in lower income.

The frequency at which prepayments (including both voluntary prepayments by the borrowers and liquidations due to defaults and foreclosures) occur on our mortgage loans is difficult to predict and is affected by a variety of factors, including the prevailing level of interest rates, economic, demographic, tax, social, legal, legislative and other factors. To the extent that faster prepayment rates occur, the principal payments received from prepayments may be reinvested in lower-yielding mortgage loans, which may reduce our income in the long run. Therefore, if actual prepayment rates differ from anticipated prepayment rates, then there could be an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war may affect the real estate industry generally and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot predict the severity of the effects that potential future terrorist attacks could have on us. Any future terrorist attacks, the anticipation of any such attacks, the consequences of any military or other response by the United States and its allies, and other armed conflicts could cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the United States and worldwide financial markets and economy. We may suffer losses as a result of the adverse impact of any future attacks and these losses may adversely impact our performance. A prolonged economic slowdown, a recession or declining real estate values could impair the performance of our assets and harm our financial condition and results of operations, increase our funding costs and limit our ability to raise capital. The economic impact of such events could also adversely affect the credit quality of some of our loans and the property underlying our securities. Losses resulting from these types of events may not be fully insurable.

Risks Related to Broadmark Realty’s Loan Portfolio

We may be adversely affected by the economies and other conditions of the markets in which we operate, and in particular, that of certain states in which we have a high concentration of loans.

The geographic distribution of our loan portfolio exposes us to risks associated with the real estate and commercial lending industry in general, and to a greater extent within the states and regions in which we have concentrated our loans. These risks include, without limitation:

At December 31, 2019, our mortgage loans were most concentrated in the following six states ($ in millions):

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

While we have recently entered into additional markets, we remain particularly subject to the general economic and market conditions in the above identified six states. The occurrence of any one or more of the above enumerated conditions in such states could cause a decline in the value of properties securing our loans which would reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to borrowers to repay their loans. For example, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may negatively impact the commercial and residential real estate markets, which could reduce demand and the value for properties and make it less likely that a borrower can sell or lease the property they are developing in an amount sufficient to repay the borrower’s loan, or that a developer, who would be our borrower, will elect to go forward with a new project.

In the event that we should foreclose on a property, we may be unable to sell it at a value that would allow us to recoup the proceeds of the loan. Any such events that would increase volatility of values of residential and commercial properties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Additionally, other neighboring states may become more attractive for investors, developers, builders and other commercial borrowers based on favorable costs and other conditions to construct or improve or renovate real estate properties. Changes in other markets may result in increased development and demand for loans in those markets and result in a corresponding decrease in development and demand for loans in the markets in which we concentrate our loan activity. Any adverse economic or real estate developments or any adverse changes in the local business climate in any such states could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Borrowers that incur mortgage loans from us may not qualify for conventional bank financing or would be regarded as higher risk borrowers, and on such basis, may be more likely to default on repayment of their loans.

Borrowers who are obligated under the mortgage loans that we issue are sometimes persons who do not qualify for conventional bank financing or who could be regarded to be higher risk borrowers. Consequently, conventional mortgage banking philosophy dictates that these borrowers are more likely to default on the repayment of their obligations. In the event of any default under a mortgage loan issued by us, we will bear a risk of loss to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, and any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

In addition, we extend mortgage loans to borrowers who are not organized as single purpose entities. A single purpose entity structure can allow a lender to better isolate the borrower and its assets from consolidation into a bankruptcy case filed on behalf of its affiliates. Because we extend mortgage loans to borrowers not organized as single purpose entities, there could be an increased risk that we may not be able to maintain our security interest in the mortgage collateral, thereby decreasing recovery in the event of a default in a mortgage loan.

Short-term loans may involve a greater risk of loss than traditional mortgage loans.

Borrowers usually use the proceeds of a long-term mortgage loan or sale to repay a short-term loan. Typically, we issue initial mortgage loans with a five to twelve month term, and, at December 31, 2019, our weighted average initial term for our loans was approximately ten months. We may therefore depend on a borrower’s ability to obtain permanent financing or sell the property to repay our loan, which could depend on market conditions and other factors. In a period of rising interest rates, it may be more difficult for borrowers to obtain long-term financing, which increases the risk of non-payment. Short-term loans are also subject to risks of borrower defaults, bankruptcies, fraud, losses and special hazard losses that are not covered by standard hazard insurance. In the event of a default, we bear the risk of loss of principal and non-payment of interest and fees to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the mortgage collateral and the principal amount and unpaid interest of the interim loan. To the extent we suffer any such losses with respect to our mortgage loans, such losses could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

We make construction loans, which are subject to additional risks as compared to loans secured by existing structures or land.

As of December 31, 2019, approximately 200 of the loans in our consolidated loan portfolio (representing approximately 88% of the committed amount of our aggregate outstanding loans) were construction loans. Construction loans are subject to additional risks that may not be applicable to loans secured by existing structures and land. Construction budgets may be unrealistic or unforeseen variables may arise, prolonging the development and increasing the costs of the construction project, which may delay the borrower’s ability to sell or rent the finished property, which would be the source of funds for repayment of the loan. While we believe we have reasonable procedures in place to manage construction funding loans, there can be no certainty that we will not suffer losses on construction loans. In addition, if a builder fails to complete a project, we may be required to complete the project. Any such default could result in a substantial increase in costs in excess of the original budget and delays in completion of the project.

Additionally, we may make construction loans without having all the funds on hand that will ultimately be required for final funding of the loan. In the event that we suffer substantial borrower defaults, overestimate the pace of repayments of loans or are unable to obtain or raise additional capital, we may be unable to fund all of our construction loan commitments. In the event that we suffer substantial borrower defaults, or are unable to raise additional capital, we may be unable to fund a performing construction loan.

Any default on a construction loan by a borrower, or our default in funding a construction loan as called for in the loan agreement, could have a material adverse effect to our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Mortgage loans secured by residential real estate are subject to increased risk.

At December 31, 2019, approximately 77% of the loans in our consolidated loan portfolio (representing approximately 61% of our aggregate outstanding mortgage loans receivable) are secured by residential real property. None of these loans are guaranteed by the U.S. government or any government sponsored enterprise. Therefore, the value of the underlying property, the creditworthiness and financial position of the borrower and the enforceability of the lien will significantly impact the value of such mortgage. In the event of a foreclosure, we may assume direct ownership of the underlying real estate. The liquidation proceeds upon sale of such real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, and any costs or delays involved in the foreclosure or liquidation process may increase losses.

Further, residential mortgage loans are also subject to “special hazard” risk (property damage caused by hazards, such as earthquakes or environmental hazards, not covered by standard property insurance policies), and to bankruptcy risk (reduction in a borrower’s mortgage debt by a bankruptcy court). In addition, claims may be assessed against us on account of our position as a mortgage holder or property owner, including assignee liability, responsibility for tax payments, environmental hazards and other liabilities. In some cases, these liabilities may be “recourse liabilities” or may otherwise lead to losses in excess of the purchase price of the related mortgage or property, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Most of our loans include a balloon payment at maturity, which payment commonly represents the full amount due under the loan. Failure by borrowers to make the balloon payments when due could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.

Our loan payment terms customarily require a balloon payment at maturity. Given the fact that many of the properties securing our loans are not income producing, and most of the borrowers are entities with no assets other than the single property that is the subject of the loan, borrowers may have considerable difficulty making the balloon payment at maturity. Borrowers’ inability to repay loans at maturity, together with all the accrued interest thereon, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Many of the properties securing our mortgage loans are not income producing, thus increasing the risks of delinquency and foreclosure.

Most of our loans are secured by properties, whether residential or commercial, that are under development, construction or renovation and are not income producing. The risks of delinquency and foreclosure on these properties may be greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of income producing properties. In the case of income producing properties, the ability of a borrower to repay the loan typically depends primarily upon the successful operation of such property. If the net operating income of the subject property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, or our ability to receive adequate returns on its loans, may be impaired.

In the case of non-income producing properties, the expectation is that our loans will be repaid out of sale or refinancing proceeds. Thus, the borrower’s ability to repay our mortgage loans will depend, to a great extent, on the value of the property at the maturity date of the loan. In the event of any default under a mortgage loan issued by us, we will bear a risk of loss to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, and any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

In the event of the bankruptcy of a mortgage loan borrower, the mortgage loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the mortgage loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law. Foreclosure of a mortgage loan may be an expensive and lengthy process, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

To the extent that our loan documentation or files contain defects, inaccuracies or inconsistencies, or our loan due diligence processes prove to be inadequate, we could experience decreased recoveries in the event of foreclosure and thereby potentially reduce the amount of distributions to our common stockholders.

While we endeavor to maintain accurate and complete loan documentation and loan files, from time to time, our loan documentation and files may contain defects, inaccuracies or inconsistencies, or information that is incorrect or out of date. To the extent this occurs, or our loan due diligence processes prove to be inadequate, there is a risk that, in the event of a default, we will not be able to enforce our rights to foreclose upon the collateral securing such defaulted loans. If this were to occur, the amount available to our common stockholders for distributions could potentially be reduced.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Liability relating to environmental matters may impact the value of properties that we may acquire or the properties underlying our loans.

Liability relating to environmental matters may decrease the value of the underlying properties securing our loans and may adversely affect the ability of a person to sell or rent such property or borrow using such property as collateral. Under various U.S. federal, state and local laws, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal of certain hazardous substances released on, about, under or in its property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances. We do not always conduct a Phase I environmental survey as part of our underwriting process. To the extent that an owner of an underlying property becomes liable for removal costs, testing, monitoring, remediation, bodily injury or property damage, the ability of the owner to make debt payments may be reduced, which in turn may adversely affect the value of the relevant mortgage asset related to such property. If we acquire any properties by foreclosure or otherwise, the presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect the property’s value and our ability to sell the property. Additionally, we may incur substantial remediation costs, thereby harming our financial condition. The discovery of environmental liabilities attached to such properties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders. Moreover, some U.S. federal, state and local laws provide that, in certain situations, a secured lender, such as us, may be liable as an “owner” or “operator” of the real property, regardless of whether the borrower or previous owner caused the environmental damage. Therefore, the presence of hazardous substances on certain property could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Declining real estate valuations could result in impairment charges, the determination of which involves a significant amount of judgment on our part. Any impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on us.

We review our loan portfolio for impairment on a quarterly and annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, a sustained significant decrease in the value of the collateral securing the loan, including the value of the real estate and other assets pledged to secure the loan as well as personal guarantees by the principals of the borrower, or a borrower’s inability to stay current with respect to its obligations under the terms of the loan. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining the presence of an indicator of impairment. If we determine that the value of the collateral is less than the amount outstanding on the loan or the amount that may become due upon the maturity of the loan, a loss must be recognized for the difference between the fair value of the property and the carrying value of the loan. The evaluation of the market value of the underlying collateral requires a significant amount of judgment on our part. Any impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Our due diligence may not reveal all of the risks associated with a mortgage loan or the property that will be mortgaged to secure the loan, which could lead to losses.

Despite our efforts to manage credit risk, there are many aspects of credit risk that we cannot control. Our credit policies and procedures may not be successful in limiting future delinquencies, defaults and losses, or they may not be cost effective. Our underwriting reviews and due diligence procedures may not be effective in identifying all potential credit risks. Borrower and guarantor circumstances could change during the term of the loan. The value of the properties collateralizing or underlying the loans may decline. The frequency of default and the loss severity on loans upon default may be greater than we anticipate. If properties securing our mortgage loans become real estate owned as a result of foreclosure, we bear the risk of not being able to sell the property and recover our investment and of being exposed to the risks attendant to the ownership of real property.

Before approving and funding a mortgage loan, we undertake due diligence of the borrower, its principals (if the borrower is not an individual) and the property that will be mortgaged to secure the loan. Such due diligence includes review of (i) the credit history of the borrower if an individual, and to the extent available and considered materially significant, a business entity, if applicable, (ii) the borrower and guarantor’s financial statements and tax returns, (iii) the independently appraised value of the property, (iv) legal and lien searches against the borrower, the guarantors and the property, (v) where deemed appropriate, a certificate or insurance binder of hazard insurance, (vi) a review of the documentation related to the property, including title information and (vii) other reviews and or assessments that we may deem appropriate to conduct. There can be no assurance that we will conduct any specific level of due diligence, or that, among other things, the due diligence process will uncover all relevant facts, which could result in losses on the loan in question, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Third-party diligence reports are made as of a point in time and are therefore limited in scope.

Appraisals, engineering, and environmental reports, as well as a variety of other third-party reports, are generally obtained with respect to each of the mortgaged properties underlying our loans at or about the time of origination. Appraisals are not guarantees of present or future value. One appraiser may reach a different conclusion than the conclusion that would be reached if a different appraiser were appraising that property. Moreover, the values of the properties may fluctuate significantly after the date that appraisals are performed. In addition, any third-party report, including any engineering report, environmental report, site inspection or appraisal represents only the analysis of the individual consultant, engineer or inspector preparing such report at the time of such report, and may not reveal all necessary or desirable repairs, maintenance, remediation and capital improvement items. Any missing or incomplete information in the appraisal and engineering and environmental reports prepared by third parties may affect our loan underwriting, and if foreclosure on the property became necessary, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

If casualty insurance is prohibitively expensive or unavailable for certain events, or the borrower were to allow its casualty insurance to lapse, then, in the event a casualty were to occur, our loan may not be adequately secured.

Our policy is to require fire and/or casualty insurance on property improvements that would be sufficient, together with the value of the underlying land, to pay off all obligations, including the subject mortgage. There are certain disasters, however, for which no insurance is available or for which insurance may be deemed to be too expensive (examples would include flood and earthquake insurance). Furthermore, we have no control over the borrower’s actions or the state of the property that might reduce available coverage, call for economically prohibitive premiums, or otherwise render the subject real property uninsurable. In addition, should insurance coverage lapse due to premiums not paid by the borrower, or should a policy be cancelled for other reasons, we may not be protected unless substitute or new insurance is in force. In this event, we may be required to pay the premiums to maintain such insurance, to the extent available, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest

If members of our management engage in business activities of the types conducted by us, we may be materially adversely affected.

Certain members of our management and their affiliates have in the past provided management services to other real estate lending companies that originate and acquire mortgages. Also, such persons have invested in second deed of trust mortgages for their own accounts or for the accounts of others, where we have made a first trust deed of mortgage, or in the equity of a borrower or the developer that owns the secured property. Certain members of our management have entered into restrictive covenant agreements with non-competition provisions. If these agreements are not effective in preventing these parties from engaging in business activities that are competitive with us, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects and our ability to make distributions to our equity holders.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Risks Related to Our REIT Qualification and Investment Company Exemption

We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully manage our business as a REIT.

The Predecessor Company Group had limited experience operating as REITs. The REIT provisions of the Code are complex, and any failure to comply with those provisions in a timely manner could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT or could force us to pay unexpected taxes and penalties. Failure to qualify as a REIT would subject us to income taxation (including interest and possibly penalties for prior periods in which we failed to qualify as a REIT) as a regular “C” corporation, which would reduce the amount of cash that we would be able to distribute to our stockholders.

Qualifying as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the Code and therefore, in certain circumstances, may be subject to uncertainty.

In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the composition of our assets, the sources of our income and the diversity of our stock ownership. Also, we generally must make distributions to our stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our “REIT taxable income” (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain). Compliance with these requirements and all other requirements for qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize our REIT status. In addition, the determination of various factual matters and circumstances relevant to REIT qualification is not entirely within our control and may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

We believe that we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for our taxable period ending December 31, 2019, and that our current and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for our taxable year ending December 31, 2020 and subsequent taxable years. Our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our ability to meet, on an ongoing basis, various complex requirements concerning, among other things, the ownership of our outstanding stock, the nature of our assets, the sources of our income, and the amount of our distributions to our stockholders. Our ability to satisfy the asset tests depends upon our analysis of the characterization and fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for which we will not obtain independent appraisals. Our compliance with the annual REIT income and quarterly asset requirements also depends upon our ability to successfully manage the composition of our income and assets on an ongoing basis.

If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and we do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we would be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in determining our taxable income. In such a case, we might need to borrow money or sell assets in order to pay our taxes. Our payment of income tax would decrease our cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Furthermore, if we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we no longer would be required to distribute substantially all of our taxable income to our stockholders. In addition, unless we were eligible for certain statutory relief provisions, we could not re-elect to qualify as a REIT until the fifth calendar year following the year in which we failed to qualify. We would also fail to qualify as a REIT in the event we were treated under applicable Treasury regulations as a successor to another REIT whose qualification as a REIT was previously terminated or revoked. If a Predecessor Company failed to qualify as a REIT prior to the Business Combination, it is possible that we would be treated as a successor REIT under the foregoing rules and thus be unable to qualify as a REIT.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Our ownership of and relationship with taxable REIT subsidiaries is limited, and a failure to comply with the limits would jeopardize our REIT qualification, and our transactions with our taxable REIT subsidiaries may result in the application of a 100% excise tax if such transactions are not conducted on arm’s-length terms.

A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by a REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of stock and securities of one or more TRSs. A domestic TRS will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the TRS rules impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis.

We and BRMK Management, Corp., formerly known as Trinity, have jointly elected for Trinity to be treated as a TRS as Trinity will provide certain investment management services with respect to our assets as well as third parties. We may elect for certain other of our subsidiaries to be treated as TRSs. Our TRSs will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax on their taxable income, and their after-tax income will be available for distribution to us but will not be required to be distributed to us. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to comply with the TRS limitations or to avoid application of the 100% excise tax discussed above.

Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification or create additional tax liability for us.

To qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding the composition of our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments for any reason, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.

Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to some taxes that will reduce our cash flow.

Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, taxes on income from some activities conducted or sales made as a result of a foreclosure, excise taxes, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes, and other taxes. Moreover, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, prevent the recognition of certain types of non-cash income, or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we may hold some of our assets through a TRS or other subsidiary corporation that will be subject to corporate level income tax at regular corporate rates. In addition, if a TRS borrows funds either from us or a third party, such TRS may be unable to deduct all or a portion of the interest paid, resulting in a higher corporate tax liability. Furthermore, the Code imposes a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and a REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s length basis. We intend to structure any transaction with a TRS on terms that we believe are arm’s length to avoid incurring this 100% excise tax. There can be no assurances, however, that we will be able to avoid application of the 100% excise tax. The payment of any of these taxes would reduce our cash flow.

Rapid changes in the values of our assets may make it more difficult for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT.

If the fair market value or income potential of our qualifying assets for purposes of our qualification as a REIT declines as a result of increased interest rates, changes in prepayment rates, general market conditions, government actions or other factors, or the fair market value of or income from non-qualifying assets increases, we may need to increase our qualifying real estate assets and income or liquidate our non-qualifying assets to maintain our REIT qualification. If the change in real estate asset values or income occurs quickly, this may be especially difficult to accomplish. This difficulty may be exacerbated by the illiquid nature of any non-qualifying assets we may own. We may have to sell or acquire assets or make other decisions that we otherwise would not make absent our REIT election.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

The REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan and may force us to incur debt or sell assets during unfavorable market conditions to make such distributions.

To qualify as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our “REIT taxable income” (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year, and we will be subject to regular corporate income taxes to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our “REIT taxable income” each year. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.

Our taxable income may substantially differ from our net income based on U.S. GAAP, and differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash may occur. For example, we may recognize interest or other income on a mortgage loan for U.S. federal income tax purposes before we receive any payments of interest on such mortgage. We may also hold or acquire distressed debt investments that are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are “significant modifications” under the applicable Treasury regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to us at a gain in a debt-for-debt exchange with the borrower, with gain recognized by us to the extent that the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds our cost of purchasing it prior to modification. Moreover, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or the “TCJA,” we are generally required to take certain amounts into income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain financial statements. The application of this rule may require the accrual of income by us earlier than would be the case under the general tax rules, although the precise application of this rule is unclear at this time. To the extent that this rule requires the accrual of income earlier than under the general tax rules, it could increase our “phantom income.” In addition, the TCJA limits the deduction for business interest expense to 30% of taxable income, which rules could result in the deduction allowable in the computation of taxable income to be less than the amount of interest payments actually made during the tax year. Additionally, we may also be required under the terms of indebtedness that we incur to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness. The effect of these rules could be the recognition of an amount of taxable income greater than the amount of cash we have available for distribution to our stockholders, which can be claimed as a deduction in determining our net income subject to taxation.

The effect of the foregoing is that we may not have a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders. As a result, we may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year and find it difficult or impossible in certain circumstances to make distributions sufficient to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year. In such circumstances, we may be forced to incur debt on unfavorable terms, sell assets at disadvantageous prices, distribute amounts that would otherwise have been invested in future loans, or make a taxable distribution of shares of our common stock, as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive shares (subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution).

We may be required to report taxable income from certain investments in excess of the economic income we ultimately realize from them.

We may acquire debt instruments in the secondary market for less than their face amount. The discount at which such debt instruments are acquired may reflect doubts about their ultimate collectability rather than current market interest rates. The amount of such discount will nevertheless generally be treated as “market discount” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accrued market discount is generally reported as income when, and to the extent that, any payment of principal of the debt instrument is made. If we collect less on the debt instrument than our purchase price plus the market discount we had previously reported as income, we may not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions. In addition, we may hold or acquire distressed debt investments that are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are “significant modifications” under applicable Treasury regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to us at a gain in a debt-for-debt exchange with the borrower. In that event, we may be required to recognize taxable gain to the extent the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds its adjusted tax basis in the unmodified debt, even if the value of the debt or the payment expectations have not changed.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Moreover, debt instruments that we originate or acquire may be issued with original issue discount. We will be required to report such original issue discount based on a constant yield method and will be taxed based on the assumption that all future projected payments due on such debt instruments will be made. If any such debt instrument turns out not to be fully collectable, an offsetting loss deduction will become available only in the later year that uncollectability is provable.

Additionally, under the TCJA, we are generally required to take certain amounts into income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain financial statements. The application of this rule may require the accrual of income by us earlier than would be the case under the general tax rules, although the precise application of this rule is unclear at this time. To the extent that this rule requires the accrual of income earlier than under the general tax rules, it could increase our “phantom income.”

Finally, in the event that any debt instruments held or acquired by us are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income as it accrues, despite doubt as to its ultimate collectability. In each case, while we would in general ultimately have an offsetting loss deduction available to us when such interest was determined to be uncollectable, the utility of that deduction could depend on us having taxable income in that later year or thereafter.

Our investments in construction loans will require us to make estimates about the fair value of land improvements that may be challenged by the IRS.

We expect to invest in construction loans, the interest from which will be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT income tests, provided that the loan value of the real property securing the construction loan is equal to or greater than the highest outstanding principal amount of the construction loan during any taxable year. For purposes of construction loans, the loan value of the real property is the fair value of the land plus the reasonably estimated cost of the improvements or developments (other than personal property) that will secure the loan and that are to be constructed from the proceeds of the loan. There can be no assurance that the IRS would not challenge our estimate of the loan value of the real property.

If any subsidiary REIT failed to qualify as a REIT, we could be directly or indirectly subject to higher taxes and could fail to remain qualified as a REIT.

We may directly or indirectly (through disregarded subsidiaries, pass-through entities or a TRS) own shares of a subsidiary that has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any such subsidiary REIT would be subject to the various REIT qualification requirements and other limitations described herein that are applicable to us. If any such subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) such subsidiary REIT would become subject to U.S. federal income tax and applicable state and local taxes on its taxable income at regular corporate rates and (ii) our ownership of shares in such subsidiary REIT, unless held indirectly through BRMK Management, Corp. or another TRS, would cease to be a qualifying asset for purposes of the asset tests applicable to REITs. If any such subsidiary REIT not held indirectly through BRMK Management, Corp. or another TRS were to fail to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we would fail certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

We could have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities as a result of acquiring assets in the Business Combination that were previously owned by non-REIT “C” corporations.

Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax at the highest regular rate (currently 21%) on all or a portion of the gain recognized from the disposition of any asset acquired from BRELF III in the Business Combination occurring within the five-year period following BRELF III’s REIT conversion on January 1, 2019. In other words, if during the five year period beginning on January 1, 2019, we recognize gain on the disposition of any asset BRELF III owned on January 1, 2019, then, to the extent of the excess of (i) the fair market value of such asset as of January 1, 2019, over (ii) BRELF III’s adjusted income tax basis in such asset as of January 1, 2019, we will be required to pay U.S. federal corporate income tax on this gain at the highest regular rate. The same treatment would apply, for a period of as long as five years beginning on the date of the closing of the Business Combination, to any assets acquired in the Business Combination by us from a Predecessor Company that failed to qualify as a REIT in a taxable year ending on or prior to the Business Combination. These requirements could limit, delay or impede future sales of certain assets. We currently do not expect to sell any asset if the sale would result in the imposition of a material tax liability. We cannot, however, assure you that we will not change our plans in this regard.

We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay distributions in the future.

To maintain our qualification as a REIT and generally not be subject to U.S. federal income and excise tax, we would generally be required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, which requirement we currently intend to satisfy through regular cash distributions to our stockholders out of legally available funds therefor. We have not, however, established a minimum distribution payment level and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described in this annual report. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our REIT qualification, restrictions on making distributions under state law and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. We may not be able to make distributions in the future and our Board may change our distribution policy in the future. We believe that a change in any one of the following factors, among others, could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders: the profitability of the assets we hold or acquire; the allocation of assets between our REIT-qualified and non-REIT qualified subsidiaries; our ability to make profitable investments and to realize profits therefrom; and defaults in our asset portfolio or decreases in the value of our portfolio. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will achieve results that will allow us to make required cash distributions for any year.

Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends, which could depress the market price of our stock if it is perceived as a less attractive investment.

The maximum tax rate applicable to income from “qualified dividends” payable by non-REIT “C” corporations to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates generally is 20% (which rate does not include the 3.8% net investment income tax). Dividends payable by a REIT, however, generally are not eligible for the current reduced rate, except to the extent that certain holding requirements have been met and the REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received by such REIT from taxable corporations (such as a TRS), to income that was subject to tax at the REIT/corporate level, or to dividends properly designated by the REIT as “capital gains dividends.” Effective for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2026, non-corporate U.S. stockholders generally may deduct 20% of their dividends from REITs (excluding “qualified dividend” income and “capital gains dividends”). For those U.S. stockholders in the top marginal tax bracket of 37%, the deduction for applicable REIT dividends yields an effective income tax rate of 30% on such REIT dividends, which is higher than the 20% tax rate on “qualified dividend” income paid by non-REIT “C” corporations. Although the reduced rates applicable to dividend income from non-REIT “C” corporations do not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, it could cause investors who are non-corporate taxpayers to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stock of non-REIT “C” corporations that pay qualified dividends, which could depress the market price of investments in REITs, including our stock.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

In the future, we may seek to pay dividends in the form of stock, in which case holders of our stock may be required to pay income taxes in excess of the cash dividends they receive.

We may seek in the future to distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and stock, at the election of each stockholder. Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. Accordingly, stockholders receiving a distribution of shares of our stock may be required to sell shares received in such distribution or may be required to sell other stock or assets owned by them, at a time that may be disadvantageous, in order to satisfy any tax imposed on such distribution. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. In addition, in such case, a U.S. stockholder could have a capital loss with respect to the stock sold that could not be used to offset such dividend income. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock, in which case, we may have to withhold or dispose of part of the shares in such distribution and use such withheld shares or the proceeds of such disposition to satisfy the withholding tax imposed. In addition, such a taxable stock dividend could be viewed as equivalent to a reduction in our cash distributions, and that factor, as well as the possibility that a significant number of our stockholders could determine to sell stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, may put downward pressure on the market price of our stock.

The IRS has issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45 authorizing elective cash/stock dividends to be made by publicly offered REITs (i.e., REITs that are required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act). Pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2017-45, effective for distributions declared on or after August 11, 2017, the IRS will treat the distribution of stock pursuant to an elective cash/stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Code (i.e., a dividend), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other parameters detailed in the Revenue Procedure are satisfied. Although we have no current intention of paying dividends in our own stock, if in the future we choose to pay dividends in our own stock, our stockholders may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash that they receive.

Complying with the REIT requirements may cause us to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investment opportunities.

To qualify as a REIT, we must ensure that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and “real estate assets” (as defined in the Code), including certain mortgage loans and securities (the “75% asset test”). The remainder of our investments (other than securities includable in the 75% asset test) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. Additionally, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than securities includable in the 75% asset test) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs, and debt instruments issued by publicly offered REITs, to the extent not secured by real property or interests in real property, cannot exceed 25% of the value of our total assets. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate or forgo otherwise attractive investment opportunities. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution by us to our stockholders and the income and amounts available to service our indebtedness, if any.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

In addition to the asset tests set forth above, to qualify as a REIT, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, and we may be unable to pursue investment opportunities that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for us to qualify as a REIT. In addition, in certain cases, the modification of a debt instrument could result in the conversion of the instrument from a qualifying real estate asset to a wholly or partially non-qualifying asset. Compliance with the source-of-income requirements may also limit our ability to acquire debt instruments at a discount from their face amount. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make, or in certain cases, maintain ownership of, certain attractive investments and, thus, reduce our income and amounts available for distribution or to service our indebtedness, if any.

We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of our stock.

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an investment in us. The rules dealing with U.S. federal, state, and local taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and other taxing authorities. Changes to the tax laws, with or without retroactive application, could have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders. We cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect us or our stockholders. New legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect our ability to remain qualified as a REIT or the tax consequences of such qualification.

Risks Related to the Investment Company Act

We could be materially and adversely affected if we are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

We do not intend to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We intend to conduct our operations so that we are not an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act, a company is deemed to be an “investment company” if it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, a company is deemed to be an “investment company” if it is engaged, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or propose to acquire “investment securities” having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis.

We do not believe we will be considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we will not engage primarily, or propose to engage primarily, or hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, we will be primarily engaged in the non-investment company businesses of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Furthermore, we will continuously monitor our holdings to ensure that we are in compliance with Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act. Consequently, we expect we will be able to conduct our operations such that we will not be deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

If it were established that we were an unregistered investment company, we could be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC. We might also be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, and third parties might seek rescission of transactions undertaken during the period that it was established that we were an unregistered investment company. In the event that we were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure, management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), and portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration and other matters. Compliance with the Investment Company Act would, accordingly, limit our ability to conduct our business and require us to significantly restructure our business plan.

Risks Related to Taxes and the Business Combination

If the IRS were to determine that the merger of any of the Predecessor Companies in connection with the Business Combination did not qualify as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to a Predecessor Company, we may be subject to significant tax liabilities.

If the IRS were to determine that the merger of any of the Predecessor Companies in connection with the Business Combination failed to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code with respect a Predecessor Company, so long as such Predecessor Company qualified as a REIT at the time of the merger, such Predecessor Company generally would not have incurred a U.S. federal income tax liability so long as such Predecessor Company made distributions (which would have been deemed to include for this purpose the fair market value of the shares of our common stock issued pursuant to the applicable merger) to such Predecessor Company’s members in an amount at least equal to the net income or gain recognized on the deemed sale of such Predecessor Company’s assets to us. In the event that such distributions were not sufficient to eliminate all of such Predecessor Company’s tax liability as a result of the deemed sale of its assets to us, we would be liable for any remaining tax owed by such Predecessor Company as a result of such merger.

If the IRS were to determine that the merger of any of the Predecessor Companies in connection with the Business Combination failed to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code with respect to a Predecessor Company and such Predecessor Company did not qualify as a REIT at the time of such merger, such Predecessor Company would generally have recognized gain or loss on the deemed transfer of its assets to us, and we would be liable for any tax imposed on such Predecessor Company, which tax could be significant.

We may be subject to adverse tax consequences if the IRS were to determine that one or more Predecessor Companies failed to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If the IRS were to determine that any Predecessor Company failed to qualify as a REIT through the consummation of the Business Combination, we may have inherited significant tax liabilities and could fail to qualify as a REIT. Even if we retain our REIT qualification, if any Predecessor Company did not qualify as a REIT or lost its REIT qualification for a taxable year ending on or with the Business Combination, we will face serious tax consequences that could substantially reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders because:

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

As a result of these factors, any failure by one or more Predecessor Companies to have qualified as a REIT for any taxable year ending on or before the consummation of the Business Combination could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital and could materially adversely affect the value of our common stock.

We may have succeeded to certain of the Predecessor Companies’ tax liabilities.

We generally will take a carryover basis and holding period in the assets transferred in connection with the mergers of the Predecessor Companies in connection with the Business Combination. As the successor by merger, we generally are responsible for all of the Predecessor Companies’ liabilities including any unpaid taxes (and penalties and interest, if any), whether as a result of a failure by any Predecessor Company to have distributed all of its taxable income in any tax period, including the short taxable period ending on the date of the Business Combination, or taxes that might otherwise have been due and payable by such Predecessor Company. In addition to us inheriting such tax liabilities, if one or more Predecessor Companies failed to qualify as a REIT for any period ending on or prior to the Business Combination, the amount of the applicable Predecessor Companies’ tax liabilities inherited by us as a result of the Business Combination could have been substantial.

Risks Related to Ownership of Broadmark Realty Common Stock

Our Chairman of the Board and executive officers own a significant portion of our shares of common stock and have representation on our Board. Additionally, HN Investors, the sponsor of Trinity, continues to own a significant portion of our common stock and Warrants and named two of the directors on our Board in connection with the Business Combination. These parties may have interests that differ from those of other stockholders.

As of December 31, 2019, approximately 5% of shares of common stock are beneficially owned by the executive officers of the Predecessor Company Group, and approximately 4% of our outstanding shares of common stock are owned by HN Investors LLC, the sponsor of Trinity (“Trinity Sponsor”) (approximately 7% of our outstanding shares of common stock would be held by Trinity Sponsor if Trinity Sponsor exercised all of the Warrants it holds). In addition, two of our directors were designated by certain Predecessor Company Group executive officers to serve as directors, and two directors were designated by Trinity Sponsor to serve in such capacity. As a result, each of the Predecessor Company Group’s appointed directors and Trinity Sponsor’s appointed directors may be able to influence the outcome of matters submitted for director action, subject to the obligation of each of the directors to comply with his or her statutory duties and Maryland law, and for stockholder action, including the election of our Board and approval of significant corporate transactions, including business combinations, consolidations and mergers. Additionally, the former executive officers of the Predecessor Company Group manage our day to day affairs.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

So long as former Predecessor Company Group executive officers and Trinity Sponsor continue to directly or indirectly own a significant amount of shares of our outstanding common stock, each of their appointed directors continue to serve on our Board, and in the case of the former Predecessor Company Group executive officers, serve as our executive officers, such individuals will be able to exert influence on us and may be able to exercise their influence in a manner that is not in the interests of our other stockholders. Such influence could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or otherwise discouraging a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over the market price for common stock. Prospective investors in our securities should consider that the interests of the former Predecessor Company Group executive officers and Trinity Sponsor may differ from their interests in material respects.

We have identified certain material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. We may not remediate these material weaknesses on a timely basis or may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, which may result in material misstatements of our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would then be likely to negatively affect our business and the market price of our securities.

Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting were identified as of December 31,2019 for Broadmark Realty and as of December 31, 2018 for the Predecessor Companies. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. See Item 9A below for further details. We are taking steps to remediate these material weaknesses, including the engagement of external advisors to provide assistance in the areas of internal controls and GAAP accounting in the short term, and we are evaluating the longer-term resource needs of our accounting staff, including GAAP expertise. These remediation measures may be time consuming and costly, and might place significant demands on our financial, accounting and operational resources. In addition, there is no assurance that we will be successful in hiring any necessary finance and accounting personnel in a timely manner, or at all.

Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and is important in helping to prevent mistakes in our financial statements and financial fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in our implementation to successfully remediate our existing or any future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or identification of any additional material weaknesses that may exist, may adversely affect the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports in addition to applicable stock exchange listing requirements, we may be unable to prevent fraud, investors may lose confidence in our financial reporting, and the price of our securities may decline as a result.

Any testing conducted by us, or any testing conducted by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal additional deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be new material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. In addition, our reporting obligations as a public company could place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future and may cause us to fail to timely achieve and maintain the adequacy of its internal control over financial reporting.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. There is no assurance that the measures we are currently undertaking or may take in the future will be sufficient to maintain effective internal controls or to avoid potential future deficiencies in internal control, including material weaknesses.

No independent registered public accounting firm has ever performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, because no such evaluation has been required. Had any independent registered public accounting firm performed an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, additional material weaknesses may have been identified. Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to attest to and report on the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting of any of our entities until after we cease to be an emerging growth company. At that time, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue a report that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our internal control over financial reporting are documented, designed, or operating. Failing to remediate existing material weaknesses and maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results and could cause a decline in the price of our securities.

Any projections, forecasts or estimates that we have issued or may issue in the future are subject to significant inherent uncertainties and may not be realized.

Any financial and other projections and forecasts or estimates that we have issued or may issue from time to time in the future are necessarily based on numerous assumptions, expectations and other inputs. As a result, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and other significant risks, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results can differ from our expectations, and those differences can be material. Any projections, forecasts or estimates should not be regarded as a representation by us as to the financial or other matters addressed by such projections, forecasts or estimates, as there can be no assurance that any of these projections, forecasts or estimates will be realized. In light of the foregoing, you should not place undue reliance on any projections, forecasts or estimates, which constitute forward-looking statements and are inherently subject to numerous significant risks and uncertainties.

The market price and trading volume of our securities may be volatile and could decline significantly following the Business Combination.

The public trading markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Even if an active, liquid and orderly trading market develops and is sustained for our securities, the market price of our securities may be volatile and could decline significantly. In addition, the trading volume in our securities may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our securities declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares and warrants at or above the market price of our securities as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination or as of the date of a subsequent acquisition of our securities, or otherwise at a favorable price. We cannot assure you that the market price of our securities will not fluctuate widely or decline significantly in the future in response to a number of factors, including, among others, the following:

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

In the past, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research, publish inaccurate or unfavorable research or cease publishing research about us, the trading price and trading volume of our securities could decline significantly.

The market for our securities depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. Securities and industry analysts may not continue to publish research on us. If no securities or industry analysts maintain coverage of us, the market price and liquidity for our securities could be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade their opinions about our securities, publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, or cease publishing about us regularly, demand for our securities could decrease, which might cause the trading price and trading volume to decline significantly.

Future issuances of debt securities and equity securities may adversely affect us, including the market price of our securities and may be dilutive to existing stockholders.

While we presently do not incur indebtedness to finance our business, there is no assurance that we may not incur debt or issue equity ranking senior to our common stock. Those securities will generally have priority upon liquidation. Such securities also may be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting its operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock. Because our decision to issue debt or equity in the future will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, nature or success of our future capital raising efforts. As a result, future capital raising efforts may reduce the market price of our securities and be dilutive to existing stockholders.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

We may issue additional shares of common stock upon the exercise of Warrants, upon the Farallon Entities’ exercise of their option to purchase additional shares of common stock, or for other purposes, which would dilute your ownership interests and may depress the market price of our common stock.

We currently have warrants outstanding to purchase approximately 15.6 million shares of common stock in the aggregate at an aggregate purchase price of $11.50 per share. Additionally, as part of the PIPE Investment, the Farallon Entities have an option to purchase up to $25.0 million of additional shares of common stock, which will be exercisable during the 365-day period following the consummation of the Business Combination at the reference price of $10.45 (the “Reference Price”). Further, there are 4.6 million shares of common stock remaining available for issuance pursuant to equity awards under the Broadmark Realty 2019 Stock Incentive Plan. We may also issue additional shares of common stock or other equity securities in the future in connection with, among other things, in connection with future capital raising and transactions and future acquisitions, without stockholder approval in many circumstances.

Our issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity securities would have the following effects:

We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced SEC reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our securities less attractive to investors, which could have a material and adverse effect on us, including our growth prospects.

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. We will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earliest to occur of (a) December 31, 2023, (b) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion or (c) when we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our prior second fiscal quarter, and (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. We intend to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to most other public companies, whether or not they are classified as “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, an exemption from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved and the extended transition period provided in the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. If we maintain a market capitalization in excess of $700 million for shares of our common stock held by nonaffiliates at June 30, 2020, we would cease to qualify as an emerging growth company effective December 31, 2020. Loss of emerging growth company status will result in the Company losing its reporting exemptions noted above, and in particular require our independent registered public accounting firm to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Our stockholders have limited control over changes in our policies and operations, which increases the uncertainty and risks our stockholders will face.

Our Board determines our major policies, including our policies regarding financing, growth and debt capitalization. Our Board may amend or revise these and other policies without a vote of our stockholders. The broad discretion of our Board in setting policies and the inability of our stockholders to exert control over those policies increases the uncertainty and risks such stockholders will face. In addition, our Board may change its investment objectives without seeking stockholder approval. Although our Board has duties to us and intends only to change its investment objectives when our Board determines that a change is in our best interest, a change in our investment objectives could cause a decline in the value of the stockholders’ investment in us.

Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to recover claims against our directors and officers are limited, which could reduce your and our recovery against them if they negligently cause us to incur losses.

Maryland law provides that a director will not have any liability as a director so long as he or she performs his or her duties in accordance with the applicable standard of conduct. In addition, Maryland law and our charter provide that no director or officer shall be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages unless the director or officer (i) actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (ii) was actively and deliberately dishonest as established by a final judgment, which was material to the cause of action. Moreover, our charter requires us to indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law. As a result, we may have more limited rights against our directors or officers than might otherwise exist under common law, which could reduce your and our recovery from these persons.

Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes of control, which may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our securities or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests.

Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, may have the effect of inhibiting a third-party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such shares, including:

By resolution of our Board, we have opted out of the business combination provisions of the MGCL, which means that any business combination between us and any other person is exempt from the business combination provisions of the MGCL, provided that the business combination is first approved by a majority of our directors (including a majority of directors who are not affiliates or associates of such persons). In addition, pursuant to a provision in our bylaws, we have opted out of the control share provisions of the MGCL. However, our Board may by resolution elect to opt into the business combination provisions of the MGCL and we may, by amendment to our bylaws, opt into the control share provisions of the MGCL in the future. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an alternation or repeal of the Board resolutions exempting such business combinations will not have any effect on any business combinations that have been consummated or upon any agreements existing at the time of such modification or repeal.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

Our charter contains certain provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of our capital stock that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests.

Our charter contains certain ownership limits with respect to our capital stock. Our charter, among other restrictions, prohibits the beneficial or constructive ownership by any person of more than 10% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of any class or series of our capital stock, excluding any shares that are not treated as outstanding for federal income tax purposes. Our Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, may exempt a person, prospectively or retroactively, from this ownership limit if certain conditions are satisfied. This ownership limit as well as other restrictions on ownership and transfer in our charter may:

We could increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock, classify and reclassify unissued stock and issue stock without stockholder approval.

A majority of our entire Board, without stockholder approval, has the power under our charter to amend the charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we are authorized to issue, to authorize us to issue authorized but unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock into one or more classes or series of stock and to set the terms of such newly classified or reclassified shares. As a result, we may issue one or more classes or series of common stock or preferred stock with preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers or rights, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption that are senior to, or otherwise conflict with, the rights of our common stockholders. Although our Board has no such intention at the present time, it could establish a class or series of common stock or preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

Our bylaws designate the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit their ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, will be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any Internal Corporate Claim, as such term is defined in the MGCL, (b) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf (other than actions arising under federal securities laws), (c) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders, (d) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws or (e) any other action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision does not cover claims made by stockholders pursuant to the securities laws of the United States, or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder. We adopted this provision because we believe it makes it less likely that we will be forced to incur the expense of defending duplicative actions in multiple forums and less likely that plaintiffs’ attorneys will be able to employ such litigation to coerce us into otherwise unjustified settlements.

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc.

If our common stock becomes subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC, the trading market in our securities may become significantly more limited, which would make transactions in our common stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in our common stock.

Our common stock could be considered a “penny stock” if it trades below $5.00. Under Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act, broker-dealers who recommend low-priced securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors must satisfy special sales practice requirements. Such broker-dealer must make an individualized written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written consent prior to the transaction.

Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of shares of our common stock.

Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Other risks associated with trading in penny stocks could also be price fluctuations and the lack of a liquid market.

Broadmark Realty may succeed to certain of the Company’s tax liabilities after the Company Merger.

Under the Code, Broadmark Realty generally will take a carryover basis and holding period in the assets transferred in connection with the Company Merger. As the successor by merger, Broadmark Realty generally will be responsible for all of the Predecessor Companies’ liabilities including any unpaid taxes (and penalties and interest, if any), whether as a result of a failure by any Predecessor Company to distribute all of its taxable income in any tax period, including the short taxable period ending on the date of the Company Merger, or taxes that might otherwise be due and payable by any such Predecessor Company. In addition to Broadmark Realty inheriting such tax liabilities, if one or more Predecessor Companies has failed or fails to qualify as a REIT for any period ending on or prior to the Company Merger, the amount of the Predecessor Companies’ tax liabilities inherited by Broadmark Realty as a result of the Company Merger could be substantial. In addition, should any such Predecessor Company’s disqualifying activities continue after the Company Merger, Broadmark Realty could fail to qualify as a REIT after the Company Merger.