NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST INC (Form: 10-K, Received: 02/27/2018 17:50:14)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________

FORM 10-K

___________________



x	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the Transition Period From ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 001-32216

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Maryland		47-0934168
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

275 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

(212) 792-0107

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of Each Class		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share		NASDAQ Stock Market
7.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference		NASDAQ Stock Market
7.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference		NASDAQ Stock Market
8.000% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference		NASDAQ Stock Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

Large Accelerated Filer x Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-Accelerated Filer ¨ Smaller Reporting Company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2017 was $ 689,606,984 .

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding on February 27, 2018 was 112,116,506 .

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



Document		Where Incorporated
		Part III, Items 10-14
1. Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled for June 2018 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by no later than April 30, 2018.

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I

Item 1.	Business	4
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	13
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	38
Item 2.	Properties	38
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	38
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	38

PART II

Item 5.	Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	39
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	41
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	42
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	75
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	80
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	80
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	80
Item 9B.	Other Information	81

PART III

Item 10.	Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance	84
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	84
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	84
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions and Director Independence	84
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	84

PART IV

Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	85

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PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

Certain Defined Terms

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K we refer to New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, as “we,” “us,” “Company,” or “our,” unless we specifically state otherwise or the context indicates otherwise, and refer to our wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiaries as “TRSs” and our wholly-owned qualified REIT subsidiaries as “QRSs.” In addition, the following defines certain of the commonly used terms in this report:


•	“Agency ARMs” refers to Agency RMBS comprised of adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS;


•	"Agency fixed-rate" refers to Agency RMBS comprised of fixed-rate RMBS;


•	“Agency IOs” refers to Agency RMBS comprised of IO RMBS;

•

“Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by a government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), or an agency of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”);


•	“ARMs” refers to adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans;


•	“CLO” refers to collateralized loan obligation;


•	“CMBS” refers to commercial mortgage-backed securities comprised of commercial mortgage pass-through securities, as well as IO or PO securities that represent the right to a specific component of the cash flow from a pool of commercial mortgage loans;


•	“Consolidated K-Series” refers to Freddie Mac- sponsored multi-family loan K-Series securitizations, of which we, or one of our "special purpose entities," or "SPEs," own the first loss PO securities and certain IO securities;


•	“Consolidated VIEs” refers to VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary, as it has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE;


•	“distressed residential loans” refers to pools of performing and re-performing, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate, fully amortizing, interest-only and balloon, seasoned mortgage loans secured by first liens on one- to four-family properties;


•	“IOs” refers collectively to interest only and inverse interest only mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the interest component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;


•	“multi-family CMBS” refers to CMBS backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties;


•	“CDO” refers to collateralized debt obligation;


•	“non-Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS backed by prime jumbo residential mortgage loans, including performing, re-performing and non-performing mortgage loans;


•	“POs” refers to mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the principal component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;


•	“prime ARM loans” and “residential securitized loans” each refer to prime credit quality residential ARM loans held in our securitization trusts;


•	“RMBS” refers to residential mortgage-backed securities comprised of adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, fixed-rate, interest only and inverse interest only, and principal only securities;

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•	“second mortgages” and “second mortgage loans” refers to a lien on a residential property which is subordinate to a more senior mortgage or loan; and


•	“Variable Interest Entity” or “VIE” refers to an entity in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties.

General

We are a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for federal income tax purposes, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets. Our objective is to deliver long-term stable distributions to our stockholders over changing economic conditions through a combination of net interest margin and net realized capital gains from a diversified investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes credit sensitive assets and investments sourced from distressed markets that create the potential for capital gains, as well as more traditional types of mortgage-related investments that generate interest income.

Our investment portfolio includes (i) structured multi-family property investments such as multi-family CMBS and preferred equity in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties, (ii) distressed residential assets such as residential mortgage loans sourced from distressed markets and non-Agency RMBS, (iii) second mortgages, (iv) Agency RMBS and (v) certain other mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), we also may opportunistically acquire and manage various other types of mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets that we believe will compensate us appropriately for the risks associated with them, including, without limitation, collateralized mortgage obligations and securities issued by newly originated residential securitizations, including credit sensitive securities from these securitizations.

We seek to achieve a balanced and diverse funding mix to finance our assets and operations. We currently rely primarily on a combination of short-term borrowings, such as repurchase agreements with terms typically of 30 days, longer term repurchase agreement borrowing with terms between one year and 18 months and longer term financings, such as securitizations and convertible notes, with terms longer than one year.

We internally manage the assets in our investment portfolio, with the exception of distressed residential loans for which we have engaged Headlands Asset Management, LLC (“Headlands”) to provide investment management services. As part of our investment strategy, we may, from time to time, utilize one or more external investment managers, similar to Headlands, to manage specific asset types that we target or own.

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and have complied, and intend to continue to comply, with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), with respect thereto. Accordingly, we do not expect to be subject to federal income tax on our REIT taxable income that we currently distribute to our stockholders if certain asset, income, distribution and ownership tests and record keeping requirements are fulfilled. Even if we maintain our qualification as a REIT, we expect to be subject to some federal, state and local taxes on our income generated in our TRSs.

The financial information requirements required under this Item 1 may be found in our consolidated financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our Investment Strategy

Our strategy is to construct a portfolio of mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets that include elements of credit risk and interest rate risk. We seek to acquire and manage a portfolio of “credit residential” assets, which we define as (i) structured multi-family property investments, (ii) residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential loans and second mortgage loans, (iii) non-Agency RMBS and (iv) other mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets that contain credit risk. In pursuing credit residential assets, we target assets that we believe will provide an attractive total rate of return, as compared to assets that provide strictly net interest margin. We also own and manage a highly-leveraged portfolio of Agency RMBS, primarily comprised of Agency fixed-rate RMBS and Agency ARMs, and we may pursue opportunistic acquisitions of other types of assets that meet our investment criteria.

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Prior to deploying capital to any of the assets we target or determining to dispose of any of our investments, our management team will consider, among other things, the availability of suitable investments, the amount and nature of anticipated cash flows from the asset, our ability to finance or borrow against the asset and the terms of such financing, the related capital requirements, the credit risk related to the asset or the underlying collateral, the composition of our investment portfolio, REIT qualification, the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act and other regulatory requirements and future general market conditions. Consistent with our strategy to produce returns through a combination of net interest margin and net realized capital gains, we will seek, from time to time, to sell certain assets within our portfolio when we believe the combination of realized gains on an asset and reinvestment potential for the related sale proceeds are consistent with our long-term return objectives.

Our investment strategy does not, subject to our continued compliance with applicable REIT tax requirements and the maintenance of our exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, limit the amount of our capital that may be invested in any of these investments or in any particular class or type of assets. Thus, our future investments may include asset types different from the targeted or other assets described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our investment and capital allocation decisions depend on prevailing market conditions, among other factors, and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different economic and capital market environments. As a result, we cannot predict the percentage of our capital that will be invested in any particular investment at any given time.

For more information regarding our portfolio as of December 31, 2017 , see Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.

Investments in Credit Residential Assets

Our portfolio of credit residential assets is currently comprised of investments in two asset categories: structured multi-family property investments and residential assets.

Structured Multi-Family Property Investments

We seek to position our structured multi-family investment platform in the marketplace as a real estate investor focused on debt and equity transactions. We do not seek to be the sole owner or day-to-day manager of properties. Rather, we intend to participate at various levels within the capital structure of the properties, typically (i) as a “capital partner” by lending to or co-investing alongside a project-level sponsor that has already identified an attractive investment opportunity, or (ii) through a subordinated security of a multi-family loan securitization. Our multi-family property investments are not limited to any particular geographic area in the United States. In general terms, we expect that our multi-family investments will principally be in the form of multi-family CMBS, as well as preferred equity investments in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family apartment properties.

With respect to our preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments where we participate as a capital partner, we generally pursue existing multi-family properties that have in-place cash flow and unique or compelling attributes that provide an opportunity for value creation and increased returns through the combination of better management or capital improvements that will lead to net cash flow growth and capital gains. Generally, we target investments in multi-family properties that are or have been:

• located in a particularly dynamic submarket with strong prospects for rental growth;


•	located in smaller markets that are underserved and more attractively priced;


•	poorly managed by the previous owner, creating an opportunity for overall net income growth through better management practices;


•	undercapitalized and may benefit from an investment in physical improvements; or


•	highly stable and are suitably positioned to support high-yield preferred equity or mezzanine debt within their capital structure.

As a capital partner, we generally seek experienced property-level operators or real estate entrepreneurs who have the ability to identify and manage strong investment opportunities. We intend to require our operating partners to maintain a material investment in every multi-family property in which we make a preferred equity investment or provide mezzanine financing.

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Multi-Family CMBS. Our portfolio of multi-family CMBS is comprised of (i) first loss PO securities issued from certain multi-family K-series securitizations sponsored by Freddie Mac and (ii) certain mezzanine and IO securities issued by these securitizations. Our investments in these privately placed first loss PO securities generally represent 7.5% of the overall securitization which typically initially totals approximately $1.0 billion in multi-family residential loans consisting of 45 to 100 individual properties diversified across a wide geographic footprint in the United States. Our first loss securities are typically backed by fixed rate balloon non-recourse mortgage loans that provide for the payment of principal at maturity date, which is typically ten years. Moreover, each first loss security of multi-family CMBS in our portfolio is the most junior of securities issued by the securitization, meaning it will absorb all losses in the securitization prior to other more senior securities being exposed to loss. As a result, each of the first loss securities in our portfolio has been purchased, upon completion of a credit analysis and due diligence, at a sizable discount to its then-current par value, which we believe provides us with adequate protection against projected losses. In addition, as the owner of the first loss security, the Company has the right to participate in the workout of any distressed property in the securitization. We believe this right provides the Company with an opportunity to mitigate or reduce any possible loss associated with the distressed property. The IO securities that we own represent a strip off the entire securitization allowing the Company to receive cashflows over the life of the multi-family loans backing the securitization. These investments range from 10 to 17 basis points and the underlying notional amount approximates $1.0 billion each. We also invest in more senior securities of multi-family CMBS, which typically include some form of leverage, to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. With respect to the multi-family CMBS owned by us, all of the loans that back the respective securitizations have been underwritten in accordance with Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines and standards; however, the first loss securities we own are not guaranteed by Freddie Mac.

Preferred Equity . We currently own, and expect to originate in the future, preferred equity investments in entities that directly or indirectly own multi-family properties. Preferred equity is not secured, but holders have priority relative to the common equity on cash flow distributions and proceeds from capital events. In addition, as a preferred holder we may seek to enhance our position and protect our equity position with covenants that limit the entity’s activities and grant to the preferred holders the right to control the property upon default under relevant loan agreements or under the terms of our preferred equity investments. Occasionally, the first-mortgage loan on a property prohibits additional liens and a preferred equity structure provides an attractive financing alternative. With preferred equity investments, we may become a special limited partner or member in the ownership entity and may be entitled to take certain actions, or cause a liquidation, upon a default. Under the typical arrangement, the preferred equity investor receives a stated return, and the common equity investor receives all cash flow only after that return has been met. Preferred equity typically is more highly leveraged, with loan-to-value ratios of 70% to 90%. We expect our preferred equity investments will have mandatory redemption dates that will generally be coterminous with the maturity date for the first-mortgage loan on the property, and we expect to hold these investments until the mandatory redemption date. We generally intend to underwrite these investments such that our investment in these assets will produce approximately 11% to 13% current return, plus fees.

Mezzanine Loans . We currently own, and anticipate making in the future, mezzanine loans that are senior to the operating partner’s equity in, and subordinate to a first-mortgage loan on, a multi-family property. These loans are secured by pledges of ownership interests, in whole or in part, in entities that directly or indirectly own the real property. In addition, we may require other collateral to secure mezzanine loans, including letters of credit, personal guarantees or collateral unrelated to the property.

We may structure our mezzanine loans so that we receive a fixed or variable interest rate on the loan. Our mezzanine loans may also have prepayment lockouts, prepayment penalties, minimum profit hurdles or other mechanisms to protect and enhance returns in the event of premature repayment. We expect these investments will typically have terms from three to ten years and typically bear interest at a rate of 11% to 14% in the current market. Mezzanine loans typically have loan-to-value ratios between 50% and 90%. Similar to our preferred equity investments, we generally expect to underwrite our mezzanine loans such that a loan will produce not less than an approximately 11% current return on investment, plus fees.

Joint Venture Equity. We own three joint venture investments in entities that own multi-family properties; however, we no longer target joint venture investments. Joint venture equity is a direct common equity ownership interest in an entity that owns a property. In this type of investment, the return of capital to us is variable and is made on a pari passu basis between us and the other operating partners. In most cases, we have provided between 77% and 90% of the total equity capital for the joint venture, with our operating partner providing the balance of the equity capital. We typically require the operating agreement that governs our joint venture investment to provide for a minimum 10% hurdle return to all investors before the manager of a joint venture property, which is typically affiliated with our operating partners, will become eligible for any promoted interest.

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Other . We may also acquire investments that are structured with terms that reflect a combination of the investment structures described above. We also may invest, from time to time, based on market conditions, in other multi-family investments, structured investments in other property categories, equity and debt securities issued by entities that invest in residential and commercial real estate or in other mortgage-related assets that enable us to qualify or maintain our qualification as a REIT or otherwise.

Residential Assets

We first began acquiring residential mortgage loans in 2010 from select mortgage loan originators and secondary market institutions. We generally seek to acquire pools of distressed residential mortgage loans from select mortgage loan originators and secondary market institutions and contract with originators to acquire second mortgage loans they originate that meet our purchase criteria. We do not directly service the mortgage loans we acquire, and instead contract with fully licensed third-party subservicers to handle substantially all servicing functions.

Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans. The distressed residential mortgage loans consist of performing and re-performing, fixed- and adjustable-rate, fully-amortizing, interest-only and balloon, seasoned mortgage loans secured by first liens on one- to four-family properties. The loans were purchased at a discount to the aggregate principal amount outstanding, which we believe provides us with protection against projected losses and an opportunity to modify and sell the loan and achieve an attractive yield. Our distressed residential mortgage loans are sourced and managed by Headlands.

Second Mortgages. During the third quarter of 2015, we announced the expansion of our credit residential strategy through investments in targeted newly originated second lien mortgages, or "second mortgages". Pursuant to our second mortgage program, we have established relationships with mortgage originators that will underwrite the second mortgages to guidelines established by us. We intend to purchase from these originators the closed second mortgages that meet our underwriting guidelines and have gone through our due diligence procedures. We intend to continue to accumulate second mortgage loans pursuant to flow sale and purchase agreements with our current partners and we intend to pursue new relationships with additional partners in the future. We believe this program will provide us with an attractive way to expand our portfolio with credit assets that should generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by targeting higher credit-quality borrowers that we believe are currently underserved by large financial institutions.

Investments in Non-Agency RMBS. Our non-Agency RMBS are collateralized by re-performing and non-performing loans. The non-Agency RMBS in our investment portfolio were purchased primarily in offerings of new issues of such securities at prices at or around par and represent either the senior or junior securities in the securitizations of the loan portfolios collateralizing such securities. The senior securities are structured with significant credit enhancement (typically approximately 50%, subject to market and credit conditions) to mitigate our exposure to credit risk on these securities, while the junior securities typically have 30% credit enhancement. Both junior and senior securities are subordinated by an equity security that typically receives no cash flow (interest or principal) until the senior and junior securities are paid off. In addition, these deal structures contain an interest rate step-up feature, whereby the coupon on the senior and junior securities increase by 300 to 400 basis points if the securities that we hold have not been redeemed by the issuer after 36 months. We expect that the combination of the priority cash flow of the senior and junior securities and the 36-month step-up will result in these securities’ exhibiting short average lives and, accordingly, reduced interest rate sensitivity. Consequently, we believe that non-Agency RMBS provide attractive returns given our assessment of the interest rate and credit risk associated with these securities.

Leveraged Agency RMBS Investments

Our Agency fixed-rate RMBS portfolio consists of pass-through certificates, the principal and interest of which are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae, which are primarily backed by 15-year and 30-year residential fixed rate mortgage loans. The securities have coupons ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%.

Our Agency ARMs consist of pass-through certificates, the principal and interest of which are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae, and are backed by ARMs or hybrid ARMs. Our current portfolio of Agency ARMs has interest reset periods ranging from 1 month to 55 months.

We may invest in Agency IOs. Agency IOs are securities that represent the right to receive the interest portion of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Prior to January 1, 2018, our investments in Agency IOs were managed by The Midway Group, L.P. We sometimes refer to these investments and related hedging and borrowing activities as our Agency IO strategy or our Agency IO portfolio.

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It should be noted that the guarantee provided by the GSEs on Agency RMBS issued by them does not protect us from prepayment risk. In addition, our Agency RMBS (including Agency IOs) are at risk to new or modified government-sponsored homeowner stimulus programs that may induce unpredictable and excessively high prepayment speeds resulting in accelerated premium amortization and reduced net interest margin, both of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Other

Our portfolio also includes prime ARM loans held in securitization trusts (which we sometimes refer to as "residential securitized loans" or “residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts”). The prime ARM loans held in securitization trusts are loans that primarily were originated by our discontinued mortgage lending business, and to a lesser extent purchased from third parties, that we securitized in 2005. These loans are substantially prime, full documentation, hybrid ARMs on residential properties and are all first lien mortgages. We maintain the ownership trust certificates, or equity, of these securitizations, which includes rights to excess interest, if any, and also take an active role in managing delinquencies and default risk related to the loans.

Our Financing Strategy

We strive to maintain and achieve a balanced and diverse funding mix to finance our assets and operations. To achieve this, we rely primarily on a combination of short-term and longer-term repurchase agreement borrowings and structured financings, including securitized debt, CDOs, long-term subordinated debt, and convertible notes. The Company's policy for leverage is based on the type of asset, underlying collateral and overall market conditions, with the intent of obtaining more permanent, longer-term financing for our more illiquid assets. Currently, we target maximum leverage ratios for each eligible investment, callable or short-term financings of 8 to 1, in the case of Agency RMBS, and 2 to 1 for first loss CMBS securities. The Company’s current overall target leverage ratio is approximately 2.4 to 1. This target can move depending on the composition of our overall portfolio.

As of December 31, 2017 , our overall leverage ratio, which represents our total debt divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 1.7 to 1. Our overall leverage ratio does not include the mortgage debt of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters or debt associated with the Multi-family CDOs or the Residential CDOs, for which we have no obligation. Our leverage ratio on our short-term financings or callable debt, which represents our repurchase agreement borrowings divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 1.5 to 1. We monitor all at risk or short-term borrowings to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to satisfy margin calls and liquidity covenant requirements.

We primarily rely on repurchase agreements to fund our securities portfolio. These repurchase agreements provide us with borrowings, which have terms ranging from 30 days to 18 months, that bear interest rates that are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), a short-term market interest rate used to determine short term loan rates. Pursuant to these repurchase agreements, the financial institution that serves as a counterparty will generally agree to provide us with financing based on the market value of the securities that we pledge as collateral, less a “haircut.” The market value of the collateral represents the price of such collateral obtained from generally recognized sources or most recent closing bid quotation from such source plus accrued income. Our repurchase agreements may require us to deposit additional collateral pursuant to a margin call if the market value of our pledged collateral declines as a result of market conditions or due to principal repayments on the mortgages underlying our pledged securities. Interest rates and haircuts will depend on the underlying collateral pledged.

With respect to our investments in credit residential assets, we finance our investment in these assets through working capital and, subject to market conditions, both short-term and long-term borrowings. Our financings may include repurchase agreement borrowings with terms of 18 months or less, or longer term structured debt financing, such as longer-term repurchase agreement financing and securitized debt where the assets we intend to finance are contributed to an SPE and serve as collateral for the financing. We engage in longer-term financings for the primary purpose of obtaining longer-term non-recourse financing on these assets.

Pursuant to the terms of our long-term debt financings, our ability to access the cash flows generated by the assets serving as collateral for these borrowings may be significantly limited and we may be unable to sell or otherwise transfer or dispose of or modify such assets until the financing has matured. As part of each of our securitized debt financings and longer-term master repurchase agreements we are currently party to, we have provided a guarantee with respect to certain terms of some of these longer-term borrowings incurred by certain of our subsidiaries and we may provide similar guarantees in connection with future financings.

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For more information regarding our outstanding borrowings and debt instruments at December 31, 2017 , see Item 7 - “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below.

Our Hedging Strategy

The Company enters into derivative instruments in connection with its risk management activities. These derivative instruments may include interest rate swaps, swaptions, interest rate caps, futures, options on futures and mortgage derivatives such as forward-settling purchases and sales of Agency RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are “To-Be-Announced,” or TBAs.

We use interest rate swaps to hedge any variable cash flows associated with our borrowings. We typically pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate based on one or three month LIBOR, on the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. The floating rate we receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of our financing arrangements.

We have used TBAs, swaptions, futures and options on futures to hedge market value risk for certain of our strategies. We have utilized TBAs as part of our Agency investment strategy to enhance the overall yield of the portfolio. In a TBA transaction, we would agree to purchase or sell, for future delivery, Agency RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of underlying collateral, but the particular Agency RMBS to be delivered is not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date. The Company typically does not take delivery of TBAs, but rather settles with its trading counterparties on a net basis prior to the forward settlement date. Although TBAs are liquid and have quoted market prices and represent the most actively traded class of RMBS, the use of TBAs exposes us to increased market value risk.

In connection with our hedging strategy, we utilize a model based risk analysis system to assist in projecting portfolio performances over a variety of different interest rates and market scenarios, such as shifts in interest rates, changes in prepayments and other factors impacting the valuations of our assets and liabilities. However, given the uncertainties related to prepayment rates, it is not possible to perfectly lock-in a spread between the earnings asset yield and the related cost of borrowings. Moreover, the cash flows and market values of certain types of structured Agency RMBS, such as the IOs we invest in, are more sensitive to prepayment risks than other Agency RMBS. Nonetheless, through active management and the use of evaluative stress scenarios, we believe that we can mitigate a significant amount of both value and earnings volatility.

Headlands Asset Management LLC

We engaged Headlands beginning in 2012 to manage and advise us with respect to the distressed residential mortgage loans that we acquire. Headlands sources and performs due-diligence procedures on the pools of distressed residential mortgage loans that we acquire and manages the servicing, modification and final disposition or resolution of the loans, which can range from modifying a mortgage loan balance, interest rate or payment to selling the underlying loan or the real estate asset.

Headlands was founded on May 2008 as an investment manager focused on purchasing, servicing and managing all aspects of a portfolio of residential mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2017, we had allocated approximately $222.0 million of capital to investments managed by Headlands.

Headlands Management Agreement

On November 2, 2016, we entered into a management agreement with Headlands (the "Headlands Management Agreement"), which became effective as of July 1, 2016 (the "Effective Date") and replaces our prior arrangement with Headlands. Pursuant to the terms of the Headlands Management Agreement, Headlands receives a monthly base management fee in arrears in a cash amount equal to the product of (i) 1.50% per annum of “Equity” as of the last business day of the previous month, multiplied by (ii) 1/12th, where Equity is defined as “Assets” minus “Debt,” Assets is defined as the aggregate net carrying value (in accordance with GAAP) of those assets of our Company managed by Headlands (specifically excluding (i) any unrealized gains or losses that have impacted net carrying value as reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss or in net income, and (ii) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP, (iii) impairment reserves recorded but not realized (if not included in unrealized gains or losses) and (iv) certain non-cash items not otherwise described above, in each case, as mutually agreed between Headlands and us) and Debt is defined as the greater of (1) the net carrying value (in accordance with GAAP, excluding adjustments for unrealized gains or losses) of all third-party debt or liabilities secured by the Assets and (2) prior to termination of the Headlands Management Agreement, zero. Previously, the base management fee had been calculated based on assets under management.

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In addition, Headlands is entitled to an incentive fee that is calculated quarterly and paid in cash in arrears. The incentive fee is based upon the average Equity during the fiscal quarter, subject to a high water mark equal to a 5% return on Equity, and shall be payable in an amount equal to 35% of the dollar amount by which adjusted net income (as defined in the Headlands Management Agreement) attributable to the Assets, before accounting for any incentive fees payable to Headlands, exceeds an annualized 12% rate of return on Equity. With respect to the fourth fiscal quarter of each calendar 12-month period during the term of the Headlands Management Agreement, the incentive fee will be payable in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the amount by which the incentive fee earned during the calendar 12-month period exceeds the total incentive fees paid for the first three quarters of such calendar 12-month period. If incentive fees paid during the first three quarters exceed the amount earned on an annual basis, the excess incentive fee paid will be considered prepaid incentive fee and will be deducted from future incentive fees owed to Headlands.

The Headlands Management Agreement currently operates under a one-year term that will be automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless either party delivers written notice to the other party at least 180 days prior to the end of the then-applicable term. Each of the parties has certain other customary termination rights. Neither Headlands nor we will incur a termination fee upon termination of the Headlands Management Agreement. In certain cases, if we terminate the Headlands Management Agreement, Headlands has, subject to certain conditions, a right of first refusal to purchase the Assets under management at the time of termination.

Competition

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to acquire assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. When we invest in mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans and other investment assets, we compete with other REITs, investment banking firms, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, banks and other financial institutions and other entities that invest in the same types of assets.

Corporate Offices and Personnel

We were formed as a Maryland corporation in 2003. Our corporate headquarters are located at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 3200, New York, New York, 10016 and our telephone number is (212) 792-0107. We also maintain an office in Charlotte, North Carolina. As of December 31, 2017 , we employed 19 full-time employees.

Access to our Periodic SEC Reports and Other Corporate Information

Our internet website address is www.nymtrust.com. We make available free of charge, through our internet website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments thereto that we file or furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the charters of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are also available on our website and are available in print to any stockholder upon request in writing to New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., c/o Secretary, 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 3200, New York, New York, 10016. Information on our website is neither part of, nor incorporated into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in future filings with the SEC or in press releases or other written or oral communications, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “goal,” “objective,” “will,” “may” or similar expressions, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions.

Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. The following factors are examples of those that could cause actual results to vary from our forward-looking statements: changes in interest rates and the market value of our securities; changes in credit spreads; the impact of a downgrade of the long-term credit ratings of the U.S., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae; market volatility; changes in the prepayment rates on the mortgage loans underlying our investment securities; increased rates of default and/or decreased recovery rates on our assets; delays in identifying and acquiring our targeted assets; our ability to borrow to finance our assets and the terms thereof; changes in governmental laws, regulations, or policies affecting our business; changes to our relationship with Headlands; our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal tax purposes; our ability to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including the risk factors described in Item 1A – “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated by those risks described in our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect us. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to stockholders and prospective investors. You should carefully consider the following risk factors and the various other factors identified in or incorporated by reference into any other documents filed by us with the SEC in evaluating our company and our business. The risks discussed herein can adversely affect our business, liquidity, operating results, prospects and financial condition. These risks could cause the market price of our securities to decline. The risk factors described below are not the only risks that may affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or not presently deemed material by us, also may adversely affect our business, liquidity, operating results, prospects and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Company

Declines in the market values of assets in our investment portfolio may adversely affect periodic reported results and credit availability, which may reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

The market value of our investment portfolio may move inversely with changes in interest rates. We anticipate that increases in interest rates will generally tend to decrease our net income and the market value of our investment portfolio. A significant percentage of the securities within our investment portfolio are classified for accounting purposes as “available for sale.” Changes in the market values of trading securities and residential mortgage loans, at fair value will be reflected in earnings and changes in the market values of available for sale securities will be reflected in stockholders’ equity. As a result, a decline in market values of certain of our investment securities may reduce the book value of our assets. Moreover, if the decline in market value of an available for sale security is other than temporary, such decline will reduce earnings.

A decline in the market value of our interest-bearing assets may adversely affect us, particularly in instances where we have borrowed money based on the market value of those assets. If the market value of those assets declines, the lender may require us to post additional collateral to support the loan, which would reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets. In addition, if we are, or anticipate being, unable to post the additional collateral, we would have to sell the assets at a time when we might not otherwise choose to do so. In the event that we do not have sufficient liquidity to meet such requirements, lending institutions may accelerate indebtedness, increase interest rates and terminate our ability to borrow, any of which could result in a rapid deterioration of our financial condition and cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Moreover, if we liquidate the assets at prices lower than the amortized cost of such assets, we will incur losses.

The market values of our investments may also decline without any general increase in interest rates for a number of reasons, such as increases in defaults, actual or perceived increases in voluntary prepayments for those investments that we have that are subject to prepayment risk, a reduction in the liquidity of the assets and markets generally and widening of credit spreads, and adverse legislation or regulatory developments. If the market values of our investments were to decline for any reason, the value of your investment could also decline.

Difficult conditions in the mortgage and real estate markets, the financial markets and the economy generally have caused and may cause us to experience losses and these conditions may persist for the foreseeable future.

Our business is materially affected by conditions in the residential and commercial mortgage markets, the residential and commercial real estate markets, the financial markets and the economy generally. Furthermore, because a significant portion of our current assets and our targeted assets are credit sensitive, we believe the risks associated with our investments will be more acute during periods of economic slowdown, recession or market dislocations, especially if these periods are accompanied by declining real estate values and defaults. In prior years, concerns about the health of the global economy generally and the residential and commercial mortgage markets specifically, as well as inflation, energy costs, European sovereign debt, U.S. budget debates and geopolitical issues and the availability and cost of credit have contributed to increased volatility and uncertainty for the economy and financial markets. The residential and commercial mortgage markets were materially adversely affected by changes in the lending landscape during the financial market crisis of 2008, the severity of which was largely unanticipated by the markets, and there is no assurance that these markets will not worsen again.

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In addition, an economic slowdown, delayed recovery or general disruption in the mortgage markets may result in decreased demand for residential and commercial property, which would likely further compress homeownership rates and place additional pressure on home price performance, while forcing commercial property owners to lower rents on properties with excess supply. We believe there is a strong correlation between home price growth rates and mortgage loan delinquencies. Moreover, to the extent that a property owner has fewer tenants or receives lower rents, such property owners will generate less cash flow on their properties, which reduces the value of their property and increases significantly the likelihood that such property owners will default on their debt service obligations. If the borrowers of our mortgage loans, the loans underlying certain of our investment securities or the commercial properties that we finance or in which we invest, default on their obligations, we may incur material losses on those loans or investment securities. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect both our net interest income and our ability to acquire our targeted assets in the future on favorable terms or at all. The further deterioration of the mortgage markets, the residential or commercial real estate markets, the financial markets and the economy generally may result in a decline in the market value of our assets or cause us to experience losses related thereto, which may adversely affect our results of operations, the availability and cost of credit and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

An increase in interest rates may cause a decrease in the availability of certain of our targeted assets, which could adversely affect our ability to acquire targeted assets that satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and pay dividends.

Rising interest rates generally reduce the demand for mortgage loans due to the higher cost of borrowing. A reduction in the volume of mortgage loans originated may affect the volume of targeted assets available to us, which could adversely affect our ability to acquire assets that satisfy our investment and business objectives. Rising interest rates may also cause our targeted assets that were issued or originated prior to an interest rate increase to provide yields that are below prevailing market interest rates. If rising interest rates cause us to be unable to acquire a sufficient volume of our targeted assets with a yield that is above our borrowing cost, our ability to satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and pay dividends will be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, the RMBS and residential mortgage loans we invest in may be comprised of ARMs that are subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps. Periodic interest rate caps limit the amount an interest rate can increase during any given period. Lifetime interest rate caps limit the amount an interest rate can increase over the life of the security or loan. Our borrowings typically are not subject to similar restrictions. Accordingly, in a period of rapidly increasing interest rates, the interest rates paid on our borrowings could increase without limitation while interest rate caps could limit the interest rates on the Agency ARMs or residential mortgage loans comprised of ARMs in our portfolio. This problem is magnified for securities backed by, or residential mortgage loans comprised of, ARMs and hybrid ARMs that are not fully indexed. Further, certain securities backed by, or residential mortgage loans comprised of, ARMs and hybrid ARMs may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in a portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. As a result, the payments we receive on Agency ARMs backed by, or residential mortgage loans comprised of, ARMs and hybrid ARMs may be lower than the related debt service costs. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Interest rate fluctuations will also cause variances in the yield curve, which may reduce our net income. The relationship between short-term and longer-term interest rates is often referred to as the “yield curve.” If short-term interest rates rise disproportionately relative to longer-term interest rates (a flattening of the yield curve), our borrowing costs may increase more rapidly than the interest income earned on our interest-earning assets. For example, because the Agency RMBS in our investment portfolio typically bear interest based on longer-term rates while our borrowings typically bear interest based on short-term rates, a flattening of the yield curve would tend to decrease our net income and the market value of these securities. Additionally, to the extent cash flows from investments that return scheduled and unscheduled principal are reinvested, the spread between the yields of the new investments and available borrowing rates may decline, which would likely decrease our net income. It is also possible that short-term interest rates may exceed longer-term interest rates (a yield curve inversion), in which event our borrowing costs may exceed our interest income and we could incur significant operating losses.

Prepayment rates can change, adversely affecting the performance of our assets.

The frequency at which prepayments (including both voluntary prepayments by the borrowers and liquidations due to defaults and foreclosures) occur on the residential mortgage loans we own and those that underlie our RMBS is difficult to predict and is affected by a variety of factors, including the prevailing level of interest rates as well as economic, demographic, tax, social, legal, legislative and other factors. Generally, borrowers tend to prepay their mortgages when prevailing mortgage rates fall below the interest rates on their mortgage loans.

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In general, “premium” securities (securities whose market values exceed their principal or par amounts) are adversely affected by faster-than-anticipated prepayments because the above-market coupon that such premium securities carry will be earned for a shorter period of time. Generally, “discount” securities (securities whose principal or par amounts exceed their market values) are adversely affected by slower-than-anticipated prepayments. Since many RMBS will be discount securities when interest rates are high, and will be premium securities when interest rates are low, these RMBS may be adversely affected by changes in prepayments in any interest rate environment. Although we estimate prepayment rates to determine the effective yield of our assets and valuations, these estimates are not precise and prepayment rates do not necessarily change in a predictable manner as a function of interest rate changes.

The adverse effects of prepayments may impact us in various ways. First, particular investments, such as IOs, may experience outright losses in an environment of faster actual or anticipated prepayments. Second, particular investments may under-perform relative to any hedges that we may have constructed for these assets, resulting in a loss to us. In particular, prepayments (at par) may limit the potential upside of many RMBS to their principal or par amounts, whereas their corresponding hedges often have the potential for unlimited loss. Furthermore, to the extent that faster prepayment rates are due to lower interest rates, the principal payments received from prepayments will tend to be reinvested in lower-yielding assets, which may reduce our income in the long run. Therefore, if actual prepayment rates differ from anticipated prepayment rates, our business, financial condition and results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

Some of the commercial real estate loans we may originate or invest in or that underlie our CMBS may allow the borrower to make prepayments without incurring a prepayment penalty and some may include provisions allowing the borrower to extend the term of the loan beyond the originally scheduled maturity. Because the decision to prepay or extend a commercial loan is typically controlled by the borrower, we may not accurately anticipate the timing of these events, which could affect the earnings and cash flows we anticipate and could impact our ability to finance these assets.

Increased levels of prepayments on the mortgages underlying structured mortgage-backed securities might decrease net interest income or result in a net loss, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

When we acquire structured mortgage-backed securities we anticipate that the underlying mortgages will prepay at a projected rate, generating an expected yield. When the prepayment rates on the mortgages underlying these securities are higher than expected, our returns on those securities may be materially adversely affected. For example, the value of an Agency IO is extremely sensitive to prepayments because holders of these securities do not have the right to receive any principal payments on the underlying mortgages. As a result, increased levels of prepayments on our Agency RMBS will negatively impact our net interest income and may result in a loss.

Interest rate mismatches between the interest-earning assets held in our investment portfolio and the borrowings used to fund the purchases of those assets may reduce our net income or result in a loss during periods of changing interest rates.

Certain of the assets held in our investment portfolio have a fixed coupon rate, generally for a significant period, and in some cases, for the average maturity of the asset. At the same time, our repurchase agreements and our borrowings typically provide for a payment reset period of 30 days or less. In addition, the average maturity of our borrowings generally will be shorter than the average maturity of the assets currently in our portfolio and certain other targeted assets in which we seek to invest. Historically, we have used swap agreements as a means for attempting to fix the cost of certain of our liabilities over a period of time; however, these agreements will generally not be sufficient to match the cost of all our liabilities against all of our investments. In the event we experience unexpectedly high or low prepayment rates on RMBS or other assets, our strategy for matching our assets with our liabilities is more likely to be unsuccessful which may result in reduced earnings or losses and reduced cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Our investments include high yield or subordinated and lower rated securities that have greater risks of loss than other investments, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and cash available for dividends.

We own and seek to acquire higher yielding or subordinated or lower rated securities, including subordinated securities of CMBS or non-Agency RMBS, which involve a higher degree of risk than other investments. Numerous factors may affect a company’s ability to repay its high yield or subordinated securities, including the failure to meet its business plan, a downturn in its industry or negative economic conditions. These assets may not be secured by mortgages or liens on assets. Our right to payment and security interest with respect to such assets may be subordinated to the payment rights and security interests of the senior lender. Therefore, we may be limited in our ability to enforce our rights to collect on these assets through a foreclosure of collateral.

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Our direct and indirect investments in multi-family and other commercial properties are subject to the ability of the property owner to generate net income from operating the property as well as the risks of delinquency and foreclosure.

Our direct and indirect investments in multi-family or other commercial property are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure on the properties that underlie or back these investments, and risk of loss that may be greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan or obligation secured by, or an equity interest in an entity that owns, an income-producing property typically is dependent 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 our investment, may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be adversely affected by, among other things:


•	tenant mix;


•	success of tenant businesses;


•	property management decisions;


•	property location, condition, and design;


•	new construction of competitive properties;


•	a surge in homeownership rates;


•	changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;


•	changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, including the labor, credit and securitization markets;


•	declines in regional or local real estate values;


•	declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates;


•	increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates, and other operating expenses;


•	costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions;


•	the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses;


•	changes in governmental laws and regulations, including fiscal policies, zoning ordinances and environmental legislation and the related costs of compliance; and


•	acts of God, terrorist attacks, social unrest, and civil disturbances.

In the event of any default under a loan held directly 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 cash flow from operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Similarly, the CMBS, preferred equity and mezzanine loan and joint venture equity investments we own will be adversely affected by a default on any of the loans or other instruments that underlie those securities or that are secured by the related property. See "—We invest in CMBS that are subordinate to more senior securities issued by the applicable securitization, which entails certain risks."

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 can be an expensive and lengthy process, which could have a substantial negative effect on our anticipated return on the foreclosed mortgage loan.

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The preferred equity investments or mezzanine loan assets that we may acquire or originate will involve greater risks of loss than senior loans secured by income-producing properties.

We may acquire or originate mezzanine loans, which take the form of subordinated loans secured by second mortgages on the underlying property or loans secured by a pledge of the ownership interests of either the entity owning the property or a pledge of the ownership interests of the entity that owns the interest in the entity owning the property. We also may make preferred equity investments in the entity that owns the property. These types of assets involve a higher degree of risk than long-term senior mortgage lending secured by income-producing real property, because the loan may become unsecured or our equity investment may be effectively extinguished as a result of foreclosure by the senior lender. In addition, mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments are often used to achieve a very high leverage on large commercial projects, resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal or investment. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan or preferred equity investment will be satisfied only after the senior debt, in case of a mezzanine loan, or all senior and subordinated debt, in case of a preferred equity investment, is paid in full. Where senior debt exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements may limit our ability to amend our loan documents, assign our loans, accept prepayments, exercise our remedies or control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to borrowers or preferred equity investors. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment, which could result in significant losses.

To the extent that due diligence is conducted on potential assets, such due diligence may not reveal all of the risks associated with such assets and may not reveal other weaknesses in such assets, which could lead to losses.

Before acquiring certain assets, such as whole mortgage loans, CMBS, or other mortgage-related or fixed income assets, we or the external manager responsible for the acquisition and management of such asset may decide to conduct (either directly or using third parties) certain due diligence. Such due diligence may include (i) an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the asset’s credit profile, (ii) a review of all or merely a subset of the documentation related to the asset, or (iii) other reviews that we or the external manager may deem appropriate to conduct. There can be no assurance that we or the external manager will conduct any specific level of due diligence, or that, among other things, the due diligence process will uncover all relevant facts or that any purchase will be successful, which could result in losses on these assets, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Our real estate assets are subject to risks particular to real property.

We own real estate and assets secured by real estate, and may in the future acquire more real estate, either through direct or indirect investments or upon a default of mortgage loans. Real estate assets are subject to various risks, including:


•	acts of God, including earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, which may result in uninsured losses;


•	acts of war or terrorism, including the consequences of terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001;


•	adverse changes in national and local economic and market conditions; and


•	changes in governmental laws and regulations, fiscal policies and zoning ordinances and the related costs of compliance with laws and regulations, fiscal policies and ordinances.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing or similar events may reduce our return from an affected property or asset and, consequently, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

The lack of liquidity in certain of our assets may adversely affect our business.

A portion of the assets we own or acquire may be subject to legal, contractual and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly-traded securities. For example, certain of our multi-family CMBS are held in a securitization trust and may not be sold or transferred until the note issued by the securitization trust matures or is repaid. The illiquidity of certain of our assets may make it difficult for us to sell such assets if the need or desire arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our assets. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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Our Level 2 portfolio investments are recorded at fair value based on market quotations from pricing services and brokers/dealers. Our Level 3 investments are recorded at fair value utilizing internal valuation models. The value of our securities, in particular our common stock, could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.

All of our current portfolio investments are, and some of our future portfolio investments will be, in the form of securities or other investments that are not publicly traded. The fair value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We currently value and will continue to value these investments on a quarterly basis at fair value as determined by our management based on market quotations from pricing services and brokers/dealers and/or internal valuation models. Because such quotations and valuations are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and are based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a public market for these securities existed. The value of our securities, in particular our common stock, could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.

Our adoption of fair value option accounting could result in income statement volatility, which in turn, could cause significant market price and trading volume fluctuations for our securities.

We have determined that certain securitization trusts that issued certain of our multi-family CMBS or securitized debt are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary, and elected the fair value option on the assets and liabilities held within those securitization trusts. As a result, we are required to consolidate the underlying multi-family loan or securities, as applicable, related debt, interest income and interest expense of those securitization trusts in our financial statements, although our actual investments in these securitization trusts generally represent a small percentage of the total assets of the trusts. Prior to the year ended December 31, 2012, we historically accounted for the multi-family CMBS in our investment portfolio through accumulated other comprehensive income, pursuant to which unrealized gains and losses on those multi-family CMBS were reflected as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. However, the fair value option requires that changes in valuations in the assets and liabilities of those VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary, such as the Consolidated K-Series, be reflected through our earnings. As we acquire additional multi-family CMBS assets in the future that are similar in structure and form to the Consolidated K-Series’ assets or securitize investment securities owned by us, we may be required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of the issuing or securitization trust and would expect to elect the fair value option for those assets. Because of this, our earnings may experience greater volatility in the future as a decline in the fair value of the assets of any VIE that we consolidate in our financial statements could reduce both our earnings and stockholders' equity, which in turn, could cause significant market price and trading volume fluctuations for our securities.

Competition may prevent us from acquiring assets on favorable terms or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. Our net income largely depends on our ability to acquire our targeted assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. In acquiring our targeted assets, we compete with other REITs, investment banking firms, savings and loan associations, banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, other lenders and other entities that purchase mortgage-related assets, many of which have greater financial resources than us. Additionally, many of our potential competitors are not subject to REIT tax compliance or required to maintain an exclusion from the Investment Company Act. As a result, we may not in the future be able to acquire sufficient quantities of our targeted assets at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

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We may change our investment, financing, or hedging strategies and asset allocation and operational and management policies without stockholder consent, which may result in the purchase of riskier assets, the use of greater leverage or commercially unsound actions, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

We may change our investment strategy, hedging strategy and asset allocation and operational and management policies at any time without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in our purchasing assets or entering into hedging transactions that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the assets and hedging transactions described in this report. A change in our investment strategy or hedging strategy may increase our exposure to real estate values, interest rates, prepayment rates, credit risk and other factors. A change in our asset allocation could result in us purchasing assets in classes different from those described in this report. Our Board of Directors determines our operational policies and may amend or revise our policies, including those with respect to our acquisitions, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions or approve transactions that deviate from these policies without a vote of, or notice to, our stockholders. In addition, our external manager has great latitude in making investment decisions on our behalf. Changes in our investment strategy, hedging strategy and asset allocation and operational and management policies could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

In connection with our operating and investment activity, we rely on third-party service providers to perform a variety of services, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and carry out contractual covenants and terms, the failure of which by any of these third-party service providers may adversely impact our business and financial results.

In connection with our business of acquiring and holding loans, engaging in securitization transactions, and investing in third-party issued securities, we rely on third-party service providers, including Headlands, to perform a variety of services, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and carry out contractual covenants and terms. For example, we rely on the mortgage servicers who service the mortgage loans we purchase as well as the mortgage loans underlying our CMBS to, among other things, collect principal and interest payments on such mortgage loans and perform loss mitigation services. In addition, legislation that has been enacted or that may be enacted in order to reduce or prevent foreclosures through, among other things, loan modifications may reduce the value of mortgage loans backing our CMBS or mortgage loans that we acquire. Mortgage servicers may be incentivized by the U.S. Government to pursue such loan modifications, as well as forbearance plans and other actions intended to prevent foreclosure, even if such loan modifications and other actions are not in the best interests of the beneficial owners of the mortgage loans. Mortgage servicers and other service providers, such as Headlands or our trustees, bond insurance providers, due diligence vendors and document custodians, may fail to perform or otherwise not perform in a manner that promotes our interests. As a result, we are subject to the risks associated with a third party’s failure to perform, including failure to perform due to reasons such as fraud, negligence, errors, miscalculations, or insolvency.

We may be affected by deficiencies in foreclosure practices of third parties, as well as related delays in the foreclosure process.

One of the biggest risks overhanging the RMBS market has been uncertainty around the timing and ability of servicers to foreclose on defaulted loans, so that they can liquidate the underlying properties and ultimately pass the liquidation proceeds through to RMBS holders. Given the magnitude of the most recent housing crisis, and in response to the well-publicized failures of many servicers to follow proper foreclosure procedures (such as involving "robo-signing"), mortgage servicers are being held to much higher foreclosure-related documentation standards than they previously were. However, because many mortgages have been transferred and assigned multiple times (and by means of varying assignment procedures) throughout the origination, warehouse, and securitization processes, mortgage servicers are generally having much more difficulty furnishing the requisite documentation to initiate or complete foreclosures. This leads to stalled or suspended foreclosure proceedings, and ultimately additional foreclosure-related costs. Foreclosure-related delays also tend to increase ultimate loan loss severities as a result of property deterioration, amplified legal and other costs, and other factors. Many factors delaying foreclosure, such as borrower lawsuits and judicial backlog and scrutiny, are outside of a servicer's control and have delayed, and will likely continue to delay, foreclosure processing in both judicial states (where foreclosures require court involvement) and non-judicial states. The extension of foreclosure timelines also increases the inventory backlog of distressed homes on the market and creates greater uncertainty about housing prices. The concerns about deficiencies in foreclosure practices of servicers and related delays in the foreclosure process may impact our loss assumptions and affect the values of, and our returns on, our investments in RMBS and residential mortgage loans.

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We rely on Headlands and certain of their key personnel to manage our distressed residential loan portfolio and may not find a suitable replacement if its respective management agreement with us is terminated or such key personnel are no longer available to us.

We are a self-advised company that acquires, originates, sells and manages our assets. However, we have at various times in our history outsourced the management of certain asset classes for which we have limited internal resources or experience. We presently utilize Headlands to manage our distressed residential loan portfolio. We have engaged Headlands because of the expertise of certain of its key personnel. The departure of certain senior officers of Headlands could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objectives with distressed residential loans. We are subject to the risk that Headlands will terminate its management agreement with us or that we may deem it necessary to terminate such agreement and that no suitable replacement will be found to manage our distressed residential loan portfolio and investment strategies on a timely basis or at all.

Pursuant to the terms of the Headlands Asset Management Agreement, Headlands is entitled to receive a management fee that is payable regardless of the performance of the assets they manage.

We will pay Headlands substantial base management fees, based on our invested capital regardless of the performance of the assets it manages for us. The payment of non-performance based compensation may reduce Headlands' incentive to devote the time and effort of its professionals to seeking profitable investment opportunities for our company, which could result in the under-performance of assets under its management and negatively affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders or to achieve capital appreciation.

Pursuant to the terms of the Headlands Asset Management Agreement, Headlands is generally entitled to receive an incentive fee, which may induce them to make certain investments, including speculative or high risk investments.

Under the terms of the Headlands Management Agreement, Headlands is entitled to receive incentive compensation based, in part, upon the achievement of targeted levels of net income. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the opportunity to earn incentive compensation based on net income may lead Headlands to place undue emphasis on the maximization of net income at the expense of other criteria in order to achieve higher incentive compensation. Investments with higher yield potential are generally riskier or more speculative. This could result in increased risk to the value of our assets managed by Headlands.

We compete with our external manager's other clients for access to them.

Our external manager manages, and is expected to continue to manage, other client accounts with similar or overlapping investment strategies. In connection with the services provided to those accounts, our manager may be compensated more favorably than for the services provided under our external management agreement, and such discrepancies in compensation may affect the level of service provided to us by our external manager. Moreover, our external manager may have an economic interest in the accounts they manage or the investments they propose. As a result, we will compete with these other accounts and interests for access to our external manager and the benefits derived from those relationships. For the same reasons, the personnel of our external manager may be unable to dedicate a substantial portion of their time managing our investments to the extent they manage or are associated with any future investment vehicles not related to us.

Termination of the Headlands Management Agreement may be costly.

In certain cases, if we terminate the Headlands Management Agreement, Headlands has, subject to certain conditions, a right of first refusal to purchase the loans managed by them at the time of the termination, which could result in the disposition of assets when we otherwise would not choose to dispose of such assets.

The market price and trading volume of our securities may be volatile.

The market price of our securities is highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume in our securities may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Some of the factors that could result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our securities include, among other things: actual or anticipated changes in our current or future financial performance; actual or anticipated changes in our current or future dividend yield; and changes in market interest rates and general market and economic conditions. We cannot assure you that the market price of our securities will not fluctuate or decline significantly.

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We have not established a minimum dividend payment level for our common stockholders and there are no assurances of our ability to pay dividends to common or preferred stockholders in the future.

We intend to pay quarterly dividends and to make distributions to our common stockholders in amounts such that all or substantially all of our taxable income in each year, subject to certain adjustments, is distributed. This, along with other factors, should enable us to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. We have not established a minimum dividend payment level for our common stockholders and our ability to pay dividends may be harmed by the risk factors described herein. From July 2007 until April 2008, our Board of Directors elected to suspend the payment of quarterly dividends on our common stock. Our Board’s decision reflected our focus on the elimination of operating losses through the sale of our mortgage lending business and the conservation of capital to build future earnings from our portfolio management operations. All distributions to our common stockholders will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our REIT status and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. There are no assurances of our ability to pay dividends to our common or preferred stockholders in the future at the current rate or at all.

Future offerings of debt securities, which would rank senior to our common stock and preferred stock upon our liquidation, and future offerings of equity securities, which would dilute our existing stockholders and may be senior to our common stock for the purposes of dividend and liquidating distributions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by making offerings of debt or additional offerings of equity securities, including commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes, convertible notes and classes of preferred stock or common stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our preferred stock and common stock, with holders of our preferred stock having priority over holders of our common stock. Additional equity and certain convertible notes offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our securities bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our securities and diluting their stock holdings in us.

Future sales of our stock or other securities with an equity component could have an adverse effect on the price of our securities.

We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future sales of our stock or other securities with an equity component, or the availability of shares for future issuance, on the market price of our common or preferred stock. Sales of substantial amounts of these securities, or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our securities.

An increase in interest rates may have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our securities is our dividend rate (or expected future dividend rates) as a percentage of our common stock price, relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may demand a higher dividend rate on our shares or seek alternative investments paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and capital market conditions can affect the market price of our securities independent of the effects such conditions may have on our portfolio.

Our investments could be adversely affected if one of our operating partners or property managers at one of the multi-family projects in which we have invested performs poorly, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

In general, with respect to our preferred and joint venture equity investments in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties, we expect to rely on our operating partners for the day-to-day management and maintenance of these properties. We will have no control or only limited influence over the day-to-day management and maintenance of such properties. Our operating partners are not fiduciaries to us, and in some cases, may have significantly less capital invested in a project than us. In addition, our operating partners engage property managers, which provide on-site management services. One or more of our operating partners or property managers may perform poorly in managing one or more of our project investments for a variety of reasons, including failure to properly adhere to budgets or properly consummate the property business plan. If one of our operating partners or property managers does not perform well at one of our projects, we may not be able to ameliorate the adverse effects of poor performance by terminating the operating partner or property manager and finding a replacement partner to manage these properties in a timely manner. In such an instance, our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected.

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Actions of our operating partners could subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated or prevent us from taking actions which are in the best interests of our stockholders, which could result in lower investment returns to our stockholders.

We have entered into, and in the future may enter into, joint ventures with operating partners to acquire or improve properties. We may also make investments in properties through partnerships, co-tenancies or other co-ownership arrangements. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present when acquiring real estate directly, including, for example:


•	that our operating partners may share certain approval rights over major decisions;


•	that our operating partners may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which are or which become inconsistent with our business interests or goals, including inconsistent goals relating to the sale of properties held in the joint venture or the timing of termination or liquidation of the joint venture;


•	the possibility that our operating partner in a property might become insolvent or bankrupt;


•	the possibility that we may incur liabilities as a result of an action taken by one of our operating partners;


•	that one of our operating partners may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives, including our policy with respect to qualifying and maintaining our qualification as a REIT;


•	disputes between us and our operating partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business, which may subject the properties owned by the applicable joint venture to additional risk;


•	under certain joint venture arrangements, neither venture partner may have the power to control the venture, and an impasse could be reached which might have a negative influence on the joint venture; or

•

that we will rely on our operating partners to provide us with accurate financial information regarding the performance of the joint venture properties in which we invest on a timely basis to enable us to satisfy our annual, quarterly and periodic reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and our operating partners and the joint venture entities in which we invest may have inadequate internal controls or procedures that could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and other requirements under the federal securities laws.

Actions by one of our operating partners or one of the property managers of the multi-family properties in which we invest, which are generally out of our control, might subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce our investment returns. If we have a right of first refusal or buy/sell right to buy out an operating partner, we may be unable to finance such a buy-out if it becomes exercisable or we may be required to purchase such interest at a time when it would not otherwise be in our best interest to do so. If our interest is subject to a buy/sell right, we may not have sufficient cash, available borrowing capacity or other capital resources to allow us to elect to purchase the interest of our operating partner that is subject to the buy/sell right, in which case we may be forced to sell our interest as the result of the exercise of such right when we would otherwise prefer to keep our interest. Finally, we may not be able to sell our interest in a joint venture if we desire to exit the venture.

Short-term apartment leases expose us to the effects of declining market rent, which could adversely impact our earnings.

Substantially all of the apartment leases at the properties we invest in are for terms of one year or less. Because these leases generally permit the residents to leave at the end of the lease term without penalty, our earnings may be impacted more quickly by declines in market rents than if these leases were for longer terms, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

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The revenues generated by our investments in multi-family properties are significantly influenced by demand for multi-family properties generally, and a decrease in such demand will likely have a greater adverse effect on our revenues than if we owned a more diversified portfolio.

A substantial portion of our investment portfolio is comprised of direct or indirect investments in multi-family properties, and we expect that our portfolio going forward will continue to heavily focus on these assets. As a result, we are subject to risks inherent in investments concentrated in a single industry, and a decrease in the demand for multi-family apartment properties would likely have a greater adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations than if we invested in a more diversified portfolio. Resident demand at multi-family apartment properties may be adversely affected by, among other things, reduced household spending, reduced home prices, high unemployment, the rate of household formation or population growth in the markets in which we invest, changes in interest rates or the changes in supply of, or demand for, similar or competing multi-family apartment properties in an area. Reduced resident demand could cause downward pressure on occupancy and market rents at the properties in which we invest, which could cause a decrease in our revenue. In addition, decreased demand could also impair the ability of our joint venture properties or operating partners to satisfy their substantial debt service obligations or make distributions or payments of principal or interest to us, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Our existing goodwill could become impaired, which may require us to take significant non-cash charges.

We evaluate our goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment may have occurred. We also evaluate, at least quarterly, whether events or circumstances have occurred subsequent to the annual impairment testing which indicate that it is more-likely-than-not an impairment loss has occurred. If the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we would record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value. The valuation of our reporting unit requires significant judgment, which includes the evaluation of recent indicators of market activity and estimated future cash flows, discount rates, and other factors. Any impairment of goodwill as a result of such analysis would result in a non-cash charge against earnings, which could materially adversely affect our reported financial results for the period in which the charge was taken and the price of our securities.

Your interest in us may be diluted if we issue additional shares.

Current stockholders of our company do not have preemptive rights to any common stock issued by us in the future. Therefore, our common stockholders may experience dilution of their equity investment if we sell additional common stock in the future, sell securities that are convertible into common stock or issue shares of common stock or options exercisable for shares of common stock. In addition, we could sell securities at a price less than our then-current book value per share.

Investing in our securities may involve a high degree of risk.

The investments we make in accordance with our investment strategy may result in a higher degree of risk or loss of principal than alternative investment options. Our investments may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our securities may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.

The downgrade of the U.S.'s and certain European countries' or certain European financial institutions’ credit ratings, any future downgrades of the U.S.'s and certain European countries' or certain European financial institutions’ credit ratings and the failure to resolve issues related to U.S. fiscal and debt policies may materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of credit-rating downgrades or economic slowdowns in the U.S. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling in 2011 and again in 2013, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from “AAA” to “AA+” in August 2011. The impact of any further downgrades to the U.S. Government's sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. If the U.S.'s credit rating were downgraded it would likely impact the credit risk associated with Agency RMBS in our portfolio. A downgrade of the U.S. Government's credit rating or a default by the U.S. Government to satisfy its debt obligations likely would create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which would weigh heavily on the global banking system and these developments could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise and a reduction in the availability of credit, which may negatively impact the value of the assets in our portfolio, our net income, liquidity and our ability to finance our assets on favorable terms.

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In the years following the financial and credit crisis of 2007-2008, many financial institutions in Europe experienced financial difficulty and were either rescued by government assistance or otherwise benefited from accommodative monetary policy of central banks. Several European governments implemented measures to attempt to shore up their financial sectors through loans, credit guarantees, capital infusions, promises of continued liquidity funding and interest rate cuts. Additionally, other governments of the world’s largest economic countries also implemented interest rate cuts. Some of these European financial institutions have U.S. banking subsidiaries that serve as financing or hedging counterparties to us. Although economic and credit conditions have stabilized in recent years, there is no assurance that these and other plans and programs will be successful in the longer term, and, in particular, when governments and central banks significantly unwind or otherwise reverse these programs and policies. In addition, as a result of the financial difficulty experienced by certain of these European financial institutions, the U.S. government placed many of the U.S. banking subsidiaries of these major European financial institutions on credit watch. If European credit concerns impact these major European banks again in the future, there is the possibility that it will also impact the operations of their U.S. banking subsidiaries. Some of these financial institutions have U.S. banking subsidiaries that serve as financing or hedging counterparties to us. Any future downgrade of the credit ratings of these European financial institutions could result in greater counterparty default risk and could materially adversely affect our business, liquidity, access to financing and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Company, Structure and Change in Control Provisions

We are highly dependent on information systems and system failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems. Any failure or interruption of our systems could cause delays or other problems in our securities trading and other investment activities which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

The occurrence of cyber-incidents, or a deficiency in our cybersecurity or in those of any of our third party service providers, including Headlands, could negatively impact our business by causing a disruption to our operations, a compromise or corruption of our confidential information or damage to our business relationships or reputation, all of which could negatively impact our business and results of operations.

A cyber-incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information resources or the information resources of our third party service providers. More specifically, a cyber-incident is an intentional attack or an unintentional event that can include gaining unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data, or steal confidential information. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems, both internal and those we have outsourced. The primary risks that could directly result from the occurrence of a cyber-incident include operational interruption and private data exposure. We have implemented processes, procedures and controls to help mitigate these risks, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of a risk of a cyber-incident, do not guarantee that our business and results of operations will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.

Our Board of Directors does not approve each of our investment decisions, and may change our investment guidelines without notice or stockholder consent, which may result in riskier investments.

Our Board of Directors periodically reviews our investment guidelines, investment portfolio, and potential investment strategies. However, our directors do not approve every individual investment that we make, leaving management with day-to-day discretion over the portfolio composition within the investment guidelines. Within those guidelines, management has discretion to significantly change the composition of the portfolio. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, the directors may rely primarily on information provided to them by our management. Our Board of Directors has the authority to change our investment guidelines at any time without notice to or consent from our stockholders. To the extent that our investment guidelines change in the future, we may make investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Moreover, because our management has great latitude within our investment guidelines in determining the types and amounts of assets in which to invest on our behalf, there can be no assurance that our management will not make or approve investments that result in returns that are substantially below expectations or result in losses, which would materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

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We are dependent on certain key personnel.

We are a small company and are substantially dependent upon the efforts of our Chief Executive Officer, Steven R. Mumma, and certain other key individuals employed by us. The loss of Mr. Mumma or any key personnel of our Company could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

The stock ownership limit imposed by our charter may inhibit market activity in our common stock and may restrict our business combination opportunities.

In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, not more than 50% in value of the issued and outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code to include certain entities) at any time during the last half of each taxable year (other than our first year as a REIT). This test is known as the “5/50 test.” Attribution rules in the Internal Revenue Code apply to determine if any individual or entity actually or constructively owns our capital stock for purposes of this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own our capital stock during at least 335 days of each taxable year (other than our first year as a REIT). To help ensure that we meet these tests, our charter restricts the acquisition and ownership of shares of our capital stock. Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT and provides that, unless exempted by our Board of Directors, no person may own more than 9.9% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or more than 9.9% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of common stock. The ownership limits contained in our charter could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company under circumstances that otherwise could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current market price for our common stock or would otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Risks Related to Credit

Our efforts to manage credit risks may fail.

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 may not be effective. Loan servicing companies may not cooperate with our loss mitigation efforts or those efforts may be ineffective. Service providers to securitizations, such as trustees, loans servicers, bond insurance providers, and custodians, may not perform in a manner that promotes our interests. Delay of foreclosures could delay resolution and increase ultimate loss severities, as a result.

The value of the properties collateralizing or underlying the loans, securities or interests we own may decline. The frequency of default and the loss severity on loans upon default may be greater than we anticipate. Interest-only loans, negative amortization loans, adjustable-rate loans, larger balance loans, reduced documentation loans, non-QM loans, subprime loans, alt-a loans, second mortgage loans, loans in certain locations, and loans or investments that are partially collateralized by non-real estate assets may have increased risks and severity of loss. If property securing or underlying loans become real estate owned as a result of foreclosure, we bear the risk of not being able to sell the property and recovering our investment and of being exposed to the risks attendant to the ownership of real property.

If we underestimate the loss-adjusted yields of our investments in credit sensitive assets, we may experience losses.

We and our managers expect to value our investments in many credit sensitive assets, including, but not limited to, multi-family CMBS, based on loss-adjusted yields taking into account estimated future losses on the loans that we are investing in directly or that underlie securities owned by us, and the estimated impact of these losses on expected future cash flows. Our loss estimates may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from our estimates. In the event that we underestimate the losses relative to the price we pay for a particular investment, we may experience material losses with respect to such investment.

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We invest in CMBS that are subordinate to more senior securities issued by the applicable securitization, which entails certain risks.

We currently own and may acquire in the future principal only multi-family CMBS that represent the first loss security or other subordinate security of a multi-family mortgage loan securitization. These securities are subject to the first risk of loss or greater risk of loss (as applicable) if any losses are realized on the underlying mortgage loans in the securitization. We also own and may acquire in the future interest only securities issued by multi-family mortgage loan securitizations. However, these interest only CMBS typically only receive payments of interest to the extent that there are funds available in the securitization to make the payments. CMBS generally entitle the holders thereof to receive payments that depend primarily on the cash flow from a specified pool of commercial or multi-family mortgage loans. Consequently, the CMBS, and in particular, first loss PO securities, will be adversely affected by payment defaults, delinquencies and losses on the underlying mortgage loans, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations.

Residential mortgage loans, including non-QM residential mortgage loans, subprime residential mortgage loans and non-performing, sub-performing and re-performing residential mortgage loans, are subject to increased risks.

We acquire and manage residential whole mortgage loans, including loans sourced from distressed markets. Residential mortgage loans, including non-performing, sub-performing and re-performing mortgage loans as well as subprime mortgage loans and mortgage loans that are not deemed "qualified mortgage", or "QM," loans under the rules of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or "CFPB", are subject to increased risks of loss. Unlike Agency RMBS, the residential mortgage loans we invest in generally are not guaranteed by the federal government or any GSE. Additionally, by directly acquiring residential mortgage loans, we do not receive the structural credit enhancements that benefit senior securities of RMBS. A residential whole mortgage loan is directly exposed to losses resulting from default. Therefore, the value of the underlying property, the creditworthiness and financial position of the borrower and the priority and 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.

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.

Our targeted assets currently include distressed residential loans that we acquire from third parties, typically at a discount. Distressed residential loans sell at a discount because they may constitute riskier investments than those selling at or above par value. The distressed residential loans we invest in may be distressed because a borrower may have defaulted thereupon, because the borrower is or has been in the past delinquent on paying all or a portion of his obligation under the loan or because the loan may otherwise contain credit quality that is considered to be poor. The likelihood of full recovery of a distressed loan’s principal and contractual interest is less than that for loans trading at or above par value. Although we typically expect to receive less than the principal amount or face value of the distressed residential loans that we purchase, the return that we in fact receive thereupon may be less than our investment in such loans due to the failure of the loans to perform or reperform. An economic downturn would exacerbate the risks of the recovery of the full value of the loan or the cost of our investment therein.

Second mortgage loan investments expose us to greater credit risks.

We expect to invest in second mortgages on residential properties, which are subject to a greater risk of loss than a traditional mortgage. Our security interest in the property securing a second mortgage is subordinated to the interest of the first mortgage holder and the second mortgages have a higher combined loan-to-value ratio than do the first mortgages. If the borrower experiences difficulties in making senior lien payments or if the value of the property is equal to or less than the amount needed to repay the borrower's obligation to the first mortgage holder upon foreclosure, our investment in the second mortgage loan may not be repaid in full or at all. Further, it is likely that any investments we make in second mortgages will be placed with private entities and not insured by a GSE.

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If we sell or transfer any whole mortgage loans to a third party, including a securitization entity, we may be required to repurchase such loans or indemnify such third party if we breach representations and warranties.

When we sell or transfer any whole mortgage loans to a third party, including a securitization entity, we generally are required to make customary representations and warranties about such loans to the third party. Our residential mortgage loan sale agreements and terms of any securitizations into which we sell or transfer loans will generally require us to repurchase or substitute loans in the event we breach a representation or warranty given to the loan purchaser or securitization. In addition, we may be required to repurchase loans as a result of borrower fraud or in the event of early payment default on a mortgage loan. The remedies available to a purchaser of mortgage loans are generally broader than those available to us against an originating broker or correspondent. Repurchased loans are typically worth only a fraction of the original price. Significant repurchase activity could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Risks Related to Our Use of Hedging Strategies

Hedging against interest rate and market value changes as well as other risks may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Subject to compliance with the requirements to qualify as a REIT, we engage in certain hedging transactions to limit our exposure to changes in interest rates and therefore may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate swaptions, Eurodollars and U.S. Treasury futures to seek to hedge the interest rate risk associated with our portfolio. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, we may establish other hedging positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the portfolio positions should increase. Moreover, at any point in time we may choose not to hedge all or a portion of these risks, and we generally will not hedge those risks that we believe are appropriate for us to take at such time, or that we believe would be impractical or prohibitively expensive to hedge.

Even if we do choose to hedge certain risks, for a variety of reasons we generally will not seek to establish a perfect correlation between our hedging instruments and the risks being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. Our hedging activity will vary in scope based on the composition of our portfolio, our market views, and changing market conditions, including the level and volatility of interest rates. When we do choose to hedge, hedging may fail to protect or could materially adversely affect us because, among other things:


•	we may fail to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the assets in the portfolio being hedged;


•	we may fail to recalculate, re-adjust and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner;


•	the hedging transactions may actually result in poorer overall performance for us than if we had not engaged in the hedging transactions;


•	interest rate hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of volatile interest rates;


•	available hedges may not correspond directly with the risks for which protection is sought;


•	the durations of the hedges may not match the durations of the related assets or liabilities being hedged;


•	many hedges are structured as over-the-counter contracts with counterparties whose creditworthiness is not guaranteed, raising the possibility that the hedging counterparty may default on their payment obligations; and


•	to the extent that the creditworthiness of a hedging counterparty deteriorates, it may be difficult or impossible to terminate or assign any hedging transactions with such counterparty.

For these and other reasons, our hedging activity may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

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Hedging instruments and other derivatives may not, in many cases, be traded on regulated exchanges, or guaranteed or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities and involve risks and costs that could result in material losses.

Hedging instruments and other derivatives involve risk because they may not, in many cases, be traded on regulated exchanges and may not be guaranteed or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities. Consequently, for these instruments, there are no requirements with respect to record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and compliance with applicable statutory and commodity and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. We are not restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty or from concentrating any or all of our transactions with one counterparty. The business failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in a default under the hedging agreement. Default by a party with whom we enter into a hedging transaction may result in losses and may force us to re-initiate similar hedges with other counterparties at the then-prevailing market levels. Generally, we will seek to reserve the right to terminate our hedging transactions upon a counterparty’s insolvency, but absent an actual insolvency, we may not be able to terminate a hedging transaction without the consent of the hedging counterparty, and we may not be able to assign or otherwise dispose of a hedging transaction to another counterparty without the consent of both the original hedging counterparty and the potential assignee. If we terminate a hedging transaction, we may not be able to enter into a replacement contract in order to cover our risk. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and therefore we may be required to maintain any hedging position until exercise or expiration, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and certain commodity exchanges have established limits referred to as speculative position limits or position limits on the maximum net long or net short position which any person or group of persons may hold or control in particular futures and options. Limits on trading in options contracts also have been established by the various options exchanges. It is possible that trading decisions may have to be modified and that positions held may have to be liquidated in order to avoid exceeding such limits. Such modification or liquidation, if required, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Our delayed delivery transactions, including TBAs, subject us to certain risks, including price risks and counterparty risks.

We purchase a significant portion of our Agency RMBS through delayed delivery transactions, including TBAs. In a delayed delivery transaction, we enter into a forward purchase agreement with a counterparty to purchase either (i) an identified Agency RMBS, or (ii) a to-be-issued (or “to-be-announced”) Agency RMBS with certain terms. As with any forward purchase contract, the value of the underlying Agency RMBS may decrease between the contract date and the settlement date. Furthermore, a transaction counterparty may fail to deliver the underlying Agency RMBS at the settlement date. If any of the above risks were to occur, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Risks Related to Debt Financing

Failure to procure adequate funding and capital would adversely affect our results and may, in turn, negatively affect the value of our securities and our ability to distribute cash to our stockholders.

We depend upon the availability of adequate funding and capital for our operations. To maintain our status as a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income annually, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain, to our stockholders and therefore are not able to retain our earnings for new investments. We cannot assure you that any, or sufficient, funding or capital will be available to us in the future on terms that are acceptable to us. In the event that we cannot obtain sufficient funding and capital on acceptable terms, there may be a negative impact on the value of our securities and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders, and you may lose part or all of your investment.

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Our access to financing sources, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, may be limited, and this may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

We depend upon the availability of adequate capital and financing sources on acceptable terms to fund our operations. However, as previously discussed, the capital and credit markets have experienced unprecedented levels of volatility and disruption in recent years that has generally caused a reduction of available credit. Continued volatility or disruption in the credit markets or a downturn in the global economy could materially adversely affect one or more of our lenders and could cause one or more of our lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, or to increase the costs of that financing, or to become insolvent. Although we finance some of our assets with longer-term financing having terms of three years or more, we rely heavily on access to short-term borrowings, primarily in the form of repurchase agreements, to finance our investments. We are currently party to repurchase agreements of a short duration and there can be no assurance that we will be able to roll over or re-set these borrowings on favorable terms, if at all. In the event we are unable to roll over or re-set our repurchase agreement borrowings, it may be more difficult for us to obtain debt financing on favorable terms or at all. In addition, regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders have changed the willingness of many repurchase agreement lenders to make repurchase agreement financing available and additional regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders may cause them to change, limit, or increase the cost of, the financing they provide to us. In general, this could potentially increase our financing costs and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price. Under current market conditions, securitizations have been limited, which has also limited borrowings under warehouse facilities and other credit facilities that are intended to be refinanced by such securitizations. Consequently, depending on market conditions at the relevant time, we may have to rely on additional equity issuances to meet our capital and financing needs, which may be dilutive to our stockholders, or we may have to rely on less efficient forms of debt financing that restrict our operations or consume a larger portion of our cash flow from operations, thereby reducing funds available for our operations, future business opportunities, cash distributions to our stockholders and other purposes. We cannot assure you that we will have access to such equity or debt capital on favorable terms (including, without limitation, cost and term) at the desired times, or at all, which may cause us to curtail our investment activities and/or dispose of assets, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

We may incur increased borrowing costs related to repurchase agreements and that would adversely affect our profitability.

Currently, a significant portion of our borrowings are collateralized borrowings in the form of repurchase agreements. If the interest rates on these agreements increase at a rate higher than the increase in rates payable on our investments, our profitability would be adversely affected.

Our borrowing costs under repurchase agreements generally correspond to short-term interest rates such as LIBOR or a short-term Treasury index, plus or minus a margin. The margins on these borrowings over or under short-term interest rates may vary depending upon a number of factors, including, without limitation:


•	the movement of interest rates;


•	the availability of financing in the market; and


•	the value and liquidity of our mortgage-related assets.

During 2008 and 2009, many repurchase agreement lenders required higher levels of collateral than they had required in the past to support repurchase agreements collateralized by RMBS. Although these collateral requirements have been reduced to more appropriate levels, we cannot assure you that they will not again experience a dramatic increase. If the interest rates, lending margins or collateral requirements under our short-term borrowings, including repurchase agreements, increase, or if lenders impose other onerous terms to obtain this type of financing, our results of operations will be adversely affected.

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The repurchase agreements that we use to finance our investments may require us to provide additional collateral, which could reduce our liquidity and harm our financial condition.

We use repurchase agreements to finance certain of our investments, primarily RMBS. If the market value of the loans or securities pledged or sold by us to a funding source decline in value, we may be required by the lending institution to provide additional collateral or pay down a portion of the funds advanced, but we may not have the funds available to do so. Posting additional collateral to support our repurchase agreements will reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets. In the event we do not have sufficient liquidity to meet such requirements, lending institutions can accelerate our indebtedness, increase our borrowing rates, liquidate our collateral at inopportune times and terminate our ability to borrow. This could result in a rapid deterioration of our financial condition and possibly require us to file for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

We leverage our equity, which can exacerbate any losses we incur on our current and future investments and may reduce cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

We leverage our equity through borrowings, generally through the use of repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings, longer-term structured debt, such as CDOs and other forms of securitized debt, or corporate-level debt, such as convertible notes. We may, in the future, utilize other forms of borrowing. The amount of leverage we incur varies depending on the asset type, our ability to obtain borrowings, the cost of the debt and our lenders’ estimates of the value of our portfolio’s cash flow. The return on our investments and cash available for distribution to our stockholders may be reduced to the extent that changes in market conditions cause the cost of our financing to increase relative to the income that can be derived from the assets we hold in our investment portfolio. Further, the leverage on our equity may exacerbate any losses we incur.

Our debt service payments will reduce the net income available for distribution to our stockholders. We may not be able to meet our debt service obligations and, to the extent that we cannot, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to sale to satisfy our debt obligations. A decrease in the value of the assets may lead to margin calls under our repurchase agreements which we will have to satisfy. Significant decreases in asset valuation, could lead to increased margin calls, and we may not have the funds available to satisfy any such margin calls. Although we have established target leverage amounts for many of our assets, there is no established limitation, other than may be required by our financing arrangements, on our leverage ratio or on the aggregate amount of our borrowings.

If we are unable to leverage our equity to the extent we currently anticipate, the returns on certain of our assets could be diminished, which may limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

If we are limited in our ability to leverage our assets to the extent we currently anticipate, the returns on these assets may be harmed. A key element of our strategy is our use of leverage to increase the size of our portfolio in an attempt to enhance our returns. Our repurchase agreements, other than the repurchase agreements we have with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch that finance our residential mortgage loans, are not currently committed facilities, meaning that the counterparties to these agreements may at any time choose to restrict or eliminate our future access to the facilities and we have no other committed credit facilities through which we may leverage our equity. If we are unable to leverage our equity to the extent we currently anticipate, the returns on our portfolio could be diminished, which may limit or eliminate our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Despite our current debt levels, we may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions which could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on our indebtedness when due and distributions to our stockholders.

Despite our current consolidated debt levels, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our debt instruments, some of which may be secured debt. We are not restricted presently under the terms of the agreements governing our borrowings from incurring additional debt, securing existing or future debt, recapitalizing our debt or taking a number of other actions that could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on our indebtedness when due and distributions to our stockholders.

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We directly or indirectly utilize non-recourse securitizations and recourse structured financings and such structures expose us to risks that could result in losses to us.

We sometimes utilize non-recourse securitizations of our investments in mortgage loans or CMBS to the extent consistent with the maintenance of our REIT qualification and exclusion from the Investment Company Act in order to generate cash for funding new investments and/or to leverage existing assets. In most instances, this involves us transferring loans or CMBS owned by us to a SPE in exchange for cash and typically the ownership certificate or residual interest in the entity. In some sale transactions, we also retain a subordinated interest in the loans or CMBS sold, such as a B-note. The securitization or other structured financing of our portfolio investments might magnify our exposure to losses on those portfolio investments because the subordinated interest we retain in the loans or CMBS sold would be subordinate to the senior interest in the loans or CMBS sold, and we would, therefore, absorb all of the losses sustained with respect to a loan sold before the owners of the senior interest experience any losses. Under the terms of these financings, which generally have terms of three to ten years, we may agree to receive no cash flows from the assets transferred to the SPE until the debt issued by the special purpose entity has matured or been repaid. There can be no assurance that we will be able to access the securitization markets in the future, or be able to do so at favorable rates. The inability to consummate longer term financing for the credit sensitive assets in our portfolio could require us to seek other forms of potentially less attractive financing or to liquidate assets at an inopportune time or price, which could adversely affect our performance and our ability to grow our business.

In addition, under the terms of the securitization or structured financing, we may have limited or no ability to sell, transfer or replace the assets transferred to the SPE, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell the assets opportunistically or during periods when our liquidity is constrained or to refinance the assets. Finally, we have in the past and may in the future guarantee certain terms or conditions of these financings, including the payment of principal and interest on the debt issued by the SPE, the cash flows for which are typically derived from the assets transferred to the entity. If a SPE defaults on its obligations and we have guaranteed the satisfaction of that obligation, we may be materially adversely affected.

If a counterparty to our repurchase transactions defaults on its obligation to resell the underlying security back to us at the end of the transaction term or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we may incur losses.

When we engage in repurchase transactions, we generally sell RMBS, CMBS, mortgage loans or certain other assets to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement counterparties) and receive cash from the lenders. The lenders are obligated to resell the same security or asset back to us at the end of the term of the transaction. Because the cash we receive from the lender when we initially sell the security or asset to the lender is less than the value of that security or asset (this difference is referred to as the “haircut”), if the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same security or asset back to us we would incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the security). Certain of the assets that we pledge as collateral, are currently subject to significant haircuts. Further, if we default on one of our obligations under a repurchase transaction, the lender can terminate the transaction and cease entering into any other repurchase transactions with us. Our repurchase agreements contain cross-default provisions, so that if a default occurs under any one agreement, the lenders under our other agreements could also declare a default. Any losses we incur on our repurchase transactions could adversely affect our earnings and thus our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

Our use of repurchase agreements to borrow funds may give our lenders greater rights in the event that either we or a lender files for bankruptcy.

Our borrowings under repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the bankruptcy code, giving our lenders the ability to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the bankruptcy code and to take possession of and liquidate our collateral under the repurchase agreements without delay in the event that we file for bankruptcy. Furthermore, the special treatment of repurchase agreements under the bankruptcy code may make it difficult for us to recover our pledged assets in the event that a lender files for bankruptcy. Thus, the use of repurchase agreements exposes our pledged assets to risk in the event of a bankruptcy filing by either a lender or us.

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Our liquidity may be adversely affected by margin calls under our repurchase agreements because we are dependent in part on the lenders' valuation of the collateral securing the financing.

Each of these repurchase agreements allows the lender, to varying degrees, to revalue the collateral to values that the lender considers to reflect market value. If a lender determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, it may initiate a margin call requiring us to post additional collateral to cover the decrease. When we are subject to such a margin call, we must provide the lender with additional collateral or repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings with minimal notice. Any such margin call could harm our liquidity, results of operation and financial condition. Additionally, in order to obtain cash to satisfy a margin call, we may be required to liquidate assets at a disadvantageous time, which could cause it to incur further losses and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Regulatory Matters

The federal conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related efforts, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and the U.S. Government, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

Payments on the Agency RMBS (excluding Agency IOs) in which we invest are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are GSEs, but their guarantees are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Ginnie Mae, which guarantees mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) backed by federally insured or guaranteed loans primarily consisting of loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (the “FHA”) or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”), is part of a U.S. Government agency and its guarantees are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

In September 2008, in response to the deteriorating financial condition of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the U.S. Government placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the “FHFA”), their federal regulator, pursuant to its powers under The Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008, a part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Under this conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are required to reduce the amount of mortgage loans they own or for which they provide guarantees on Agency RMBS.

Shortly after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in federal conservatorship, the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury noted that the guarantee structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac required examination and that changes in the structures of the entities were necessary to reduce risk to the financial system. The future roles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be significantly reduced, and the nature of their guarantees could be considerably limited relative to historical measurements or even eliminated. The substantial financial assistance provided by the U.S. Government to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, especially in the course of their being placed into conservatorship and thereafter, together with the substantial financial assistance provided by the U.S. Government to the mortgage-related operations of other GSEs and government agencies, such as the FHA, VA and Ginnie Mae, has stirred debate among many federal policymakers over the continued role of the U.S. Government in providing such financial support for the mortgage-related GSEs in particular, and for the mortgage and housing markets in general. To date, no definitive legislation has been enacted with respect to a possible unwinding of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or a material reduction in their roles in the U.S. mortgage market, and it is not possible at this time to predict the scope and nature of the actions that the U.S. Government will ultimately take with respect to these entities.

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could each be dissolved, and the U.S. Government could determine to stop providing liquidity support of any kind to the mortgage market. If Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae were eliminated, or their structures were to change radically, or the U.S. Government significantly reduced its support for any or all of them which would drastically reduce the amount and type of MBS available for purchase, we may be unable or significantly limited in our ability to acquire MBS, which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our ability to maintain our exclusion from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Moreover, any changes to the nature of the guarantees provided by, or laws affecting, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could materially adversely affect the credit quality of the guarantees, could increase the risk of loss on purchases of MBS issued by these GSEs and could have broad adverse market implications for the MBS they currently guarantee and the mortgage industry generally. Any action that affects the credit quality of the guarantees provided by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae could materially adversely affect the value of the MBS and other mortgage-related assets that we own or seek to acquire. In addition, any market uncertainty that arises from any such proposed changes, or the perception that such changes will come to fruition, could have a similar impact on us and the values of the MBS and other mortgage-related assets that we own.

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In addition, we rely on our Agency RMBS as collateral for our financings under the repurchase agreements that we have entered into. Any decline in their value, or perceived market uncertainty about their value, would make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on our Agency RMBS on acceptable terms or at all, or to maintain compliance with the terms of any financing transactions.

Mortgage loan modification programs and future legislative action may adversely affect the value of, and the returns on, our targeted assets.

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Treasury, the FHA, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or “FDIC," commenced implementation of programs designed to provide homeowners with assistance in avoiding residential or commercial mortgage loan foreclosures, including the Home Affordable Modification Program, or “HAMP,” which provides homeowners with assistance in avoiding residential mortgage loan foreclosures, and the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or “HARP,” which allows borrowers who are current on their mortgage payments to refinance and reduce their monthly mortgage payments at loan-to-value ratios up to 125% without new mortgage insurance. The programs may involve, among other things, the modification of residential mortgage loans to reduce the principal amount of the loans or the rate of interest payable on the loans, or to extend the payment terms of the loans.

Loan modification and refinance programs may adversely affect the performance of Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS and residential mortgage loans owned by us. Residential distressed mortgage loans and non-Agency RMBS are particularly sensitive to loan modification and refinance programs, as a significant number of loan modifications with respect to a given security or pool of loans, including those related to principal forgiveness and coupon reduction, could negatively impact the realized yields and cash flows on such investments. In addition, it is also likely that loan modifications would result in increased prepayments on some RMBS and residential mortgage loans.

The U.S. Congress and various state and local legislatures have considered in the past, and in the future may adopt, legislation, which, among other provisions, would permit limited assignee liability for certain violations in the mortgage loan origination process, and would allow judicial modification of loan principal in the event of personal bankruptcy. We cannot predict whether or in what form the U.S. Congress or the various state and local legislatures may enact legislation affecting our business or whether any such legislation will require us to change our practices or make changes in our portfolio in the future. These changes, if required, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders, particularly if we make such changes in response to new or amended laws, regulations or ordinances in any state where we acquire a significant portion of our mortgage loans, or if such changes result in us being held responsible for any violations in the mortgage loan origination process. These loan modification programs, future legislative or regulatory actions, including possible amendments to the bankruptcy laws, which result in the modification of outstanding residential mortgage loans, as well as changes in the requirements necessary to qualify for refinancing mortgage loans with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae, may adversely affect the value of, and the returns on, our assets which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

We could be subject to liability for potential violations of predatory lending laws, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.

Residential mortgage loan originators and servicers are required to comply with various federal, state and local laws and regulations, including anti-predatory lending laws and laws and regulations imposing certain restrictions on requirements on high cost loans. Failure of residential mortgage loan originators or servicers to comply with these laws, to the extent any of their residential mortgage loans become part of our investment portfolio, could subject us, as an assignee or purchaser of the related residential mortgage loans, to monetary penalties and could result in the borrowers rescinding the affected residential mortgage loans. Lawsuits have been brought in various states making claims against assignees or purchasers of high cost loans for violations of state law. Named defendants in these cases have included numerous participants within the secondary mortgage market. If the loans are found to have been originated in violation of predatory or abusive lending laws, we could incur losses that would materially adversely affect our business.

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Certain provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws could hinder, delay or prevent a change in control which could have an adverse effect on the value of our securities.

Certain provisions of Maryland law, our charter and our bylaws may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing transactions that involve an actual or threatened change in control. These provisions include the following, among others:


•	our charter provides that, subject to the rights of one or more classes or series of preferred stock to elect one or more directors, a director may be removed with or without cause only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by our stockholders generally in the election of directors;


•	our bylaws provide that only our Board of Directors shall have the authority to amend our bylaws;


•	under our charter, our Board of Directors has authority to issue preferred stock from time to time, in one or more series and to establish the terms, preferences and rights of any such series, all without the approval of our stockholders;


•	the Maryland Business Combination Act; and


•	the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act.

Although our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting us from application of the Maryland Business Combination Act and our bylaws provide that we are not subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, our Board of Directors may elect to make the “business combination” statute and “control share” statute applicable to us at any time and may do so without stockholder approval.

Maintenance of our Investment Company Act exemption imposes limits on our operations.

We have conducted and intend to continue to conduct our operations so as not to become regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. We believe that there are a number of exclusions under the Investment Company Act that are applicable to us. To maintain the exclusion, the assets that we acquire are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act. On August 31, 2011, the SEC published a concept release entitled “Companies Engaged in the Business of Acquiring Mortgages and Mortgage Related Instruments” (Investment Company Act Rel. No. 29778). This release suggests that the SEC may modify the exclusion relied upon by companies similar to us that invest in mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities. If the SEC acts to narrow the availability of, or if we otherwise fail to qualify for, our exclusion, we could, among other things, be required either (a) to change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company or (b) to register as an investment company, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the market price of our common stock.

Tax Risks Related to Our Structure

Failure to qualify as a REIT would adversely affect our operations and ability to make distributions.

We have operated and intend to continue to operate so to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our ability to meet various 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. In order to satisfy these requirements, we might have to forego investments we might otherwise make. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our investment performance. Moreover, while we intend to continue to operate so to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, there can be no assurance that we will so qualify in any taxable year.

If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and we do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we would be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We might be required to borrow funds or liquidate some investments in order to pay the applicable tax. Our payment of income tax would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to stockholders. Furthermore, if we fail to qualify as a REIT and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we would no longer be required to make distributions to stockholders. Unless our failure to qualify as a REIT were excused under the federal income tax laws, we generally would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we lost our REIT status.

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REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our liquidity.

In order to qualify as a REIT, we generally are required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding any net capital gain. To the extent that we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to corporate income tax on our undistributed REIT taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which certain distributions paid by us with respect to any calendar year are less than the sum of (i) 85% of our ordinary REIT income for that year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for that year, and (iii) 100% of our undistributed REIT taxable income from prior years.

We have made and intend to continue to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax. However, differences in timing between the recognition of REIT taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax.

Certain of our assets may generate substantial mismatches between REIT taxable income and available cash. Such assets could include mortgage-backed securities we hold that have been issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable income in advance of the receipt of cash. As a result, our taxable income may exceed our cash available for distribution and the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our net taxable income could cause us to:


•	sell assets in adverse market conditions;


•	borrow on unfavorable terms; or


•	distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.

Further, our lenders could require us to enter into negative covenants, including restrictions on our ability to distribute funds or to employ leverage, which could inhibit our ability to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement.

We may satisfy the 90% distribution test with taxable distributions of our stock or debt securities. On August 11, 2017, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45 authorizing elective cash/stock dividends to be made by publicly offered REITS (e.g. 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 (e.g., 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 stockholder may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash that they receive.

Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates on dividend income from regular corporations.

The maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for dividends payable to domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, are generally not eligible for the reduced rates. Rather, under the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), REIT dividends constitute “qualified business income” and thus a 20% deduction is available to individual taxpayers with respect to such dividends, resulting in a 29.6% maximum federal tax rate (plus the 3.8% surtax on net investment income, if applicable) for individual U.S. stockholders. Additionally, without further legislative action, the 20% deduction applicable to REIT dividends will expire on January 1, 2026. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are taxed at individual rates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our common stock.

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Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

To qualify as a REIT, we must continually satisfy various tests regarding the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our common stock. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forego investments we might otherwise make. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, and may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source of income or asset diversification requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our investment performance.

Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively.

The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code substantially limit our ability to hedge the RMBS in our investment portfolio. Our aggregate gross income from non-qualifying hedges, fees, and certain other non-qualifying sources cannot exceed 5% of our annual gross income. As a result, we might have to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. Any hedging income earned by a TRS would be subject to federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear.

Our ability to invest in and dispose of “to be announced” securities could be limited by our REIT status, and we could lose our REIT status as a result of these investments.

In connection with our investment in Agency IOs, we may purchase Agency RMBS through TBAs, or dollar roll transactions. In certain instances, rather than take delivery of the Agency RMBS subject to a TBA, we will dispose of the TBA through a dollar roll transaction in which we agree to purchase similar securities in the future at a predetermined price or otherwise, which may result in the recognition of income or gains. We account for dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales. The law is unclear regarding whether TBAs will be qualifying assets for the 75% asset test and whether income and gains from dispositions of TBAs will be qualifying income for the 75% gross income test.

Until such time as we seek and receive a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS, or we are advised by counsel that TBAs should be treated as qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test, we will limit our investment in TBAs and any non-qualifying assets to no more than 25% of our assets at the end of any calendar quarter. Further, until such time as we seek and receive a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS or we are advised by counsel that income and gains from the disposition of TBAs should be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, we will limit our gains from dispositions of TBAs and any non-qualifying income to no more than 25% of our gross income for each calendar year. Accordingly, our ability to purchase Agency RMBS through TBAs and to dispose of TBAs, through dollar roll transactions or otherwise, could be limited.

Moreover, even if we are advised by counsel that TBAs should be treated as qualifying assets or that income and gains from dispositions of TBAs should be treated as qualifying income, it is possible that the IRS could successfully take the position that such assets are not qualifying assets and such income is not qualifying income. In that event, we could be subject to a penalty tax or we could fail to qualify as a REIT if (i) the value of our TBAs, together with our non-qualifying assets for the 75% asset test, exceeded 25% of our gross assets at the end of any calendar quarter or (ii) our income and gains from the disposition of TBAs, together with our non-qualifying income for the 75% gross income test, exceeded 25% of our gross income for any taxable year.

The failure of certain investments subject to a repurchase agreement to qualify as real estate assets would adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.

We have entered and intend to continue to enter into repurchase agreements under which we will nominally sell certain of our investments to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase the sold investments. We believe that for U.S. federal income tax purposes these transactions will be treated as secured debt and we will be treated as the owner of the investments that are the subject of any such agreement notwithstanding that such agreement may transfer record ownership of such investments to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could successfully assert that we do not own the investments during the term of the repurchase agreement, in which case our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT could be adversely affected.

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We could fail to continue to qualify as a REIT if the IRS successfully challenges our treatment of our mezzanine loans.

We currently own, and in the future may originate or acquire, mezzanine loans, which are loans secured by equity interests in an entity that directly or indirectly owns real property, rather than by a direct mortgage of the real property. In Revenue Procedure 2003-65, the IRS established a safe harbor under which loans secured by a first priority security interest in ownership interests in a partnership or limited liability company owning real property will be treated as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from those loans will be treated as qualifying income for both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, provided several requirements are satisfied. Although Revenue Procedure 2003-65 provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax law. Moreover, our mezzanine loans typically do not meet all of the requirements for reliance on the safe harbor. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge our treatment of such loans as qualifying real estate assets, which could adversely affect our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT. We have invested, and will continue to invest, in mezzanine loans in a manner that will enable us to continue to satisfy the REIT gross income and asset tests.

We may incur a significant tax liability as a result of selling assets that might be subject to the prohibited transactions tax if sold directly by us.

A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of assets held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. There is a risk that certain loans that we are treating as owning for federal income tax purposes and property received upon foreclosure of these loans will be treated as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Although we expect to avoid the prohibited transactions tax by contributing those assets to one of our TRSs and conducting the marketing and sale of those assets through that TRS, no assurance can be given that the IRS will respect the transaction by which those assets are contributed to our TRS. Even if those contribution transactions are respected, our TRS will be subject to federal, state and local corporate income tax and may incur a significant tax liability as a result of those sales.

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

At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be amended. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our stockholders could be adversely affected by any such change in, or any new, U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation.

The recently-enacted TCJA makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations. In the case of individuals, the tax brackets have been adjusted, the top federal income rate has been reduced to 37%, special rules reduce taxation of certain income earned through pass-through entities and reduce the top effective rate applicable to ordinary dividends from REITs to 29.6% (through a 20% deduction for ordinary REIT dividends received) and various deductions have been eliminated or limited, including limiting the deduction for state and local taxes to $10,000 per year. Most of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and apply only to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. The top corporate income tax rate has been reduced to 21%. There are only minor changes to the REIT rules (other than the 20% deduction applicable to individuals for ordinary REIT dividends received). The TCJA makes numerous other large and small changes to the tax rules that do not affect REITs directly but may affect our stockholders and may indirectly affect us. For example, the TCJA amends the rules for accrual of income so that income is taken into account no later than when it is taken into account on applicable financial statements, even if financial statements take such income into account before it would accrue under the original issue discount rules, market discount rules or other Code rules. Such rule may cause us to recognize income before receiving any corresponding receipt of cash. In addition, the TCJA reduces the limit for individuals' mortgage interest expense to interest on $750,000 of mortgages and does not permit deduction of interest on home equity loans (after grandfathering all existing mortgages). Such change and the reduction in deductions for state and local taxes (including property taxes) may adversely affect the residential mortgage markets in which we invest.

Prospective stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the status of the TCJA and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on investment in our common stock.

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Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

The Company does not own any materially important physical properties; however, it does have residential homes (or real estate owned) that it acquires, from time to time, through or in lieu of foreclosures on mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2017 , our principal executive and administrative offices are located in leased space at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 3200, New York, New York 10016. We also maintain an office in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are at times subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not believe that any of our current legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “NYMT”. As of December 31, 2017 , we had 111,909,909 shares of common stock outstanding and there were approximately 41 holders of record of our common stock. This figure does not reflect the beneficial ownership of shares held in nominee name.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high, low and quarter end closing sales prices per share of our common stock and the cash dividends paid on our common stock on a per share basis:



	Common Stock Prices						Cash Dividends
	High		Low		Quarter End		Declaration Date	Payment Date	Amount Per Share
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Fourth quarter	$	6.49	$	5.92	$	6.17	12/7/2017	1/25/2018	$	0.20
Third quarter	6.41		6.10		6.15		9/14/2017	10/25/2017	0.20
Second quarter	6.62		6.07		6.22		6/14/2017	7/25/2017	0.20
First quarter	6.82		6.10		6.17		3/16/2017	4/25/2017	0.20



	Common Stock Prices						Cash Dividends
	High		Low		Quarter End		Declaration Date	Payment Date	Amount Per Share
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Fourth quarter	$	6.95	$	5.70	$	6.60	12/15/2016	1/26/2017	$	0.24
Third quarter	6.55		5.87		6.02		9/15/2016	10/28/2016	0.24
Second quarter	6.62		4.64		6.10		6/16/2016	7/25/2016	0.24
First quarter	5.51		3.98		4.74		3/18/2016	4/25/2016	0.24

We intend to continue to pay quarterly dividends to holders of shares of our common stock. Future distributions will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings and financial condition, maintenance of our REIT qualification, restrictions on making distributions under Maryland law and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

None.

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Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2017 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance. The Company has no such plans that were not approved by security holders.



Plan Category	Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	—	$	—	5,504,822

Performance Graph

The following line graph sets forth, for the period from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017 , a comparison of the percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock compared to the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the FTSE National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Mortgage REIT (“FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REITs”) Index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Company’s common stock and each of the indices were $100 as of December 31, 2012 .

The foregoing graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Annual Report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise by deemed filed under those acts.

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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth our selected historical operating and financial data. The selected historical operating and financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , 2015 , 2014 and 2013 have been derived from our historical financial statements.

The information presented below is only a summary and does not provide all of the information contained in our historical financial statements, including the related notes. You should read the information below in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our historical financial statements, including the related notes (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

Selected Statement of Operations Data:



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Interest income	$	366,087	$	319,306	$	336,768	$	378,847	$	291,727
Interest expense	308,101		254,668		260,651		301,010		231,178
Net interest income	57,986		64,638		76,117		77,837		60,549
Other income	75,013		41,238		45,911		105,208		29,062
General, administrative and operating expenses	41,077		35,221		39,480		40,459		19,917
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	76,320		54,651		67,023		130,379		65,387
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.68	$	0.50	$	0.62	$	1.48	$	1.11
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.66	$	0.50	$	0.62	$	1.48	$	1.11
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.80	$	0.96	$	1.02	$	1.08	$	1.08
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	111,836		109,594		108,399		87,867		59,102
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	130,343		109,594		108,399		87,867		59,102

Selected Balance Sheet Data:



	As of December 31,
	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Investment securities, available for sale, at fair value	$	1,413,081	$	818,976	$	765,454	$	885,241	$	1,005,021
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	73,820		95,144		119,921		149,614		163,237
Residential mortgage loans, at fair value	87,153		17,769		946		—		—
Distressed residential mortgage loans, net	331,464		503,094		558,989		582,697		264,434
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value	9,657,421		6,939,844		7,105,336		8,365,514		8,111,022
Investment in unconsolidated entities	51,143		79,259		87,662		49,828		14,849
Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	138,920		100,150		44,151		24,907		13,209
Total assets ⁽¹⁾	12,056,285		8,951,631		9,056,242		10,540,005		9,898,675
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments	1,276,918		773,142		577,413		651,965		791,125
Financing arrangements, residential mortgage loans	149,063		192,419		212,155		238,949		—
Residential collateralized debt obligations	70,308		91,663		116,710		145,542		158,410
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations, at fair value	9,189,459		6,624,896		6,818,901		8,048,053		7,871,020
Securitized debt	81,537		158,867		116,541		232,877		304,964
Subordinated debentures	45,000		45,000		45,000		45,000		45,000
Convertible notes	128,749		—		—		—		—
Total liabilities ⁽¹⁾	11,080,284		8,100,469		8,175,716		9,722,078		9,418,009
Total equity	976,001		851,162		880,526		817,927		480,666

⁽¹⁾

Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities of Consolidated VIEs, as the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. As of December 31, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , assets of the Company's Consolidated VIEs totaled $10,041,468 , $7,330,872 and $7,412,093 , respectively, and the liabilities of these Consolidated VIEs totaled $9,436,421 , $6,902,536 and $7,077,175 , respectively. See Note 10 of our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for further discussion.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

We are a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related and residential-housing related assets. Our objective is to deliver long-term stable distributions to our stockholders over changing economic conditions through a combination of net interest margin and net realized capital gains from a diversified investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio includes certain credit sensitive assets and investments sourced from distressed markets that create the potential for capital gains, as well as more traditional types of mortgage-related investments that generate interest income.

We intend to maintain our focus on residential and multi-family credit assets, which we believe will benefit from improving credit metrics. Consistent with this approach to capital allocation, we acquired an additional $415.6 million of residential and multi-family credit assets during the year ended December 31, 2017 . In periods where we have working capital in excess of our short-term liquidity needs, we expect to invest the excess in more liquid assets, such as Agency RMBS, until such time as we are able to re-invest that capital in credit assets that meet our underwriting requirements. Our investment and capital allocation decisions depend on prevailing market conditions, among other factors, and may change over time in response to opportunities available in different economic and capital market environments.

We seek to achieve a balanced and diverse funding mix to finance our assets and operations. We currently rely primarily on a combination of short-term borrowings, such as repurchase agreements with terms typically of 30 days, longer term repurchase agreement borrowing with terms between one year and 18 months and longer term structured financings, such as securitizations and convertible notes, with terms longer than one year.

We internally manage the assets in our investment portfolio, with the exception of distressed residential loans for which we have engaged Headlands to provide investment management services. As part of our investment strategy, we may, from time to time, utilize one or more external investment managers, similar to Headlands, to manage specific asset types that we target or own.

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2017 Highlights


•	We generated net income attributable to common stockholders in 2017 of $76.3 million , or $ 0.68 per share (basic).


•	Net interest income of $58.0 million and portfolio net interest margin of 273 basis points.


•	Book value per common share of $6.00 at December 31, 2017 , delivering an annual economic return of 10.9% for the year ended December 31, 2017 .


•	We declared aggregate 2017 dividends of $0.80 per common share.


•	We completed the issuance and sale of $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes in a public offering that resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $127.0 million .


•	We completed the issuance and sale of 5.4 million shares of our 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock ("Series D Preferred Stock") that resulted in total net proceeds to us of $130.5 million .


•	We purchased CMBS securities, including two first loss PO securities issued by Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations, for an aggregate gross purchase price of approximately $171.2 million .


•	We funded in aggregate $60.3 million of preferred equity investments in owners of multi-family properties.


•	We received proceeds of approximately $64.0 million on sales of CMBS investment securities available for sale realizing a gain of approximately $6.3 million .


•	We acquired residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans and second mortgages, for an aggregate purchase cost of approximately $101.3 million .


•	We sold distressed residential mortgage loans for aggregate proceeds of approximately $179.7 million , which resulted in a net realized gain, before income taxes, of approximately $28.0 million .


•	We purchased Agency fixed-rate RMBS for a gross purchase price of $788.7 million .

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Current Market Conditions and Commentar y

The housing market, credit conditions and the interest rate environment each have a significant impact on our business. The 2017 fiscal year was marked by a synchronized acceleration of global growth, low inflation, continued labor market expansion, reduced volatility and accommodative monetary policy on a relative basis, which in turn helped to fuel a broad-based rally in asset prices. U.S. equity markets benefited from strong corporate earnings, solid economic growth, low volatility and U.S. tax reform legislation, rising 17.9% during the fiscal year, while credit markets also enjoyed a solid year. Although the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note ranged from a low of 2.05% to a high of 2.62% during 2017, the interest rate environment exhibited greater stability and less volatility in 2017 relative to 2016. More recently though, inflation fears driven largely by recent labor market data have resulted in a spike in market volatility, with the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note advancing from 2.44% on January 3, 2018 to 2.84% on February 2, 2018.

We seek to acquire and manage multi-family and residential credit assets as part of our investment strategy, but will also deploy capital to non-credit assets, including Agency RMBS, as attractive opportunities for these assets arise or to the extent we have excess working capital. The market conditions discussed below significantly influence our investment strategy and results.

General. The U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in 2017 as compared to 2016, with real gross domestic product (“GDP”) expanding by 2.3% in 2017 versus 1.5% in 2016, performing at the high-end of Federal Reserve policymakers’ forecasts at the outset of the 2017 fiscal year. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the acceleration in real GDP growth from 2016 to 2017 was influenced by upturns in nonresidential fixed investment and in exports and a smaller decrease in private inventory investment, partly offset by decelerations in residential fixed investment and in state and local government spending. According to the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s December 2017 meeting, Federal Reserve policymakers expect a similar to slightly higher GDP growth rate in 2018 with the central tendency projections for GDP growth ranging from 2.2% to 2.8%, while projecting a deceleration in GDP growth in 2019 with the central tendency projections for GDP growth ranging from 1.7% to 2.4%.

The labor market continued its expansion in 2017. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. unemployment rate fell from 4.7% as of the end of December 2016 to 4.1% as of the end of December 2017, while total nonfarm payroll employment posted an average monthly increase of 147,000 jobs in 2017, down from an average monthly increase of 187,000 jobs in 2016. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor in January 2018 indicated that the U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.1%, while total nonfarm payroll employment added 200,000 jobs in January 2018.

Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy. In December 2017, in view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Federal Reserve announced that it would raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 1.25% to 1.50% and has indicated its expectations for additional rate hikes in 2018, although the Federal Reserve opted not to increase the rate at its January 2018 meeting. The Federal Reserve increased the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points in each of March and June 2017. The Federal Reserve indicated that in determining the size and timing of future adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, it will assess “realized and expected economic conditions relative to its objectives of maximum employment and 2% inflation." Significant uncertainty with respect to the speed at which the Federal Reserve will tighten its monetary policy continues to persist and may result in significant volatility in 2018 and future periods. Greater uncertainty frequently leads to wider asset spreads or lower prices and higher hedging costs.

Single-Family Homes and Residential Mortgage Market. The residential real estate market continued to display signs of growth during 2017. Data released by S&P Indices for its S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Indices for November 2017 showed that, on average, home prices increased 6.4% for the 20-City Composite over November 2016. In addition, according to data provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, privately-owned housing starts for single family homes averaged a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 890,000 during the fourth quarter of 2017, which was 7.2% above the fourth quarter 2016 rate of 830,000. We expect the single-family residential real estate market to continue to improve modestly in the near term and we expect this will have a positive impact on the overall credit profile of our existing portfolio of distressed residential loans.

Multi-family Housing. Apartments and other residential rental properties have continued to perform well. According to data provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, starts on multi-family homes containing five units or more averaged a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 350,000 during the fourth quarter of 2017 and 345,000 for the full year 2017, as compared to 373,000 for the full year 2016. Moreover, even with the supply expansion in recent years and concerns that such expansion will lead to higher vacancy rates, vacancy sentiment among multi-family industry participants appears to remain stable. According to the Multifamily Vacancy Index (“MVI”), which is produced by the National Association of Home Builders and surveys the multi-family housing industry’s perception of vacancies, the MVI was at 41 for the third quarter of 2017, up from 38 for the second quarter of 2017 but still largely in-line with index scores over the prior two years. Strength in the multi-family housing sector has contributed to valuation improvements for multi-family properties and, in turn, many of the multi-family CMBS that we own, although those gains have slowed over the past two years.

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Credit Spreads. Credit spreads generally tightened throughout much of 2017 and this had a positive impact on the value of many of our credit sensitive assets while also resulting in a more challenging current return environment for new investment in many of these asset classes. Tightening credit spreads generally increase the value of many of our credit sensitive assets while widening credit spreads generally decrease the value of these assets.

Financing markets. During 2017, the bond market experienced moderate volatility with the closing yield of the ten-year U.S. Treasury Note trading between 2.05% and 2.62%, settling at 2.40% at December 31, 2017. During the second half of 2017, the Treasury curve decreased with the spread between the 2-Year U.S. Treasury yield and the 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield closing to 51 basis points, down 42 basis points from June 30, 2017. As of February 13, 2018, the spread between the 2-Year U.S. Treasury yield and the 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield had expanded to 73 basis points, signaling a steepening yield curve. This spread is important as it is indicative of opportunities for investing in levered assets.

Developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Payments on the Agency fixed-rate and Agency ARMs RMBS in which we invest are guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In addition, although not guaranteed by Freddie Mac, all of our multi-family CMBS has been issued by securitization vehicles sponsored by Freddie Mac and the Agency IOs we invest in are issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. As broadly publicized, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are presently under federal conservatorship as the U.S. Government continues to evaluate the future of these entities and what role the U.S. Government should continue to play in the housing markets in the future. Since being placed under federal conservatorship, there have been a number of proposals introduced, both from industry groups and by the U.S. Congress, relating to changing the role of the U.S. government in the mortgage market and reforming or eliminating Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It remains unclear how the U.S. Congress will move forward on such reform at this time and what impact, if any, this reform will have on mortgage REITs. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Company—The federal conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related efforts, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and the U.S. Government, may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.”

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Significant Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts. These estimates are based, in part, on our judgment and assumptions regarding various economic conditions that we believe are reasonable based on facts and circumstances existing at the time of reporting. The results of these estimates affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income, expenses and other comprehensive income during the periods presented.

Changes in the estimates and assumptions could have a material effect on these financial statements. Accounting policies and estimates related to specific components of our consolidated financial statements are disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. In accordance with SEC guidance, those material accounting policies and estimates that we believe are most critical to an investor’s understanding of our financial results and condition and which require complex management judgment are discussed below.

Revenue Recognition . Interest income on our investment securities available for sale is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Purchase premiums or discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted to interest income over the life of the investment securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to amortization are made for actual prepayment activity.

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

A portion of the purchase discount on the Company’s first loss PO multi-family CMBS is designated as non-accretable purchase discount or credit reserve, which is intended to partially mitigate the Company’s risk of loss on the mortgages collateralizing such multi-family CMBS, and is not expected to be accreted into interest income. The amount designated as a credit reserve may be adjusted over time, based on the actual performance of the security, its underlying collateral, actual and projected cash flow from such collateral, economic conditions and other factors. If the performance of a security with a credit reserve is more favorable than forecasted, a portion of the amount designated as credit reserve may be accreted into interest income over time. Conversely, if the performance of a security with a credit reserve is less favorable than forecasted, the amount designated as credit reserve may be increased, or impairment charges and write-downs of such securities to a new cost basis could be required.

With respect to interest rate swaps that have not been designated as hedges, any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of, such swaps will be recognized in current earnings.

Fair Value. The Company has established and documented processes for determining fair values. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use inputs that are market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves. The Company’s interest-only CMBS, principal-only CMBS, multi-family loans held in securitization trusts and multi-family CDOs are considered to be the most significant of its fair value estimates.

The Company’s valuation methodologies are described in “Note 18 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments” included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Impaired Loans, net – Impaired residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are recorded at amortized cost less specific loan loss reserves. Impaired loan value is based on management’s estimate of the net realizable value taking into consideration local market conditions of the property, updated appraisal values of the property and estimated expenses required to remediate the impaired loan.

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

Loan Consolidation Reporting Requirement for Certain Multi-Family K-Series Securitizations – We owned 100% of the first loss PO securities of the Consolidated K-Series (as defined in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report). The Consolidated K-Series represent Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations, respectively, of which we, or one of our special purpose entities, or SPEs, own the first loss PO securities, certain IO securities and mezzanine CMBS securities. We determined that the Consolidated K-Series were VIEs and that we are the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series. As a result, we are required to consolidate the Consolidated K-Series’ underlying multi-family loans including their liabilities, income and expenses in our consolidated financial statements. We have elected the fair value option on the assets and liabilities held within the Consolidated K-Series, which requires that changes in valuations in the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series will be reflected in our consolidated statement of operations.

Fair Value Option – The fair value option provides an election that allows companies to irrevocably elect fair value for financial assets and liabilities on an instrument-by-instrument basis at initial recognition. Changes in fair value for assets and liabilities for which the election is made will be recognized in earnings as they occur. The Company elected the fair value option for certain of its Agency IOs, certain of its investments in unconsolidated entities, the Consolidated K-Series, and certain acquired residential mortgage loans, including both first and second mortgage loans.

Acquired Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans – Acquired distressed residential mortgage loans that have evidence of deteriorated credit quality at acquisition are accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality ("ASC 310-30"). Management evaluates whether there is evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the acquisition date using indicators such as past due or modified status, risk ratings, recent borrower credit scores and recent loan-to-value percentages. Acquired distressed residential mortgage loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, with no allowance for loan losses. Under ASC 310-30, the acquired loans may be aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an expectation of aggregate cash flows. Once a pool is assembled, it is treated as if it was one loan for purposes of applying the accounting guidance.

Under ASC 310-30, the excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the carrying amount of the loans, referred to as the “accretable yield,” is accreted into interest income over the life of the loans in each pool or individually using a level yield methodology. Accordingly, our acquired distressed residential mortgage loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 are not subject to classification as nonaccrual classification in the same manner as our residential mortgage loans that were not distressed when acquired by us. Rather, interest income on acquired distressed residential mortgage loans relates to the accretable yield recognized at the pool level or on an individual loan basis, and not to contractual interest payments received at the loan level. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments and the cash flows expected to be collected, referred to as the “nonaccretable difference,” includes estimates of both the impact of prepayments and expected credit losses over the life of the individual loan, or the pool (for loans grouped into a pool).

Management monitors actual cash collections against its expectations, and revised cash flow expectations are prepared as necessary. A decrease in expected cash flows in subsequent periods may indicate that the loan pool or individual loan, as applicable, is impaired, thus requiring the establishment of an allowance for loan losses by a charge to the provision for loan losses. An increase in expected cash flows in subsequent periods initially reduces any previously established allowance for loan losses by the increase in the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, and results in a recalculation of the amount of accretable yield for the loan pool. The adjustment of accretable yield due to an increase in expected cash flows is accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate. The additional cash flows expected to be collected are reclassified from the nonaccretable difference to the accretable yield, and the amount of periodic accretion is adjusted accordingly over the remaining life of the loans in the pool or individual loan, as applicable. The impacts of (i) prepayments, (ii) changes in variable interest rates, and (iii) any other changes in the timing of expected cash flows are recognized prospectively as adjustments to interest income.

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Business Combinations - The Company evaluates each purchase transaction to determine whether the acquired assets meet the definition of a business. The Company accounts for business combinations by applying the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations . Transaction costs related to acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and liabilities.

Contingent consideration is classified as a liability or equity, as applicable. Contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of a business is measured at fair value on acquisition date, and unless classified as equity, is remeasured at fair value each reporting period thereafter until the consideration is settled, with changes in fair value included in net income.

Net cash paid to acquire a business is classified as investing activities on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and the possible effects on our financial statements is included in “Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Capital Allocation

The following tables set forth our allocated capital by investment type at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

At December 31, 2017 :



	Agency RMBS ⁽¹⁾			Multi- Family ⁽²⁾			Distressed Residential ⁽³⁾			Other ⁽⁴⁾			Total
Carrying value	$	1,169,535		$	816,805		$	474,128		$	140,325		$	2,600,793
Liabilities:
Callable ⁽⁵⁾	(928,823		)	(309,935		)	(161,277		)	(25,946		)	(1,425,981		)
Non-callable	—			(29,164		)	(52,373		)	(115,308		)	(196,845		)
Convertible	—			—			—			(128,749		)	(128,749		)
Hedges (Net) ⁽⁶⁾	10,763			—			—			—			10,763
Cash ⁽⁷⁾	12,365			2,145			9,615			81,407			105,532
Goodwill	—			—			—			25,222			25,222
Other	961			(4,651		)	15,673			(26,717		)	(14,734		)
Net capital allocated	$	264,801		$	475,200		$	285,766		$	(49,766	)	$	976,001
% of capital allocated	27.1		%	48.7		%	29.3		%	(5.1		)%	100.0		%


⁽¹⁾	Includes Agency fixed-rate RMBS, Agency ARMs and Agency IOs.


⁽²⁾	The Company, through its ownership of certain securities, has determined it is the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series and has consolidated the Consolidated K-Series into the Company’s financial statements. A reconciliation to our financial statements as of December 31, 2017 follows:



Multi-Family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value	$	9,657,421
Multi-Family CDOs, at fair value	(9,189,459		)
Net carrying value	467,962
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value	141,420
Total CMBS, at fair value	609,382
Preferred equity investments, mezzanine loans and investments in unconsolidated entities	177,440
Real estate under development	22,904
Real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	64,202
Mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	(57,124		)
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments	(309,935		)
Securitized debt	(29,164		)
Cash and other	(2,505		)
Net Capital in Multi-Family	$	475,200


⁽³⁾	Includes $331.5 million of distressed residential mortgage loans, $36.9 million of distressed residential mortgage loans, at fair value and $101.9 million of non-Agency RMBS backed by re-performing and non-performing loans.

⁽⁴⁾

Other includes residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts amounting to $73.8 million , residential second mortgage loans, at fair value of $50.2 million , investments in unconsolidated entities amounting to $12.6 million and mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage loans held for investment totaling $3.5 million . Mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage loans held for investment are included in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets in receivables and other assets. Other non-callable liabilities consist of $45.0 million in subordinated debentures and $70.3 million in residential collateralized debt obligations.


⁽⁵⁾	Includes repurchase agreements.


⁽⁶⁾	Includes derivative assets, derivative liabilities, payable for securities purchased and restricted cash posted as margin.

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⁽⁷⁾	Includes $0.5 million held in overnight deposits related to our Agency IO investments and $9.6 million in deposits held in our distressed residential securitization trusts to be used to pay down outstanding debt. These deposits are included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets in receivables and other assets.

At December 31, 2016 :



	Agency RMBS ⁽¹⁾			Multi- Family ⁽²⁾			Distressed Residential ⁽³⁾			Other ⁽⁴⁾			Total
Carrying value	$	529,250		$	628,522		$	671,272		$	127,359		$	1,956,403
Liabilities:
Callable ⁽⁵⁾	(452,569		)	(206,824		)	$	(306,168	)	—			(965,561		)
Non-callable	—			(28,332		)	(130,535		)	(136,663		)	(295,530		)
Hedges (Net) ⁽⁶⁾	7,917			—			—			—			7,917
Cash ⁽⁷⁾	44,088			3,687			9,898			75,725			133,398
Goodwill	—			—			$	—		25,222			25,222
Other	5,368			(2,652		)	$	16,108		(29,511		)	(10,687		)
Net capital allocated	$	134,054		$	394,401		$	260,575		$	62,132		$	851,162
% of capital allocated	15.7		%	46.4		%	30.6		%	7.3		%	100.0		%


⁽¹⁾	Includes Agency fixed-rate RMBS, Agency ARMs and Agency IOs.


⁽²⁾	The Company, through its ownership of certain securities, has determined it is the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series and has consolidated the Consolidated K-Series into the Company’s financial statements. A reconciliation to our financial statements as of December 31, 2016 follows:



Multi-Family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value	$	6,939,844
Multi-Family CDOs, at fair value	(6,624,896		)
Net carrying value	314,948
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value held in securitization trusts	126,442
Total CMBS, at fair value	441,390
Preferred equity investments, mezzanine loans and investments in unconsolidated entities	169,678
Real estate under development	17,454
Mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	(1,588		)
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments	(206,824		)
Securitized debt	(28,332		)
Other	2,623
Net Capital in Multi-Family	$	394,401


⁽³⁾	Includes $503.1 million of distressed residential loans and $162.1 million of non-Agency RMBS backed by re-performing and non-performing loans.

⁽⁴⁾

Other includes residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts amounting to $95.1 million , residential second mortgage loans, at fair value of $17.8 million , investments in unconsolidated entities amounting to $9.7 million and mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage loans held for investment totaling $21.3 million . Mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage loans held for investment are included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets in receivables and other assets. Non-callable liabilities consist of $45.0 million in subordinated debentures and $91.7 million in residential collateralized debt obligations.


⁽⁵⁾	Includes repurchase agreements.


⁽⁶⁾	Includes derivative assets, derivative liabilities, payable for securities purchased and restricted cash posted as margin.


⁽⁷⁾	Includes $ 35.6 million held in overnight deposits in our Agency IO portfolio to be used for trading purposes and $9.9 million in deposits held in our distressed residential securitization trusts to be used to pay down outstanding debt. These deposits are included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets in receivables and other assets.

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Results of Operations

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2017 , we reported net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders of $ 76.3 million , as compared to net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders of $54.7 million for the prior year. The main components of the change in net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year are detailed in the following table (amounts in thousands, except per share data):



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		$ Change
Net interest income	$	57,986	$	64,638	$	(6,652	)
Total other income	75,013		41,238		33,775
Total general, administrative and operating expenses	41,077		35,221		5,856
Income from operations before income taxes	91,922		70,655		21,267
Income tax expense	3,355		3,095		260
Net income attributable to Company	91,980		67,551		24,429
Preferred stock dividends	15,660		12,900		2,760
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	76,320		54,651		21,669
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.68	$	0.50	$	0.18
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.66	$	0.50	$	0.16

Net Interest Income

The decrease in net interest income of approximately $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the corresponding period in 2016 was driven by:


•	A decrease in net interest income of approximately $4.2 million in our Agency RMBS portfolio. The Agency IO portfolio decreased by $5.7 million partially offset by an increase of $1.5 million from our Agency fixed-rate portfolio. The decrease in the Agency IO portfolio was primarily due to a decrease in average interest earning assets as the Company exited the strategy in 2017.


•	An increase in net interest income of approximately $15.2 million in our multi-family portfolio due to an increase in average interest earning assets attributable to new multi-family preferred equity investments and CMBS purchased during the 2017 period.

•

A decrease in net interest income of approximately $8.8 million in our distressed residential portfolio due to a decrease in net interest income on our distressed residential mortgage loans of approximately $11.6 million partially offset by an increase in net interest income on our non-Agency RMBS of approximately $2.8 million . Net interest income on our distressed residential mortgage loans decreased due to seasoning of the portfolio resulting in less accretion of discount in the 2017 period as compared to the corresponding period in 2016, a decrease in average interest earning assets in this portfolio in 2017, and an increase in financing costs in 2017. Net interest income on our non-Agency RMBS increased due to an increase in average interest earning assets in this portfolio in 2017.


•	An increase in non-portfolio interest expense of $9.9 million related to the issuance on January 23, 2017 of $138.0 million principal amount in Convertible Notes.

Other Income

Total other income increased by $33.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year. The change was primarily driven by:


•	An increase in realized gains on distressed residential mortgage loans of $11.2 million , due to increased sales activity in 2017.

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•

An increase in net unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts of $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year. Credit spreads on our Freddie Mac K-Series securities tightened during the year ended December 31, 2017 , which in turn drove valuations on these securities higher in 2017. In addition, an increase in multi-family CMBS investments during 2017 contributed to the increase in net unrealized gains as compared to the prior period.


•	A decrease in net unrealized gains on investment securities and related hedges of $5.1 million is primarily due to the removal of hedges related to our exit of the Agency IO strategy.


•	An increase in realized gains on investment securities and related hedges of $7.5 million primarily due to approximately $64.0 million in sales of CMBS resulting in realized gains of approximately $6.3 million .

•

An increase in income from operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities of $7.3 million related to the consolidation of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, which required consolidation of the entities' income and expenses in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. This income is offset by $9.5 million in expenses related to operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities included in general, administrative and operating expenses.


•	A decrease in other income of $5.5 million in the 2017 period, which is primarily due to gains recognized as a result of the Company's re-measurement of its previously held membership interests in RiverBanc LLC (“RiverBanc”), RB Multifamily Investors LLC (“RBMI”), and RB Development Holding Company, LLC (“RBDHC”) in accordance with GAAP in 2016.

Comparative General, Administrative and Operating Expenses (dollar amounts in thousands)



	For the Years Ended December 31,
General, Administrative and Operating Expenses:	2017		2016		$ Change
General and Administrative Expenses
Salaries, benefits and directors’ compensation	$	10,626	$	8,795	$	1,831
Professional fees	3,588		2,877		711
Base management and incentive fees	4,517		9,261		(4,744		)
Other	4,143		3,574		569
Operating Expenses
Expenses related to distressed residential mortgage loans	8,746		10,714		(1,968		)
Expenses related to operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	9,457		—		9,457
Total	$	41,077	$	35,221	$	5,856

For the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year, general, administrative and operating expenses increased by $5.9 million .

The $1.8 million increase in salaries, benefits and directors' compensation in 2017 is primarily attributable to inclusion of employee headcount resulting from the May 16, 2016 RiverBanc acquisition for the full year in 2017. This increase is offset by a decline in base management and incentive fees to RiverBanc of $1.8 million resulting from the termination of the RiverBanc management agreement on May 17, 2016.

In addition, base management fees on our distressed loan strategy decreased by $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 , due in part to a change in methodology for calculating base management fees from 1.5% of assets under management to 1.5% of invested capital beginning in the third quarter of 2016.

The decrease in expenses related to distressed residential mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 can be attributed to a decrease in loan count during the 2017 period as compared to the same period in 2016.

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Beginning in the second quarter of 2017, the Company recognized expenses related to operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities in the amount of $9.5 million due to the consolidation of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These expenses are offset by $7.3 million of income from operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities included in other income.

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2016 to the Year Ended December 31, 2015

For the year ended December 31, 2016 , we reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $ 54.7 million , as compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $67.0 million for the prior year. The main components of the change in net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year are detailed in the following table (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data):



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		$ Change
Net interest income	$	64,638	$	76,117	$	(11,479	)
Total other income	41,238		45,911		(4,673		)
Total general, administrative and operating expenses	35,221		39,480		(4,259		)
Income from operations before income taxes	70,655		82,548		(11,893		)
Income tax expense	3,095		4,535		(1,440		)
Net income attributable to Company	67,551		78,013		(10,462		)
Preferred stock dividends	12,900		10,990		1,910
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	54,651		67,023		(12,372		)
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.62	$	(0.12	)
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.50	$	0.62	$	(0.12	)

Net Interest Income

The decrease in net interest income of approximately $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the corresponding period in 2015 was driven by:


•	A decrease in net interest income of approximately $4.2 million in our Agency IO portfolio in 2016 due to higher prepayment experience on these assets and an increase in financing costs in 2016.


•	A decrease in net interest income of approximately $3.1 million in our Agency fixed-rate and Agency ARM RMBS portfolio due to a decrease in average interest earning assets in this portfolio and higher prepayment rates.

•

An increase in net interest income of approximately $7.0 million in our multi-family portfolio due to an increase in average interest earning assets attributable to new multi-family preferred equity investments and CMBS purchased during the 2016 period. Also contributing to higher net interest income in this portfolio in 2016 was an increase in the weighted average yield on the interest earning assets in our multi-family portfolio during the 2016 period and lower average cost of funds during the period as compared to the corresponding period in 2015.


•	A decrease in net interest income of approximately $0.7 million in our residential securitized loan portfolio due to an increase in financing costs and a decrease in average interest earning assets in this portfolio in 2016.

•

A decrease in net interest income of approximately $4.1 million in our distressed residential portfolio due to a decrease in net interest income on our distressed residential mortgage loans of approximately $6.5 million partially offset by an increase in net interest income on our non-Agency RMBS of approximately $2.4 million. Net interest income on our distressed residential mortgage loans decreased due to seasoning of the portfolio resulting in less accretion of discount in the 2016 period as compared to the corresponding period in 2015 and an increase in financing costs in 2016. Net interest income on our non-Agency RMBS increased due to an increase in average interest earning assets in this portfolio in 2016.


•	The partial year contribution of approximately $6.5 million of net interest income in 2015 by certain CLO securities. The CLO securities were sold during the second quarter of 2015.

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Other Income

Total other income decreased by $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year. The change was primarily driven by:


•	A decrease in realized gains on distressed residential mortgage loans of $16.4 million due to decreased sales activity in 2016 as compared to the prior year.

•

A decline in net unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts of $9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year. Credit spreads on our Freddie Mac K-Series securities tightened during the year ended December 31, 2015 (relative to credit spreads at December 31, 2014), which in turn drove valuations on these securities higher in 2015, while credit spreads remained relatively stable in 2016, thereby resulting in lower unrealized gain for the 2016 period.


•	An increase in net unrealized gains and an increase in realized gain on investment securities and related hedges of $9.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year, primarily related to improved hedging performance in our Agency IO portfolio.


•	An increase in other income of $9.7 million in the 2016 period, which is primarily due to gains recognized as a result of the Company's re-measurement of its previously held membership interests in RiverBanc, RBMI, and RBDHC in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other income increased due to income recognized from investments in unconsolidated entities made during the 2016 fiscal year.

Comparative General, Administrative and Operating Expenses (dollar amounts in thousands)



	For the Years Ended December 31,
General, Administrative and Operating Expenses:	2016		2015		$ Change
General and Administrative Expenses
Salaries, benefits and directors’ compensation	$	8,795	$	4,661	$	4,134
Professional fees	2,877		2,542		335
Base management fees and incentive fees	9,261		19,188		(9,927		)
Other	3,574		2,725		849
Operating Expenses
Expenses related to distressed residential mortgage loans	10,714		10,364		350
Total	$	35,221	$	39,480	$	(4,259	)

For the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the prior year, general, administrative and operating expenses decreased by $4.3 million. Salaries, benefits and directors’ compensation was driven higher during the 2016 period as compared to prior year primarily due to the increase in employee headcount resulting from the RiverBanc acquisition, which was offset by a $9.9 million decline in base management and incentive fees during the 2016 period as compared to the prior year. The decline in base management and incentive fees was due in part to the termination of the RiverBanc management agreement on May 17, 2016 and lower incentive fees earned in 2016. In addition, management fees on our distressed residential loan strategy decreased due to a change in methodology for calculating base management fees from 1.5% of assets under management to 1.5% of invested capital beginning in the third quarter of 2016.

Comparative Portfolio Net Interest Margin

Our results of operations for our investment portfolio during a given period typically reflect, in large part, the net interest income earned on our investment portfolio of RMBS, CMBS (including CMBS held in securitization trusts), residential securitized loans, distressed residential loans (including distressed residential loans held in securitization trusts), loans held for investment, preferred equity and mezzanine loans investments, where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to and accounted for as loans and loans held for sale (collectively, our “Interest Earning Assets”). The net interest spread is impacted by factors such as our cost of financing, the interest rate that our investments bear and our interest rate hedging strategies. Furthermore, the amount of premium or discount paid on purchased portfolio investments and the prepayment rates on portfolio investments will impact the net interest spread as such factors will be amortized over the expected term of such investments. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on TBAs, Eurodollar and Treasury futures and other derivatives

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associated with our Agency IO investments, which do not utilize hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes, are included in other income in our statement of operations, and therefore, not reflected in the data set forth below.

The following table sets forth certain information about our portfolio by investment type and their related interest income, interest expense, weighted average yield on interest earning assets, average cost of funds and portfolio net interest margin for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, 2017



	Agency RMBS ⁽¹⁾			Multi- Family ⁽²⁾⁽³⁾			Distressed Residential			Other			Total
Interest Income	$	12,632		$	59,489		$	27,189		$	5,112		$	104,422
Interest Expense	(7,314		)	(10,972		)	(13,483		)	(14,667		)	(46,436		)
Net Interest Income	$	5,318		$	48,517		$	13,706		$	(9,555	)	$	57,986

Average Interest Earning Assets ⁽³ ^{) (4)}	$	610,339		$	530,093		$	573,858		$	124,345		$	1,838,635
Weighted Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets ⁽⁵⁾	2.07		%	11.22		%	4.74		%	4.11		%	5.68		%
Average Cost of Funds ⁽⁶⁾	(1.47		)%	(4.45		)%	(4.15		)%	(2.70		)%	(2.95		)%
Portfolio Net Interest Margin ⁽⁷⁾	0.60		%	6.77		%	0.59		%	1.41		%	2.73		%

Year Ended December 31, 2016



	Agency RMBS ⁽¹⁾			Multi- Family ⁽²⁾⁽³⁾			Distressed Residential			Other			Total
Interest Income	$	15,729		$	40,786		$	36,592		$	3,646		$	96,753
Interest Expense	(6,177		)	(7,490		)	(14,078		)	(4,370		)	(32,115		)
Net Interest Income	$	9,552		$	33,296		$	22,514		$	(724	)	$	64,638

Average Interest Earning Assets ^{(3) (4)}	$	645,459		$	330,242		$	629,412		$	124,092		$	1,729,205
Weighted Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets ⁽⁵⁾	2.44		%	12.35		%	5.81		%	2.94		%	5.60		%
Average Cost of Funds ⁽⁶⁾	(1.17		)%	(6.44		)%	(3.75		)%	(2.17		)%	(2.67		)%
Portfolio Net Interest Margin ⁽⁷⁾	1.27		%	5.91		%	2.06		%	0.77		%	2.93		%

Year Ended December 31, 2015



	Agency RMBS ⁽¹⁾			Multi- Family ⁽²⁾⁽³⁾			Distressed Residential			Other			Total
Interest Income	$	22,381		$	32,311		$	39,739		$	9,366		$	103,797
Interest Expense	(5,585		)	(6,006		)	(13,125		)	(2,964		)	(27,680		)
Net Interest Income	$	16,796		$	26,305		$	26,614		$	6,402		$	76,117

Average Interest Earning Assets ^{(3) (4)}	$	756,579		$	268,726		$	572,796		$	160,308		$	1,758,409
Weighted Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets ⁽⁵⁾	2.96		%	12.02		%	6.94		%	5.84		%	5.91		%
Average Cost of Funds ⁽⁶⁾	(0.92		)%	(7.11		)%	(4.03		)%	(0.80		)%	(2.23		)%
Portfolio Net Interest Margin ⁽⁷⁾	2.04		%	4.91		%	2.91		%	5.04		%	3.68		%

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⁽¹⁾	Includes Agency fixed-rate RMBS, Agency ARMs and Agency IOs.

⁽²⁾

The Company, through its ownership of certain securities, has determined it is the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series and has consolidated the Consolidated K-Series into the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Average Interest Earning Assets for the periods indicated exclude all Consolidated K-Series assets other than those securities actually owned by the Company. Interest income amounts represent interest income earned by securities that are actually owned by the Company. A reconciliation of our net interest income in multi-family investments to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is set forth below (dollar amounts in thousands):



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Interest income, multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	$	297,124		$	249,191		$	257,417
Interest income, investment securities, available for sale ^(a)	10,089			5,036			3,516
Interest income, preferred equity investments and mezzanine loan ^(a)	13,941			9,112			4,349
Interest expense, multi-family collateralized debt obligation	(261,665		)	(222,553		)	(232,971		)
Interest income, Multi-Family, net	59,489			40,786			32,311
Interest expense, investment securities, available for sale	(8,149		)	(1,859		)	—
Interest expense, securitized debt	(2,823		)	(5,631		)	(6,006		)
Net interest income, Multi-Family	$	48,517		$	33,296		$	26,305


^(a)	Included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated statements of operations in interest income, investment securities and other.


⁽³⁾	Average Interest Earning Assets for the period excludes all Consolidated K-Series assets other than those securities issued by the securitizations comprising the Consolidated K-Series that are actually owned by the Company.


⁽⁴⁾	Our Average Interest Earning Assets is calculated based on daily average amortized cost for the respective periods.


⁽⁵⁾	Our Weighted Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets was calculated by dividing our interest income by our Average Interest Earning Assets for the respective periods.

⁽⁶⁾

Our Average Cost of Funds was calculated by dividing our interest expense by our average interest bearing liabilities, excluding our subordinated debentures and Convertible Notes for the respective periods. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our subordinated debentures and Convertible Notes generated aggregate interest expense of approximately $12.1 million , $2.1 million and $1.9 million , respectively. Our Average Cost of Funds includes interest expense on our interest rate swaps and amortization of premium on our swaptions.


⁽⁷⁾	Portfolio Net Interest Margin is the difference between our Weighted Average Yield on Interest Earning Assets and our Average Cost of Funds, excluding the Weighted Average Cost of subordinated debentures and Convertible Notes.

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Prepayment History

The following table sets forth the actual constant prepayment rates (“CPR”) for selected asset classes, by quarter, for the periods indicated:



Quarter Ended	Agency Fixed-Rate RMBS		Agency ARMs		Agency IOs		Residential Securitizations
December 31, 2017	6.3	%	12.9	%	17.8	%	22.1	%
September 30, 2017	12.8	%	9.4	%	17.4	%	18.2	%
June 30, 2017	9.6	%	16.5	%	17.5	%	16.8	%
March 31, 2017	10.6	%	8.3	%	15.9	%	5.1	%
December 31, 2016	12.3	%	21.7	%	19.4	%	11.1	%
September 30, 2016	10.0	%	20.7	%	18.2	%	15.9	%
June 30, 2016	10.2	%	17.6	%	15.6	%	17.8	%
March 31, 2016	7.9	%	13.5	%	14.7	%	14.8	%
December 31, 2015	8.5	%	16.9	%	14.6	%	31.2	%
September 30, 2015	10.5	%	18.6	%	18.0	%	8.9	%
June 30, 2015	10.6	%	9.2	%	16.3	%	11.1	%
March 31, 2015	6.5	%	9.1	%	14.7	%	13.7	%

When prepayment expectations over the remaining life of assets increase, we have to amortize premiums over a shorter time period resulting in a reduced yield to maturity on our investment assets. Conversely, if prepayment expectations decrease, the premium would be amortized over a longer period resulting in a higher yield to maturity. We monitor our prepayment experience on a monthly basis and adjust the amortization rate to reflect current market conditions.

Financial Condition

As of December 31, 2017 , we had approximately $12.1 billion of total assets, as compared to approximately $9.0 billion of total assets as of December 31, 2016 . A significant portion of our assets represents the assets comprising the Consolidated K-Series, which we consolidate under the accounting rules. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Consolidated K-Series assets amounted to approximately $9.7 billion and $7.0 billion , respectively. See "Significant Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies - Loan Consolidation Reporting Requirement for Certain Multi-Family K-Series Securitizations."

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Balance Sheet Analysis

Investment Securities Available for Sale . At December 31, 2017 , our securities portfolio includes Agency RMBS, including Agency fixed-rate and Agency ARMs, Agency IOs, CMBS and non-Agency RMBS, which are classified as investment securities available for sale. At December 31, 2017 , we had no investment securities in a single issuer or entity that had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our total assets. The increase in our investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016 is primarily related to our purchases of Agency fixed-rate RMBS during the period.

The following tables set forth the balances of our investment securities available for sale by vintage (i.e., by issue year) as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Par Value		Carrying Value		Par Value		Carrying Value
Agency RMBS
ARMs
Prior to 2012	$	16,290	$	16,899	$	22,173	$	23,203
2012	72,498		74,173		86,449		89,642
Total ARMs	88,788		91,072		108,622		112,845

Fixed-Rate
Prior to 2012	597		609		1,011		1,042
2012	257,978		262,792		317,974		327,132
2015	2,786		2,886		411		453
2017	757,387		780,998		—		—
Total Fixed-Rate	1,018,748		1,047,285		319,396		328,627
IO
Prior to 2013	152,994		21,405		321,237		49,617
2013	27,484		4,361		87,142		14,635
2014	19,371		1,944		51,716		5,634
2015	5,636		956		55,338		9,578
2016	31,480		2,513		75,770		5,427
Total IOs	236,965		31,179		591,203		84,891

Total Agency RMBS	1,344,501		1,169,536		1,019,221		526,363

US Treasury Securities
2016	—		—		3,000		2,887
Total US Treasury Securities	—		—		3,000		2,887

Non-Agency RMBS
2006	211		192		1,659		1,229
2015	—		—		27,574		27,643
2016	16,978		17,118		133,647		134,412
2017	84,054		84,815		—		—
Total Non-Agency RMBS	101,243		102,125		162,880		163,284

CMBS
Prior to 2013 ⁽¹⁾	821,746		47,922		835,447		43,897
2013	—		—		5,912		5,733
2014	—		—		2,500		2,158
2015	—		—		16,880		14,364
2016	36,108		38,270		64,873		60,290
2017	55,977		55,228		—		—
Total CMBS	913,831		141,420		925,612		126,442

Total	$	2,359,575	$	1,413,081	$	2,110,713	$	818,976


⁽¹⁾	These amounts represent multi-family CMBS available for sale held in securitization trusts at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

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Residential Mortgage Loans.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts, Net

Included in our portfolio are prime ARM loans that we originated or purchased in bulk from third parties that met our investment criteria and portfolio requirements and that we subsequently securitized in 2005.

At December 31, 2017 , residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts totaled approximately $73.8 million . The Company’s net investment in the residential securitization trusts, which is the maximum amount of the Company’s investment that is at risk to loss and represents the difference between the carrying amount of (i) the ARM loans, real estate owned and receivables held in residential securitization trusts and (ii) the amount of Residential CDOs outstanding, was $4.4 million . Of the residential mortgage loans held in securitized trusts, 100% are traditional ARMs or hybrid ARMs, 81.0% of which are ARM loans that are interest only, at the time of origination. With respect to the hybrid ARMs included in these securitizations, interest rate reset periods at origination were predominately five years or less and the interest-only period is typically nine years, which mitigates the “payment shock” at the time of interest rate reset. None of the residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are pay option-ARMs or ARMs with negative amortization. At December 31, 2017 , the interest only period for the interest only ARM loans included in these securitizations has ended.

The following table details our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Number of Loans	Unpaid Principal		Carrying Value
December 31, 2017	240	$	77,519	$	73,820
December 31, 2016	287	98,303		95,144

Characteristics of Our Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts:

The following table sets forth the composition of our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017									December 31, 2016
	Average			High			Low			Average			High			Low
General Loan Characteristics:
Original Loan Balance	$	423		$	2,850		$	48		$	424		$	2,850		$	48
Current Coupon Rate	3.79		%	5.63		%	2.38		%	3.35		%	5.25		%	1.63		%
Gross Margin	2.37		%	4.13		%	1.13		%	2.36		%	4.13		%	1.13		%
Lifetime Cap	11.32		%	13.25		%	9.38		%	11.30		%	13.25		%	9.38		%
Original Term (Months)	360			360			360			360			360			360
Remaining Term (Months)	209			216			175			221			228			187
Average Months to Reset	5			11			1			5			11			1
Original FICO Score	725			818			603			724			818			593
Original LTV	70.17		%	95.00		%	16.28		%	69.80		%	95.00		%	13.94		%

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The following tables detail the activity for the residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Principal			Premium			Allowance for Loan Losses			Net Carrying Value
Balance, January 1, 2017	$	98,303		$	623		$	(3,782	)	$	95,144
Principal repayments	(20,667		)	—			—			(20,667		)
Provision for loan loss	—			—			(475		)	(475		)
Transfer to real estate owned	(117		)	—			6			(111		)
Charge-Offs	—			—			60			60
Amortization of premium	—			(131		)	—			(131		)
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	77,519		$	492		$	(4,191	)	$	73,820



	Principal			Premium			Allowance for Loan Losses			Net Carrying Value
Balance, January 1, 2016	$	122,545		$	775		$	(3,399	)	$	119,921
Principal repayments	(23,781		)	—			—			(23,781		)
Provision for loan loss	—			—			(612		)	(612		)
Transfer to real estate owned	(461		)	—			117			(344		)
Charge-Offs	—			—			112			112
Amortization of premium	—			(152		)	—			(152		)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	98,303		$	623		$	(3,782	)	$	95,144

Residential Mortgage Loans, at Fair Value

Residential mortgage loans, at fair value, include both first lien distressed residential loans and second mortgages that are presented at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The following table details our residential mortgage loans, at fair value at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Distressed Residential Loans					Residential Second Mortgages
	Number of Loans	Unpaid Principal		Fair Value		Number of Loans	Unpaid Principal		Fair Value
December 31, 2017	201	$	42,789	$	36,914	766	$	49,316	$	50,239
December 31, 2016	—	—		—		259	17,540		17,769

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Characteristics of Our Residential Second Mortgages, at Fair Value:



Combined Loan to Value at Purchase	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
50.00% or less	2.4	%	1.4	%
50.01% - 60.00%	4.1	%	2.5	%
60.01% - 70.00%	8.0	%	5.0	%
70.01% - 80.00%	21.5	%	19.3	%
80.01% - 90.00%	62.1	%	71.8	%
90.01% - 100.00%	1.9	%	—
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



FICO Scores at Purchase	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
651 to 700	10.6	%	2.5	%
701 to 750	58.4	%	63.3	%
751 to 800	28.6	%	32.3	%
801 and over	2.4	%	1.9	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



Current Coupon	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
5.01% – 6.00%	0.7	%	1.4	%
6.01% and over	99.3	%	98.6	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



Delinquency Status	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Current	99.5	%	98.5	%
31 – 60 days	0.3	%	0.6	%
61 – 90 days	0.1	%	0.6	%
90+ days	0.1	%	0.3	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



Origination Year	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
2015	1.1	%	3.2	%
2016	26.3	%	96.8	%
2017	72.6	%	—
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%

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Acquired Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans . Distressed residential mortgage loans are comprised of pools of fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans acquired by the Company at a discount, with evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and where it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal payments. Management evaluates whether there is evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the acquisition date using indicators such as past due or modified status, risk ratings, recent borrower credit scores and recent loan-to-value percentages. Distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are distressed residential mortgage loans transferred to Consolidated VIEs that have been securitized into beneficial interests.

The following table details our portfolio of distressed residential mortgage loans at carrying value, including those distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Number of Loans	Unpaid Principal		Carrying Value
December 31, 2017	3,729	$	355,998	$	331,464
December 31, 2016	5,275	559,945		503,094

The Company’s distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts with a carrying value of approximately $ 121.8 million and $195.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are pledged as collateral for certain of the securitized debt issued by the Company. The Company’s net investment in these securitization trusts, which is the maximum amount of the Company’s investment that is at risk to loss and represents the difference between the carrying amount of the net assets and liabilities associated with the distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, was $81.9 million and $77.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

In addition, distressed residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of approximately $ 182.6 million and $279.9 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are pledged as collateral for a master repurchase agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch.

Characteristics of our Acquired Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans, including Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts and Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans, at Fair Value:



Loan to Value at Purchase	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
50.00% or less	4.7	%	4.1	%
50.01% - 60.00%	5.1	%	4.3	%
60.01% - 70.00%	7.8	%	6.8	%
70.01% - 80.00%	12.4	%	10.8	%
80.01% - 90.00%	14.1	%	12.7	%
90.01% - 100.00%	15.7	%	14.0	%
100.01% and over	40.2	%	47.3	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



FICO Scores at Purchase	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
550 or less	19.9	%	18.5	%
551 to 600	29.2	%	28.7	%
601 to 650	27.8	%	28.0	%
651 to 700	13.4	%	15.6	%
701 to 750	6.2	%	6.6	%
751 to 800	3.0	%	2.3	%
801 and over	0.5	%	0.3	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%

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Current Coupon	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
3.00% or less	9.7	%	13.5	%
3.01% - 4.00%	13.9	%	11.8	%
4.01 to 5.00%	23.0	%	22.0	%
5.01 - 6.00%	11.9	%	11.8	%
6.01% and over	41.5	%	40.9	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



Delinquency Status	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Current	65.2	%	69.7	%
31- 60 days	11.5	%	11.6	%
61 - 90 days	5.1	%	4.2	%
90+ days	18.2	%	14.5	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%



Origination Year	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
2005 or earlier	26.0	%	27.0	%
2006	16.5	%	18.1	%
2007	30.6	%	33.6	%
2008 or later	26.9	%	21.3	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%

Consolidated K-Series. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we owned 100% of the first loss securities of the Consolidated K-Series. The Consolidated K-Series are comprised of multi-family mortgage loans held in seven and five Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, of which we, or one of our SPEs, own the first loss securities and, in certain cases, IOs and/or mezzanine securities. We determined that the securitizations comprising the Consolidated K-Series were VIEs and that we are the primary beneficiary of these securitizations. Accordingly, we are required to consolidate the Consolidated K-Series’ underlying multi-family loans and related debt, income and expense in our consolidated financial statements.

We have elected the fair value option on the assets and liabilities held within the Consolidated K-Series, which requires that changes in valuations in the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series will be reflected in our consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Consolidated K-Series were comprised of $9.7 billion and $6.9 billion , respectively, in multi-family loans held in securitization trusts and $9.2 billion and $6.6 billion , respectively, in multi-family CDOs, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.92% and 3.97% , respectively. The increases in multi-family loans held in securitization trusts and multi-family CDOs during the year ended December 31, 2017 were due to the consolidation of $2.9 billion in multi-family loans held in securitization trusts and $2.8 billion in multi-family CDOs in connection with the purchase in 2017 of $102.1 million in additional first loss PO securities and certain IO and mezzanine CMBS securities. As a result of the consolidation of the Consolidated K-Series, our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 included interest income of $297.1 million and $249.2 million , respectively, and interest expense of $261.7 million and $222.6 million , respectively. Also, we recognized an $18.9 million and a $3.0 million unrealized gain in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, as a result of the fair value accounting method election.

We do not have any claims to the assets (other than those securities represented by our first loss and mezzanine securities) or obligations for the liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series. Our investment in the Consolidated K-Series is limited to the multi-family CMBS comprised of first loss PO and, in certain cases, IOs and/or mezzanine securities, issued by these K-Series securitizations with an aggregate net carrying value of $468.0 million and $314.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

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Multi-Family CMBS Loan Characteristics:

The following table details the loan characteristics of the loans that back our multi-family CMBS (including the Consolidated K-Series) in our portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Current balance of loans	$	11,479,393		$	8,824,481
Number of loans	662			543
Weighted average original LTV	69.5		%	68.8		%
Weighted average underwritten debt service coverage ratio	1.44x			1.49x
Current average loan size	$	17,340		$	16,251
Weighted average original loan term (in months)	120			120
Weighted average current remaining term (in months)	64			79
Weighted average loan rate	4.32		%	4.39		%
First mortgages	100		%	100		%
Geographic state concentration (greater than 5.0%):
California	14.7		%	13.8		%
Texas	12.7		%	12.4		%
New York	6.5		%	8.1		%
Maryland	5.5		%	5.3		%

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities. Investment in unconsolidated entities is comprised of ownership interests in entities that invest in multi-family or residential real estate and related assets. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we had approximately $51.1 million and $79.3 million of investments in unconsolidated entities, respectively.

On March 31, 2017 , the Company reconsidered its evaluation of its variable interest in 200 RHC Hoover, LLC ("Riverchase Landing"), a multi-family apartment community in which the Company holds a preferred equity investment, and determined that it became the primary beneficiary of Riverchase Landing. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated Riverchase Landing into its consolidated financial statements and decreased its investment in unconsolidated entities by approximately $9.0 million . See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information on Riverchase Landing.

Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments. The Company had preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments in the amounts of $138.9 million and $100.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

On March 31, 2017 , the Company reconsidered its evaluation of its variable interest in The Clusters, LLC ("The Clusters"), a multi-family apartment community in which the Company holds a preferred equity investment, and determined that it became the primary beneficiary of The Clusters. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements, resulting in a decrease in preferred equity investments of approximately $3.5 million . See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information on The Clusters.

As of December 31, 2017 , all preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments were paying in accordance with their contractual terms. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , there were no impairments with respect to our preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments.

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The following tables summarize our preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):



	December 31, 2017
	Count	Carrying Amount ⁽¹⁾		Investment Amount ⁽¹⁾		Weighted Average Interest or Preferred Return Rate ⁽²⁾		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
Preferred equity investments	20	$	132,009	$	133,618	12.02	%	6.6
Mezzanine loans	3	6,911		6,942		12.95	%	6.8
Total	23	$	138,920	$	140,560	12.07	%	6.6



	December 31, 2016
	Count	Carrying Amount ⁽¹⁾		Investment Amount ⁽¹⁾		Weighted Average Interest or Preferred Return Rate ⁽²⁾		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
Preferred equity investments	14	$	81,269	$	82,096	12.10	%	7.4
Mezzanine loans	5	18,881		19,058		12.53	%	8.8
Total	19	$	100,150	$	101,154	12.18	%	7.7


⁽¹⁾	The difference between the carrying amount and the investment amount consists of any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees, or deferred expenses.


⁽²⁾	Based upon investment amount and contractual interest or preferred return rate.

Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments Characteristics



Combined Loan to Value at Investment	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
70.01% - 80.00%	5.4	%	5.0	%
80.01% - 90.00%	94.6	%	95.0	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%

Real Estate Held for Sale in Consolidated VIEs. On March 31, 2017 , the Company re-evaluated its variable interests in Riverchase Landing and The Clusters and, as a result of the reconsideration, consolidated both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements. During the second quarter of 2017, Riverchase Landing determined to actively market its multi-family apartment community for sale, with anticipation of completing a sale to a third party buyer in 2018. During the third quarter of 2017, The Clusters determined to actively market its multi-family apartment community for sale, with anticipation of completing a sale to a third party buyer in 2018. As a result, the Company classified the real estate assets held by both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters in the amount of $64.2 million as real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities as of December 31, 2017 . No gain or loss was recognized by the Company or allocated to non-controlling interests related to the classification of the real estate assets to held for sale.

Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments . The Company finances its portfolio investments primarily through repurchase agreements with third party financial institutions. These financing arrangements are short-term borrowings that bear interest rates typically based on a spread to LIBOR and are secured by the securities which they finance.

As of December 31, 2017 , the Company had repurchase agreements with an outstanding balance of $1.3 billion and a weighted average interest rate of 2.18% . At December 31, 2016 , the Company had repurchase agreements with an outstanding balance of $773.1 million and a weighted average interest rate of 1.92% . Our repurchase agreements typically have terms of 30 days or less.

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company's only exposure where the amount at risk was in excess of 5% of the Company's stockholders' equity was to Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch at 5.0% and 5.1% , respectively. The amount

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at risk is defined as the fair value of securities pledged as collateral to the financing arrangement in excess of the financing arrangement liability.

As of December 31, 2017 , the outstanding balance under our repurchase agreements was funded at an advance rate of 90.0% that implies an average haircut of 10.0% . As of December 31, 2016 , the outstanding balance under our repurchase agreements was funded at a weighted average advance rate of 84.6% that implies an average haircut of 15.4% . The weighted average “haircut” related to our repurchase agreement financing for our Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS, and CMBS was approximately 5% , 25% , and 24% , respectively, at December 31, 2017 .

The following table details the ending balance, quarterly average balance and maximum balance at any month-end during each quarter in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 for our repurchase agreement borrowings (dollar amounts in thousands):



Quarter Ended	Quarterly Average Balance		End of Quarter Balance		Maximum Balance at any Month-End
December 31, 2017	$	1,224,771	$	1,276,918	$	1,276,918
September 30, 2017	$	624,398	$	608,304	$	645,457
June 30, 2017	$	688,853	$	656,350	$	719,222
March 31, 2017	$	702,675	$	702,309	$	762,382

December 31, 2016	$	742,594	$	773,142	$	773,142
September 30, 2016	$	686,348	$	671,774	$	699,506
June 30, 2016	$	615,930	$	618,050	$	642,536
March 31, 2016	$	576,822	$	589,919	$	589,919

December 31, 2015	$	574,847	$	577,413	$	578,136
September 30, 2015	$	578,491	$	586,075	$	586,075
June 30, 2015	$	513,254	$	585,492	$	585,492
March 31, 2015	$	633,132	$	619,741	$	645,162

Financing Arrangements, Residential Mortgage Loans. The Company has a master repurchase agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch with a maximum aggregate committed principal amount of $100.0 million and a maximum uncommitted principal amount of $150.0 million to fund distressed residential mortgage loans, expiring on June 8, 2019 . At December 31, 2016 , the master repurchase agreement provided for a maximum aggregate principal committed amount of up to $200.0 million . The outstanding balance on this master repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 amounts to approximately $123.6 million and $193.8 million , respectively, bearing interest at one-month LIBOR plus 2.50% ( 4.05% and 3.26% at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively). Distressed residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of approximately $182.6 million at December 31, 2017 are pledged as collateral for the borrowings under this master repurchase agreement. The Company expects to roll outstanding borrowings under this master repurchase agreement into a new repurchase agreement or other financing prior to or at maturity.

On November 25, 2015 , the Company entered into a master repurchase agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million to fund the purchase of residential mortgage loans, particularly second mortgage loans, expiring on May 25, 2017 . On May 24, 2017 , the Company entered into an amended master repurchase agreement that reduced the guaranteed committed principal amount to $25.0 million and extends the maturity date to November 24, 2018 . The outstanding balance on this master repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2017 amounts to approximately $26.1 million , bearing interest at one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% ( 5.05% at December 31, 2017 ). There was no outstanding balance on this master repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2016 . Second mortgage loans with a carrying value of approximately $44.2 million at December 31, 2017 are pledged as collateral for the borrowings under this master repurchase agreement.

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Residential Collateralized Debt Obligations . As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had residential collateralized debt obligations, or Residential CDOs, of $ 70.3 million and $91.7 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the weighted average interest rate of these Residential CDOs was 2.16% and 1.37% , respectively. The Residential CDOs are collateralized by ARM loans with a principal balance of $77.5 million and $98.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company retained the owner trust certificates, or residual interest, for three securitizations, and had a net investment in the residential securitization trusts of $4.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 .

Securitized Debt . As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had approximately $81.5 million and $158.9 million of securitized debt, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the weighted average interest rate for our securitized debt was 4.48% and 4.24% , respectively. The Company’s securitized debt is collateralized by multi-family CMBS and distressed residential mortgage loans. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information on securitized debt.

Debt . The Company's debt as of December 31, 2017 included Convertible Notes, subordinated debentures and mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities.

Convertible Notes

On January 23, 2017 , the Company issued $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 in an underwritten public offering. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Convertible Notes, after deducting the underwriter's discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were approximately $127.0 million with the total cost to the Company of approximately 8.24% .

Subordinated Debentures

As of December 31, 2017 , certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries had trust preferred securities outstanding of $ 45.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.39% . The securities are fully guaranteed by us with respect to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, redemption or repayment. These securities are classified as subordinated debentures in the liability section of our consolidated balance sheets.

Mortgages and Notes Payable in Consolidated VIEs

On March 31, 2017 , the Company determined that it became the primary beneficiary of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, two VIEs that each own a multi-family apartment community and in which the Company holds preferred equity investments. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated Riverchase Landing and The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements. Both of Riverchase Landing's and The Clusters' real estate investments are subject to mortgages payable and the Company has no obligation for these liabilities as of December 31, 2017 . See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information on Riverchase Landing and The Clusters.

The Company also consolidates Kiawah River View Investors LLC ("KRVI") into its consolidated financial statements. KRVI's real estate under development is subject to a note payable of $6.0 million that has an unused commitment of $2.4 million as of December 31, 2017 . See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information on KRVI.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities. The Company enters into derivative instruments in connection with its risk management activities. These derivative instruments may include interest rate swaps, swaptions, interest rate caps, futures, options on futures and mortgage derivatives such as forward-settling purchases and sales of Agency RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are TBAs.

In connection with our investment in Agency IOs, we utilize several types of derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps, futures, options on futures and TBAs to hedge the interest rate risk and market value risk. This hedging technique is dynamic in nature and requires frequent adjustments, which accordingly makes it very difficult to qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Hedge accounting treatment requires specific identification of a risk or group of risks and then requires that we designate a particular trade to that risk with minimal ability to adjust over the life of the transaction. Because these derivative instruments are frequently adjusted in response to current market conditions, we have determined to account for all the derivative instruments related to our Agency IO investments as derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with derivatives related to our Agency IO investments are recognized through earnings in the consolidated statements of operations.

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We also use interest rate swaps (separately from interest rate swaps used in connection with our Agency IO investments) to hedge variable cash flows associated with our variable rate borrowings.. We typically pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate based on one or three month LIBOR, on the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. The floating rate we receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of our financing arrangements. Historically, we have accounted for these interest rate swaps under the hedged accounting methodology, changes in value are reflected in comprehensive earnings and not through the statement of operations. As of the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company will not elect hedge accounting treatment and all changes in valuations will be reflected in the statement of operations.

At December 31, 2017 the Company had no outstanding swaps that qualify as cash flow hedges for financial reporting purposes. At December 31, 2016 , the Company had $215.0 million of notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding that qualify as cash flow hedges for financial reporting purposes. The interest rate swaps had a net fair market asset value of $0.1 million at December 31, 2016 . See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K for more information on our derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Derivative financial instruments may contain credit risk to the extent that the institutional counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We minimize this risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions with good credit ratings. In addition, we regularly monitor the potential risk of loss with any one party resulting from this type of credit risk. Accordingly, we do not expect any material losses as a result of default by other parties, but we cannot guarantee that we will not experience counterparty failures in the future.

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Balance Sheet Analysis - Company's Stockholders’ Equity

The Company's stockholders' equity at December 31, 2017 was $971.9 million and included $5.6 million of accumulated other comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2017 consisted of $18.2 million in net unrealized gains related to our CMBS and $1.8 million in net unrealized gains related to non-Agency RMBS, partially offset by $14.5 million in unrealized losses related to our Agency RMBS. The Company's stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2016 was $848.1 million and included $1.6 million of accumulated other comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2016 consisted of $12.0 million in unrealized losses related to our Agency RMBS, offset by $1.0 million in unrealized gains related to our non-Agency RMBS, $12.5 million in net unrealized gains related to our CMBS and $0.1 million in unrealized derivative gains related to cash flow hedges.

Analysis of Changes in Book Value

The following table analyzes the changes in book value for the year ended December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands, except per share):



	Year Ended December 31, 2017
	Amount			Shares	Per Share ⁽¹⁾
Beginning Balance	$	683,075		111,474	$	6.13
Common stock issuance, net ⁽²⁾	2,560			436
Preferred stock issuance, net	130,496
Preferred stock liquidation preference	(135,000		)
Balance after share issuance activity	681,131			111,910	6.08
Dividends declared	(89,500		)		(0.80		)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Hedges	(102		)		—
Investment securities	4,016				0.04
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	76,320				0.68
Ending Balance	$	671,865		111,910	$	6.00


⁽¹⁾	Outstanding shares used to calculate book value per share for the year ended December 31, 2017 are 111,909,909 .


⁽²⁾	Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

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The following table analyzes the changes in book value for the year ended December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share):



	Year Ended December 31, 2016
	Amount			Shares	Per Share ⁽¹⁾
Beginning Balance	$	715,526		109,402	$	6.54
Common stock issuance, net ⁽²⁾	14,010			2,072
Balance after share issuance activity	729,536			111,474	6.54
Dividends declared	(105,605		)		(0.95		)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Hedges	(202		)		—
Investment securities	4,695				0.05
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	54,651				0.49
Ending Balance	$	683,075		111,474	$	6.13


⁽¹⁾	Outstanding shares used to calculate book value per share for the year ended December 31, 2016 are 111,474,521 .


⁽²⁾	Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain investments, comply with margin requirements, fund our operations, pay management and incentive fees, pay dividends to our stockholders and other general business needs. Our investments and assets, excluding the principal only multi-family CMBS we invest in, generate liquidity on an ongoing basis through principal and interest payments, prepayments, net earnings retained prior to payment of dividends and distributions from unconsolidated investments. Our principal only multi-family CMBS are backed by balloon non-recourse mortgage loans that provide for the payment of principal at maturity date, which is typically seven to ten years from the date the underlying mortgage loans are originated, and therefore do not directly contribute to monthly cash flows. In addition, the Company will, from time to time, sell on an opportunistic basis certain assets from its investment portfolio as part of its overall investment strategy and these sales are expected to provide additional liquidity.

During the year ended December 31, 2017 , net cash decreased primarily as a result of $430.7 million used in investing activities, which was partially offset by $377.3 million provided by financing activities and $29.3 million provided by operating activities. Our investing activities primarily included $940.6 million of purchases of investment securities, $102.1 million of purchases of investments held in multi-family securitization trusts, $101.3 million of purchases of residential mortgage loans and distressed residential mortgage loans, and $61.8 million in the funding of preferred equity, equity and mezzanine loan investments partially offset by $229.0 million in principal paydowns on investment securities available for sale, $224.9 million in principal repayments and proceeds from sales and refinancings of distressed residential mortgage loans, $137.2 million in principal repayments received on multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, $107.1 million in proceeds from sales of investment securities, $25.9 million of return of capital from unconsolidated entities, $20.7 million in principal repayments received on residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, $19.0 million in principal repayments received on preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments, $7.0 million in proceeds from sale of real estate owned and $4.6 million in net proceeds from other derivative instruments settled during the period.

Our financing activities primarily included net proceeds from financing arrangements of $459.7 million , $127.0 million in proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes, $131.4 million in net proceeds from common and preferred stock issuances and $5.4 million in advances on mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities, partially offset by $137.2 million in payments made on multi-family CDOs, $106.8 million in dividends paid on common stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, $79.4 million in payments made on securitized debt, and $21.4 million in payments made on Residential CDOs.

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We fund our investments and operations through a balanced and diverse funding mix, which includes proceeds from the issuance of common stock and preferred equity and debt securities, including convertible notes, short-term and longer-term repurchase agreement borrowings, CDOs, securitized debt, trust preferred debentures and, until January 2016, we also used Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) advances. The type and terms of financing used by us depends on the asset being financed and the financing available at the time of the financing. In those cases where we utilize some form of structured financing, be it through CDOs, longer-term repurchase agreements or securitized debt, the cash flow produced by the assets that serve as collateral for these structured finance instruments may be restricted in terms of its use or applied to pay principal or interest on CDOs, repurchase agreements, or notes that are senior to our interests. At December 31, 2017 , we had cash and cash equivalents balances of $95.2 million , which increased from $83.6 million at December 31, 2016 . Based on our current investment portfolio, new investment initiatives, leverage ratio and available and future possible borrowing arrangements, we believe our existing cash balances, funds available under our various financing arrangements and cash flows from operations will meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Liquidity – Financing Arrangements

We rely primarily on short-term repurchase agreements to finance the more liquid assets in our investment portfolio, such as Agency RMBS. In recent years, certain repurchase agreement lenders have elected to exit the repo lending market for various reasons, including new capital requirement regulations. However, as certain lenders have exited the space, other financing counterparties that had not participated in the repo lending market historically have begun to step in to replace many of the lenders that have elected to exit.

As of December 31, 2017 , we have outstanding short-term repurchase agreements, a form of collateralized short-term borrowing, with ten different financial institutions. These agreements are secured by certain of our investment securities and bear interest rates that have historically moved in close relationship to LIBOR. Our borrowings under repurchase agreements are based on the fair value of our investment securities portfolio. Interest rate changes and increased prepayment activity can have a negative impact on the valuation of these securities, reducing the amount we can borrow under these agreements. Moreover, our repurchase agreements allow the counterparties to determine a new market value of the collateral to reflect current market conditions and because these lines of financing are not committed, the counterparty can call the loan at any time. Market value of the collateral represents the price of such collateral obtained from generally recognized sources or most recent closing bid quotation from such source plus accrued income. If a counterparty determines that the value of the collateral has decreased, the counterparty may initiate a margin call and require us to either post additional collateral to cover such decrease or repay a portion of the outstanding borrowing in cash, on minimal notice. Moreover, in the event an existing counterparty elected to not renew the outstanding balance at its maturity into a new repurchase agreement, we would be required to repay the outstanding balance with cash or proceeds received from a new counterparty or to surrender the securities that serve as collateral for the outstanding balance, or any combination thereof. If we are unable to secure financing from a new counterparty and had to surrender the collateral, we would expect to incur a loss. In addition, in the event one of our lenders under the repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation to “re-sell” or return to us the securities that are securing the borrowings at the end of the term of the repurchase agreement, we would incur a loss on the transaction equal to the amount of “haircut” associated with the short-term repurchase agreement, which we sometimes refer to as the “amount at risk.” As of December 31, 2017 , we had an aggregate amount at risk under our repurchase agreements with ten counterparties of approximately $176.8 million , with no more than approximately $49.0 million at risk with any single counterparty. At December 31, 2017 , the Company had short-term repurchase agreement borrowings on its investment securities of $1.3 billion as compared to $773.1 million as of December 31, 2016 .

As of December 31, 2017 , our available liquid assets include unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, overnight deposits and unencumbered securities we believe may be posted as margin. We had $95.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $0.5 million in overnight deposits in our Agency IO portfolio included in restricted cash and $315.7 million in unencumbered investment securities to meet additional haircuts or market valuation requirements as of December 31, 2017. The unencumbered securities that we believe may be posted as margin as of December 31, 2017 included $188.8 million of Agency RMBS, $76.6 million of CMBS, and $50.3 million of non-Agency RMBS. We believe the cash and unencumbered securities, which collectively represent 32.2% of our financing arrangements, are liquid and could be monetized to pay down or collateralize a liability immediately.

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At December 31, 2017 , the Company also had two master repurchase agreements, with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch. The outstanding balances under the first master repurchase agreement with a maximum committed principal amount of $100.0 million and a maximum uncommitted principal amount of $150.0 million amounted to approximately $123.6 million and $193.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. This agreement is collateralized by distressed residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of $182.6 million at December 31, 2017 and expires on June 8, 2019 . The Company expects to roll outstanding borrowings under this master repurchase agreement into a new repurchase agreement or other financing prior to or at maturity. The outstanding balances under the second master repurchase agreement with a guaranteed committed principal amount of $25.0 million amounted to approximately $26.1 million at December 31, 2017 . We had no outstanding balance at December 31, 2016 . This agreement is collateralized by second mortgages with a carrying value of $44.2 million at December 31, 2017 and expires on November 24, 2018 .

At December 31, 2017 , we also had other longer-term debt, including Residential CDOs outstanding of $70.3 million , multi-family CDOs outstanding of $9.2 billion (which represent obligations of the Consolidated K-Series), subordinated debt of $45.0 million and securitized debt of $81.5 million . The CDOs are collateralized by residential and multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, respectively. The securitized debt as of December 31, 2017 represents the notes issued in (i) our May 2012 multi-family re-securitization transaction and (ii) our April 2016 distressed residential mortgage loan securitization transactions, which is described in Note 10 of our consolidated financial statements.

On January 23, 2017, the Company completed the issuance of $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes in a public offering. The Convertible Notes were issued at 96% of the principal amount, bear interest at a rate equal to 6.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, and are expected to mature on January 15, 2022, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The Company does not have the right to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity and no sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes. Holders of the Convertible Notes are permitted to convert their Convertible Notes into shares of the Company's common stock at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 15, 2022. The conversion rate for the Convertible Notes, which is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, initially equals 142.7144 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $7.01 per share of the Company’s common stock, based on a $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes.

As of December 31, 2017 , our overall leverage ratio, which represents our total debt divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 1.7 to 1. Our overall leverage ratio does not include the mortgage debt of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters or debt associated with the Multi-family CDOs or the Residential CDOs, for which we have no obligation. As of December 31, 2017 , our leverage ratio on our short-term financings or callable debt, which represents our repurchase agreement borrowings divided by our total stockholders' equity, was approximately 1.5 to 1. We monitor all at risk or short-term borrowings to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to satisfy margin calls and have the ability to respond to other market disruptions.

Liquidity – Hedging and Other Factors

Certain of our hedging instruments may also impact our liquidity. We use interest rate swaps, swaptions, TBAs or other futures contracts to hedge interest rate and market value risk associated with our investments in Agency RMBS.

With respect to interest rate swaps, futures contracts and TBAs, initial margin deposits, which can be comprised of either cash or securities, will be made upon entering into these contracts. During the period these contracts are open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking to market on a daily basis to reflect the market value of these contracts at the end of each day’s trading. We may be required to satisfy variable margin payments periodically, depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. In addition, because delivery of TBAs extend beyond the typical settlement dates for most non-derivative investments, these transactions are more prone to market fluctuations between the trade date and the ultimate settlement date, and thereby are more vulnerable to increasing amounts at risk with the applicable counterparties.

For additional information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities for the periods covered by this report, including the fair values and notional amounts of these instruments and realized and unrealized gains and losses relating to these instruments, please see Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report. Also, please see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, under the caption, “Fair Value Risk”, for a tabular presentation of the sensitivity of the market value and net duration changes of the Company’s portfolio across various changes in interest rates, which takes into account the Company’s hedging activities.

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Liquidity — Securities Offerings

In addition to the financing arrangements described above under the caption “Liquidity—Financing Arrangements,” we also rely on follow-on equity offerings of common and preferred stock, and may utilize from time to time in the future debt securities offerings, as a source of both short-term and long-term liquidity. We also may generate liquidity through the sale of shares of our common stock in an “at the market” offering program pursuant to an equity distribution agreement (the "ATM Program"), as well as through the sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to our Dividend Reinvestment Plan, or DRIP. Our DRIP provides for the issuance of up to $20,000,000 of shares of our common stock.

On August 10, 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”), as sales agent, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having a maximum aggregate sales price of up to $100.0 million , from time to time through Credit Suisse. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the shares of common stock issued under the Equity Distribution Agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

The Equity Distribution Agreement replaces the Company’s prior equity distribution agreements with JMP Securities LLC and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. dated as of March 20, 2015 and August 25, 2016, respectively (the “Prior Equity Distribution Agreements”), pursuant to which up to $39.3 million of aggregate value of the Company's common stock and Series B Preferred Stock remained available for issuance immediately prior to termination. The Prior Equity Distribution Agreements were terminated effective on August 7, 2017.

During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company issued 55,886 shares of common stock under the Equity Distribution Agreement, at an average price of $6.45 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $0.4 million , after deducting the placement fees. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company issued 87,737 shares of its common stock under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreements, at an average sales price of $6.68 per share, resulting in total net proceeds to the Company of $0.6 million , after deducting the placement fees. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 , the Company issued 1,905,206 shares under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreements, at an average sales price of $6.87 per share, resulting in total net proceeds to the Company of $12.8 million , after deducting the placement fees. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately $99.6 million of securities remains available for issuance under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

Management Agreement

We have an investment management agreement with Headlands, pursuant to which we pay Headlands a base management and incentive fee, if earned, quarterly in arrears.

Dividends

For information regarding the declaration and payment of dividends on our preferred stock for the periods covered by this report, please see Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report. For information regarding the declaration and payment of dividends on our common stock, see “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” above.

We expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends on our common stock during the near term. However, our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate our dividend policy each quarter and will make adjustments as necessary, based on a variety of factors, including, among other things, the need to maintain our REIT status, our financial condition, liquidity, earnings projections and business prospects. Our dividend policy does not constitute an obligation to pay dividends.

We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the various requirements to maintain our REIT status and to minimize or avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax. However, differences in timing between the recognition of REIT taxable income and the actual receipt of cash could require us to sell assets or to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the REIT distribution requirements and to minimize or avoid corporate income tax and the nondeductible excise tax.

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Inflation

For the periods presented herein, inflation has been relatively low and we believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our results of operations. The impact of inflation is primarily reflected in the increased costs of our operations. Virtually all our assets and liabilities are financial in nature. Our consolidated financial statements and corresponding notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance far more than inflation. Inflation affects our operations primarily through its effect on interest rates, since interest rates typically increase during periods of high inflation and decrease during periods of low inflation. During periods of increasing interest rates, demand for mortgages and a borrower’s ability to qualify for mortgage financing in a purchase transaction may be adversely affected. During periods of decreasing interest rates, borrowers may prepay their mortgages, which in turn may adversely affect our yield and subsequently the value of our portfolio of mortgage assets.

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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The Company had the following contractual obligations at December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Less than 1 year		1 to 3 years		4 to 5 years		More than 5 years		Total
Operating leases	$	348	$	651	$	434	$	217	$	1,650
Financing arrangements	1,302,864		123,117		—		—		1,425,981
Subordinated debentures ⁽¹⁾	2,528		5,062		5,056		76,647		89,293
Securitized debt ⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾	—		55,714		—		—		55,714
Interest rate swaps ⁽¹⁾	3,274		6,548		6,548		13,377		29,747
Management fees ⁽²⁾	3,572		—		—		—		3,572
Employment agreements	800		—		—		—		800
Total contractual obligations ⁽³⁾	$	1,313,386	$	191,092	$	12,038	$	90,241	$	1,606,757


⁽¹⁾	Amounts include projected interest payments during the period. Interest based on interest rates in effect on December 31, 2017 .


⁽²⁾	Amounts include the base fee for Headlands based on the current invested capital. The management fees exclude incentive fees which are based on future performance.

⁽³⁾

We exclude our Residential CDOs from the contractual obligations disclosed in the table above as this debt is non-recourse and not cross-collateralized and, therefore, must be satisfied exclusively from the proceeds of the residential mortgage loans and real estate owned held in the securitization trusts. See Note 15 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our Residential CDOs. We also exclude the securitized debt related to our May 2012 re-securitization transaction as this debt is non-recourse to the Company. See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our Securitized Debt. The Company’s Multi-Family CDOs, which represent the CDOs issued by the Consolidated K-Series are excluded as this debt is non-recourse to the Company.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not maintain any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Further, we have not guaranteed any obligations of unconsolidated entities nor do we have any commitment or intent to provide funding to any such entities.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

This section should be read in conjunction with “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent periodic reports filed with the SEC.

We seek to manage risks that we believe will impact our business including, interest rates, liquidity, prepayments, credit quality and market value. When managing these risks we consider the impact on our assets, liabilities and derivative positions. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe the risk can be quantified from historical experience. We seek to actively manage that risk, to generate risk-adjusted total returns that we believe compensate us appropriately for those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we take.

The following analysis includes forward-looking statements that assume that certain market conditions occur. Actual results may differ materially from these projected results due to changes in our portfolio assets and borrowings mix and due to developments in the domestic and global financial and real estate markets. Developments in the financial markets include the likelihood of changing interest rates and the relationship of various interest rates and their impact on our portfolio yield, cost of funds and cash flows. The analytical methods that we use to assess and mitigate these market risks should not be considered projections of future events or operating performance.

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Interest Rate Risk

Interest rates are sensitive to many factors, including governmental, monetary, tax policies, domestic and international economic conditions, and political or regulatory matters beyond our control. Changes in interest rates affect the value of the assets we manage and hold in our investment portfolio and the variable-rate borrowings we use to finance our portfolio. Changes in interest rates also affect the interest rate swaps and caps, Eurodollar and other futures, TBAs and other securities or instruments we use to hedge our portfolio. As a result, our net interest income is particularly affected by changes in interest rates.

For example, we hold RMBS, some of which may have fixed rates or interest rates that adjust on various dates that are not synchronized to the adjustment dates on our repurchase agreements. In general, the re-pricing of our repurchase agreements occurs more quickly than the re-pricing of our variable-interest rate assets. Thus, it is likely that our floating rate borrowings, such as our repurchase agreements, may react to interest rates before our RMBS because the weighted average next re-pricing dates on the related borrowings may have shorter time periods than that of the RMBS. In addition, the interest rates on our Agency ARMs backed by hybrid ARMs may be limited to a “periodic cap,” or an increase of typically 1% or 2% per adjustment period, while our borrowings do not have comparable limitations. Moreover, changes in interest rates can directly impact prepayment speeds, thereby affecting our net return on RMBS. During a declining interest rate environment, the prepayment of RMBS may accelerate (as borrowers may opt to refinance at a lower interest rate) causing the amount of liabilities that have been extended by the use of interest rate swaps to increase relative to the amount of RMBS, possibly resulting in a decline in our net return on RMBS, as replacement RMBS may have a lower yield than those being prepaid. Conversely, during an increasing interest rate environment, RMBS may prepay more slowly than expected, requiring us to finance a higher amount of RMBS than originally forecast and at a time when interest rates may be higher, resulting in a decline in our net return on RMBS. Accordingly, each of these scenarios can negatively impact our net interest income.

We seek to manage interest rate risk in our portfolio by utilizing interest rate swaps, swaptions, interest rate caps, futures, options on futures and U.S. Treasury securities with the goal of optimizing the earnings potential while seeking to maintain long term stable portfolio values. We continually monitor the duration of our mortgage assets and have a policy to hedge the financing of those assets such that the net duration of the assets, our borrowed funds related to such assets, and related hedging instruments, is less than one year.

We utilize a model-based risk analysis system to assist in projecting portfolio performances over a scenario of different interest rates. The model incorporates shifts in interest rates, changes in prepayments and other factors impacting the valuations of our financial securities and derivative hedging instruments.

Based on the results of the model, the instantaneous changes in interest rates specified below would have had the following effect on net interest income for the next 12 months based on our assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands):



Changes in Net Interest Income
Changes in Interest Rates (basis points)	Changes in Net Interest Income
+200	$	(12,259	)
+100	$	(4,508	)
-100	$	2,870

Interest rate changes may also impact our net book value as our assets and related hedge derivatives are marked-to-market each quarter. Generally, as interest rates increase, the value of our mortgage assets, other than IOs, decreases, and conversely, as interest rates decrease, the value of such investments will increase. The value of an IO will likely be negatively affected in a declining interest rate environment due to the risk of increasing prepayment rates because the IOs’ value is wholly contingent on the underlying mortgage loans having an outstanding balance. In general, we expect that, over time, decreases in the value of our portfolio attributable to interest rate changes will be offset, to the degree we are hedged, by increases in the value of our interest rate swaps or other financial instruments used for hedging purposes, and vice versa. However, the relationship between spreads on our assets and spreads on our hedging instruments may vary from time to time, resulting in a net aggregate book value increase or decline. That said, unless there is a material impairment in value that would result in a payment not being received on a security or loan, changes in the book value of our portfolio will not directly affect our recurring earnings or our ability to make a distribution to our stockholders.

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Liquidity Risk

Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain investments, pay dividends to our stockholders and other general business needs. The primary liquidity risk we face arises from financing long-maturity assets with shorter-term borrowings primarily in the form of repurchase agreement financings. We recognize the need to have funds available to operate our business. We manage and forecast our liquidity needs and sources daily to ensure that we have adequate liquidity at all times. We plan to meet liquidity through normal operations with the goal of avoiding unplanned sales of assets or emergency borrowing of funds.

We are subject to “margin call” risk under our repurchase agreements. In the event the value of our assets pledged as collateral suddenly decreases, margin calls relating to our repurchase agreements could increase, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Additionally, if one or more of our repurchase agreement counterparties chooses not to provide ongoing funding, we may be unable to replace the financing through other lenders on favorable terms or at all. As such, we provide no assurance that we will be able to roll over our repurchase agreements as they mature from time to time in the future. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about our liquidity and capital resource management.

Derivative financial instruments used to hedge interest rate risk are subject to “margin call” risk. For example, under our interest rate swaps, typically we pay a fixed rate to the counterparties while they pay us a floating rate. If interest rates drop below the fixed rate we are paying on an interest rate swap, we may be required to post cash margin.

Prepayment Risk

When borrowers repay the principal on their residential mortgage loans before maturity or faster than their scheduled amortization, the effect is to shorten the period over which interest is earned, and therefore, reduce the yield for residential mortgage assets purchased at a premium to their then current balance, as with our portfolio of Agency RMBS. Conversely, residential mortgage assets purchased for less than their then current balance, such as our distressed residential mortgage loans, exhibit higher yields due to faster prepayments. Furthermore, actual prepayment speeds may differ from our modeled prepayment speed projections impacting the effectiveness of any hedges we have in place to mitigate financing and/or fair value risk. Generally, when market interest rates decline, borrowers have a tendency to refinance their mortgages, thereby increasing prepayments.

Our modeled prepayments will help determine the amount of hedging we use to off-set changes in interest rates. If actual prepayment rates are higher than modeled, the yield will be less than modeled in cases where we paid a premium for the particular residential mortgage asset. Conversely, when we have paid a premium, if actual prepayment rates experienced are slower than modeled, we would amortize the premium over a longer time period, resulting in a higher yield to maturity.

In an environment of increasing prepayment speeds, the timing difference between the actual cash receipt of principal paydowns and the announcement of the principal paydown may result in additional margin requirements from our repurchase agreement counterparties.

We mitigate prepayment risk by constantly evaluating our residential mortgage assets relative to prepayment speeds observed for assets with similar structures, quantities and characteristics. Furthermore, we stress-test the portfolio as to prepayment speeds and interest rate risk in order to further develop or make modifications to our hedge balances. Historically, we have not hedged 100% of our liability costs due to prepayment risk.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that we will not fully collect the principal we have invested in our credit sensitive assets, including distressed residential and other mortgage loans, non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, preferred equity and mezzanine loan and joint venture equity investments, due to borrower defaults. In selecting the credit sensitive assets in our portfolio, we seek to identify and invest in assets with characteristics that we believe offset or limit our exposure to borrower defaults.

We seek to manage credit risk through our pre-acquisition or pre-funding due diligence process, and by factoring projected credit losses into the purchase price we pay or loan terms we negotiate for all of our credit sensitive assets. In general, we evaluate relative valuation, supply and demand trends, prepayment rates, delinquency and default rates, vintage of collateral and macroeconomic factors as part of this process. Nevertheless, these procedures do not guarantee unanticipated credit losses which would materially affect our operating results.

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With respect to the $331.5 million of distressed residential mortgage loans owned by the Company at December 31, 2017 , the mortgage loans were purchased at a discount to par reflecting their distressed state or perceived higher risk of default, which may include higher loan to value ratios and, in certain instances, delinquent loan payments.

As of December 31, 2017 , we own $460.3 million of first loss CMBS comprised primarily of first loss POs that are backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties at a weighted average amortized purchase price of approximately 41.1% of current par. Prior to the acquisition of each of our first loss CMBS securities, the Company completed an extensive review of the underlying loan collateral, including loan level cash flow re-underwriting, site inspections on selected properties, property specific cash flow and loss modeling, review of appraisals, property condition and environmental reports, and other credit risk analyses. We continue to monitor credit quality on an ongoing basis using updated property level financial reports provided by borrowers and periodic site inspection of selected properties. We also reconcile on a monthly basis the actual bond distributions received against projected distributions to assure proper allocation of cash flow generated by the underlying loan pool.

As of December 31, 2017 , we own approximately $202.8 million of preferred equity, mezzanine loan and equity investments in owners of residential and multi-family properties. The performance and value of these investments depend upon the applicable operating partner’s or borrower’s ability to effectively operate the multifamily and residential properties, that serve as the underlying collateral, to produce cash flows adequate to pay distributions, interest or principal due to us. The Company monitors the performance and credit quality of the underlying assets that serve as collateral for its investments. In connection with these types of investments by us in multi-family properties, the procedures for ongoing monitoring include financial statement analysis and regularly scheduled site inspections of portfolio properties to assess property physical condition, performance of on-site staff and competitive activity in the sub-market. We also formulate annual budgets and performance goals alongside our operating partners for use in measuring the ongoing investment performance and credit quality of our investments. Additionally, the Company's preferred equity and equity investments typically provide us with various rights and remedies to protect our investment. In March 2017, the Company exercised such rights and remedies with respect to Riverchase Landing and The Clusters and effectively assumed control of both entities. The Company believes it has an asset management team with the experience and expertise necessary to efficiently manage Riverchase Landing and The Clusters while working toward a successful resolution for each investment.

We are exposed on the credit risk in our investments in non-Agency RMBS backed by re-performing or nonperforming loans totaling $102.1 million as of December 31, 2017 . Our non-Agency RMBS are collateralized by re-performing and non-performing loans. The non-Agency RMBS in our investment portfolio were purchased primarily in offerings of new issues of such securities at prices at or around par and represent either the senior or junior securities in the securitizations of the loan portfolios collateralizing such securities. The senior securities are structured with significant credit enhancement (typically approximately 50%, subject to market and credit conditions) to mitigate our exposure to credit risk on these securities, while the junior securities typically have 30% credit enhancement. Both junior and senior securities are subordinated by an equity security that typically receives no cash flow (interest or principal) until the senior and junior securities are paid off. In addition, these deal structures contain an interest rate step-up feature, whereby the coupon on the senior and junior securities increase by 300 to 400 basis points if the securities that we hold have not been redeemed by the issuer after 36 months. We expect that the combination of the priority cash flow of the senior and junior securities and the 36-month step-up will result in these securities’ exhibiting short average lives and, accordingly, reduced interest rate sensitivity. Consequently, we believe that non-Agency RMBS provide attractive returns given our assessment of the interest rate and credit risk associated with these securities.

Fair Value Risk

Changes in interest rates also expose us to market value (fair value) fluctuation on our assets, liabilities and hedges. While the fair value of the majority of our assets (when excluding all Consolidated K-Series assets other than the securities we actually own) that are measured on a recurring basis are determined using Level 2 fair values, we own certain assets, such as our first loss principal only CMBS investments, for which fair values may not be readily available if there are no active trading markets for the instruments. In such cases, fair values would only be derived or estimated for these investments using various valuation techniques, such as computing the present value of estimated future cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. However, the determination of estimated future cash flows is inherently subjective and imprecise. Minor changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies can have a material effect on these derived or estimated fair values. Our fair value estimates and assumptions are indicative of the interest rate environments as of December 31, 2017 , and do not take into consideration the effects of subsequent interest rate fluctuations.

We note that the values of our investments in derivative instruments will be sensitive to changes in market interest rates, interest rate spreads, credit spreads and other market factors. The value of these investments can vary and has varied materially from period to period.

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The following describes the methods and assumptions we use in estimating fair values of our financial instruments:

Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and are significantly affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, discount rates, estimate of future cash flows, future expected loss experience and other factors.

Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates and the resulting fair values. Derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in an immediate sale of the instrument. Also, because of differences in methodologies and assumptions used to estimate fair values, the fair values used by us should not be compared to those of other companies.

The table below presents the sensitivity of the market value and net duration changes of our portfolio as of December 31, 2017 , using a discounted cash flow simulation model assuming an instantaneous interest rate shift. Application of this method results in an estimation of the fair market value change of our assets, liabilities and hedging instruments per 100 basis point (“bp”) shift in interest rates.

The use of hedging instruments is a critical part of our interest rate risk management strategies, and the effects of these hedging instruments on the market value of the portfolio are reflected in the model's output. This analysis also takes into consideration the value of options embedded in our mortgage assets including constraints on the re-pricing of the interest rate of assets resulting from periodic and lifetime cap features, as well as prepayment options. Assets and liabilities that are not interest rate-sensitive such as cash, payment receivables, prepaid expenses, payables and accrued expenses are excluded.

Changes in assumptions including, but not limited to, volatility, mortgage and financing spreads, prepayment behavior, defaults, as well as the timing and level of interest rate changes will affect the results of the model. Therefore, actual results are likely to vary from modeled results.



Market Value Changes
Changes in Interest Rates	Changes in Market Value			Net Duration
(basis points)	($ amounts in thousands)
+200	$	(73,798	)	3.34
+100	$	(27,567	)	2.68
Base				1.77
-100	$	8,003		0.85

It should be noted that the model is used as a tool to identify potential risk in a changing interest rate environment but does not include any changes in portfolio composition, financing strategies, market spreads or changes in overall market liquidity.

Although market value sensitivity analysis is widely accepted in identifying interest rate risk, it does not take into consideration changes that may occur such as, but not limited to, changes in investment and financing strategies, changes in market spreads and changes in business volumes. Accordingly, we make extensive use of an earnings simulation model to further analyze our level of interest rate risk.

There are a number of key assumptions in our earnings simulation model. These key assumptions include changes in market conditions that affect interest rates, the pricing of our portfolio, the availability of investment assets and the availability and the cost of financing for portfolio assets. Other key assumptions made in using the simulation model include prepayment speeds and management's investment, financing and hedging strategies. The assumptions used represent our estimate of the likely effect of changes in interest rates and do not necessarily reflect actual results. The earnings simulation model takes into account periodic and lifetime caps embedded in our assets in determining the earnings at risk.

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Our financial statements and the related notes, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, as required by this Item 8, are set forth beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017 . Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017 .

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability, preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) (the "COSO framework"). Based on our evaluation under the COSO framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017 .

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls. Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

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Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of additional material federal income tax considerations with respect to the ownership of our stock. This summary supplements and should be read together with the discussions under “Material Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the prospectus dated August 25, 2016 and filed as part of our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-213316) and in the prospectus dated January 14, 2013 and filed as part of our Registration Statement on Form S-3D (No. 333-186016).

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Enactment of the TCJA

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed into law H.R. 1, informally titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA” or the “Act”). The TCJA makes major changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including several provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that may affect the taxation of REITs and their security holders. The most significant of these provisions are described below. The individual and collective impact of these changes on REITs and their security holders is uncertain, and may not become evident for some period. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the TCJA on their investment.

Revised Individual Tax Rates and Deductions

The TCJA creates seven income tax brackets for individuals ranging from 10% to 37% that generally apply at higher thresholds than current law. For example, the highest 37% rate applies to joint return filer incomes above $600,000, instead of the highest 39.6% rate that applies to incomes above $470,700 under pre-TCJA law. The maximum 20% rate that applies to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income is unchanged, as is the 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income (see “Material Federal Income Tax Considerations-Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders” in the applicable prospectus).

The TCJA also eliminates personal exemptions, but nearly doubles the standard deduction for most individuals (for example, the standard deduction for joint return filers rises from $12,700 in 2017 to $24,000 upon the TCJA’s effectiveness). The TCJA also eliminates many itemized deductions, limits individual deductions for state and local income, property and sales taxes (other than those paid in a trade or business) to $10,000 collectively for joint return filers (with a special provision to prevent 2017 deductions for prepayment of 2018 taxes), and limits the amount of new acquisition indebtedness on principal or second residences for which mortgage interest deductions are available to $750,000. Interest deductions for new home equity debt are eliminated. Charitable deductions are generally preserved. The phaseout of itemized deductions based on income is eliminated.

The TCJA does not eliminate the individual alternative minimum tax, but it raises the exemption and exemption phaseout threshold for application of the tax.

These individual income tax changes are generally effective beginning in 2018, but without further legislation, they will sunset after 2025.

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Pass-Through Business Income Tax Rate Lowered Through Deduction

Under the TCJA, individuals, trusts and estates generally may deduct 20% of “qualified business income” (generally, domestic trade or business income other than certain investment items) of a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship. In addition, “qualified REIT dividends” (i.e., REIT dividends other than capital gain dividends and portions of REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income, which in each case are already eligible for capital gain tax rates) and certain other income items are eligible for the deduction by the taxpayer. The overall deduction is limited to 20% of the sum of the taxpayer’s taxable income (less net capital gain) and certain cooperative dividends, subject to further limitations based on taxable income. In addition, for taxpayers with income above a certain threshold (e.g., $315,000 for joint return filers), the deduction for each trade or business is generally limited to no more than the greater of (i) 50% of the taxpayer’s proportionate share of total wages from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, or (ii) 25% of the taxpayer’s proportionate share of such total wages plus 2.5% of the unadjusted basis of acquired tangible depreciable property that is used to produce qualified business income and satisfies certain other requirements. The deduction for qualified REIT dividends is not subject to these wage and property basis limits. Consequently, the deduction equates to a maximum 29.6% tax rate on REIT dividends. As with the other individual income tax changes, the deduction provisions are effective beginning in 2018. Without further legislation, the deduction would sunset after 2025.

Net Operating Loss Modifications

Net operating loss (“NOL”) provisions are modified by the TCJA. The TCJA limits the NOL deduction to 80% of taxable income (before the deduction). It also generally eliminates NOL carrybacks for individuals and non-REIT corporations (NOL carrybacks did not apply to REITs under prior law), but allows indefinite NOL carryforwards. The new NOL rules apply to losses arising in taxable years beginning in 2018.

Maximum Corporate Tax Rate Lowered to 21%; Elimination of Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax

The TCJA reduces the 35% maximum corporate income tax rate to a maximum 21% corporate rate, and reduces the dividends-received deduction for certain corporate subsidiaries. The reduction of the corporate tax rate to 21% also results in the reduction of the maximum rate of withholding with respect to our distributions to non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests from 35% to 21%. The TCJA also permanently eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax. These provisions are effective beginning in 2018.

Limitations on Interest Deductibility; Real Property Trades or Businesses Can Elect Out Subject to Longer Asset Cost Recovery Periods

The TCJA limits a taxpayer’s net interest expense deduction to 30% of the sum of adjusted taxable income, business interest and certain other amounts. Adjusted taxable income does not include items of income or expense not allocable to a trade or business, business interest or expense, the new deduction for qualified business income, NOLs, and for years prior to 2022, deductions for depreciation, amortization or depletion. For partnerships, the interest deduction limit is applied at the partnership level, subject to certain adjustments to the partners for unused deduction limitations at the partnership level. The TCJA allows a real property trade or business to elect out of this interest limit so long as it uses a 40-year recovery period for nonresidential real property, a 30-year recovery period for residential rental property and a 20-year recovery period for related improvements. For this purpose, a real property trade or business is any real property development, redevelopment, construction, reconstruction, acquisition, conversion, rental, operating, management, leasing, or brokerage trade or business. As a mortgage REIT, we do not believe that our business constitutes a “real property trade or business” within the meaning of the TCJA. However, as a mortgage REIT, we do not believe we will be negatively impacted by the 30% limitation on the deductibility of interest imposed by the TCJA because interest expense may be fully deducted to the extent of interest income under the TCJA. Disallowed interest expense is carried forward indefinitely (subject to special rules for partnerships). The interest deduction limit applies beginning in 2018.

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Phantom Income

Under the TCJA, we generally will be required to take certain amounts in 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 with respect to our debt instruments or mortgage-backed securities, such as original issue discount or market discount, earlier than would be the case under the general tax rules, although the precise application of this rule is unclear at this time. This rule generally will be effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 or, for debt instruments or mortgage-backed securities issued with original issue discount, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2018. To the extent that this rule requires the accrual of income earlier than under the general tax rules, it could increase our “phantom income,” which may make it more likely that we could be required to borrow funds or take other action to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements for the taxable year in which this “phantom income” is recognized. We currently do not expect that this rule will have a material impact on the timing of accrual of our income or on the amount of our distribution requirement.

International Provisions: Modified Territorial Tax Regime

The TCJA moves the United States from a worldwide to a modified territorial tax system, with provisions included to prevent corporate base erosion. We currently do not have any foreign subsidiaries or properties, but these provisions could affect any such future subsidiaries or properties.

Other Provisions

The TCJA makes other significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. These changes include provisions limiting the ability to offset dividend and interest income with partnership or S corporation net active business losses. These provisions are effective beginning in 2018, but without further legislation, will sunset after 2025.

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PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this item is included in our Proxy Statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the “ 2018 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is included in the 2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Except as set forth below, the information required by this item is included in the 2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information presented under the heading “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities —Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” in Item 5 of Part II of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is included in the 2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is included in the 2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


(a)	Financial Statements



	Page

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP	F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets	F-4

Consolidated Statements of Operations	F-5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity	F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-10

Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	F-70


(b)	Exhibits.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibits: The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed below. Management contracts or compensatory plans are filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.12.



Exhibit		Description
2.1		Membership Purchase Agreement, by and among Donlon Family LLC, JMP Investment Holdings LLC, Hypotheca Capital, LLC, RiverBanc LLC and the Company, dated May 3, 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on From 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2016).

3.1		Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2014).

3.2		Bylaws of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2011).

3.3		Articles Supplementary designating the Company’s 7.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2013).

3.4		Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,550,000 additional shares of the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2015).

3.5		Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 7.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2015).

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3.6		Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred Stock”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2017).

4.1		Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-111668) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2004).

4.2		Form of Certificate representing the Series B Preferred Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2013).

4.3		Form of Certificate representing the Series C Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2015).

4.4		Form of Certificate representing the Series D Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2017).

4.5(a)		Junior Subordinated Indenture between The New York Mortgage Company, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, dated September 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2005).

4.5(b)		Parent Guarantee Agreement between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as guarantee trustee, dated September 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2005).

4.6(a)		Junior Subordinated Indenture between The New York Mortgage Company, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, dated March 15, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2012).

4.6(b)		Parent Guarantee Agreement between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as guarantee trustee, dated March 15, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2012).

4.7		Indenture, dated April 15, 2016, by and between NYMT Residential 2016-RP1, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2016).

4.8		Indenture, dated January 23, 2017, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

4.9		First Supplemental Indenture, dated January 23, 2017, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

4.10		Form of 6.25% Senior Convertible Note Due 2022 of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

		Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Company and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of any such instruments.

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10.1		The Company's 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2010).

10.2		The Company's 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan (effective for fiscal year 2015) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2015).

10.3		The Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017).

10.4		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2009).

10.5		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2009).

10.6		Performance Share Award Agreement between Steven R. Mumma and the Company, dated as of May 28, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2015).

10.7		Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between the Company and Steven R. Mumma, dated as of November 3, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2014).

10.8		Letter Agreement, dated February 8, 2017, by and between the Company and Steven R. Mumma (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2017).

10.9		Employment Agreement of Kevin Donlon, dated May 16, 2016, by and between the Company and Kevin Donlon (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2016).

10.10		Separation Agreement, dated September 18, 2017, by and between the Company and Kevin Donlon (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 19, 2017).

10.11		The Company's 2018 Annual Incentive Plan.*

10.12		Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement.*

10.13		Equity Distribution Agreement, dated August 10, 2017, by and between the Company and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2017).

12.1		Statement re: Computation of Ratios.*

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21.1		List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*

23.1		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Grant Thornton LLP).*

31.1		Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1		Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document ***

101.SCH		Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ***

101.CAL		Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document ***

101.DE XBRL		Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document ***

101.LAB		Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ***

101.PRE		Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ***


*	Filed herewith.


**	Furnished herewith. Such certification shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

***

Submitted electronically herewith. Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 ; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 ; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 ; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 ; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 ; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



		NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

Date: February 27, 2018	By:	/s/ Steven R. Mumma
		Steven R. Mumma
		Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Steven R. Mumma	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer	February 27, 2018
Steven R. Mumma	(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Michael B. Clement	Director	February 26, 2018
Michael B. Clement

/s/ Alan L. Hainey	Director	February 26, 2018
Alan L. Hainey

/s/ Steven G. Norcutt	Director	February 26, 2018
Steven G. Norcutt

/s/ David R. Bock	Director	February 26, 2018
David R. Bock

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

For Inclusion in Form 10-K

Filed with

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

December 31, 2017

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements



FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:	PAGE

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP	F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets	F-4

Consolidated Statements of Operations	F-5

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	F-6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-10

Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate	F-70

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes and schedule (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009.

New York, New York

February 27, 2018

F-2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

Opinion on internal control over financial reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017, and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 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 or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

New York, New York

February 27, 2018

F-3

Table of Contents

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Investment securities, available for sale, at fair value (including pledged securities of $1,076,187 and $690,592, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively and $47,922 and $43,897 held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)	$	1,413,081		$	818,976
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	73,820			95,144
Residential mortgage loans, at fair value	87,153			17,769
Distressed residential mortgage loans, net (including $121,791 and $195,347 held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)	331,464			503,094
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value	9,657,421			6,939,844
Derivative assets	846			150,296
Cash and cash equivalents	95,191			83,554
Investment in unconsolidated entities	51,143			79,259
Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	138,920			100,150
Real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	64,202			—
Goodwill	25,222			25,222
Receivables and other assets	117,822			138,323
Total Assets ⁽¹⁾	$	12,056,285		$	8,951,631
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments	$	1,276,918		$	773,142
Financing arrangements, residential mortgage loans	149,063			192,419
Residential collateralized debt obligations	70,308			91,663
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations, at fair value	9,189,459			6,624,896
Securitized debt	81,537			158,867
Mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	57,124			1,588
Derivative liabilities	—			498
Payable for securities purchased	—			148,015
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	82,126			64,381
Subordinated debentures	45,000			45,000
Convertible notes	128,749			—
Total liabilities ⁽¹⁾	$	11,080,284		$	8,100,469
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 7.75% Series B cumulative redeemable, $25 liquidation preference per share, 6,000,000 shares authorized, 3,000,000 shares issued and outstanding	$	72,397		$	72,397
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 7.875% Series C cumulative redeemable, $25 liquidation preference per share, 4,140,000 shares authorized, 3,600,000 shares issued and outstanding	86,862			86,862
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate cumulative redeemable, $25 liquidation preference per share, 5,750,000 shares authorized and 5,400,000 issued and outstanding	130,496			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 111,909,909 and 111,474,521 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	1,119			1,115
Additional paid-in capital	751,155			748,599
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,553			1,639
Accumulated deficit	(75,717		)	(62,537		)
Company's stockholders' equity	971,865			848,075
Non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities	4,136			3,087
Total equity	$	976,001		$	851,162
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	12,056,285		$	8,951,631

⁽¹⁾

Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs") as the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , assets of consolidated VIEs totaled $10,041,468 and $7,330,872 , respectively, and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs totaled $9,436,421 and $6,902,536 , respectively. See Note 10 for further discussion.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-4

Table of Contents

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
INTEREST INCOME:
Investment securities and other	$	43,909		$	33,696		$	36,320
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	297,124			249,191			257,417
Residential mortgage loans	6,117			3,770			3,728
Distressed residential mortgage loans	18,937			32,649			39,303
Total interest income	366,087			319,306			336,768

INTEREST EXPENSE:
Investment securities and other	25,344			17,764			13,737
Convertible notes	9,852			—			—
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations	261,665			222,553			232,971
Residential collateralized debt obligations	1,463			1,246			936
Securitized debt	7,481			11,044			11,126
Subordinated debentures	2,296			2,061			1,881
Total interest expense	308,101			254,668			260,651

NET INTEREST INCOME	57,986			64,638			76,117

OTHER INCOME (LOSS):
Recovery of (provision for) loan losses	1,739			838			(1,363		)
Realized gain (loss) on investment securities and related hedges, net	3,888			(3,645		)	(4,617		)
Gain on de-consolidation of multi-family loans held in securitization trust and multi-family collateralized debt obligations	—			—			1,483
Realized gain on distressed residential mortgage loans at carrying value, net	26,049			14,865			31,251
Net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value	1,678			—			—
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities and related hedges, net	1,955			7,070			(2,641		)
Unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, net	18,872			3,032			12,368
Income from operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	7,280			—			—
Other income	13,552			19,078			9,430
Total other income	75,013			41,238			45,911

GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATING EXPENSES:
General and administrative expenses	18,357			15,246			9,928
Base management and incentive fees	4,517			9,261			19,188
Expenses related to distressed residential mortgage loans	8,746			10,714			10,364
Expenses related to operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	9,457			—			—
Total general, administrative and operating expenses	41,077			35,221			39,480

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	91,922			70,655			82,548
Income tax expense	3,355			3,095			4,535

NET INCOME	88,567			67,560			78,013
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities	3,413			(9		)	—
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY	91,980			67,551			78,013
Preferred stock dividends	(15,660		)	(12,900		)	(10,990		)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	76,320		$	54,651		$	67,023

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.68		$	0.50		$	0.62
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.66		$	0.50		$	0.62
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	111,836			109,594			108,399
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	130,343			109,594			108,399

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-5

Table of Contents

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollar amounts in thousands)



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	76,320		$	54,651		$	67,023
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of available for sale securities	8,314			4,695			(2,975		)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain included in net income	(4,298		)	—			(9,063		)
Decrease in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges	(102		)	(202		)	(831		)
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	3,914			4,493			(12,869		)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMPANY'S COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	80,234		$	59,144		$	54,154

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

F-6

Table of Contents

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(Dollar amounts in thousands)



	Common Stock		Preferred Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Company Stockholders' Equity			Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated VIE			Total
Balance, December 31, 2014	$	1,051	$	72,397	$	701,871	$	32,593		$	10,015		$	817,927		$	—		$	817,927
Net income	—		—		—		78,013			—			78,013			—			78,013
Common Stock issuance, net	43		—		32,739		—			—			32,782			—			32,782
Preferred Stock issuance, net	—		86,862		—		—			—			86,862			—			86,862
Dividends declared on common stock	—		—		—		(111,199		)	—			(111,199		)	—			(111,199		)
Dividends declared on preferred stock	—		—		—		(10,990		)	—			(10,990		)	—			(10,990		)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain included in net income	—		—		—		—			(9,063		)	(9,063		)	—			(9,063		)
Decrease in fair value of available for sale securities	—		—		—		—			(2,975		)	(2,975		)	—			(2,975		)
Decrease in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges	—		—		—		—			(831		)	(831		)	—			(831		)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	1,094	$	159,259	$	734,610	$	(11,583	)	$	(2,854	)	$	880,526		$	—		$	880,526
Net income	—		—		—		67,551			—			67,551			9			67,560
Common Stock issuance, net	21		—		13,989		—			—			14,010			—			14,010
Preferred Stock issuance, net	—		—		—		—			—			—			—			—
Dividends declared on common stock	—		—		—		(105,605		)	—			(105,605		)	—			(105,605		)
Dividends declared on preferred stock	—		—		—		(12,900		)	—			(12,900		)	—			(12,900		)
Increase in fair value of available for sale securities	—		—		—		—			4,695			4,695			—			4,695
Decrease in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges	—		—		—		—			(202		)	(202		)	—			(202		)
Increase in non-controlling interest related to initial consolidation of variable interest entities	—		—		—		—			—			—			3,078			3,078
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	1,115	$	159,259	$	748,599	$	(62,537	)	$	1,639		$	848,075		$	3,087		$	851,162
Net income	—		—		—		91,980			—			91,980			(3,413		)	88,567
Common Stock issuance, net	4		—		2,556		—			—			2,560			—			2,560
Preferred Stock issuance, net	—		130,496		—		—			—			130,496			—			130,496
Dividends declared on common stock	—		—		—		(89,500		)	—			(89,500		)	—			(89,500		)
Dividends declared on preferred stock	—		—		—		(15,660		)	—			(15,660		)	—			(15,660		)
Reclassification adjustment for net gain included in net income	—		—		—		—			(4,298		)	(4,298		)	—			(4,298		)
Increase in fair value of available for sale securities	—		—		—		—			8,314			8,314			—			8,314
Decrease in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges	—		—		—		—			(102		)	(102		)	—			(102		)
Increase in non-controlling interest related to initial consolidation of variable interest entities	—		—		—		—			—			—			4,462			4,462
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	1,119	$	289,755	$	751,155	$	(75,717	)	$	5,553		$	971,865		$	4,136		$	976,001

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollar amounts in thousands)



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$	88,567		$	67,560		$	78,013
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net amortization	197			7,648			542
Realized (gain) loss on investment securities and related hedges, net	(3,888		)	3,645			4,617
Net gain on distressed residential mortgage and residential mortgage loans	(27,727		)	(14,865		)	(31,251		)
Unrealized (gain) loss on investment securities and related hedges, net	(1,955		)	(7,070		)	2,641
Gain on de-consolidation of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts and multi-family collateralized debt obligations	—			—			(1,483		)
Gain on remeasurement of existing membership interest in businesses acquired	—			(5,052		)	—
Gain on bargain purchase on businesses acquired	—			(65		)	—
Unrealized gain on loans and debt held in multi-family securitization trusts, net	(18,872		)	(3,032		)	(12,368		)
Net decrease in loans held for sale	34			432			323
(Recovery of) provision for loan losses	(1,739		)	(838		)	1,363
Income from unconsolidated entity, preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	(27,164		)	(22,202		)	(12,997		)
Distributions of income from unconsolidated entity, preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	20,870			15,801			9,827
Amortization of stock based compensation, net	1,632			514			983
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables and other assets	(18,459		)	6,756			10,945
Accrued expenses and other liabilities and accrued expenses, related parties	17,836			4,612			(14,819		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,332			53,844			36,336

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash acquired	—			(28,447		)	—
Cash received from initial consolidation of variable interest entities	112			—			—
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	107,062			208,229			99,235
Purchases of investment securities	(940,597		)	(423,175		)	(152,883		)
Redemption (purchases) of FHLBI stock	—			5,445			(5,445		)
Purchases of other assets	(41		)	(103		)	(61		)
Capital expenditures on operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	(296		)	—			—
Funding of preferred equity, equity and mezzanine loan investments	(61,814		)	(46,896		)	(58,215		)
Principal repayments received on preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	19,031			4,464			4,308
Return of capital from unconsolidated entity investments	25,940			10,940			—
Net proceeds (payments) from other derivative instruments settled during the period	4,572			(933		)	(5,766		)
Principal repayments received on residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts	20,667			23,648			28,166
Principal repayments and proceeds from sales and refinancing of distressed residential mortgage loans	224,915			122,552			238,798
Principal repayments received on multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	137,164			136,331			85,980
Principal paydowns on investment securities - available for sale	228,968			136,836			105,774
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned	7,026			2,131			1,044
Purchases of residential mortgage loans and distressed residential mortgage loans	(101,250		)	(82,167		)	(156,005		)
Proceeds from sales of loans held in multi-family securitization trusts	—			—			65,587
Purchases of investments held in multi-family securitization trusts	(102,147		)	—			—
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(430,688		)	68,855			250,517

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from (payments made on) financing arrangements, net of FHLBI advances and payments	459,733			175,993			(99,011		)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes	126,995			—			—
Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt	—			166,347			—
Common stock issuance, net	930			13,496			31,799
Preferred stock issuance, net	130,496			—			86,862
Dividends paid on common stock	(93,872		)	(105,108		)	(113,318		)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(12,900		)	(12,900		)	(9,218		)
Payments made on mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	(1,485		)	—			—
Proceeds from mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	5,414			—			—
Payments made on residential collateralized debt obligations	(21,442		)	(25,152		)	(28,952		)
Payments made on multi-family collateralized debt obligations	(137,160		)	(136,314		)	(85,966		)
Payments made on securitized debt	(79,433		)	(126,018		)	(116,136		)
Redemption of preferred equity	—			(16,255		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	377,276			(65,911		)	(333,940		)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(24,080		)	56,788			(47,087		)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period	139,530			82,742			129,829
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - End of Period	$	115,450		$	139,530		$	82,742

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Supplemental Disclosure:
Cash paid for interest	$	333,907	$	300,992	$	307,162
Cash paid for income taxes	$	3,952	$	4,061	$	4,922
Non-Cash Investment Activities:
Purchase of investment securities not yet settled	$	—	$	148,015	$	227,969
Deconsolidation of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	$	—	$	—	$	1,075,529
Deconsolidation of multi-family collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	1,009,942
Consolidation of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	$	2,886,525	$	—	$	—
Consolidation of multi-family collateralized debt obligations	$	2,784,377	$	—	$	—
Transfer from residential loans to real estate owned	$	7,228	$	8,892	$	2,579
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Dividends declared on common stock to be paid in subsequent period	$	22,382	$	26,754	$	26,256
Dividends declared on preferred stock to be paid in subsequent period	$	5,985	$	3,225	$	3,225

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reconciliation:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	95,191	$	83,554	$	61,959
Restricted cash included in receivables and other assets	20,259		55,976		20,783
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	115,450	$	139,530	$	82,742

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2017


1.	Organization

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries ("NYMT," "we," "our," or the “Company"), is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets. Our objective is to deliver long-term stable distributions to our stockholders over changing economic conditions through a combination of net interest margin and net realized capital gains from a diversified investment portfolio. Our portfolio includes residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential and second mortgage loans, multi-family CMBS, preferred equity and joint venture equity investments in, and mezzanine loans to, owners of multi-family properties, equity and debt securities issued by entities that invest in residential and commercial real estate, non-Agency RMBS, Agency RMBS consisting of fixed-rate, adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS and Agency IOs consisting of interest only and inverse interest-only RMBS.

The Company conducts its business through the parent company, New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., and several subsidiaries, including special purpose subsidiaries established for residential loan, distressed residential loan and CMBS securitization purposes, taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") and qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs"). The Company consolidates all of its subsidiaries under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

The Company is organized and conducts its operations to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Company will generally not be subject to federal income taxes on that portion of its income that is distributed to stockholders if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders by the due date of its federal income tax return and complies with various other requirements.


2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Definitions – The following defines certain of the commonly used terms in these financial statements:

“RMBS” refers to residential mortgage-backed securities comprised of adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, fixed-rate, interest only and inverse interest only and principal only securities;

“Non-Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS backed by prime jumbo residential mortgage loans, including performing, re-performing and non-performing mortgage loans;

“IOs” refers collectively to interest only and inverse interest only mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the interest component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;

“POs” refers to mortgage-backed securities that represent the right to the principal component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans;

“Agency IOs” refers to Agency RMBS comprised of IO RMBS;

“ARMs” refers to adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans;

“Prime ARM loans” and “residential securitized loans” each refer to prime credit quality residential ARM loans (“prime ARM loans”) held in our securitization trusts;

“Agency ARMs” refers to Agency RMBS comprised of adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS;

“Agency fixed-rate ” refers to Agency RMBS comprised of fixed-rate RMBS;

“CMBS” refers to commercial mortgage-backed securities comprised of commercial mortgage pass-through securities, as well as IO or PO securities that represent the right to a specific component of the cash flow from a pool of commercial mortgage loans;

“Multi-family CMBS” refers to CMBS backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties;

“CDOs” refers to collateralized debt obligations; and

“CLO” refers to collateralized loan obligations.

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Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management has made significant estimates in several areas, including valuation of its CMBS investments, multi-family loans held in securitization trusts and multi-family CDOs, as well as income recognition on distressed residential mortgage loans purchased at a discount. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be different than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition.

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

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

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

Business Combinations – The Company evaluates each purchase transaction to determine whether the acquired assets meet the definition of a business. The Company accounts for business combinations by applying the acquisition method in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). Transaction costs related to acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets and liabilities.

Net cash paid to acquire a business is classified as investing activities on the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

On May 16, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding membership interests in RiverBanc LLC (“RiverBanc”), RB Multifamily Investors LLC (“RBMI”), and RB Development Holding Company, LLC (“RBDHC”) that were not previously owned by the Company through the consummation of separate membership interest purchase agreements, thereby increasing the Company's ownership of each of these entities to 100% ( see Note 23 ). These transactions were accounted for by applying the acquisition method for business acquisitions under ASC 805.

On March 31, 2017 , the Company determined that it became the primary beneficiary of 200 RHC Hoover, LLC ("Riverchase Landing") and The Clusters, LLC ("The Clusters"), two VIEs that each own a multi-family apartment community and in which the Company holds preferred equity investments. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"). These transactions were accounted for by applying the acquisition method for business combinations under ASC 805 ( see Note 10 ).

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Investment Securities Available for Sale – The Company's investment securities, where the fair value option has not been elected and which are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), include Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS and CMBS. The Company has elected the fair value option for its Agency IOs, U.S. Treasury securities, certain Agency fixed-rate and Agency ARMs RMBS within the Agency IO portfolio, which measures unrealized gains and losses through earnings in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair value option was elected for these investment securities to better match the accounting for these investment securities with the related derivative instruments within the Agency IO portfolio, which are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes.

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

Interest income on our investment securities available for sale is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Purchase premiums or discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the investment securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to amortization are made for actual prepayment activity.

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

A portion of the purchase discount on the Company’s first loss PO multi-family CMBS is designated as non-accretable purchase discount or credit reserve, which is intended to partially mitigate the Company’s risk of loss on the mortgages collateralizing such multi-family CMBS, and is not expected to be accreted into interest income. The amount designated as a credit reserve may be adjusted over time, based on the actual performance of the security, its underlying collateral, actual and projected cash flow from such collateral, economic conditions and other factors. If the performance of a security with a credit reserve is more favorable than forecasted, a portion of the amount designated as credit reserve may be accreted into interest income over time. Conversely, if the performance of a security with a credit reserve is less favorable than forecasted, the amount designated as credit reserve may be increased, or impairment charges and writedowns of such securities to a new cost basis could be required.

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

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The Company assesses its impaired securities on at least a quarterly basis and designates such impairments as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary” by applying the guidance prescribed in ASC 320-10. When the fair value of an investment security is less than its amortized cost as of the reporting balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired. If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired security before its anticipated recovery, the Company recognizes an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value as of the balance sheet date. If the Company does not expect to sell an other-than-temporarily impaired security, only the portion of the other-than-temporary impairment related to credit losses is recognized through earnings with the remainder recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Impairments recognized through other comprehensive income (loss) do not impact earnings. Following the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings, a new cost basis is established for the security, which may not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value through earnings. However, other-than-temporary impairments recognized through earnings may be accreted back to the amortized cost basis of the security on a prospective basis through interest income. The determination as to whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists and, if so, the amount considered other-than-temporarily impaired is subjective, as such determinations are based on both factual and subjective information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimates of the future performance and cash flow projections. As a result, the timing and amount of other-than-temporary impairments constitute material estimates that are susceptible to significant change.

In determining the other-than temporary impairment related to credit losses for securities that are not of high credit quality, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected at the prior reporting date or purchase date, whichever is most recent, against the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date. The Company considers information available about the past and expected future performance of underlying mortgage loans, including timing of expected future cash flows, prepayment rates, default rates, loss severities and delinquency rates.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are comprised of certain ARM loans transferred to Consolidated VIEs that have been securitized into sequentially rated classes of beneficial interests. The Company accounted for these securitization trusts as financings which are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements. Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are carried at their unpaid principal balances, net of unamortized premium or discount, unamortized loan origination costs and allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the mortgage loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible.

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

Residential Mortgage Loans, at fair value – Certain of the Company’s acquired residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans and second mortgage loans, are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition pursuant to ASC 825, Financial Instruments . Changes in fair value are recorded in current period earnings in net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Premiums and discounts associated with the purchase of residential mortgage loans, at fair value are amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the related loan using the effective interest method. Any premium amortization or discount accretion is reflected as a component of interest income, residential mortgage loans in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

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Acquired Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans – Distressed residential mortgage loans are comprised of pools of fixed- and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans acquired by the Company at a discount, with evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and where it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal payments. Distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are distressed residential mortgage loans transferred to Consolidated VIEs that have been securitized into beneficial interests. The Company accounted for these securitization trusts as financings which are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.

Acquired distressed residential mortgage loans that have evidence of deteriorated credit quality at acquisition are accounted for under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality ("ASC 310-30"). Management evaluates whether there is evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the acquisition date using indicators such as past due or modified status, risk ratings, recent borrower credit scores and recent loan-to-value percentages. Acquired distressed residential mortgage loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, with no allowance for loan losses. Under ASC 310-30, the acquired loans may be accounted for individually or aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an expectation of aggregate cash flows. Once a pool is assembled, it is treated as if it was one loan for purposes of applying the accounting guidance.

A distressed residential mortgage loan disposal, which may include a loan sale, receipt of payment in full from the borrower or foreclosure, results in removal of the loan from the loan pool at its allocated carrying amount. In the event of a sale of the loan and receipt of payment (in full or partial) from the borrower, a gain or loss on sale is recognized and reported based on the difference between the sales proceeds or payment from the borrower and the allocated carrying amount of the acquired distressed residential mortgage loan. In the case of a foreclosure, an individual loan is removed from the pool and a loss is recognized if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. A gain is not recognized if the fair value of collateral less costs to sell exceeds the carrying value.

The Company uses the specific allocation method for the removal of loans as the estimated cash flows and related carrying amount for each individual loan are known. In these cases, the remaining accretable yield is unaffected and any material change in remaining effective yield caused by the removal of the loan from the pool is addressed by the re-assessment of the estimate of cash flows for the pool prospectively.

Acquired distressed residential mortgage loans subject to modification are not removed from the pool even if those loans would otherwise be considered troubled debt restructurings because the pool, and not the individual loan, represents the unit of account.

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For individual loans not accounted for in pools that are sold or satisfied by payment in full, a gain or loss on sale is recognized and reported based on the difference between the sales proceeds or payment from the borrower and the carrying amount of the acquired distressed residential mortgage loan. In the case of a foreclosure, a loss is recognized if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. A gain is not recognized if the fair value of collateral less costs to sell exceeds the carrying value.

Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts are comprised of multi-family mortgage loans held in Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations that we consolidate (the “Consolidated K-Series”). Based on a number of factors, management determined that the Company was the primary beneficiary of each VIE within the Consolidated K-Series, met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly, has consolidated these Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations, including their assets, liabilities, income and expenses in our financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on each of the assets and liabilities held within the Consolidated K-Series, which requires that changes in valuations be reflected in the Company's accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-13, Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity, effective January 1, 2016. As a result, the Company measures both the financial assets and financial liabilities of a qualifying consolidated collateralized financing entity ("CFE") using the fair value of either the CFE’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever is more observable. As the Company’s securitization trusts are considered qualifying CFEs, the Company determines the fair value of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts based on the fair value of its multi-family collateralized debt obligations and its retained interests from these securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.

Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the multi-family loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on multi-family loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. The multi-family loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible.

Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments - The Company invests in preferred equity of and mezzanine loans to entities that have significant real estate assets. The mezzanine loan is secured by a pledge of the borrower’s equity ownership in the property. Unlike a mortgage, this loan does not represent a lien on the property. Therefore, it is always junior and subordinate to any first lien as well as second liens, if applicable, on the property. These loans are senior to any preferred equity or common equity interests in the entity that owns the property.

A preferred equity investment is an equity investment in the entity that owns the underlying property. Preferred equity is not secured by the underlying property, but holders have priority relative to common equity holders on cash flow distributions and proceeds from capital events. In addition, preferred equity holders may be able to enhance their position and protect their equity position with covenants that limit the entity’s activities and grant the holder the exclusive right to control the property after an event of default.

Preferred equity, where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to mezzanine loans, and mezzanine loan investments are accounted for as loans and are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, net of valuation allowances. The Company has evaluated its preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments for accounting treatment as loans versus equity investment utilizing the guidance provided by the ADC Arrangements Subsection of ASC 310, Receivables .

For preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments where the characteristics, facts and circumstances indicate that loan accounting treatment is appropriate, the Company accretes or amortizes any discounts or premiums and deferred fees and expenses over the life of the related asset utilizing the effective interest method or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Management evaluates the collectability of both interest and principal of each of the Company's loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether they are impaired. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan is impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the investment to the estimated fair value of the loan or, as a practical expedient, to the value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest income is accrued and recognized as revenue when earned according to the terms of the loans and when, in the opinion of management, it is collectible. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the interest is not collectible in the normal course of business, but in all cases when payment becomes greater than 90 days delinquent. Loans return to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are anticipated to be fully collectible.

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Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments where the risks and payment characteristics are equivalent to an equity investment are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. See “ Investment in Unconsolidated Entities ”.

Mortgage Loans Held for Investment – Mortgage loans held for investment are stated at unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any unamortized premium or discount, deferred fees or expenses, net of valuation allowances, and are included in receivables and other assets. Interest income is accrued on the principal amount of the loan based on the loan’s contractual interest rate. Amortization of premiums and discounts is recorded using the effective yield method. Interest income, amortization of premiums and discounts and prepayment fees are reported in interest income. A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that based upon current information and events, the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Based on the facts and circumstances of the individual loans being impaired, loan specific valuation allowances are established for the excess carrying value of the loan over either: (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate; (ii) the estimated fair value of the loan’s underlying collateral if the loan is in the process of foreclosure or otherwise collateral dependent; or (iii) the loan’s observable market price.

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities – Non-controlling, unconsolidated ownership interests in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method or the cost method. In circumstances where the Company has a non-controlling interest but either owns a significant interest or is able to exert influence over the affairs of the enterprise, the Company utilizes the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial investment is increased each period for additional capital contributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s earnings or preferred return and decreased for cash distributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s losses. Management periodically reviews its investments for impairment based on projected cash flows from the entity over the holding period. When any impairment is identified, the investments are written down to recoverable amounts.

The Company may elect the fair value option for an investment in an unconsolidated entity that is accounted for using the equity method. The Company elected the fair value option for certain investments in unconsolidated entities that own interests (directly or indirectly) in commercial and residential real estate assets because the Company determined that such presentation represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. The Company records the change in fair value of its investment in other income in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 8 ).

Operating Real Estate Held in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities, Net – The Company records its initial investments in income-producing real estate at fair value at the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805. The purchase price of acquired properties is apportioned to the tangible and identified intangible assets and liabilities acquired at their respective estimated fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, the Company utilizes a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective real estate, its own analysis of recently-acquired and existing comparable properties, property financial results, and other market data. The Company also considers information obtained about the real estate as a result of its due diligence, including marketing and leasing activities, in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company considers the value of acquired in-place leases and utilizes an amortization period that is the average remaining term of the acquired leases. The Company has reclassified its operating real estate held in consolidated variable interest entities to real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities as of December 31, 2017 .

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

Real Estate Held for Sale in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities - The Company classifies its long-lived assets as held for sale in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment . When real estate assets are identified as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating (amortizing) the assets and estimates the fair value, net of selling costs, of such assets. Real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities is recorded at the lower of the net carrying amount of the assets or the estimated net fair value. If the estimated net fair value of the real estate held for sale is less than the net carrying amount of the assets, an impairment charge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations with an allocation to non-controlling interests in the respective VIEs, if any.

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

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

Real Estate Under Development – The Company's expenditures which directly relate to the acquisition, development, construction and improvement of properties are capitalized at cost. During the development period, which ends once a property is substantially complete and ready for intended use, operating and carrying costs such as interest expense, real estate taxes, insurance and other direct costs are capitalized. Advertising and general administrative costs that do not relate to the development of a property are expensed as incurred. Real estate under development as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 of $22.9 million and $17.5 million , respectively, is included in receivables and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

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

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

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred in a business combination over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests, if any, in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity. Goodwill of $25.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 relates to the Company's multifamily investment reporting unit.

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist, by initially performing a qualitative screen and, if necessary, then comparing fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge for the amount by which carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value (in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit) is recognized. The Company evaluated goodwill as of October 1, 2017 and no impairment was indicated.

Intangible Assets – Intangible assets consisting of acquired trade name, acquired technology, employment/non-compete agreements, and acquired in-place leases with useful lives ranging from 6 months to 10 years are included in receivables and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The useful lives of intangible assets are evaluated on an annual basis to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. See " Operating Real Estate Held in Consolidated Variable Interest Entities, Net" for further discussion of acquired in-please lease intangible assets.

Receivables and Other Assets – Receivables and other assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 include restricted cash held by third parties of $20.3 million and $56.0 million , respectively. Included in restricted cash is $ 0.5 million and $ 35.6 million held in our Agency IO portfolio to be used for trading purposes and $9.9 million and $6.1 million held by counterparties as collateral for hedging instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Interest receivable on multi-family loans held in securitization trusts is also included in receivables and other assets in the amounts of $33.6 million and $24.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

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Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments – The Company finances the majority of its investment securities available for sale using repurchase agreements. Under a repurchase agreement, an asset is sold to a counterparty to be repurchased at a future date at a predetermined price, which represents the original sales price plus interest. The Company accounts for these repurchase agreements as financings and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements. Borrowings under repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over LIBOR.

On February 20, 2015, our wholly-owned, captive-insurance subsidiary, Great Lakes Insurance Holdings LLC (“GLIH”), became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”). On January 12, 2016, the regulator of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") system, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, released a final rule that amends regulations governing FHLB membership, including preventing captive insurance companies from being eligible for FHLB membership. Under the terms of the final rule, the Company's captive insurance subsidiary was required to terminate its membership and repay its existing advances within one year following the effective date of the final rule. In addition, the Company's captive insurance subsidiary was prohibited from taking new advances or renewing existing maturing advances during the one year transition period. The final rule became effective on February 19, 2016. During January 2016, the Company repaid all of its outstanding FHLBI advances, which repayment was funded primarily through repurchase agreement financing. On December 15, 2016, FHLBI redeemed our remaining 21,700 shares of stock completing the withdrawal of our membership.

Financing Arrangements, Residential Mortgage Loans – The Company finances a portion of its residential mortgage loans, including its distressed residential mortgage loans through repurchase agreements that expire within 12 to 18 months. The borrowings under the repurchase agreements bear an interest rate of a specified margin over one-month LIBOR. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and carried at the contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreement. Costs related to the establishment of the repurchase agreements which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the amount of $0.7 million and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. These deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

Residential Collateralized Debt Obligations (“Residential CDOs”) – We use Residential CDOs to permanently finance our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts. For financial reporting purposes, the ARM loans held as collateral are recorded as assets of the Company and the Residential CDOs are recorded as the Company’s debt. The Company completed four securitizations in 2005 and 2006. The first three were accounted for as a permanent financing while the fourth was accounted for as a sale and accordingly, is not included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Multi-Family Collateralized Debt Obligations (“Multi-Family CDOs”) – The Consolidated K-Series, including their debt, are referred to as Multi-Family CDOs, in our financial statements. The Multi-Family CDOs permanently finance the multi-family mortgage loans held in the Consolidated K-Series securitizations. For financial reporting purposes, the loans held as collateral are recorded as assets of the Company and the Multi-Family CDOs are recorded as the Company’s debt. We refer to Residential CDOs and Multi-Family CDOs collectively as "CDOs" in this report.

Securitized Debt –Securitized Debt represents third-party liabilities of Consolidated VIEs and excludes liabilities of the VIEs acquired by the Company that are eliminated on consolidation. The Company has entered into several financing transactions that resulted in the Company consolidating as VIEs the special purpose entities (the “SPEs”) that were created to facilitate the transactions and to which underlying assets in connection with the financing were transferred. The Company engaged in these transactions primarily to obtain permanent or longer term financing on a portion of its multi-family CMBS and acquired distressed residential mortgage loans.

Costs related to issuance of securitized debt, which include underwriting, rating agency, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. Such costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the amount of $0.7 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. These deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method, or straight line-method, if the result is not materially different.

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

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The Convertible Notes were issued at a 4% discount. Costs related to issuance of the Convertible Notes, which include underwriting, legal, accounting and other fees, are reflected as deferred charges. The discount and deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method. The discount and deferred issuance costs, net of amortization, are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability on the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the amount of $9.3 million as of December 31, 2017 .

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

In connection with our investment in Agency IOs, the Company uses several types of derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps, futures, put and call options on futures and To-Be-Announced securities ("TBAs") to hedge the interest rate risk, as well as spread risk associated with these investments. The Company also purchases, or sells short, TBAs. TBAs are forward-settling purchases and sales of Agency RMBS where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are “To-Be-Announced.” Pursuant to these TBA transactions, we agree to purchase or sell, for future settlement, Agency RMBS with certain principal and interest terms and certain types of underlying collateral, but the particular Agency RMBS to be delivered is not identified until shortly before the TBA settlement date. For TBA contracts that we have entered into, we have not asserted that physical settlement is probable, therefore we have not designated these forward commitments as hedging instruments. The use of TBAs, futures, options on futures and interest rate swaps in our Agency IO portfolio hedge the overall risk profile of investment securities in the portfolio. The derivative instruments in our Agency IO portfolio are not designated as hedging instruments, therefore realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with these derivative instruments are recognized through earnings and reported as part of the other income category in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

The Company also uses interest rate swaps to hedge the variable cash flows associated with our variable rate borrowings. We typically pay a fixed rate and receive a floating rate, based on one or three month LIBOR, on the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. The floating rate we receive under our swap agreements has the effect of offsetting the repricing characteristics and cash flows of our financing arrangements. At the inception of an interest rate swap agreement, the Company determines whether the instrument will be part of a qualifying hedge accounting relationship or whether the Company will account for the contract as a trading instrument. Changes in fair value for interest rate swaps designated as a trading instrument will be reported in the consolidated statement of operations as unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities and related hedges. Changes in fair value for interest rate swaps qualifying for hedge accounting will be included in consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) as an increase (decrease) in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges.

The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts for a variety of reasons, including minimizing fluctuations in earnings or market values on certain assets or liabilities that may be caused by changes in interest rates. The Company may, at times, enter into various forward contracts including short securities, Agency to-be-announced securities (or TBAs), options, futures, swaps, and caps. Due to the nature of these instruments, they may be in a receivable/asset position or a payable/liability position at the end of an accounting period. Amounts payable to and receivable from the same party under contracts may be offset as long as the following conditions are met: (a) each of the two parties owes the other determinable amounts; (b) the reporting party has the right to offset the amount owed with the amount owed by the other party; (c) the reporting party intends to offset; and (d) the right of offset is enforceable by law. If the aforementioned conditions are not met, amounts payable to and receivable from are presented by the Company on a gross basis in its consolidated balance sheets.

Termination of Hedging Relationships – The Company employs risk management monitoring procedures to ensure that the designated hedging relationships are demonstrating, and are expected to continue to demonstrate, a high level of effectiveness. Hedge accounting is discontinued on a prospective basis if it is determined that the hedging relationship is no longer highly effective or expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged item.

Additionally, the Company may elect to un-designate a hedge relationship during an interim period and re-designate upon the rebalancing of a hedge profile and the corresponding hedge relationship. When hedge accounting is discontinued, the Company continues to carry the derivative instruments at fair value with changes recorded in earnings.

Manager Compensation – We are a party to an investment management agreement with Headlands Asset Management LLC (“Headlands”), pursuant to which Headlands provides investment management services with respect to our investments in certain distressed residential mortgage loans. From 2011 to December 2017, we were a party to an investment management agreement with the Midway Group, LP ("Midway"), pursuant to which Midway provided investment management services with respect to our investments in Agency IOs. These investment management agreements provide for the payment to our investment

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managers of a management fee, incentive fee and reimbursement of certain operating expenses, which are accrued and expensed during the period for which they are earned or incurred. The Midway agreement has been terminated effective December 31, 2017.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The Company’s comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the Company's common stockholders includes net income, the change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on its available for sale securities and its derivative hedging instruments, comprised of interest rate swaps until October 2017, (to the extent that such changes are not recorded in earnings), adjusted by realized net gains/(losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for available for sale securities, reduced by dividends declared on the Company’s preferred stock and increased/decreased for net loss/income attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Employee Benefits Plans – The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”) for all eligible domestic employees. The Plan qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). The Company made no contributions to the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2017 . The Company made a $0.1 million in contribution to the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

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

In May 2015, the Company granted certain Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”) which cliff vest after a three -year period, subject to the achievement of certain performance criteria based on a formula tied to the Company’s achievement of three -year total stockholder return (“TSR”) and the Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of certain peer companies. The feature in this award constitutes a “market condition” which impacts the amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards. The grant date fair values of PSAs were determined through Monte-Carlo simulation analysis.

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

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

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

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

Segment Reporting – ASC 280, Segment Reporting , is the authoritative guidance for the way public entities report information about operating segments in their annual financial statements. We are a REIT focused on the business of acquiring,

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investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related and residential housing-related assets and financial assets, and currently operate in only one reportable segment.

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition (Topic 606)

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). This guidance creates a new, principle-based revenue recognition framework that will affect nearly every revenue-generating entity. ASU 2014-09 also creates a new topic in the Codification, Topic 606 (“ASC 606”). In addition to superseding and replacing nearly all existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, ASC 606 does the following: (1) establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model; (2) changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time; (3) provides new and more detailed guidance on specific aspects of revenue recognition; and (4) expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. Early application is permitted for public business entities only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.

ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers with exceptions for financial instruments and other contractual rights or obligations that are within the scope of other ASC Topics. Exclusions from the scope of ASC 606 include investment securities available for sale (subject to ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities or ASC 325, Investments - Other ); residential mortgage loans, distressed residential mortgage loans, multi-family loans, and preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments (subject to either ASC 310, Receivables or ASC 825, Financial Instruments ); derivative assets and derivative liabilities (subject to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ); and investment in unconsolidated entities (subject to either ASC 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures or ASC 825, Financial Instruments ). The Company evaluated the applicability of this ASU with respect to its investment portfolio, considering the scope exceptions listed above, and has determined that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations as the majority of the Company's revenue is generated by financial instruments and other contractual rights and obligations that are not within the scope of ASC 606.

Financial Instruments —Credit Losses (Topic 326)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments —Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). The amendments require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption as of the fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance as the ASU will have an effect on the Company's estimation of credit losses on distressed residential mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, residential mortgage loans, and preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments that are accounted for as loans.

Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash ("ASU 2016-18") . These amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments do not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2017 and included restricted cash of $20.3 million and $56.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, with cash and cash equivalents as shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

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Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). The amendments simplify annual or interim goodwill impairment tests by eliminating a second step to compute the implied fair value of goodwill if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Instead, should the fair value of a reporting unit be less than its carrying amount, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value (in an amount not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). The amendments are effective for all entities for their annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2017 and applied the guidance to the performance of our annual impairment test of $25.2 million in goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2017.

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3.	Investment Securities Available For Sale

Investment securities available for sale consisted of the following as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017									December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Unrealized					Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Unrealized					Fair Value
			Gains		Losses							Gains		Losses
Agency RMBS:
Agency ARMs
Freddie Mac	$	33,623	$	16	$	(852	)	$	32,787	$	39,138	$	24	$	(528	)	$	38,634
Fannie Mae	54,958		6		(1,236		)	53,728		69,031		71		(698		)	68,404
Ginnie Mae	4,750		—		(193		)	4,557		6,011		—		(204		)	5,807
Total Agency ARMs	93,331		22		(2,281		)	91,072		114,180		95		(1,430		)	112,845
Agency Fixed Rate
Freddie Mac	20,804		—		(736		)	20,068		26,338		—		(644		)	25,694
Fannie Mae	1,038,363		669		(12,174		)	1,026,858		312,515		—		(10,035		)	302,480
Ginnie Mae	365		—		(6		)	359		457		—		(4		)	453
Total Agency Fixed Rate	1,059,532		669		(12,916		)	1,047,285		339,310		—		(10,683		)	328,627
Agency IOs
Freddie Mac	8,436		19		(2,756		)	5,699		19,768		559		(3,363		)	16,964
Fannie Mae	11,310		22		(2,989		)	8,343		27,597		478		(4,777		)	23,298
Ginnie Mae	21,621		230		(4,714		)	17,137		49,788		1,223		(6,382		)	44,629
Total Agency IOs	41,367		271		(10,459		)	31,179		97,153		2,260		(14,522		)	84,891

Total Agency RMBS	1,194,230		962		(25,656		)	1,169,536		550,643		2,355		(26,635		)	526,363
Non-Agency RMBS	100,291		1,852		(18		)	102,125		162,220		1,218		(154		)	163,284
U.S. Treasury securities	—		—		—			—		2,920		—		(33		)	2,887
CMBS ⁽¹⁾	123,203		18,217		—			141,420		113,955		12,876		(389		)	126,442
Total investment securities available for sale	$	1,417,724	$	21,031	$	(25,674	)	$	1,413,081	$	829,738	$	16,449	$	(27,211	)	$	818,976


⁽¹⁾	Included in CMBS is $47.9 million and $43.9 million of investment securities for sale held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

Realized Gain or Loss Activity

During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company received total proceeds of approximately $107.1 million realizing approximately $0.1 million of net losses, from the sale of investment securities available for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company received total proceeds of approximately $208.2 million , realizing approximately $2.3 million of net losses, from the sale of investment securities available for sale. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company received total proceeds of approximately $99.2 million , realizing approximately $2.1 million of net gains, from the sale of investment securities available for sale.

Weighted Average Life

Actual maturities of our available for sale securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities (with maturities up to 30 years ), as they are affected by periodic payments and prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgages. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the weighted average life of the Company’s available for sale securities portfolio was approximately 7.1 years and 4.3 years , respectively.

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The following table sets forth the weighted average lives of our investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



Weighted Average Life	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
0 to 5 years	$	426,061	$	606,079
Over 5 to 10 years	970,336		177,765
10+ years	16,684		35,132
Total	$	1,413,081	$	818,976

Portfolio Interest Reset Periods

The following tables set forth the stated interest reset periods of our investment securities available for sale and investment securities available for sale held in securitization trusts at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 at carrying value (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Less than 6 months		6 to 24 months		More than 24 months		Total		Less than 6 months		6 to 24 months		More than 24 months		Total
Agency RMBS	$	26,876	$	24,726	$	1,117,934	$	1,169,536	$	53,043	$	27,272	$	446,048	$	526,363
Non-Agency RMBS	84,461		—		17,664		102,125		50,080		—		113,204		163,284
U.S. Treasury securities	—		—		—		—		—		—		2,887		2,887
CMBS	70,791		—		70,629		141,420		82,545		—		43,897		126,442
Total investment securities available for sale	$	182,128	$	24,726	$	1,206,227	$	1,413,081	$	185,668	$	27,272	$	606,036	$	818,976

Unrealized Losses in OCI

The following tables present the Company's investment securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position reported through OCI, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



December 31, 2017	Less than 12 Months					Greater than 12 months					Total
	Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Agency RMBS	$	511,313	$	(1,807	)	$	342,963	$	(13,390	)	$	854,276	$	(15,197	)
Non-Agency RMBS	—		—			193		(18		)	193		(18		)
Total investment securities available for sale	$	511,313	$	(1,807	)	$	343,156	$	(13,408	)	$	854,469	$	(15,215	)



December 31, 2016	Less than 12 Months					Greater than 12 months					Total
	Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Carrying Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Agency RMBS	$	96,357	$	(1,290	)	$	328,474	$	(10,819	)	$	424,831	$	(12,109	)
Non-Agency RMBS	—		—			596		(154		)	596		(154		)
CMBS	16,523		(389		)	—		—			16,523		(389		)
Total investment securities available for sale	$	112,880	$	(1,679	)	$	329,070	$	(10,973	)	$	441,950	$	(12,652	)

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Other than Temporary Impairment

For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company did not recognize other-than-temporary impairment through earnings.


4.	Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts, Net and Real Estate Owned

Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Unpaid principal balance	$	77,519		$	98,303
Deferred origination costs – net	492			623
Reserve for loan losses	(4,191		)	(3,782		)
Total	$	73,820		$	95,144

Allowance for Loan Losses - The following table presents the activity in the Company's allowance for loan losses on residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,782		$	3,399		$	3,631
Provisions for loan losses	475			612			1,161
Transfer to real estate owned	(6		)	(117		)	—
Charge-offs	(60		)	(112		)	(1,393		)
Balance at the end of period	$	4,191		$	3,782		$	3,399

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. The Company’s allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017 was $4.2 million , representing 541 basis points of the outstanding principal balance of residential loans held in securitization trusts, as compared to 385 basis points as of December 31, 2016 . As part of the Company’s allowance for loan loss adequacy analysis, management will assess an overall level of allowances while also assessing credit losses inherent in each non-performing residential mortgage loan held in securitization trusts. These estimates involve the consideration of various credit related factors, including but not limited to, current housing market conditions, current loan to value ratios, delinquency status, the borrower’s current economic and credit status and other relevant factors.

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Real Estate Owned – The following table presents the activity in the Company’s real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	150		$	411		$	965
Write downs	—			(9		)	—
Transfer from mortgage loans held in securitization trusts	111			352			—
Disposal	(150		)	(604		)	(554		)
Balance at the end of period	$	111		$	150		$	411

Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts are included in receivables and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and write downs are included in recovery of (provision for) loan losses in the consolidated statements of operations for reporting purposes.

All of the Company’s mortgage loans and real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts are pledged as collateral for the Residential CDOs issued by the Company. The Company’s net investment in the residential securitization trusts, which is the maximum amount of the Company’s investment that is at risk to loss and represents the difference between (i) the carrying amount of the mortgage loans, real estate owned and receivables held in residential securitization trusts and (ii) the amount of Residential CDOs outstanding, was $4.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Delinquency Status of Our Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts

As of December 31, 2017 , we had 26 delinquent loans with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $16.5 million categorized as Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net, of which $10.2 million , or 62% , are under some form of temporary modified payment plan. The table below shows delinquencies in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, including real estate owned (REO) through foreclosure, as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands):

December 31, 2017



Days Late	Number of Delinquent Loans	Total Unpaid Principal		% of Loan Portfolio
30 - 60	1	$	203	0.26	%
61 - 90	1	$	173	0.22	%
90+	24	$	16,147	20.80	%
Real estate owned through foreclosure	1	$	118	0.15	%

As of December 31, 2016 , we had 31 delinquent loans with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $18.7 million categorized as Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net, of which $11.2 million , or 60% , were under some form of temporary modified payment plan. The table below shows delinquencies in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, including REO through foreclosure, as of December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):

December 31, 2016



Days Late	Number of Delinquent Loans	Total Unpaid Principal		% of Loan Portfolio
30 - 60	1	$	247	0.25	%
61 - 90	—	$	—	—
90+	30	$	18,416	18.68	%
Real estate owned through foreclosure	1	$	268	0.27	%

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The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the total loan balances in our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts and REO held in residential securitization trusts at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
New York	31.8	%	33.8	%
Massachusetts	20.7	%	19.9	%
New Jersey	11.9	%	10.8	%
Florida	8.8	%	8.9	%
Connecticut	7.3	%	7.4	%
Maryland	5.2	%	5.1	%


5.	Residential Mortgage Loans, At Fair Value

Certain of the Company’s residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans and second mortgages, are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election made at time of acquisition. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Company’s residential mortgage loans at fair value consist of the following as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Principal		Premium/(Discount)			Unrealized Gains/(Losses)			Carrying Value
December 31, 2017	$	92,105	$	(4,911	)	$	(41	)	$	87,153
December 31, 2016	$	17,540	$	229		$	—		$	17,769

As of December 31, 2017, the company is committed to purchase $6.8 million of second mortgage loans from originators.

The following table presents the components of net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Net realized gain on payoff and sale of loans	$	1,719	$	—
Net unrealized losses	41		—

The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the unpaid principal balance of residential mortgage loans at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are as follows:



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
California	35.9	%	63.3	%
New Jersey	7.7	%	2.5	%
Florida	6.6	%	5.6	%

As of December 31, 2017 , we had loans greater than 90 days past due and in nonaccrual status with an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 million and an aggregate fair value of $1.0 million categorized as Residential mortgage loans, at fair value.

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6.	Distressed Residential Mortgage Loans

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the carrying value of the Company’s distressed residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, amounts to approximately $331.5 million and $503.1 million , respectively.

The Company considers its purchase price for the distressed residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, to be at fair value at the date of acquisition. The Company only establishes an allowance for loan losses subsequent to acquisition.

The following table presents information regarding the estimates of the contractually required payments, the cash flows expected to be collected, and the estimated fair value of the distressed residential mortgage loans acquired during the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Contractually required principal and interest	$	76,529		$	188,444
Nonaccretable yield	(6,467		)	(14,512		)
Expected cash flows to be collected	70,062			173,932
Accretable yield	(58,767		)	(114,153		)
Fair value at the date of acquisition	$	11,295		$	59,779

The following table details activity in accretable yield for the distressed residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	530,512		$	579,009
Additions	93,854			128,386
Disposals	(301,472		)	(144,242		)
Accretion	(18,945		)	(32,641		)
Balance at end of period ⁽¹⁾	$	303,949		$	530,512

⁽¹⁾

Accretable yield is the excess of the distressed residential mortgage loans’ cash flows expected to be collected over the purchase price. The cash flows expected to be collected represents the Company’s estimate of the amount and timing of undiscounted principal and interest cash flows. Additions include accretable yield estimates for purchases made during the period and reclassification to accretable yield from nonaccretable yield. Disposals include distressed residential mortgage loan dispositions, which include refinancing, sale and foreclosure of the underlying collateral and resulting removal of the distressed residential mortgage loans from the accretable yield, and reclassifications from accretable to nonaccretable yield. The reclassifications between accretable and nonaccretable yield and the accretion of interest income is based on various estimates regarding loan performance and the value of the underlying real estate securing the loans. As the Company continues to update its estimates regarding the loans and the underlying collateral, the accretable yield may change. Therefore, the amount of accretable income recorded in the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is not necessarily indicative of future results.

The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the unpaid principal balance in our distressed residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are as follows:

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	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Florida	11.2	%	12.2	%
North Carolina	8.3	%	7.7	%
California	6.9	%	8.8	%
Georgia	5.8	%	6.0	%
New York	5.7	%	5.4	%
Ohio	5.1	%	4.8	%
South Carolina	5.0	%	4.0	%

The Company’s distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts with a carrying value of approximately $121.8 million and $195.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are pledged as collateral for certain of the Securitized Debt issued by the Company (see Note 10) . In addition, distressed residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of approximately $182.6 million and $279.9 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are pledged as collateral for a Master Repurchase Agreement, with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch (see Note 14) .

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7.	Consolidated K-Series

The Company has elected the fair value option on the assets and liabilities held within the Consolidated K-Series, which requires that changes in valuations in the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series be reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Our investment in the Consolidated K-Series is limited to the multi-family CMBS comprised of first loss PO, certain IOs and mezzanine securities issued by certain Freddie Mac K-Series securitizations with an aggregate net carrying value of $468.0 million and $314.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively ( see Note 10 ). The Consolidated K-Series is comprised of seven and five multi-family CMBS investments as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

The condensed consolidated balance sheets of the Consolidated K-Series at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):



Balance Sheets	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Assets
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	$	9,657,421	$	6,939,844
Receivables	33,562		24,098
Total Assets	$	9,690,983	$	6,963,942
Liabilities and Equity
Multi-family CDOs	$	9,189,459	$	6,624,896
Accrued expenses	33,136		24,003
Total Liabilities	9,222,595		6,648,899
Equity	468,388		315,043
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	9,690,983	$	6,963,942

The multi-family loans held in securitization trusts had unpaid aggregate principal balances of approximately $9.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The multi-family CDOs had aggregate unpaid principal balances of approximately $9.4 billion and $6.7 billion at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the current weighted average effective interest rate on these multi-family CDOs was 3.92% and 3.97% , respectively.

In February 2015, the Company sold a first loss PO security that was part of the Consolidated K-Series obtaining total proceeds of approximately $44.3 million and realizing a gain of approximately $1.5 million . The sale resulted in a de-consolidation of $1.1 billion in multi-family loans held in a securitization trusts and $1.0 billion in multi-family CDOs.

The Company does not have any claims to the assets or obligations for the liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series (other than those securities represented by our first loss and mezzanine securities). We have elected the fair value option for the Consolidated K-Series. The net fair value of our investment in the Consolidated K-Series, which represents the difference between the carrying values of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts less the carrying value of multi-family CDOs, approximates the fair value of our underlying securities. The fair value of our underlying securities is determined using the same valuation methodology as our CMBS investments available for sale (see Note 18) .

The condensed consolidated statements of operations of the Consolidated K-Series for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
Statements of Operations	2017		2016		2015
Interest income	$	297,124	$	249,191	$	257,417
Interest expense	261,665		222,553		232,971
Net interest income	35,459		26,638		24,446
Unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, net	18,872		3,032		12,368
Net income	$	54,331	$	29,670	$	36,814

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The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the total loan balances related to our CMBS investments included in investment securities available for sale and multi-family loans held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are as follows:



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
California	14.7	%	13.8	%
Texas	12.7	%	12.4	%
New York	6.5	%	8.1	%
Maryland	5.5	%	5.3	%

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8. Investment in Unconsolidated Entities

The Company's investments in unconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method consist of the following as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Investment Name	Ownership Interest		Carrying Amount		Ownership Interest		Carrying Amount
Autumnwood Investments LLC	—		$	—	—		$	2,092
200 RHC Hoover, LLC ⁽¹⁾	—		—		63	%	8,886
BBA-EP320 II, L.L.C., BBA-Ten10 II, L.L.C., and Lexington on the Green Apartments, L.L.C. (collectively)	45	%	8,320		45	%	7,949
Total - Equity Method			$	8,320			$	18,927


⁽¹⁾	On March 31, 2017, the Company reconsidered its evaluation of its variable interest in 200 RHC Hoover, LLC ("Riverchase Landing") and determined that it became the primary beneficiary of Riverchase Landing. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated Riverchase Landing into its consolidated financial statements ( see Note 10 ).

The Company's investments in unconsolidated entities accounted for under the equity method using the fair value option consist of the following as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Investment Name	Ownership Interest		Carrying Amount		Ownership Interest		Carrying Amount
Morrocroft Neighborhood Stabilization Fund II, LP	11	%	$	12,623	11	%	$	9,732
Evergreens JV Holdings, LLC	85	%	4,220		85	%	3,810
Bent Tree JV Holdings, LLC	—		—		78	%	9,890
Summerchase LR Partners LLC	—		—		80	%	4,410
Lake Mary Realty Partners, LLC	—		—		80	%	7,690
The Preserve at Port Royal Venture, LLC	77	%	13,040		77	%	12,280
WR Savannah Holdings, LLC	90	%	12,940		90	%	12,520
Total - Fair Value Option			$	42,823			$	60,332

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The following table presents income (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	For the Years Ended December 31,
Investment Name	2017		2016		2015
Autumnwood Investments LLC ⁽¹⁾	$	265	$	260	$	281
200 RHC Hoover, LLC	275		1,370		394
BBA-EP320 II, L.L.C., BBA-Ten10 II, L.L.C., and Lexington on the Green Apartments, L.L.C. (collectively)	996		433		—
RiverBanc LLC ⁽²⁾	—		125		815
Kiawah River View Investors LLC ("KRVI") ⁽²⁾	—		1,250		866
RB Development Holding Company, LLC ⁽²⁾	—		107		(9		)
RB Multifamily Investors LLC ⁽²⁾	—		2,262		5,263
Morrocroft Neighborhood Stabilization Fund II, LP	1,591		910		254
Evergreens JV Holdings, LLC	571		199		—
Bent Tree JV Holdings, LLC ⁽¹⁾	1,795		411		—
Summerchase LR Partners LLC ⁽¹⁾	569		380		—
Lake Mary Realty Partners, LLC ⁽¹⁾	2,745		554		—
The Preserve at Port Royal Venture, LLC	1,729		834		—
WR Savannah Holdings, LLC	1,386		692		—


⁽¹⁾	Includes income recognized from redemption of the Company's investment during the year ended December 31, 2017.

⁽²⁾

As of May 16, 2016, RiverBanc LLC, RB Development Holding Company, LLC, and RB Multifamily Investors LLC became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company as a result of the Company's acquisition of the remaining ownership interests in those entities held by other unaffiliated entities ( see Note 23 ). Also as of May 16, 2016, the Company consolidated KRVI into its consolidated financial statements ( see Note 10 ).

Summary combined financial information for the Company's investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 is shown below (dollar amounts in thousands).



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Balance Sheets:
Real estate, net	$	332,344	$	346,078
Other assets	16,223		16,042
Total assets	$	348,567	$	362,120

Notes payable, net	$	247,749	$	236,388
Other liabilities	6,735		6,686
Total liabilities	254,484		243,074
Members' equity	94,083		119,046
Total liabilities and members' equity	$	348,567	$	362,120

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	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Operating Statements: ⁽¹⁾
Rental revenues	$	37,196		$	26,397		$	2,121
Real estate sales	92,900			—			—
Cost of real estate sales	(55,544		)	—			—
Other income	2,906			3,131			3,732
Operating expenses	(21,375		)	(19,227		)	(9,267		)
Income (loss) before debt service, acquisition costs, and depreciation and amortization	56,083			10,301			(3,414		)
Interest expense	(16,704		)	(6,149		)	(356		)
Acquisition costs	(432		)	(1,448		)	(1,660		)
Depreciation and amortization	(13,659		)	(15,879		)	(1,711		)
Net income (loss)	$	25,288		$	(13,175	)	$	(7,141	)


⁽¹⁾	The Company records income (loss) from investments in unconsolidated entities under either the equity method of accounting or the fair value option. Accordingly, the combined net income (loss) shown above is not indicative of the income recognized by the Company from investments in unconsolidated entities.


9.	Preferred Equity and Mezzanine Loan Investments

P referred equity and mezzanine loan investments consist of the following as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Investment amount	$	140,560		$	101,154
Deferred loan fees, net	(1,640		)	(1,004		)
Total	$	138,920		$	100,150

There were no delinquent preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

The geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the total preferred equity and mezzanine loan investment amounts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Texas	24.3	%	43.3	%
New York	24.1	%	—
Virginia	10.8	%	14.9	%
Alabama	7.1	%	—
South Carolina	7.0	%	9.4	%
Kentucky	5.2	%	7.2	%

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10.	Use of Special Purpose Entities (SPE) and Variable Interest Entities (VIE)

The Company uses SPEs to facilitate transactions that involve securitizing financial assets or re-securitizing previously securitized financial assets. The objective of such transactions may include obtaining non-recourse financing, obtaining liquidity or refinancing the underlying securitized financial assets on improved terms. Securitization involves transferring assets to an SPE to convert all or a portion of those assets into cash before they would have been realized in the normal course of business through the SPE’s issuance of debt or equity instruments. Investors in an SPE usually have recourse only to the assets in the SPE and depending on the overall structure of the transaction, may benefit from various forms of credit enhancement, such as over-collateralization in the form of excess assets in the SPE, priority with respect to receipt of cash flows relative to holders of other debt or equity instruments issued by the SPE, or a line of credit or other form of liquidity agreement that is designed with the objective of ensuring that investors receive principal and/or interest cash flow on the investment in accordance with the terms of their investment agreement.

The Company has entered into resecuritization and financing transactions which required the Company to analyze and determine whether the SPEs that were created to facilitate the transactions are VIEs in accordance with ASC 810, and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation. The Company evaluated the following resecuritization and financing transactions: 1) its Residential CDOs; 2) its multi-family CMBS re-securitization transaction and 3) its distressed residential mortgage loan securitization transaction (each a “Financing VIE” and collectively, the “Financing VIEs”) and concluded that the entities created to facilitate each of the transactions are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. Accordingly, the Company continues to consolidate the Financing VIEs as of December 31, 2017 .

The Company invests in multi-family CMBS consisting of PO securities that represent the first loss of the securitizations from which they were issued, and certain IOs and mezzanine CMBS securities issued from Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitization trusts. The Company has evaluated these CMBS investments in Freddie Mac-sponsored K-Series securitization trusts to determine whether they are VIEs and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation. The Company has determined that seven and five Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitization trusts are VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company also determined that it is the primary beneficiary of each VIE within the Consolidated K-Series and accordingly, has consolidated its assets, liabilities, income and expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements ( see Notes 2 and 7 ). Of the Company’s multi-family CMBS investments included in the Consolidated K-Series, six and four of these investments are not included as collateral to any Financing VIE as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

In analyzing whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series and the Financing VIEs, the Company considered its involvement in each of the VIEs, including the design and purpose of each VIE, and whether its involvement reflected a controlling financial interest that resulted in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. In determining whether the Company would be considered the primary beneficiary, the following factors were assessed:


•	whether the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and


•	whether the Company has a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE.

On May 16, 2016, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding membership interests in RBDHC, resulting in the Company's 100% ownership of RBDHC. RBDHC owns 50% of KRVI, a limited liability company that owns developed land and residential homes under development in Kiawah Island, SC, for which RiverBanc is the manager. The Company has evaluated KRVI to determine if it is a VIE and if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary requiring consolidation. The Company has determined that KRVI is a VIE for which RBDHC is the primary beneficiary as the Company, collectively through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, RiverBanc and RBDHC, has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of KRVI and has a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of KRVI that could be potentially significant to KRVI. Accordingly, the Company has consolidated KRVI in its consolidated financial statements with a non-controlling interest for the third-party ownership of KRVI membership interests.

On March 31, 2017, (the "Changeover Date"), the Company reconsidered its evaluation of its variable interests in Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, two VIEs that each own a multi-family apartment community. The Company holds a preferred equity investment in each of these VIEs. The Company determined that it gained the power to direct the activities, and became primary beneficiary, of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters on the Changeover Date. Prior to the Changeover Date, the Company accounted for Riverchase Landing as an investment in an unconsolidated entity and for The Clusters as a preferred equity investment. The Company does not have any claims to the assets or obligations for the liabilities of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters.

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On the Changeover Date, the Company consolidated Riverchase Landing and The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements. These transactions were accounted for by applying the acquisition method for business combinations.

The estimated Changeover Date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $12.5 million , which consisted of the estimated fair value of the Company's preferred equity investments in both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters. The Company determined the estimated fair value of its preferred equity investments in Riverchase Landing and The Clusters using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flows from the underlying multi-family apartment communities and a discount rate.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters at the Changeover Date (dollar amounts in thousands). The estimated fair values shown below are provisional measurements that are based upon preliminary financial information provided by Riverchase Landing and The Clusters and are subject to change.



Cash	$	112
Operating real estate ⁽¹⁾	62,322
Lease intangibles ⁽¹⁾	5,340
Receivables and other assets	2,260
Total assets	70,034

Mortgages payable	51,570
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,519
Total liabilities	53,089

Non-controlling interest ⁽²⁾	4,462
Net assets consolidated	$	12,483


⁽¹⁾	Reclassified to real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities on the consolidated balance sheets ( see Note 11 ).


⁽²⁾	Represents third party ownership of membership interests in Riverchase Landing and The Clusters. The fair value of the non-controlling interests in Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, both private companies, was estimated using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flows from the underlying multi-family apartment communities and a discount rate.

The Consolidated K-Series, the Financing VIEs, KRVI, Riverchase Landing and The Clusters are collectively referred to in this footnote as "Consolidated VIEs".

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The following tables present a summary of the assets and liabilities of these Consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Intercompany balances have been eliminated for purposes of this presentation.

Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Financing VIEs						Other VIEs
	Multi-family CMBS Re- securitization ⁽¹⁾		Distressed Residential Mortgage Loan Securitization ⁽²⁾		Residential Mortgage Loan Securitization		Multi- family CMBS ⁽³⁾		Other		Total
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	808	$	808
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value held in securitization trusts	47,922		—		—		—		—		47,922
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	—		—		73,820		—		—		73,820
Distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	—		121,791		—		—		—		121,791
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value	1,157,726		—		—		8,499,695		—		9,657,421
Real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	—		—		—		—		64,202		64,202
Receivables and other assets	4,333		15,428		935		29,301		25,507		75,504
Total assets	$	1,209,981	$	137,219	$	74,755	$	8,528,996	$	90,517	$	10,041,468

Residential collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	70,308	$	—	$	—	$	70,308
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations, at fair value	1,094,044		—		—		8,095,415		—		9,189,459
Securitized debt	29,164		52,373		—		—		—		81,537
Mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	—		—		—		—		57,124		57,124
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,316		2,957		24		28,969		1,727		37,993
Total liabilities	$	1,127,524	$	55,330	$	70,332	$	8,124,384	$	58,851	$	9,436,421

⁽¹⁾

The Company classified the multi-family CMBS issued by two K-Series securitizations and held by this Financing VIE as available for sale securities as the purpose is not to trade these securities. The Financing VIE consolidated one K-Series securitization that issued certain of the multi-family CMBS owned by the Company, including its assets, liabilities, income and expenses, in its financial statements, as based on a number of factors, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary and has a controlling financial interest in this particular K-Series securitization ( see Note 7 ).

⁽²⁾

The Company engaged in this transaction for the purpose of financing distressed residential mortgage loans acquired by the Company. The distressed residential mortgage loans serving as collateral for the financing are comprised of performing, re-performing and, to a lesser extent, non-performing, fixed- and adjustable-rate, fully-amortizing, interest only and balloon, seasoned mortgage loans secured by first liens on one to four family properties. Balances as of December 31, 2017 are related to a securitization transaction that closed in April 2016 that involved the issuance of $177.5 million of Class A Notes representing the beneficial ownership in a pool of performing and re-performing seasoned residential mortgage loans. The Company holds 5% of the Class A Notes issued as part of this securitization transaction, which have been eliminated in consolidation.


⁽³⁾	Six of the Company’s Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations included in the Consolidated K-Series are not held in a Financing VIE as of December 31, 2017 .

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Assets and Liabilities of Consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Financing VIEs						Other VIEs
	Multi-family CMBS re-securitization ⁽¹⁾		Distressed Residential Mortgage Loan Securitization ⁽²⁾		Residential Mortgage Loan Securitization		Multi- family CMBS ⁽³⁾		Other		Total
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	186	$	186
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value held in securitization trusts	43,897		—		—		—		—		43,897
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	—		—		95,144		—		—		95,144
Distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	—		195,347		—		—		—		195,347
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value	1,196,835		—		—		5,743,009		—		6,939,844
Receivables and other assets	4,420		13,610		912		19,753		17,759		56,454
Total assets	$	1,245,152	$	208,957	$	96,056	$	5,762,762	$	17,945	$	7,330,872

Residential collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	91,663	$	—	$	—	$	91,663
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations, at fair value	1,137,002		—		—		5,487,894		—		6,624,896
Securitized debt	28,332		130,535		—		—		—		158,867
Mortgages and notes payable in consolidated variable interest entities	—		—		—		—		1,588		1,588
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,400		1,336		20		19,753		13		25,522
Total liabilities	$	1,169,734	$	131,871	$	91,683	$	5,507,647	$	1,601	$	6,902,536

⁽¹⁾

The Company classified the multi-family CMBS issued by two K-Series securitizations and held by the Financing VIE as available for sale securities as the purpose is not to trade these securities. The Financing VIE consolidated one K-Series securitization that issued certain of the multi-family CMBS owned by the Company, including its assets, liabilities, income and expenses, in its financial statements, as based on a number of factors, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary and has a controlling financial interest in this particular K-Series securitization ( see Note 7 ).

⁽²⁾

The Company engaged in this transaction for the purpose of financing distressed residential mortgage loans acquired by the Company. The distressed residential mortgage loans serving as collateral for the financing are comprised of performing, re-performing and, to a lesser extent, non-performing, fixed- and adjustable-rate, fully-amortizing, interest only and balloon, seasoned residential mortgage loans secured by first liens on one to four family properties. Balances as of December 31, 2016 are related to a securitization transaction that closed in April 2016 that involved the issuance of $177.5 million of Class A Notes representing the beneficial ownership in a pool of performing and re-performing seasoned residential mortgage loans. The Company holds 5% of the Class A Notes issued as part of this securitization transaction, which have been eliminated in consolidation.

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⁽³⁾

Four of the Company’s Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations included in the Consolidated K-Series were not held in a Financing VIE as of December 31, 2016 . In October 2016, the Company repaid $55.9 million of outstanding notes from its November 2013 collateralized recourse financing, which was comprised of securities issued from three separate Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitizations. In connection with the repayment of the notes, the Company terminated and de-consolidated the Financing VIE that facilitated this financing transaction and securities serving as collateral on the notes were transferred back to the Company.

The following table summarizes the Company’s securitized debt collateralized by multi-family CMBS or distressed residential mortgage loans (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Multi-family CMBS Re-securitization ⁽¹⁾			Distressed Residential Mortgage Loan Securitizations
Principal Amount at December 31, 2017	$	33,350		$	53,089
Principal Amount at December 31, 2016	$	33,553		$	132,319
Carrying Value at December 31, 2017 ⁽²⁾	$	29,164		$	52,373
Carrying Value at December 31, 2016 ⁽²⁾	$	28,332		$	130,535
Pass-through rate of Notes issued	5.35		%	4.00		%

⁽¹⁾

The Company engaged in the re-securitization transaction primarily for the purpose of obtaining non-recourse financing on a portion of its multi-family CMBS portfolio. As a result of engaging in this transaction, the Company remains economically exposed to the first loss position on the underlying multi-family CMBS transferred to the Consolidated VIE. The holders of the Note issued in this re-securitization have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, but the Company does have the obligation, under certain circumstances, to repurchase assets upon the breach of certain representations and warranties. The Company will receive all remaining cash flow, if any, through its retained ownership.


⁽²⁾	Classified as securitized debt in the liability section of the Company’s accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents contractual maturity information about the Financing VIEs’ securitized debt as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



Scheduled Maturity (principal amount)	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Within 24 months	$	53,089		$	—
Over 24 months to 36 months	—			132,319
Over 36 months	33,350			33,553
Total	86,439			165,872
Discount	(4,232		)	(5,589		)
Debt issuance cost	(670		)	(1,416		)
Carrying value	$	81,537		$	158,867

There is no guarantee that the Company will receive any cash flows from these securitization trusts.

Residential Mortgage Loan Securitization Transaction

The Company has completed four residential mortgage loan securitizations (other than the distressed residential mortgage loan securitizations discussed above) since inception; the first three were accounted for as permanent financings and have been included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements. The fourth was accounted for as a sale and accordingly, is not included in the Company's accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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Unconsolidated VIEs

The Company has evaluated its multi-family CMBS investments in two Freddie Mac-sponsored K-Series securitizations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and its preferred equity, mezzanine loan and other equity investments to determine whether they are VIEs and should be consolidated by the Company. Based on a number of factors, the Company determined that, except for Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, it does not have a controlling financial interest and is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. The following tables present the classification and carrying value of unconsolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017
	Investment securities available for sale, at fair value, held in securitization trusts		Receivables and other assets		Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments		Investment in unconsolidated entities		Total
Multi-family CMBS	$	47,922	$	73	$	—	$	—	$	47,995
Preferred equity investment on multi-family properties	—		—		132,009		8,320		140,329
Mezzanine loan on multi-family properties	—		—		6,911		—		6,911
Equity investments in entities that invest in multi-family properties	—		—		—		25,562		25,562
Total assets	$	47,922	$	73	$	138,920	$	33,882	$	220,797



	December 31, 2016
	Investment securities available for sale, at fair value, held in securitization trusts		Receivables and other assets		Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments		Investment in unconsolidated entities		Total
Multi-family CMBS	$	43,897	$	74	$	—	$	—	$	43,971
Preferred equity investment on multi-family properties	—		—		81,269		18,928		100,197
Mezzanine loan on multi-family properties	—		—		18,881		—		18,881
Equity investments in entities that invest in multi-family properties	—		—		—		22,252		22,252
Total assets	$	43,897	$	74	$	100,150	$	41,180	$	185,301

Our maximum loss exposure on the multi-family CMBS investments and preferred equity, mezzanine loan and other equity investments is approximately $220.8 million and $185.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The Company’s maximum exposure does not exceed the carrying value of its investments.

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11.	Real Estate Held for Sale in Consolidated VIEs

During the second quarter of 2017, Riverchase Landing determined to actively market its multi-family apartment community for sale. The Company anticipates completing a sale to a third party buyer in 2018. Accordingly, the Company classified the real estate assets in Riverchase Landing as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company also ceased depreciation of the operating real estate assets and amortization of the related lease intangible asset in Riverchase Landing as of June 5, 2017.

During the third quarter of 2017, The Clusters determined to actively market its multi-family apartment community for sale. The Company anticipates completing a sale to a third party buyer in 2018. Accordingly, the Company classified the real estate assets in The Clusters as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company also ceased depreciation of the operating real estate assets and amortization of the related lease intangible asset in The Clusters as of September 1, 2017.

The following is a provisional summary of the real estate held for sale in both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands):



Land	$	7,000
Building and improvements	53,468
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	2,150
Lease intangible	5,340
Real estate held for sale before accumulated depreciation and amortization	67,958
Accumulated depreciation ⁽¹⁾	(647		)
Accumulated amortization of lease intangible ⁽¹⁾	(3,109		)
Real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	$	64,202


⁽¹⁾	Depreciation and amortization expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $0.6 million and $3.1 million , respectively.

No gain or loss was recognized by the Company or allocated to non-controlling interests related to the classification of the real estate assets as held for sale.


12.	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company enters into derivative instruments in connection with its risk management activities. These derivative instruments include interest rate swaps, swaptions, futures and options on futures. The Company may also purchase or sell short TBAs, purchase options on U.S. Treasury futures or invest in other types of mortgage derivative securities.

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Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments and their location in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
TBA Securities	Derivative assets	$	—	$	148,139
Eurodollar futures	Derivative assets	—		1,175
Interest rate swap futures	Derivative assets	—		444
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets	846		—
Swaptions	Derivative assets	—		431
U.S. Treasury futures	Derivative liabilities	—		107
Interest rate swaps ⁽¹⁾	Derivative liabilities	—		384


⁽¹⁾	There was no netting of interest rate swaps at December 31, 2016 .

The tables below summarize the activity of derivative instruments not designated as hedges for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands).



	Notional Amount For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
	December 31, 2016			Additions		Settlement, Expiration or Exercise			December 31, 2017
TBA securities	$	149,000		$	1,881,000	$	(2,030,000	)	$	—
U.S. Treasury futures	17,100			129,100		(146,200		)	—
Interest rate swap futures	(151,700		)	500,700		(349,000		)	—
Eurodollar futures	(2,575,000		)	7,819,000		(5,244,000		)	—
Options on U.S. Treasury futures	—			5,000		(5,000		)	—
Swaptions	154,000			—		(154,000		)	—
Interest rate swaps	15,000			345,500		(15,000		)	345,500



	Notional Amount For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
	December 31, 2015			Additions		Settlement, Expiration or Exercise			December 31, 2016
TBA securities	$	222,000		$	4,070,000	$	(4,143,000	)	$	149,000
U.S. Treasury futures	—			201,900		(184,800		)	17,100
Interest rate swap futures	(137,200		)	868,800		(883,300		)	(151,700		)
Eurodollar futures	(2,769,000		)	6,323,000		(6,129,000		)	(2,575,000		)
Options on U.S. Treasury futures	28,000			111,000		(139,000		)	—
Swaptions	159,000			—		(5,000		)	154,000
Interest rate swaps	10,000			5,000		—			15,000

At December 31, 2016 , our consolidated balance sheets include TBA-related liabilities in the amount of $148.0 million included in payable for securities purchased. Open TBA purchases and sales involving the same counterparty, same underlying deliverable and the same settlement date are reflected in our consolidated financial statements on a net basis. There were no open TBA purchases or sales at December 31, 2017 . There was $114.4 million netting of TBA sales against TBA purchases of $262.4 million at December 31, 2016 .

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The following table presents the components of realized and unrealized gains and losses related to our derivative instruments that were not designated as hedging instruments included in other income category in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 :



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017						2016						2015
	Realized Gains (Losses)			Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Realized Gains (Losses)			Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Realized Gains (Losses)			Unrealized Gains (Losses)
TBA	$	2,511		$	(141	)	$	3,998		$	534		$	5,244		$	(2,253	)
Eurodollar futures	1,379			(1,175		)	(3,202		)	2,417			(2,321		)	(342		)
Interest rate swaps	(218		)	1,231			—			(126		)	—			(26		)
Swaptions	—			274			—			568			—			(658		)
U.S. Treasury and interest rate swap futures and options	267			(337		)	(2,040		)	(336		)	(9,631		)	579
Total	$	3,939		$	(148	)	$	(1,244	)	$	3,057		$	(6,708	)	$	(2,700	)

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Certain of the Company’s interest rate swaps outstanding during 2016 and 2017 to hedge the variable cash flows associated with borrowings made under our variable rate borrowings were designated as cash flow hedges. There were no costs incurred at the inception of the Company's interest rate swaps, under which the Company agrees to pay a fixed rate of interest and receive a variable interest rate based on one month LIBOR, on the notional amount of the interest rate swaps. As of October 31, 2017, there were no outstanding derivatives designated as cash flow hedges.

The Company documents its risk-management policies, including objectives and strategies, as they relate to its hedging activities, and upon entering into hedging transactions, documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged liability contemporaneously. The Company assesses, both at inception of a hedge and on an on-going basis, whether or not the hedge is “highly effective” when using the matched term basis.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting on a prospective basis and recognizes changes in the fair value through earnings when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows of a hedged item (including forecasted transactions); (ii) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iii) it is determined that designating the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate. The Company’s derivative instruments are carried on the Company’s balance sheets at fair value, as assets, if their fair value is positive, or as liabilities, if their fair value is negative. For the Company’s derivative instruments that are designated as “cash flow hedges,” changes in their fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), provided that the hedges are effective. A change in fair value for any ineffective amount of the Company’s derivative instruments would be recognized in earnings. The Company has not recognized any change in the value of its existing derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges through earnings as a result of ineffectiveness of any of its hedges.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments and their location in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Balance Sheet Location	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Interest rate swaps	Derivative assets	$	—	$	108
Interest rate swaps	Derivative liabilities	—		6

At December 31, 2016 , the Company had netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to its interest rate swaps. Contracts in a liability position of $29.1 thousand have been netted against the asset position of $133.5 thousand in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 .

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The following table presents the impact of the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments on the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for derivative instruments:
Balance at beginning of the period	$	102		$	304		$	1,135
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps	(102		)	(202		)	(831		)
Balance at end of the period	$	—		$	102		$	304

The following table details the impact of the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments included in interest income or expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Interest Rate Swaps:
Interest income-investment securities	$	267	$	—	$	—
Interest expense-investment securities	—		743		1,619

Outstanding Derivatives

The following table presents information about our interest rate swaps whereby we receive floating rate payments in exchange for fixed rate payments as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
Swap Maturities	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate		Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate		Notional Amount		Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate		Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate
2017	$	—	—		—		$	215,000	0.83	%	0.74	%
2019	—		—		—		10,000		2.25	%	0.97	%
2024	98,000		2.18	%	1.36	%	—		—		—
2027	247,500		2.39	%	1.39	%	—		—		—
Total	$	345,500	2.33	%	1.38	%	$	225,000	0.90	%	0.75	%

The following table presents information about our interest rate swaps whereby we receive fixed rate payments in exchange for floating rate payments as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Swap Maturities	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate	Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate	Notional Amount		Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate		Weighted Average Variable Interest Rate
2026	$	—	—	—	$	5,000	1.80	%	1.00	%
Total	$	—	—	—	$	5,000	1.80	%	1.00	%

The use of derivatives exposes the Company to counterparty credit risks in the event of a default by a counterparty. If a counterparty defaults under the applicable derivative agreement, the Company may be unable to collect payments to which it is entitled under its derivative agreements and may have difficulty collecting the assets it pledged as collateral against such derivatives. The Company currently has in place with all counterparties bi-lateral margin agreements requiring a party to post collateral to the Company for any valuation deficit. This arrangement is intended to limit the Company’s exposure to losses in the event of a counterparty default.

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The Company is required to pledge assets under a bi-lateral margin arrangement, including either cash or Agency RMBS, as collateral for its interest rate swaps, futures contracts and TBAs, whose collateral requirements vary by counterparty and change over time based on the market value, notional amount, and remaining term of the agreement. In the event the Company is unable to meet a margin call under one of its agreements, thereby causing an event of default or triggering an early termination event under one of its agreements, the counterparty to such agreement may have the option to terminate all of such counterparty’s outstanding transactions with the Company. In addition, under this scenario, any close-out amount due to the counterparty upon termination of the counterparty’s transactions would be immediately payable by the Company pursuant to the applicable agreement. The Company believes it was in compliance with all margin requirements under its agreements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The Company had $9.9 million and $6.1 million of restricted cash related to margin posted for its agreements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The restricted cash held by third parties is included in receivables and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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13.	Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments

The Company has entered into repurchase agreements with third party financial institutions to finance its investment portfolio. These financing arrangements are short-term borrowings that bear interest rates typically based on a spread to LIBOR, and are secured by the securities which they finance. At December 31, 2017 , the Company had repurchase agreements with an outstanding balance of $1.3 billion and a weighted average interest rate of 2.18% . At December 31, 2016 , the Company had repurchase agreements with an outstanding balance of $773.1 million and a weighted average interest rate of 1.92% .

The following table presents detailed information about the Company’s borrowings under financing arrangements and associated assets pledged as collateral at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	2017						2016
Assets Pledged as Collateral	Outstanding Borrowings		Fair Value of Collateral Pledged		Amortized Cost Of Collateral Pledged		Outstanding Borrowings		Fair Value of Collateral Pledged		Amortized Cost Of Collateral Pledged
Agency ARMs RMBS	$	86,349	$	90,343	$	92,586	$	102,088	$	109,552	$	110,903
Agency Fixed-rate RMBS	842,474		890,359		902,744		289,619		308,411		318,544
Agency IOs/U.S. Treasury Securities	—		—		—		60,862		82,153		93,819
Non-Agency RMBS	38,160		51,841		50,693		113,749		150,944		149,969
CMBS ⁽¹⁾	309,935		421,156		322,092		206,824		294,083		216,092
Balance at end of the period	$	1,276,918	$	1,453,699	$	1,368,115	$	773,142	$	945,143	$	889,327


⁽¹⁾	Includes first loss PO and mezzanine CMBS securities with a fair value amounting to $377.5 million and $254.6 million included in the Consolidated K-Series as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the average days to maturity for all financing arrangements were 44 days and 12 days , respectively. The Company’s accrued interest payable on outstanding financing arrangements at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounts to $2.5 million and $1.1 million , respectively, and is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents contractual maturity information about the Company’s outstanding financing arrangements at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



Contractual Maturity	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Within 30 days	$	1,081,911	$	729,134
Over 30 days to 90 days	95,007		44,008
Over 90 days	100,000		—
Total	$	1,276,918	$	773,142

As of December 31, 2017 , the outstanding balance under our financing arrangements was funded at a weighted average advance rate of 90.0% that implies an average haircut of 10.0% . As of December 31, 2017 , the weighted average “haircut” related to our repurchase agreement financing for our Agency RMBS, non-Agency RMBS, and CMBS was approximately 5% , 25% , and 24% , respectively.

In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient short-term financing through financing arrangements, or our lenders start to require additional collateral, we may have to liquidate our investment securities at a disadvantageous time, which could result in losses. Any losses resulting from the disposition of our investment securities in this manner could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and net profitability. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had financing arrangements with ten and eight counterparties, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company's only exposure where the amount at risk was in excess of 5% of the Company's stockholders' equity was to Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch at 5.0% and 5.1% . respectively. The amount at risk is defined as the fair value of securities pledged as collateral to the financing arrangement in excess of the financing arrangement liability.

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As of December 31, 2017 , our available liquid assets include unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, overnight deposits and unencumbered securities that we believe may be posted as margin. The Company had $95.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, $0.5 million in overnight deposits in our Agency IO portfolio included in restricted cash and $315.7 million in unencumbered investment securities to meet additional haircuts or market valuation requirements. The unencumbered securities that we believe may be posted as margin as of December 31, 2017 included $188.8 million of Agency RMBS, $76.6 million of CMBS and $50.3 million of non-Agency RMBS. The cash and unencumbered securities, which collectively represent 32.2% of our financing arrangements, are liquid and could be monetized to pay down or collateralize a liability immediately.


14.	Financing Arrangements, Residential Mortgage Loans

The Company has a master repurchase agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch with a maximum aggregate committed principal amount of $100.0 million and a maximum uncommitted principal amount of $150.0 million to fund distressed residential mortgage loans, expiring on June 8, 2019 . At December 31, 2016 , the master repurchase agreement provided for a maximum aggregate principal committed amount of $200.0 million . The outstanding balance on this master repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 amounts to approximately $123.6 million and $193.8 million , respectively, bearing interest at one-month LIBOR plus 2.50% ( 4.05% and 3.26% at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively). The Company expects to roll outstanding borrowings under this master repurchase agreement into a new repurchase agreement or other financing prior to or at maturity.

In November 2015, the Company entered into a master repurchase agreement with Deutsche Bank AG, Cayman Islands Branch in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million , to fund the future purchase of residential mortgage loans, expiring on May 25, 2017 . On May 24, 2017 , the Company entered into an amended master repurchase agreement that reduced the guaranteed committed principal amount to $25.0 million and expires on November 24, 2018 . The outstanding balance on this master repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2017 amounts to approximately $26.1 million , with the amount in excess of $25.0 million being uncommitted, bearing interest at one-month LIBOR plus 3.50% ( 5.05% at December 31, 2017 ). There was no outstanding balance on this master repurchase agreement as of December 31, 2016 .

During the terms of the master repurchase agreements, proceeds from the residential mortgage loans, including the Company's distressed residential mortgage loans, will be applied to pay any price differential and to reduce the aggregate repurchase price of the collateral. The financings under the master repurchase agreements are subject to margin calls to the extent the market value of the residential mortgage loans falls below specified levels and repurchase may be accelerated upon an event of default under the master repurchase agreements. The master repurchase agreements contain various covenants, including among other things, the maintenance of certain amounts of net worth, liquidity and leverage ratios. The Company is in compliance with such covenants as of February 27, 2018 .


15.	Residential Collateralized Debt Obligations

The Company’s Residential CDOs, which are recorded as liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, are secured by ARM loans pledged as collateral, which are recorded as assets of the Company. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had Residential CDOs outstanding of $70.3 million and $91.7 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the current weighted average interest rate on these CDOs was 2.16% and 1.37% , respectively. The Residential CDOs are collateralized by ARM loans with a principal balance of $77.5 million and $98.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company retained the owner trust certificates, or residual interest, for three securitizations, and had a net investment in the residential securitization trusts of $4.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 .

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16. Debt

Convertible Notes

On January 23, 2017 , the Company issued $138.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 (the "Convertible Notes"), including $18.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes issued upon exercise of the underwriter's over-allotment option, in an underwritten public offering. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Convertible Notes, after deducting the underwriter's discounts, commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $127.0 million with the total cost to the Company of approximately 8.24% .

The Convertible Notes were issued at 96% of the principal amount, bear interest at a rate equal to 6.25% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, and are expected to mature on January 15, 2022 , unless earlier converted or repurchased. The Company does not have the right to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to maturity and no sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes. Holders of the Convertible Notes will be permitted to convert their Convertible Notes into shares of the Company's common stock at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 15, 2022 . The conversion rate for the Convertible Notes, which is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, initially equals 142.7144 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $7.01 per share of the Company’s common stock, based on a $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company that rank senior in right of payment to the Company's subordinated debentures and any of its other indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 , none of the Convertible Notes were converted. As of February 27, 2018 , the Company has not been notified, and is not aware, of any event of default under the covenants for the Convertible Notes.

Subordinated Debentures

Subordinated debentures are trust preferred securities that are fully guaranteed by the Company with respect to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, redemption or repayment. The following table summarizes the key details of the Company’s subordinated debentures as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollar amounts in thousands):



	NYM Preferred Trust I		NYM Preferred Trust II
Principal value of trust preferred securities	$	25,000	$	20,000
Interest rate	Three month LIBOR plus 3.75%, resetting quarterly		Three month LIBOR plus 3.95%, resetting quarterly
Scheduled maturity	March 30, 2035		October 30, 2035

As of February 27, 2018 , the Company has not been notified, and is not aware, of any event of default under the covenants for the subordinated debentures.

Mortgages and Notes Payable in Consolidated VIEs

On March 31, 2017 , the Company determined that it became the primary beneficiary of Riverchase Landing and The Clusters, two VIEs that each own a multi-family apartment community and in which the Company holds preferred equity investments. Accordingly, on this date, the Company consolidated both Riverchase Landing and The Clusters into its consolidated financial statements (s ee Note 10) . Both Riverchase Landing's and The Clusters' real estate investments are subject to mortgages payable and the Company has no obligation for these liabilities as of December 31, 2017 .

The Company also consolidates KRVI into its consolidated financial statements ( see Note 10 ). KRVI's real estate under development is subject to a note payable of $6.0 million that has an unused commitment of $2.4 million as of December 31, 2017 . The Company has not been notified, and is not aware, of any event of default under the covenants of KRVI's note payable as of February 27, 2018 .

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The mortgages and notes payable in the consolidated VIEs are described below (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Assumption/Origination Date	Mortgage Note Amount as of December 31, 2017		Maturity Date	Interest Rate		Net Deferred Finance Costs
Riverchase Landing	10/2/2015 ⁽¹⁾	$	23,553	11/1/2022	3.88	%	$	184
The Clusters	6/30/2014	27,775		7/6/2024	4.49	%	65
KRVI	12/16/2016	6,045		12/16/2019	6.00	%	—


⁽¹⁾	Origination date of 10/26/2012

As of December 31, 2017 , maturities for debt on the Company's consolidated balance sheet are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):



Year Ending December 31,
2018	$	—
2019	6,045
2020	—
2021	—
2022	161,553
Thereafter	72,775
Total	$	240,373


17.	Commitments and Contingencies

Loans Sold to Third Parties – In the normal course of business, the Company is obligated to repurchase loans based on violations of representations and warranties in its loan sale agreements. The Company did not repurchase any loans during the three years ended December 31, 2017 .

Outstanding Litigation – The Company is at times subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company does not believe that any of its current legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Leases – As of December 31, 2017 , the Company has entered into multi-year lease agreements for office space accounted for as non-cancelable operating leases. Total property lease expense on these leases for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 amounted to $0.3 million , $0.3 million , and $0.2 million , respectively. The leases are secured by cash deposits in the amount of $0.2 million .

As of December 31, 2017 , obligations under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):



Year Ending December 31,
2018	$	348
2019	353
2020	298
2021	217
2022	217
Thereafter	217
Total	$	1,650

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18.	Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company has established and documented processes for determining fair values. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use inputs that are market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Investment Securities Available for Sale – Fair value for the investment securities in our portfolio, except the CMBS held in securitization trusts, are valued using a third-party pricing service or are based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. Dealer valuations typically incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security including coupon, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period and seasoning or age of the security. If quoted prices for a security are not reasonably available from a dealer, the security will be classified as a Level 3 security and, as a result, management will determine fair value by modeling the security based on its specific characteristics and available market information. Management reviews all prices used in determining fair value to ensure they represent current market conditions. This review includes surveying similar market transactions, comparisons to interest pricing models as well as offerings of like securities by dealers. The Company's investment securities, except the CMBS held in securitization trusts, are valued based upon readily observable market parameters and are classified as Level 1 or 2 fair values.

The Company’s CMBS held in securitization trusts are comprised of securities for which there are not substantially similar securities that trade frequently. The Company classifies these securities as Level 3 fair values. Fair value of the Company’s CMBS investments held in securitization trusts is based on an internal valuation model that considers expected cash flows from the underlying loans and yields required by market participants. The significant unobservable inputs used in the measurement of these investments are projected losses of certain identified loans within the pool of loans and a discount rate. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity and current market interest rates. The discount rate ranges from 4.5% to 10.4% . Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

Multi - Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts are carried at fair value as a result of a fair value election and classified as Level 3 fair values. The Company determines the fair value of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts based on the fair value of its Multi-Family CDOs and its retained interests from these securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP), as the fair value of these instruments is more observable.


c.	Derivative Instruments – The fair value of interest rate swaps, swaptions, options and TBAs are based on dealer quotes. The fair value of future contracts are based on exchange-traded prices. The Company’s derivatives are classified as Level 1 or Level 2 fair values.

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Multi-Family CDOs – Multi-Family CDOs are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 fair values. The fair value of Multi-Family CDOs is determined using a third party pricing service or are based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The dealers will consider contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants. Dealers also incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security including coupon, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period and seasoning or age of the security.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities – Fair value for investments in unconsolidated entities is determined based on a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets in the unconsolidated entities and a discount rate. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Residential Mortgage Loans - Certain of the Company’s acquired residential mortgage loans, including distressed residential mortgage loans and second mortgages, are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value for first lien mortgages is determined using prices obtained from a third party pricing service. The fair value is based upon cash flow models that primarily use market-based inputs such as current interest and discount rates but also include unobservable market data inputs such as prepayment speeds, default rates and loss severities. The fair value for second mortgage residential loans is based upon an internal cash flow model that considers current interest rates, prepayment speeds, default rates, and loss severities.

Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management to ensure the changes are appropriate. As markets and products develop and the pricing for certain products becomes more transparent, the Company continues to refine its valuation methodologies. The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. The Company uses inputs that are current as of each reporting date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which time price transparency may be reduced. This condition could cause the Company’s financial instruments to be reclassified from Level 2 to Level 3 in future periods.

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The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at
	December 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets carried at fair value
Investment securities available for sale:
Agency RMBS	$	—	$	1,169,536	$	—	$	1,169,536	$	—	$	526,363	$	—	$	526,363
Non-Agency RMBS	—		102,125		—		102,125		—		163,284		—		163,284
U.S. Treasury securities	—		—		—		—		2,887		—		—		2,887
CMBS	—		93,498		47,922		141,420		—		82,545		43,897		126,442
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	—		—		9,657,421		9,657,421		—		—		6,939,844		6,939,844
Residential mortgage loans, at fair value	—		—		87,153		87,153		—		—		17,769		17,769
Derivative Assets:
TBA securities	—		—		—		—		—		148,139		—		148,139
Interest rate swap futures	—		—		—		—		444		—		—		444
Interest rate swaps	—		846		—		846		—		108		—		108
Swaptions	—		—		—		—		—		431		—		431
Eurodollar futures	—		—		—		—		1,175		—		—		1,175
Investments in unconsolidated entities	—		—		42,823		42,823		—		—		60,332		60,332
Total	$	—	$	1,366,005	$	9,835,319	$	11,201,324	$	4,506	$	920,870	$	7,061,842	$	7,987,218
Liabilities carried at fair value
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	9,189,459	$	9,189,459	$	—	$	—	$	6,624,896	$	6,624,896
Derivative liabilities:
U.S. Treasury futures	—		—		—		—		107		—		—		107
Interest rate swaps	—		—		—		—		—		391		—		391
Total	$	—	$	—	$	9,189,459	$	9,189,459	$	107	$	391	$	6,624,896	$	6,625,394

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The following table details changes in valuation for the Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively (amounts in thousands):

Level 3 Assets:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	7,061,842		$	7,214,587		$	8,442,604
Total (losses)/gains (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings ⁽¹⁾	(17,841		)	(19,495		)	(90,662		)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	602			224			(360		)
Transfers in ⁽²⁾	—			52,176			—
Transfers out ⁽³⁾	—			(56,756		)	—
Contributions	2,500			3,200			26,461
Paydowns/Distributions	(176,037		)	(150,824		)	(88,874		)
Sales ⁽⁴⁾	(7,224		)	—			(1,075,529		)
Purchases ⁽⁵⁾	2,971,477			18,730			947
Balance at the end of period	$	9,835,319		$	7,061,842		$	7,214,587


⁽¹⁾	Amounts included in interest income from multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, interest income from residential mortgage loans, realized gain on distressed residential mortgage loans, net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value, unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, and other income.

⁽²⁾

Transfers into Level 3 include investments in unconsolidated entities held by RiverBanc and RBMI for which the Company accounts under the equity method of accounting with a fair value election. These transfers in are a result of the Company's acquisition of the outstanding membership interests in RiverBanc and RBMI that were not previously owned by the Company on May 16, 2016, which resulted in consolidation of these entities into the Company's financial statements ( see Note 23 ).

⁽³⁾

Transfers out of Level 3 represent the Company's previously held membership interests in RBMI and RBDHC that were accounted for under the equity method of accounting with a fair value election. These transfers out are a result of the Company's acquisition of the outstanding membership interests in RBMI and RBDHC that were not previously owned by the Company on May 16, 2016, which resulted in consolidation of these entities into the Company's financial statements ( see Note 23 ) .


⁽⁴⁾	In February 2015, the Company sold a first loss PO security from one of the Company’s Consolidated K-Series securitizations, obtaining total proceeds of approximately $44.3 million and realizing a gain of approximately $1.5 million . The sale resulted in a de-consolidation of $1.1 billion in Multi-Family loans held in a securitization trusts and $1.0 billion in Multi-Family CDOs.

⁽⁵⁾

In 2017, the Company purchased PO securities, certain IOs and mezzanine CMBS securities issued from two Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitization trusts. The Company determined that the securitization trusts are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of each VIE. As a result, the Company consolidated assets of the Consolidated K-Series in the amount of $2.9 billion ( see Notes 2 and 7 ).

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The following table details changes in valuation for the Level 3 liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively (amounts in thousands):

Level 3 Liabilities:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Balance at beginning of period	$	6,624,896		$	6,818,901		$	8,048,053
Total losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings ⁽¹⁾	(82,650		)	(57,687		)	(133,245		)
Purchases/(Sales) ⁽²⁾⁽³⁾	2,784,377			—			(1,009,942		)
Paydowns	(137,164		)	(136,318		)	(85,965		)
Balance at the end of period	$	9,189,459		$	6,624,896		$	6,818,901


⁽¹⁾	Amounts included in interest expense on Multi-Family CDOs and unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts.

⁽²⁾

In 2017, the Company purchased PO securities, certain IOs and mezzanine CMBS securities issued from two Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family K-Series securitization trusts. The Company determined that the securitization trusts are VIEs and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of each VIE. As a result, the Company consolidated liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series in the amount of $2.8 billion ( see Notes 2 and 7 ).


⁽³⁾	In February 2015, the Company sold a first loss PO security from one of the Company’s Consolidated K-Series securitizations, obtaining total proceeds of approximately $44.3 million and realizing a gain of approximately $1.5 million . The sale resulted in a de-consolidation of $1.1 billion in Multi-Family loans held in a securitization trusts and $1.0 billion in Multi-Family CDOs.

The following table details the changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for our Level 3 assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016			2015
Change in unrealized gains (losses) – assets	$	10,021	$	10,794		$	(61,957	)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) – liabilities	8,851		(7,762		)	74,325
Net change in unrealized gains included in earnings for assets and liabilities	$	18,872	$	3,032		$	12,368

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis at
	December 31, 2017								December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts – impaired loans, net	$	—	$	—	$	10,317	$	10,317	$	—	$	—	$	9,050	$	9,050
Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts	—		—		111		111		—		—		150		150

The following table presents gains (losses) incurred for assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts – impaired loans, net	$	(472	)	$	(482	)	$	(1,261	)
Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts	(6		)	(130		)	100

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Real Estate Owned Held in Residential Securitization Trusts – Real estate owned held in the residential securitization trusts are recorded at net realizable value. Any subsequent adjustment will result in the reduction in carrying value with the corresponding amount charged to earnings. Net realizable value is based on an estimate of disposal taking into consideration local market conditions of the property, updated appraisal values of the property and estimated expenses required to sell the property.

The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



		December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	Level 1	$	95,191	$	95,191	$	83,554	$	83,554
Investment securities available for sale ⁽¹⁾	Level 1, 2 or 3	1,413,081		1,413,081		818,976		818,976
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net	Level 3	73,820		72,131		95,144		88,718
Distressed residential mortgage loans, at carrying value, net ⁽²⁾	Level 3	331,464		334,765		503,094		504,915
Residential mortgage loans, at fair value ⁽³⁾	Level 3	87,153		87,153		17,769		17,769
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts	Level 3	9,657,421		9,657,421		6,939,844		6,939,844
Derivative assets	Level 1 or 2	846		846		150,296		150,296
Mortgage loans held for sale, net ⁽⁴⁾	Level 3	5,507		5,598		7,847		7,959
Mortgage loans held for investment ⁽⁴⁾	Level 3	1,760		1,900		19,529		19,641
Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments ⁽⁵⁾	Level 3	138,920		140,129		100,150		101,408
Investments in unconsolidated entities ⁽⁶⁾	Level 3	51,143		51,212		79,259		79,390
Financial Liabilities:
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments	Level 2	1,276,918		1,276,918		773,142		773,142
Financing arrangements, distressed residential mortgage loans	Level 2	149,063		149,063		192,419		192,419
Residential collateralized debt obligations	Level 3	70,308		66,865		91,663		85,568
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations	Level 3	9,189,459		9,189,459		6,624,896		6,624,896
Securitized debt	Level 3	81,537		87,891		158,867		163,884
Derivative liabilities	Level 1 or 2	—		—		498		498
Payable for securities purchased	Level 1	—		—		148,015		148,015
Subordinated debentures	Level 3	45,000		45,002		45,000		43,132
Convertible notes	Level 2	128,749		140,060		—		—


⁽¹⁾	Includes $47.9 million and $43.9 million of investment securities for sale held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

⁽²⁾

Includes distressed residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts with a carrying value amounting to approximately $121.8 million and $195.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively and distressed residential mortgage loans with a carrying value amounting to approximately $209.7 million and $307.7 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.


⁽³⁾	Includes distressed residential mortgage loans with a carrying value amounting to $36.9 million at December 31, 2017 and second mortgages with a carrying value amounting to $50.2 million and $17.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

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⁽⁴⁾	Included in receivables and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


⁽⁵⁾	Includes preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments accounted for as loans ( see Note 9 ).


⁽⁶⁾	Includes investments in unconsolidated entities accounted for under the fair value option with a carrying value of $42.8 million and $60.3 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively ( see Note 8 ).

In addition to the methodology to determine the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis and non-recurring basis, as previously described, the following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in arriving at the fair value of the Company’s other financial instruments in the table immediately above:


a.	Cash and cash equivalents – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such assets.

Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, net – Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are recorded at amortized cost. Fair value is based on an internal valuation model that considers the aggregated characteristics of groups of loans such as, but not limited to, collateral type, index, interest rate, margin, length of fixed-rate period, life cap, periodic cap, underwriting standards, age and credit estimated using the estimated market prices for similar types of loans.


c.	Distressed residential mortgage loans at carrying value , net – Fair value is estimated using pricing models taking into consideration current interest rates, loan amount, payment status and property type, and forecasts of future interest rates, home prices and property values, prepayment speeds, default, loss severities, and actual purchases and sales of similar loans.

Mortgage loans held for sale, net - The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale, net are estimated by the Company based on the price that would be received if the loans were sold as whole loans taking into consideration the aggregated characteristics of the loans such as, but not limited to, collateral type, index, interest rate, margin, length of fixed interest rate period, life time cap, periodic cap, underwriting standards, age and credit.


e.	Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments – Estimated fair value is determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flows. The discounted cash flows are based on the underlying contractual cash flows and estimated changes in market yields. The fair value also reflects consideration of changes in credit risk since the origination or time of initial investment.


f.	Financing arrangements – The fair value of these financing arrangements approximates cost as they are short term in nature.


g.	Residential collateralized debt obligations – The fair value of these CDOs is based on discounted cash flows as well as market pricing on comparable obligations.


h.	Securitized debt – The fair value of securitized debt is based on discounted cash flows using management’s estimate for market yields.


i.	Payable for securities purchased – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such liabilities.


j.	Subordinated debentures – The fair value of these subordinated debentures is based on discounted cash flows using management’s estimate for market yields.


k.	Convertible notes – The fair value is based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments.

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19.	Stockholders’ Equity


(a)	Dividends on Preferred Stock

The Company had 200,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, with 12,000,000 shares and 6,600,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

On June 4, 2013, the Company issued 3,000,000 shares of 7.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $25 per share, in an underwritten public offering, for net proceeds of approximately $72.4 million , after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there were 6,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock authorized. The Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a rate of 7.75% per year on the $25 liquidation preference and is senior to the common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

On April 22, 2015, the Company issued 3,600,000 shares of 7.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”), with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $25 per share, in an underwritten public offering, for net proceeds of approximately $86.9 million , after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there were 4,140,000 shares of Series C Preferred Stock authorized. The Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a rate of 7.875% per year on the $25 liquidation preference and is senior to the common stock with respect to dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

On October 13, 2017, the Company issued 5,400,000 shares of 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”), with a par value of $0.01 per share and a liquidation preference of $25 per share, in an underwritten public offering, for net proceeds of approximately $130.5 million , after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. As of December 31, 2017 , there were 5,750,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock authorized. The Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a fixed rate from and including the issue date to, but excluding, October 15, 2027 of 8.00% per year on the $25 liquidation preference. Beginning October 15, 2027, the Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.695% per year on the $25 liquidation preference. The Series D Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock with respect to dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

The Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock generally do not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive). Under such circumstances, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock voting together as a single class with the holders of all other classes or series of our preferred stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable and which are entitled to vote as a class with the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect two additional directors to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, or Series D Preferred Stock.

The Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock are not redeemable by the Company prior to June 4, 2018, April 22, 2020, and October 15, 2027, respectively, except under circumstances intended to preserve the Company’s qualification as a REIT and except upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Articles Supplementary designating the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock, respectively). On and after June 4, 2018, April 22, 2020, and October 15, 2027, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock, respectively, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price equal to $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends.

In addition, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends.

Each of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock has no stated maturity, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless repurchased or redeemed by the Company or converted into the Company’s common stock in connection with a Change of Control.

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Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock will have the right (unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, or Series D Preferred Stock, respectively) to convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, or Series D Preferred Stock held by such holder into a number of shares of our common stock per share of Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock or Series D Preferred Stock determined by a formula, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions described in the applicable Articles Supplementary for such series.

From the time of original issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock through December 31, 2017 , the Company has declared and paid all required quarterly dividends on such series of stock. The following table presents the relevant dates with respect to such quarterly cash dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock commencing January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017 and on each of the Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred Stock from its respective time of original issuance through December 31, 2017 :



			Cash Dividend Per Share
Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Series B Preferred Stock		Series C Preferred Stock			Series D Preferred Stock
December 7, 2017	January 1, 2018	January 15, 2018	$	0.484375	$	0.4921875		$	0.51111	⁽²⁾
September 14, 2017	October 1, 2017	October 15, 2017	0.484375		0.4921875			—
June 14, 2017	July 1, 2017	July 15, 2017	0.484375		0.4921875			—
March 16, 2017	April 1, 2017	April 15, 2017	0.484375		0.4921875			—
December 15, 2016	January 1, 2017	January 15, 2017	0.484375		0.4921875			—
September 15, 2016	October 1, 2016	October 15, 2016	0.484375		0.4921875			—
June 16, 2016	July 1, 2016	July 15, 2016	0.484375		0.4921875			—
March 18, 2016	April 1, 2016	April 15, 2016	0.484375		0.4921875			—
December 16, 2015	January 1, 2016	January 15, 2016	0.484375		0.4921875			—
September 18, 2015	October 1, 2015	October 15, 2015	0.484375		0.4921875			—
June 18, 2015	July 1, 2015	July 15, 2015	0.484375		0.4539100		⁽¹⁾	—
March 18, 2015	April 1, 2015	April 15, 2015	0.484375		—			—

(1) Cash dividend for the partial quarterly period that began on April 22, 2015 and ended on July 14, 2015.

(2) Cash dividend for the partial quarterly period that began on October 13, 2017 and ended on January 14, 2018.

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(b)	Dividends on Common Stock

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its common stock with respect to each of the quarterly periods commencing January 1, 2015 and ended December 31, 2017 :



Period	Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Cash Dividend Per Share
Fourth Quarter 2017	December 7, 2017	December 18, 2017	January 25, 2018	$	0.20
Third Quarter 2017	September 14, 2017	September 25, 2017	October 25, 2017	0.20
Second Quarter 2017	June 14, 2017	June 26, 2017	July 25, 2017	0.20
First Quarter 2017	March 16, 2017	March 27, 2017	April 25, 2017	0.20
Fourth Quarter 2016	December 15, 2016	December 27, 2016	January 26, 2017	0.24
Third Quarter 2016	September 15, 2016	September 26, 2016	October 28, 2016	0.24
Second Quarter 2016	June 16, 2016	June 27, 2016	July 25, 2016	0.24
First Quarter 2016	March 18, 2016	March 28, 2016	April 25, 2016	0.24
Fourth Quarter 2015	December 16, 2015	December 28, 2015	January 25, 2016	0.24
Third Quarter 2015	September 18, 2015	September 28, 2015	October 26, 2015	0.24
Second Quarter 2015	June 18, 2015	June 29, 2015	July 27, 2015	0.27
First Quarter 2015	March 18, 2015	March 30, 2015	April 27, 2015	0.27

During 2017 , dividends for our common stock were $0.80 per share. For tax reporting purposes, the 2017 dividends were classified as ordinary income, capital gain distribution and return of capital in the amounts of $0.46 , $0.17 and $0.17 , respectively, per share. During 2016 , dividends for our common stock were $0.96 per share. For tax reporting purposes, the 2016 dividends were classified as ordinary income and return of capital in the amounts of $0.44 and $0.52 , respectively, per share. During 2015 , dividends for our common stock were $1.02 per share. For tax reporting purposes, the 2015 dividends were classified as ordinary income, capital gain distribution and return of capital in the amounts of $0.40 , $0.07 and $0.55 , respectively, per share.


(c)	Public Offering of Common Stock

The Company did not issue any shares of its common stock through underwritten public offerings during the three years ended December 31, 2017 .


(d)	Equity Distribution Agreements

On August 10, 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (“Credit Suisse”), as sales agent, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having a maximum aggregate sales price of up to $100.0 million , from time to time through Credit Suisse. The Company has no obligation to sell any of the shares of common stock issuable under the Equity Distribution Agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 , the Company issued 55,886 shares of common stock under the Equity Distribution Agreement, at an average price of $6.45 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $0.4 million , after deducting the placement fees. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 , the Company issued 87,737 shares of its common stock under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreements, at an average sales price of $6.68 per share, resulting in total net proceeds to the Company of $0.6 million , after deducting the placement fees. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 , the Company issued 1,905,206 shares under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreements, at an average sales price of $6.87 per share, resulting in total net proceeds to the Company of $12.8 million , after deducting the placement fees. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately $99.6 million of securities remains available for issuance under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

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20.	Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates basic earnings per common share by dividing net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders for the period by weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted earnings per common share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as convertible notes and performance share awards, and the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company's Convertible Notes were determined to be dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share under the "if-converted" method. Under this method, the periodic interest expense (net of applicable taxes) for dilutive notes is added back to the numerator and the number of shares that the notes are entitled to (if converted, regardless of whether they are in or out of the money) are included in the denominator. There were no dilutive instruments for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 .

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated (dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):



	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Basic Earnings per Common Share
Net income attributable to Company	$	91,980		$	67,551		$	78,013
Less: Preferred stock dividends	(15,660		)	(12,900		)	(10,990		)
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	$	76,320		$	54,651		$	67,023
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	111,836			109,594			108,399
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	0.68		$	0.50		$	0.62

Diluted Earnings per Common Share:
Net income attributable to Company	$	91,980		$	67,551		$	78,013
Less: Preferred stock dividends	(15,660		)	(12,900		)	(10,990		)
Add back: Interest expense on convertible notes for the period, net of tax	9,158			—			—
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	$	85,478		$	54,651		$	67,023
Weighted average common shares outstanding	111,836			109,594			108,399
Net effect of assumed convertible notes conversion to common shares	18,507			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	130,343			109,594			108,399
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	0.66		$	0.50		$	0.62

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21.	Stock Based Compensation

In May 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”), with such stockholder action resulting in the termination of the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). The terms of the 2017 Plan are substantially the same as the 2010 Plan. However, any outstanding awards under the 2010 Plan will continue in accordance with the terms of the 2010 Plan and any award agreement executed in connection with such outstanding awards. At December 31, 2017 , there are 94,043 common shares reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan in connection with an outstanding performance share award.

Pursuant to the 2017 Plan, eligible employees, officers and directors of the Company are offered the opportunity to acquire the Company's common stock through the award of restricted stock and other equity awards under the 2017 Plan. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 2017 Plan is 5,570,000 . The Company’s non-employee directors have been issued 58,920 shares under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2017 . The Company’s employees have been issued 6,258 shares under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2017 . At December 31, 2017 , there were 6,258 shares of non-vested restricted stock outstanding under the 2017 Plan.

Of the common stock authorized at December 31, 2016 , 326,663 shares were reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan. The Company’s non-employee directors have been issued 265,934 shares collectively under the 2010 and 2017 Plans as of December 31, 2017 . The Company's non-employee directors had been issued 207,014 shares under the 2010 Plan as of December 31, 2016 . The Company’s employees have been issued 895,201 and 562,280 restricted shares collectively under the 2010 and 2017 Plans as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there were 422,928 and 319,058 shares of non-vested restricted stock outstanding collectively under the 2010 and 2017 Plans.


(a)	Restricted Common Stock Awards

During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company recognized non-cash compensation expense of $1.8 million , $1.0 million and $0.9 million , respectively. Dividends are paid on all restricted stock issued, whether those shares have vested or not. In general, non-vested restricted stock is forfeited upon the recipient's termination of employment. There were no forfeitures during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 .

A summary of the activity of the Company's non-vested restricted stock collectively under the 2010 and 2017 Plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, is presented below:



	2017				2016				2015
	Number of Non-vested Restricted Shares		Weighted Average Per Share Grant Date Fair Value ⁽¹⁾		Number of Non-vested Restricted Shares		Weighted Average Per Share Grant Date Fair Value ⁽¹⁾		Number of Non-vested Restricted Shares		Weighted Average Per Share Grant Date Fair Value ⁽¹⁾
Non-vested shares at January 1	319,058		$	6.40	280,457		$	7.63	162,171		$	7.26
Granted	332,921		6.54		160,453		5.11		185,650		7.79
Vested	(229,051	)	6.67		(121,852	)	7.54		(67,364	)	7.18
Non-vested shares as of December 31	422,928		$	6.36	319,058		$	6.40	280,457		$	7.63
Weighted-average restricted stock granted during the period	332,921		$	6.54	160,453		$	5.11	185,650		$	7.79


⁽¹⁾	The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date.

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had unrecognized compensation expense of $1.6 million and $1.2 million , respectively, related to the non-vested shares of restricted common stock under the 2010 and 2017 Plans. The unrecognized compensation expense at December 31, 2017 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years . The total fair value of restricted shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $1.5 million , $0.6 million and $0.5 million , respectively. The requisite service period for restricted shares at issuance is three years .

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(b)	Performance Share Awards

In May 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a performance share award (“PSA”) under the 2010 Plan to the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. At the time of grant, the target number of shares pursuant to the PSA consisted of 89,629 shares of common stock. The PSA had a grant date fair value of approximately $0.4 million . The PSA award under which the number of underlying shares of Company common stock that can be earned will generally range from 0% to 200% of the target number of shares, with the target number of shares increased to reflect the value of the reinvestment of any dividends declared on Company common stock during the vesting period. Vesting of the PSA will occur at the end of three years based on three -year total stockholder return, or TSR, as follows:


•	If three -year TSR is less than 33% , then 0% of the PSAs will vest;


•	If three -year TSR is greater than or equal to 33% and the TSR is not in the bottom quartile of an identified peer group, then 100% of the PSAs will vest;


•	If three -year TSR is greater than or equal to 33% and the TSR is in the top quartile of an identified peer group, then 200% of the PSAs will vest;


•	If three -year TSR is greater than or equal to 33% and the TSR is in the bottom quartile of an identified peer group, then 50% of the PSAs will vest.

TSR is defined, with respect to the Company and each member of the identified peer group, as applicable, as the average annual total shareholder return based on common stock price appreciation/depreciation during the applicable measurement period or until the date of a change of control, whichever first occurs, plus the value on the last day of the applicable measurement period or the date of a change of control of common shares if all cash dividends declared on a common share during such period were reinvested in additional common shares.

Under the terms of the agreement pursuant to which the PSA was granted (the "PSA Agreement"), the PSA is subject to the terms and conditions of the 2010 Plan and in the event of any conflict between the terms of the 2010 Plan and the PSA Agreement, the terms of the 2010 Plan govern. The 2010 Plan provides that the Compensation Committee may determine that the amount payable when an award of performance shares is earned may be settled in cash, by the issuance of shares, or a combination thereof. The maximum number of shares which may be issued under the PSA is limited to 94,043 shares of common stock. In the event the PSA is earned at a level that would cause the Company to issue more than 94,043 shares, the dollar value of the PSA earned in excess of 94,043 shares will be paid in cash, subject to the terms of the 2010 Plan.

The grant date fair value of the PSA was determined through a Monte-Carlo simulation of the Company’s common stock total shareholder return and the common stock total shareholder return of its peer companies to determine the TSR of the Company’s common stock relative to its peer companies over a future period of three years. For the PSA granted in 2015, the inputs used by the model to determine the fair value are (i) historical stock return volatilities of the Company and its peer companies over the most recent three year period, (ii) a risk free rate based on the three year U.S. Treasury rate on grant date, and (iii) historical pairwise stock return correlations between the Company and its peer companies over the most recent three year period.

Compensation expense related to PSAs was $ 0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 . As of December 31, 2017 , there was $41.8 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested portion of the PSA.

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22.	Income Taxes

For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company qualified to be taxed as a REIT under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As long as the Company qualifies as a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its taxable income to the extent it annually distributes at least 100% of its taxable income to stockholders and does not engage in prohibited transactions. Certain activities the Company performs may produce income that will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes. The Company has designated its TRSs to engage in these activities. The tables below reflect the taxes accrued at the TRS level and the tax attributes included in the consolidated financial statements.

The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is comprised of the following components (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016		2015
Current income tax expense
Federal	$	1,243		$	2,771	$	3,158
State	2,130			187		1,283
Total current income tax expense	3,373			2,958		4,441
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
Federal	(25		)	104		69
State	7			33		25
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(18		)	137		94
Total provision	$	3,355		$	3,095	$	4,535

The Company’s estimated taxable income differs from the statutory U.S. federal rate as a result of state and local taxes, non-taxable REIT income, valuation allowance and other differences. A reconciliation of the statutory income tax provision to the effective income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands).



	December 31,
	2017					2016					2015
Provision at statutory rate	$	33,367		35.0	%	$	24,561		35.0	%	$	28,892		35.0	%
Non-taxable REIT income	(29,857		)	(31.3	)	(20,672		)	(29.5	)	(25,733		)	(31.2	)
State and local tax provision	2,130			2.2		187			0.3		1,284			1.6
Other	1,511			1.6		(502		)	(0.7	)	24,047			29.1
Valuation allowance	(3,796		)	(4.0	)	(479		)	(0.7	)	(23,955		)	(29.0	)
Total provision	$	3,355		3.5	%	$	3,095		4.4	%	$	4,535		5.5	%

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Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The major sources of temporary differences included in the deferred tax assets and their deferred tax effect as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):



	December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets
Net operating loss carryforward	$	295		$	2,287
Net capital loss carryforward	—			1,123
GAAP/Tax basis differences	2,237			3,059
Total deferred tax assets ⁽¹⁾	2,532			6,469
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities	144			303
Total deferred tax liabilities ⁽²⁾	144			303
Valuation allowance ⁽¹⁾	(2,182		)	(5,978		)
Total net deferred tax asset	$	206		$	188


⁽¹⁾	Included in receivables and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


⁽²⁾	Included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

As of December 31, 2017 , the Company, through wholly owned TRSs, had incurred net operating losses in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.9 million . The Company’s carryforward net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely until they are offset by future taxable income. At December 31, 2017 , the Company has recorded a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets as management does not believe that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will be realized.

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company's federal, state and city income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and related tax authorities generally for three years after they were filed. The Company has assessed its tax positions for all open years and concluded that there are no material uncertainties to be recognized.

In addition, based on the Company’s evaluation, the Company has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements.

On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, informally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was signed into law. The TCJA makes major changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including several provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that may affect the taxation of real estate investment trusts and holders of their securities. The most significant of these changes, among other things, include lowering U.S. corporate income tax rates, net operating loss utilization rules, limitation on the deduction of business interest, and income recognition rules.

We have recognized the tax effects of the TCJA in the year ended December 31, 2017 through the remeasurement of deferred tax assets to the reduced corporate tax rate. We will continue to analyze and monitor the application of TCJA to our business and continue to assess our provision for income taxes as future guidance is issued.

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23.	Business Combinations

On May 16, 2016 (the “Acquisition Date”), the Company acquired the outstanding common equity interests in RiverBanc, RBMI, and RBDHC (collectively, the “Acquirees”) that were not previously owned by the Company through the consummation of separate membership interest purchase agreements, thereby increasing the Company's ownership of each of these entities to 100% . The results of the Acquirees’ operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the Acquisition Date. Prior to the Acquisition Date, the Company owned 20.0% , 67.19% and 62.5% of the outstanding common equity interests in RiverBanc, RBMI and RBDHC, respectively. RiverBanc is an investment management firm that was founded in 2010 and has sourced and managed direct and indirect investments in multi-family apartment properties on behalf of both public and private institutional investors, including the Company, RBMI and RBDHC. Prior to the completion of the RiverBanc acquisition, RiverBanc had served as an external manager of the Company pursuant to an investment management agreement, for which it received base management and incentive fees. In connection with the acquisition, the Company terminated its investment management agreement with RiverBanc on May 17, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, RiverBanc managed approximately $371.5 million of the Company’s capital. In acquiring a 100% ownership interest in RiverBanc, the Company has internalized the management of its multi-family investments. The Company has achieved certain synergies related to processes and personnel as a result of this internalization. Prior to the completion of the acquisitions described above, Donlon Family LLC, which is 100% owned by the Company's former President and director, Kevin M. Donlon, beneficially owned 59.40% , 5.47% and 6.25% of the outstanding common equity interests in RiverBanc, RMI and RBDHC, respectively.

The estimated Acquisition Date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $53.5 million, which consisted of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):



Cash ⁽¹⁾	$	29,073
Contingent consideration	3,800
Fair value of previously held membership interests	20,608
Total consideration transferred	$	53,481


⁽¹⁾	Includes $16.3 million paid to Donlon Family LLC and reflects a post-closing working capital adjustment of $20 thousand delivered to the sellers of RiverBanc on July 15, 2016.

Prior to the Acquisition Date, the Company accounted for its previously held membership interests in the Acquirees as equity method investments, utilizing the fair value election for both RBMI and RBDHC. The Acquisition Date fair value of the Company's previously held membership interests in the Acquirees was $20.6 million and is included in the measurement of consideration transferred. In the year ended December 31, 2016 , the Company recorded a net gain as a result of remeasuring its previously held membership interests in RiverBanc, RBMI, and RBDHC totaling $5.0 million. This net gain is included in other income on the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

The Company determined the estimated fair value of its previously held membership interests in RiverBanc using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected net future cash flow for the managed portfolio and a discount rate. The Company determined the estimated fair value of its previously held membership interests in RBMI and RBDHC using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets and a discount rate.

The contingent consideration includes two components:


•	A cash holdback in the amount of $3.0 million to be released to Donlon Family LLC upon the purchase of $3.0 million in Company common shares on the open market within 90 days of the Acquisition Date. This cash holdback was paid to Donlon Family LLC on June 10, 2016 upon satisfaction of the conditions to the release of this holdback.

•

A severance holdback in the amount of $0.8 million to fund the aggregate amount of all severance compensation and severance benefits to be paid or provided to current or former RiverBanc employees as a result of the acquisition. The severance holdback was settled in cash and paid to a separated employee on June 30, 2016 and the holdback amount in excess of actual severance costs was delivered to the sellers of RiverBanc on July 15, 2016.

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The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Company at the Acquisition Date (dollar amounts in thousands). The membership interest purchase agreement for the acquisition of RiverBanc included a post-closing working capital adjustment that was calculated at $20 thousand and settled with the sellers of RiverBanc on July 15, 2016. Additionally, the excess severance holdback amount described above was settled with the sellers of RiverBanc on July 15, 2016. The Company engaged a third party for valuations of certain intangible assets.



Cash	$	4,325
Investment in unconsolidated entities	52,176
Preferred equity and mezzanine loan investments	23,638
Real estate under development ⁽¹⁾	14,922
Receivables and other assets	911
Intangible assets ⁽¹⁾	3,490
Total identifiable assets acquired	99,462

Construction loan payable ⁽²⁾	8,499
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	2,864
Total liabilities assumed	11,363

Preferred equity ⁽³⁾	56,697

Net identifiable assets acquired	31,402

Goodwill ⁽⁴⁾	25,222
Gain on bargain purchase ⁽⁵⁾	(65		)
Non-controlling interest ⁽⁶⁾	(3,078		)
Net assets acquired	$	53,481


⁽¹⁾	Included in receivables and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.


⁽²⁾	Construction loan payable to the Company is eliminated on the consolidated balance sheets.


⁽³⁾	Includes $40.4 million of preferred equity owned by the Company that is eliminated on the consolidated balance sheets. Remaining $16.3 million of preferred equity owned by third parties was redeemed on June 10, 2016 and June 24, 2016.


⁽⁴⁾	Goodwill recognized in the acquisition of RiverBanc.


⁽⁵⁾	Gain on bargain purchase recognized in the acquisitions of RBMI and RBDHC in the year ended December 31, 2016 .

⁽⁶⁾

Represents third-party ownership of KRVI membership interests ( see Note 10 ). The Company consolidates its investment in KRVI. The third-party ownership in KRVI is represented in the consolidated financial statements and the pro forma net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders as non-controlling interests. The fair value of the non-controlling interests in KRVI was estimated to be $3.1 million . The fair value of the non-controlling interests in KRVI, a private company, was estimated using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying real estate.

The $3.5 million of intangible assets relates to the RiverBanc acquisition and was recognized at estimated fair value on the Acquisition Date. Intangible assets include an acquired trade name, acquired technology, and employment/non-compete agreements with useful lives ranging from 1 to 10 years.

The $25.2 million of goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected synergies and economies of scale from combining with RiverBanc and the assembled workforce of RiverBanc. For the Company’s ongoing evaluation of Goodwill for impairment in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , the Company’s multifamily investment portfolio (inclusive of RiverBanc) will be considered a reporting unit. As of December 31, 2016 , there were changes in the recognized amounts of Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of RiverBanc as a result of payment of the post-closing working capital adjustment of $20 thousand and adjustments to the estimated fair value of intangible assets in the amount of $0.4 million . The Company evaluated goodwill as of October 1, 2017 and no impairment was indicated.

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The acquisition of both RBMI and RBDHC was negotiated directly with the sellers and the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceed the fair value of the consideration transferred. Subsequently, the Company reassessed the identification and recognition of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the Company’s previously held membership interests, and the consideration transferred and concluded that all items were recognized and that the valuation procedures and measurements were appropriate. Accordingly, the Company recorded a net gain on bargain purchase of $0.1 million that is included in other income on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 .

The amount of revenue of the Acquirees included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations from the Acquisition Date to the period ended December 31, 2016 was $5.3 million .

The following represents the pro forma consolidated revenue and net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders as if the Acquirees had been included in the consolidated results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2016		2015
Revenue	$	356,138	$	390,576
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	$	51,782	$	72,707

Basic pro forma earnings per share	$	0.47	$	0.67
Diluted pro forma earnings per share	$	0.47	$	0.67

These amounts have been calculated after applying the Company’s accounting policies and adjustments for consolidation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the estimated fair value adjustments to intangible assets had been applied on January 1, 2015. Material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combinations have been included in the pro forma consolidated revenue and net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders shown above as if the transaction occurred on January 1, 2015. These adjustments include a $5.0 million net gain on remeasurement of the Company's previously held membership interests, a $0.1 million net gain on bargain purchase, and the estimated related income tax expense of $2.1 million.


24.	Related Party Transactions

The Company terminated its management agreement with RiverBanc on May 17, 2016 as a result of the Company's acquisition of the remaining 80% membership interest in RiverBanc, which resulted in consolidation of RiverBanc into the Company's financial statements ( see Note 23 ). Prior to May 16, 2016 , RiverBanc sourced and managed direct and indirect investments in multi-family properties on behalf of the Company pursuant to a management agreement entered into on April 5, 2011 and amended and restated on March 13, 2013 . The amended and restated management agreement had an effective date of January 1, 2013 and had an initial term that expired on December 31, 2015 and was subject to annual automatic one -year renewals (subject to any notice of termination).

Prior to May 16, 2016 and as of December 31, 2015 , the Company owned a 20% membership interest in RiverBanc. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company recognized approximately $0.1 million and $0.8 million in equity income related to its investment in RiverBanc, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company expensed $1.8 million and $8.1 million in fees to RiverBanc, respectively.

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25.	Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

The following table is a comparative breakdown of our unaudited quarterly results for the immediately preceding eight quarters (amounts in thousands, except per share data):



	Three Months Ended
	Mar 31, 2017			Jun 30, 2017			Sep 30, 2017			Dec 31, 2017
Interest income	$	78,385		$	93,981		$	91,382		$	102,339
Interest expense	64,467			78,273			78,062			87,299
Net interest income	13,918			15,708			13,320			15,040

Other income:
Recovery of (provision for) loan losses	188			(300		)	563			1,288
Realized (loss) gain on investment securities and related hedges, net	(1,223		)	1,114			4,059			(62		)
Realized gain on distressed residential mortgage loans at carrying value, net	11,971			2,364			6,689			5,025
Net gain on residential mortgage loans at fair value	—			—			717			961
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities and related hedges, net	1,546			(1,051		)	1,192			268
Unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, net	1,384			1,447			2,353			13,688
Income from operating real estate and real estate held for sale in consolidated variable interest entities	—			2,316			2,429			2,535
Other income	2,839			2,282			6,916			1,515
Total other income	16,705			8,172			24,918			25,218

General, administrative and operating expenses	10,204			11,589			10,996			8,288
Income from operations before income taxes	20,419			12,291			27,242			31,970
Income tax expense	1,237			442			507			1,169
Net income	19,182			11,849			26,735			30,801
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in consolidated variable interest entities	—			2,487			1,110			(184		)
Net income attributable to Company	19,182			14,336			27,845			30,617
Preferred stock dividends	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	(5,985		)
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	$	15,957		$	11,111		$	24,620		$	24,632

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.14		$	0.10		$	0.22		$	0.22
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.14		$	0.10		$	0.21		$	0.21
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.20		$	0.20		$	0.20		$	0.20
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	111,721			111,863			111,886			111,871
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	126,602			111,863			131,580			131,565

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	Three Months Ended
	Mar 31, 2016			Jun 30, 2016			Sep 30, 2016			Dec 31, 2016
Interest income	$	81,626		$	79,766		$	79,525		$	78,389
Interest expense	63,984			63,102			64,007			63,575
Net interest income	17,642			16,664			15,518			14,814

Other income:
Recovery of (provision for) loan losses	645			42			(26		)	177
Realized gain (loss) on investment securities and related hedges, net	1,266			1,761			2,306			(8,978		)
Realized gain on distressed residential mortgage loans at carrying value, net	5,548			26			6,416			2,875
Unrealized (loss) gain on investment securities and related hedges, net	(2,490		)	(667		)	1,563			8,664
Unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, net	818			784			738			692
Other income	3,073			8,125			5,635			2,245
Total other income	8,860			10,071			16,632			5,675

General, administrative and operating expenses	9,360			9,936			8,705			7,220
Income from operations before income taxes	17,142			16,799			23,445			13,269
Income tax expense	191			2,366			163			375
Net income	16,951			14,433			23,282			12,894
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	—			2			(14		)	3
Net income attributable to Company	16,951			14,435			23,268			12,897
Preferred stock dividends	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	(3,225		)	(3,225		)
Net income attributable to Company's common stockholders	$	13,726		$	11,210		$	20,043		$	9,672

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.13		$	0.10		$	0.18		$	0.09
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.13		$	0.10		$	0.18		$	0.09
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.24
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	109,402			109,489			109,569			109,911
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	109,402			109,489			109,569			109,911

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Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate

(dollar amounts in thousands)

December 31, 2017



Asset Type	Number of Loans	Interest Rate	Maturity Date	Carrying Value		Principal Amount of Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest
Distressed residential mortgage loans
First mortgage loans
Original loan amount $0 - $99,999	2,268	1.99% - 14.99%	8/18/2007 - 5/1/2062	$	106,469	$	17,223
Original loan amount $100,000 - $199,999	1,009	1.75% - 12.48%	11/1/2009 - 12/1/2057	109,442		20,431
Original loan amount $200,000 - $299,999	268	0.00% - 12.04%	7/1/2021 - 8/1/2061	49,199		13,297
Original loan amount over $299,999	184	0.75% - 9.40%	4/1/2020 - 8/1/2057	66,354		20,625

Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts
First mortgage loans
Original loan amount $0 - $99,999	10	3.75% - 4.00%	10/1/2034 - 8/1/2035	580		—
Original loan amount $100,000 - $199,999	53	3.00% - 4.63%	10/1/2034 - 1/1/2036	5,919		400
Original loan amount $200,000 - $299,999	65	3.25% - 5.63%	8/1/2032 - 12/1/2035	12,246		2,019
Original loan amount $300,000 - $399,999	36	2.50% - 4.63%	8/1/2033 - 12/1/2035	9,037		708
Original loan amount $400,000 - $499,999	26	3.13% - 4.00%	8/1/2033 - 12/1/2035	8,599		1,244
Original loan amount over $499,999	50	2.38% - 4.13%	9/1/2033 - 12/1/2035	37,439		11,948

Residential mortgage loans, at fair value
First mortgage loans
$0 - $99,999	35	3.63% - 14.59%	10/1/2018 - 7/1/2054	1,777		85
$100,000 - $199,999	74	2.00% - 9.00%	8/1/2030 - 2/1/2057	8,552		565
$200,000 - $299,999	49	2.00% - 9.25%	1/1/2028 - 6/1/2056	9,684		500
Over $299,999	43	2.13% - 6.85%	5/1/2030 - 12/1/2056	16,901		—

Second mortgage loans
$0 - $99,999	652	5.88% - 8.75%	11/1/2030 - 1/1/2048	32,209		64
$100,000 - $199,999	90	6.00% - 9.00%	7/1/2031 - 1/1/2048	12,222		—
$200,000 - $299,999	22	6.25% - 9.00%	3/1/2046 - 12/1/2047	5,144		—
Over $299,999	2	6.88% - 7.25%	9/1/2047 - 11/1/2047	664		—

Other mortgage loans
Residential and commercial first mortgage loans	28	2.63% - 15.00%	12/15/2013 - 8/1/2046	7,268		2,851

Multi-family loans
First mortgage loans	495	3.04% - 6.18%	5/1/2019 - 10/1/2027	9,657,421		—
				$	10,157,126	$	91,960

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Reconciliation of Balance Sheet Reported Amounts of Mortgage Loans on Real Estate



	For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Beginning balance	$	7,565,459		$	7,792,422		$	9,107,248
Additions during period:
Purchases	2,987,775			82,167			156,952
Accretion of purchase discount	19,686			32,688			39,537
Deconsolidation	—			—			1,483
Change in realized and unrealized gains (losses)	10,214			10,794			—
Deductions during period:
Repayments of principal	(175,664		)	(175,216		)	(130,651		)
Collection of interest	(26,081		)	(32,928		)	(36,344		)
Transfer to REO	(7,228		)	(8,892		)	(2,829		)
Cost of mortgages sold	(176,470		)	(96,344		)	(1,241,266		)
Provision for loan loss	1,739			847			(1,363		)
Change in realized and unrealized gains (losses)	(270		)	—			(59,262		)
Amortization of premium	(42,034		)	(40,079		)	(41,083		)
Balance at end of period	$	10,157,126		$	7,565,459		$	7,792,422

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibits: The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed below. Management contracts or compensatory plans are filed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.12.



Exhibit		Description
2.1		Membership Purchase Agreement, by and among Donlon Family LLC, JMP Investment Holdings LLC, Hypotheca Capital, LLC, RiverBanc LLC and the Company, dated May 3, 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on From 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2016).

3.1		Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2014).

3.2		Bylaws of the Company, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2011).

3.3		Articles Supplementary designating the Company’s 7.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2013).

3.4		Articles Supplementary classifying and designating 2,550,000 additional shares of the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2015).

3.5		Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 7.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2015).

3.6		Articles Supplementary classifying and designating the Company's 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the “Series D Preferred Stock”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2017).

4.1		Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-111668) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2004).

4.2		Form of Certificate representing the Series B Preferred Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2013).

4.3		Form of Certificate representing the Series C Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 21, 2015).

4.4		Form of Certificate representing the Series D Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2017).

4.5(a)		Junior Subordinated Indenture between The New York Mortgage Company, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, dated September 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2005).

4.5(b)		Parent Guarantee Agreement between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as guarantee trustee, dated September 1, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2005).



4.6(a)		Junior Subordinated Indenture between The New York Mortgage Company, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, dated March 15, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2012).

4.6(b)		Parent Guarantee Agreement between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as guarantee trustee, dated March 15, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2012).

4.7		Indenture, dated April 15, 2016, by and between NYMT Residential 2016-RP1, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2016).

4.8		Indenture, dated January 23, 2017, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

4.9		First Supplemental Indenture, dated January 23, 2017, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

4.10		Form of 6.25% Senior Convertible Note Due 2022 of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2017).

		Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Company and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of any such instruments.



10.1		The Company's 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2010).

10.2		The Company's 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan (effective for fiscal year 2015) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2015).

10.3		The Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2017).

10.4		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2009).

10.5		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2009).

10.6		Performance Share Award Agreement between Steven R. Mumma and the Company, dated as of May 28, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 29, 2015).

10.7		Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between the Company and Steven R. Mumma, dated as of November 3, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2014).

10.8		Letter Agreement, dated February 8, 2017, by and between the Company and Steven R. Mumma (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2017).

10.9		Employment Agreement of Kevin Donlon, dated May 16, 2016, by and between the Company and Kevin Donlon (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2016).

10.10		Separation Agreement, dated September 18, 2017, by and between the Company and Kevin Donlon (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 19, 2017).

10.11		The Company's 2018 Annual Incentive Plan.*

10.12		Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement.*

10.13		Equity Distribution Agreement, dated August 10, 2017, by and between the Company and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11, 2017).

12.1		Statement re: Computation of Ratios.*



21.1		List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*

23.1		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Grant Thornton LLP).*

31.1		Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1		Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document ***

101.SCH		Taxonomy Extension Schema Document ***

101.CAL		Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document ***

101.DE XBRL		Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document ***

101.LAB		Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document ***

101.PRE		Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document ***


*	Filed herewith.


**	Furnished herewith. Such certification shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

***

Exhibit 10.11

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

2018 ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.’s 2018 Annual Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) is a plan under which eligible employees of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (the “ Company ”) may receive bonus awards representing the opportunity to receive a payment in accordance with, and subject to the terms of, the Plan (“ Bonus Awards ”). The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or its delegate (the “ Compensation Committee ”) will determine the amount, if any, payable under a Bonus Award based upon the Company’s and the employee’s performance during the Fiscal Year (as defined below), subject in all cases to the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee.

I. Purposes . The Plan is a component of the Company’s overall strategy to pay its employees for performance. The purposes of the Plan are to: (i) attract and retain top performing employees, (ii) motivate employees by tying compensation to the Company’s financial performance and (iii) reward exceptional individual performance that supports the Company’s overall objectives.

II. Effective Date . All eligible employees of the Company may participate in the Plan, except for employees who commence employment pursuant to an offer letter that excludes participation in the Plan. Those employees who are determined to be eligible to receive Bonus Awards under the Plan are called “ Participants .” An employee must commence employment or otherwise become eligible to participate in the Plan no later than July 1 of the applicable Fiscal Year (defined below); provided , however that the Compensation Committee may make exceptions to this requirement in its sole discretion as it deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, being a Participant under the Plan does not entitle an individual to receive payment of a Bonus Award.

III. Plan Year . The Plan operates on a fiscal year basis beginning January 1 and ending December 31 (the “ Fiscal Year ”), commencing on January 1, 2018.

IV. Bonus Awards . A Participant must be an active employee in good standing and on the payroll of the Company, or any approved subsidiary (an “ Approved Payroll ”) on the date the Bonus Award is paid to receive payment of any portion of the Bonus Award. A Participant who is not on an Approved Payroll for whatever reason on the date a Bonus Award is to be paid will not be entitled to payment of any portion of the Bonus Award. Bonus Award payments for a given Fiscal Year for an employee that was not actively employed or on an Approved Payroll on the first business day of the applicable Fiscal Year will be paid on a pro-rata basis for such Fiscal Year based on the period of the Fiscal Year during which the Participant was on an Approved Payroll. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may remain eligible to receive a Bonus Award pursuant to the terms and conditions of his or her employment agreement even if such Participant is not on an Approved Payroll on the date such Bonus Award would have otherwise been paid. Additionally, the Compensation Committee may make exceptions to the foregoing in its sole discretion as it deems appropriate.

Exhibit 10.11

Notwithstanding any language to the contrary contained in the Plan and for the avoidance of doubt, (i) a Participant is not entitled to a minimum Bonus Award payment or a guaranteed Bonus Award payment pursuant to the Plan and (ii) the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, is authorized to reduce the amount of any Bonus Award payment eligible to be paid under the terms of the Plan and may elect not to make a Bonus Award payment even if such Bonus Award payment would otherwise be payable under the terms of the Plan. Subject to the foregoing language, the amount payable with respect to a Bonus Award, if any, will be determined at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee after considering the Company’s financial performance, the Participant’s threshold, target and maximum bonus opportunities in light of the Company’s performance, the employee’s performance for the Fiscal Year and any other factors as the Compensation Committee shall deem appropriate.

V. Components of the Plan . The Plan shall be divided into two components, a Quantitative Component (defined below) and a Qualitative Component (defined below). The eligible Bonus Award for each Participant will be based on the percentage allocation between the two components as follows (assuming the achievement of maximum Bonus Award opportunities for each component):




Name	Quantitative Component	Qualitative Component
Steven Mumma	80%	20%
Nathan Reese	60%	40%
Kristine Nario	50%	50%
All other employees	Will vary based on employee

a. Quantitative Component . The quantitative component will be based on one performance measure, Total Economic Return (“ TER ” or the “ Quantitative Component ”). TER is defined as (A) the sum of (i) the Company’s (GAAP) book value per share of common stock at December 31 of the applicable Fiscal Year and (ii) the aggregate dividends per share of common stock declared by the Company during the applicable Fiscal Year, divided by (B) the Company’s (GAAP) book value per share of common stock at December 31 of the prior Fiscal Year. The amount of each Participant’s bonus will be contingent on the Quantitative Component (TER) meeting certain performance levels (as described below).

The size of the Quantitative Component shall be contingent upon TER exceeding specified hurdle rates for the Fiscal Year set by the Compensation Committee. The size of the Quantitative Component of each Participant’s Bonus Award shall be based on the following threshold, target and maximum performance levels:

Exhibit 10.11




Name	Quantitative Component Measure Hurdle(1)	Payout as a % of Base Salary Upon Achievement of Hurdle
Steven Mumma	Less than 6%	0%
	6%	100%
	11%	200%
	16%	300%
Nathan Reese	Less than 6%	0%
	6%	50%
	11%	100%
	16%	150%
Kristine Nario	Less than 6%	0%
	6%	50%
	11%	100%
	16%	150%
All other Participants	Will vary based on employee

__________________________________

(1) At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, payout percentages may exceed the stated payout percentage for achievement of the Quantitative Component in excess of 16%.

If performance is between the threshold and target or between the target and maximum, the performance level achieved will be determined by applying linear interpolation to the performance interval. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount of each Bonus Award under the Quantitative Component shall be zero if the Company’s TER is below the 6% threshold hurdle rate.

b. Qualitative Component . The Plan also includes the Qualitative Component which is separate and distinct from the Quantitative Component. The Qualitative Component for each Participant can range from (i) in the case of the CEO, the CEO’s base salary multiplied by the Qualitative Component percentage, (ii) in the case of the CFO and all other named executive officers, zero to 1.5 times such employee’s base salary, multiplied by the Qualitative Component percentage and (iii) in the case of all other employees, it will vary by employee.

The Qualitative Component is intended to allow the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, to provide additional compensation to Participants based on the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the Participant’s contributions to the success of the Company. The amount of each Bonus Award under the Qualitative Component will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion based on its assessment of how each Participant has performed relative to the qualitative factors it deems relevant for each Fiscal Year.

VI. Form of Bonuses . Bonus Awards under the Plan will be settled in a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock that are subject to certain restrictions and a risk of forfeiture (“ Restricted Stock ”). Shares of Restricted Stock granted as payment of all or a portion of a Bonus Award under the Plan will be issued pursuant to the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (or a successor plan) and are expected to vest ratably on an annual basis over a three-year period or such other period as may be determined by the Compensation Committee. The following table sets forth the percentage of the Bonus Award payable in Restricted Stock for each Participant:

Exhibit 10.11




Annual Bonus Award Payout Calculation		Percentage of Bonus Award Payable as Restricted Stock(1)
Bonus Award Amounts up to 1X of Base Salary		25%
Bonus Award Amounts Exceeding 1X Base Salary		75%

______________________

(1) The portion paid in Restricted Stock will increase in a manner determined by the Compensation Committee as the amount of the payment with respect to each Bonus Award increases. For example, if a Participant were to achieve a Bonus Award equal to 1.25 times the Participant’s base salary, it is anticipated that 35% of the Bonus Award would be payable in Restricted Stock.

The named executive officers may elect, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee, to have a greater percentage of the Bonus Award earned under the Plan to be paid in Restricted Stock. The balance of any Bonus Award not paid in Restricted Stock will be paid to the Participant in cash.

The Bonus Award shall be paid to the Participant (the “ Payment Date ”) between January 1 and March 31 of the year following the applicable Fiscal Year to which the Bonus Award relates, subject to the Participant being on Approved Payroll on the payment date. The "grant date" for the Restricted Stock portion of any such Bonus Award shall be as soon as practicable following the Payment Date. Any Bonus Award paid under this Plan shall be subject to all applicable federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld.

VII. Bonus Awards Subject to “Clawback” . Each Bonus Award paid under the Plan, whether the portion paid in cash or the portion paid in Restricted Stock, will be paid subject to the Company’s right to recoup or “clawback” all or part of the payment in accordance with the requirements of any compensation “clawback” policy of the Company in effect from time to time and applicable law, including such a policy that is later adopted by the Company with retroactive effect.

Exhibit 10.12

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT GRANT NOTICE

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”), New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (the “ Company ”) hereby grants to the individual listed below (“ you ” or the “ Participant ”) the number of performance share units (the “ PSUs ”) set forth below. This award of PSUs (this “ Award ”) is subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Performance Share Unit Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Agreement ”) and the Plan, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan.



Participant:	_____________________
Date of Grant:	_____________________
Award Type and Description:	Performance Award granted pursuant to Article X of the Plan. This Award represents the right to receive shares of Common Stock in an amount up to [125/150/300]% of the Target PSUs (defined below), subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Agreement. Your right to receive settlement of this Award in an amount ranging from 0% to [125/150/300]% of the Target PSUs shall vest and become earned and nonforfeitable upon (i) your satisfaction of the continued employment or service requirements described below under “ Service Requirement ” and (ii) the Committee’s certification of the level of achievement of the Performance Goal (defined below). The portion of the Target PSUs actually earned upon satisfaction of the foregoing requirements is referred to herein as the “ Earned PSUs .”
Target Number of PSUs:	_____________________ (the “ Target PSUs ”).
Performance Period:	January 1, 2018 (the “ Performance Period Commencement Date ”) through December 31, 2020 (the “ Performance Period End Date ”).
Service Requirement:	Except as expressly provided in Sections 3 and 4 of the Agreement, you must remain continuously employed by, or continuously provide services to, the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable, from the Date of Grant through the Performance Period End Date to be eligible to receive payment of this Award, which is based on the level of achievement with respect to the Performance Goal (as defined below).
Performance Goal :	Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan, the Agreement and herein, the number of Target PSUs, if any, that become Earned PSUs during the Performance Period will be determined in accordance with the following table:
	Level of Achievement	Percentage of Target PSUs Earned*
	< Threshold	0%
	Threshold	[50/100]%
	Target	[75/100/200]%
	Maximum	[125/150/300]%
	*The percentage of Target PSUs that become Earned PSUs for performance between the threshold, target, and maximum achievement levels shall be calculated using linear interpolation. The “ Performance Goal ” for the Performance Period is based on the Company’s achievement with respect to relative total shareholder return, as described in Exhibit B attached hereto.
Settlement:	Settlement of the Earned PSUs shall be made solely in shares of Common Stock, which shall be delivered to you in accordance with Section 5 of the Agreement.

Exhibit 10.12

By your signature below, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Agreement and this Performance Share Unit Grant Notice (this “ Grant Notice ”). You acknowledge that you have reviewed the Agreement, the Plan and this Grant Notice in their entirety and fully understand all provisions of the Agreement, the Plan and this Grant Notice. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee regarding any questions or determinations that arise under the Agreement, the Plan or this Grant Notice. This Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts (including portable document format (.pdf) and facsimile counterparts), each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

Exhibit 10.12

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company has caused this Grant Notice to be executed by an officer thereunto duly authorized, and the Participant has executed this Grant Notice, effective for all purposes as provided above.



Company

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

By:
Name:
Title:

Participant

Name:

Signature Page to

Performance Share Unit Grant Notice

Exhibit 10.12

EXHIBIT A

PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT AGREEMENT

This Performance Share Unit Agreement (together with the Grant Notice to which this Agreement is attached, this “ Agreement ”) is made as of the Date of Grant set forth in the Grant Notice to which this Agreement is attached by and between New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”), and _________ (the “ Participant ”). Capitalized terms used but not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan or the Grant Notice.

1. Award . In consideration of the Participant’s past and/or continued employment with, or service to, the Company or its Affiliates and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, effective as of the Date of Grant set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Date of Grant ”), the Company hereby grants to the Participant the target number of PSUs set forth in the Grant Notice on the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this Agreement. In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control. To the extent vested, each PSU represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Plan; provided, however, that, depending on the level of performance determined to be attained with respect to the Performance Goal, the number of shares of Common Stock that may be earned hereunder in respect of this Award may range from 0% to [125/150/300]% of the Target PSUs. Unless and until the PSUs have become vested in the manner set forth in the Grant Notice, the Participant will have no right to receive any Common Stock or other payments in respect of the PSUs. Prior to settlement of this Award, the PSUs and this Award represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable only from the general assets of the Company.

2. Vesting of PSUs . Except as otherwise set forth in Sections 3 and 4 , the PSUs shall vest and become Earned PSUs in accordance with the Participant’s satisfaction of the vesting schedule set forth in the Grant Notice (the “ Service Requirement ”) based on the extent to which the Company has satisfied the Performance Goal set forth in the Grant Notice, which shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion following the end of the Performance Period (and any PSUs that do not become Earned PSUs shall be automatically forfeited). Unless and until the PSUs have vested and become Earned PSUs as described in the preceding sentence, the Participant will have no right to receive any dividends or other distribution with respect to the PSUs.

3. Effect of Termination of Employment . Except as otherwise provided for in any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, if the Participant has not satisfied the Service Requirement, then upon the termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company or an Affiliate for any reason , any unearned PSUs (and all rights arising from such PSUs and from being a holder thereof), unless otherwise determined by the Committee, will terminate automatically without any further action by the Company and will be forfeited without further notice and at no cost to the Company.

4. Change in Control . Except as otherwise provided for in any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate, in the event a Change in Control occurs prior to the Performance Period End Date, so long as the Participant has remained continuously employed by, or has continuously provided services to, the Company or an Affiliate, as applicable, from the Date of Grant through the Control Change Date, then the PSUs will be deemed to be Earned PSUs to the extent that the Performance Goal has been achieved as of the Control Change Date assuming that the Performance Period ended on the Control Change Date, and shall be eligible for settlement in accordance with Section 5 except that settlement shall occur within 60 days following the Control Change Date.

5. Settlement of PSUs . As soon as administratively practicable following the Committee’s certification of the level of attainment of the Performance Goal, but in no event later than 60 days following the Performance Period End Date, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or the Participant’s permitted transferee, if applicable), a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Earned PSUs; provided, however, that any fractional PSU that becomes earned hereunder shall be rounded down at the time shares of Common Stock are issued in settlement of such PSU. No fractional shares of Common Stock, nor the cash value of any fractional shares of Common Stock, shall be issuable or payable to the Participant pursuant to this Agreement. All shares of Common Stock, if any, issued hereunder shall be delivered either by delivering one or more certificates for such shares to the Participant or by entering such shares in book-entry form, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The value of shares of Common Stock shall not bear any interest owing to the passage of time. Neither this Section 5 nor any action taken pursuant to or in accordance with this Agreement shall be construed to create a trust or a funded or secured obligation of any kind.

Exhibit A-1

Exhibit 10.12

6. Tax Withholding . To the extent that the receipt, vesting or settlement of this Award results in compensation income or wages to the Participant for federal, state, local and/or foreign tax purposes, the Participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of obligations for the payment of withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating to this Award, which arrangements include the delivery of cash or cash equivalents, Common Stock (including previously owned Common Stock, net settlement, a broker-assisted sale, or other cashless withholding or reduction of the amount of shares otherwise issuable or delivered pursuant to this Award), other property, or any other legal consideration the Committee deems appropriate. If such tax obligations are satisfied through net settlement or the surrender of previously owned Common Stock, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be so withheld (or surrendered) shall be the number of shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of withholding or surrender equal to the aggregate amount of such tax liabilities determined based on the greatest withholding rates for federal, state, local and/or foreign tax purposes, including payroll taxes, that may be utilized without creating adverse accounting treatment for the Company with respect to this Award, as determined by the Committee. The Participant acknowledges that there may be adverse tax consequences upon the receipt, vesting or settlement of this Award or disposition of the underlying shares and that the Participant has been advised, and hereby is advised, to consult a tax advisor. The Participant represents that the Participant is in no manner relying on the Board, the Committee, the Company or an Affiliate or any of their respective managers, directors, officers, employees or authorized representatives (including, without limitation, attorneys, accountants, consultants, bankers, lenders, prospective lenders and financial representatives) for tax advice or an assessment of such tax consequences.

7. Non-Transferability . During the lifetime of the Participant, the PSUs may not be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until the shares of Common Stock underlying the PSUs have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such shares have lapsed. Neither the PSUs nor any interest or right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means, whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence.

8. Compliance with Applicable Law . Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the issuance of shares of Common Stock hereunder will be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of applicable law with respect to such securities and with the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Common Stock may then be listed. No shares of Common Stock will be issued hereunder if such issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable law or regulation or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Common Stock may then be listed. In addition, shares of Common Stock will not be issued hereunder unless (a) a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, is in effect at the time of such issuance with respect to the shares to be issued or (b) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares to be issued are permitted to be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary for the lawful issuance and sale of any shares of Common Stock hereunder will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue such shares as to which such requisite authority has not been obtained. As a condition to any issuance of Common Stock hereunder, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any requirements that may be necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect to such compliance as may be requested by the Company.

9. Legends . If a stock certificate is issued with respect to shares of Common Stock issued hereunder, such certificate shall bear such legend or legends as the Committee deems appropriate in order to reflect the restrictions set forth in this Agreement and to ensure compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any applicable laws or the requirements of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed. If the shares of Common Stock issued hereunder are held in book-entry form, then such entry will reflect that the shares are subject to the restrictions set forth in this Agreement.

10. Rights as a Shareholder . The Participant shall have no rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock that may become deliverable hereunder unless and until the Participant has become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock, and no adjustments shall be made for dividends in cash or other property, distributions or other rights in respect of any such shares of Common Stock, except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan or this Agreement.

Exhibit A-2

Exhibit 10.12

11. Execution of Receipts and Releases . Any issuance or transfer of shares of Common Stock or other property to the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative, heir, legatee or distributee, in accordance with this Agreement shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of such person hereunder. As a condition precedent to such payment or issuance, the Company may require the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative, heir, legatee or distributee to execute (and not revoke within any time provided to do so) a release and receipt therefor in such form as it shall determine appropriate; provided, however, that any review period under such release will not modify the date of settlement with respect to Earned PSUs.

12. No Right to Continued Employment, Service or Awards . Nothing in the adoption of the Plan, nor the award of the PSUs thereunder pursuant to the Grant Notice and this Agreement, shall confer upon the Participant the right to continued employment by, or a continued service relationship with, the Company or any Affiliate, or any other entity, or affect in any way the right of the Company or any such Affiliate, or any other entity to terminate such employment or other service relationship at any time. The grant of the PSUs is a one-time benefit and does not create any contractual or other right to receive a grant of Awards or benefits in lieu of Awards in the future. Any future Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of the Company.

13. Notices . All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

If to the Company, unless otherwise designated by the Company in a written notice to the Participant (or other holder):

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

Attn: Compensation Committee

275 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10016

If to the Participant, at the Participant’s last known address on file with the Company.

Any notice that is delivered personally or by overnight courier or telecopier in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to have been duly given to the Participant when it is mailed by the Company or, if such notice is not mailed to the Participant, upon receipt by the Participant. Any notice that is addressed and mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been given to the party to whom it is addressed at the close of business, local time of the recipient, on the fourth day after the day it is so placed in the mail.

14. Consent to Electronic Delivery; Electronic Signature . In lieu of receiving documents in paper format, the Participant agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to accept electronic delivery of any documents that the Company may be required to deliver (including, but not limited to, prospectuses, prospectus supplements, grant or award notifications and agreements, account statements, annual and quarterly reports and all other forms of communications) in connection with this and any other Award made or offered by the Company. Electronic delivery may be via a Company electronic mail system or by reference to a location on a Company intranet to which the Participant has access. The Participant hereby consents to any and all procedures the Company has established or may establish for an electronic signature system for delivery and acceptance of any such documents that the Company may be required to deliver, and agrees that his or her electronic signature is the same as, and shall have the same force and effect as, his or her manual signature.

15. Agreement to Furnish Information . The Participant agrees to furnish to the Company all information requested by the Company to enable it to comply with any reporting or other requirement imposed upon the Company by or under any applicable statute or regulation.

16. Entire Agreement; Amendment . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and contains all the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the parties with respect to the PSUs granted hereby; provided¸ however, that the terms of this Agreement shall not modify and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of any employment, consulting and/or severance agreement between the Company (or an Affiliate or other entity) and the Participant in effect as of the date a determination is to be made under this Agreement. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, except as provided therein, all prior understandings and agreements, if any, among the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof are hereby null and void and of no further force and effect. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend this Agreement from time to time in any manner that is not inconsistent with the Plan; provided, however, that except as otherwise provided in the Plan or this Agreement, any such amendment that materially reduces the rights of the Participant shall be effective only if it is in writing and signed by both the Participant and an authorized officer of the Company.

Exhibit A-3

Exhibit 10.12

17. Severability and Waiver . If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement or failure to exercise any right hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any other breach or right. The failure of any party to take action by reason of such breach or to exercise any such right shall not deprive the party of the right to take action at any time while or after such breach or condition giving rise to such rights continues.

18. Clawback . Notwithstanding any provision in the Grant Notice, this Agreement or the Plan to the contrary, to the extent required by (a) applicable law, including, without limitation, the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, any Securities and Exchange Commission rule or any applicable securities exchange listing standards and/or (b) any policy that may be adopted or amended by the Board from time to time, all shares of Common Stock issued hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture, repurchase, recoupment and/or cancellation to the extent necessary to comply with such law(s) and/or policy.

19. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of DELAWARE applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein, exclusive of the conflict of laws provisions of DELAWARE LAW.

20. Successors and Assigns . The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement without the Participant’s consent. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein and in the Plan, this Agreement will be binding upon the Participant and the Participant's beneficiaries, executors, administrators and the person(s) to whom the PSUs may be transferred by will or the laws of descent or distribution.

21. Headings . Headings are for convenience only and are not deemed to be part of this Agreement.

22. Counterparts . The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of the Grant Notice by facsimile or portable document format (.pdf) attachment to electronic mail shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of the Grant Notice.

23. Section 409A . Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Plan to the contrary, the PSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement are intended to comply with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, as amended from time to time, and the guidance and regulations promulgated thereunder and successor provisions, guidance and regulations thereto (the “ Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules ”) and shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. If the Participant is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, as determined by the Committee, at a time when the Participant becomes eligible for settlement of the PSUs upon his “separation from service” within the meaning of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, then to the extent necessary to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules, such settlement will be delayed until the earlier of: (a) the date that is six months following the Participant’s separation from service and (b) the Participant’s death. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Affiliates make no representations that the PSUs provided under this Agreement are compliant with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules and in no event shall the Company or any Affiliate be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Participant on account of non-compliance with the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Rules.

Exhibit A-4

Exhibit 10.12

EXHIBIT B

PERFORMANCE GOAL FOR PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS

The performance goal for the PSUs shall be based on the relative total shareholder return (“ TSR ”) percentile ranking of the Company as compared to the Company’s Peer Group (as defined below) during the performance period specified below. Subject to the satisfaction of the Service Requirement, you will earn and become vested in an applicable number of PSUs, the Earned PSUs, that corresponds to the ranking that the Company achieves as set forth below. The Committee, in its sole discretion, will review, analyze and certify the achievement of the Company’s relative TSR percentile ranking for the Performance Period as compared to the Company’s Peer Group and will determine the number of Earned PSUs in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Grant Notice and the Plan.

Company Performance Ranking and Payout Schedule



Level	Relative TSR Performance (Percentile Rank vs. Peers)	Earned PSUs (% of Target)*
< Threshold	< 30 ^th Percentile	0%
Threshold	30 ^th Percentile	[50/100]%
Target	50 ^th Percentile	[75/100/200]%
≥ Maximum	≥ 80 ^th Percentile	[125/150/300]%

*The percentage of Target PSUs that become Earned PSUs for performance between the threshold, target, and maximum achievement levels shall be calculated using linear interpolation.

Company Peer Group

The following companies will be deemed to be the Company’s “ Peer Group ” for purposes of this Agreement:



Ticker Symbol	Name
MITT	AG Mortgage Investment Trust
AJX	Great Ajax
AGNC	AGNC Investment Corp
IVR	Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc.
NLY	Annaly Capital Management
MFA	MFA Financial, Inc.
ANH	Anworth Mortgage Asset Corporation
MTGE	MTGE Investment Corp.
ARR	ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc.
NRZ	New Residential Investment Corp.
CMO	Capstead Mortgage Corporation
ORC	Orchid Island Capital, Inc.
CHMI	Cherry Hill Mortgage Investment Corporation
PMT	PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust
CIM	Chimera Investment Corporation
RWT	Redwood Trust, Inc.
CYS	CYS Investments, Inc.
SLD	Sutherland Asset Management Corporation
DX	Dynex Capital, Inc.
TWO	Two Harbors Investment Corp.
EARN	Ellington Residential Mortgage REIT
WIA	Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corp.
OAKS	Five Oaks Investment Corp.

Exhibit B-1

Exhibit 10.12

If a company ceases to exist, ceases to be publicly traded or is delisted from a national securities exchange at any time during the Performance Period, it shall be removed from the Peer Group, and the definition of “Peer Group” shall be adjusted to omit such company.

Determination of Relative TSR Rank

The TSR for the Company and each member of the Peer Group shall be determined by dividing (i) the sum of the cumulative amount of such entity’s dividends per share for the performance period and the arithmetic average per share volume weighted average price (the “ VWAP ”) of such entity’s common stock for the last thirty (30) consecutive trading days of the Performance Period minus the arithmetic average per share VWAP of such entity’s common stock for the last thirty (30) consecutive trading days immediately prior to the Performance Period by (ii) the arithmetic average per share VWAP of such entity’s common stock for the last thirty (30) consecutive trading days immediately prior to the Performance Period. To determine the Company’s applicable percentile ranking for the Performance Period, TSR will be calculated for the Company and each entity in the Peer Group. The entities will be arranged by their respective TSR (highest to lowest) and the percentile rank of the Company within the Peer Group will be calculated.

Exhibit B-2

Exhibit 12.1

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

(dollars in thousands)



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Earnings:
Pretax income from operations	$	91,922		$	70,655		$	82,548		$	142,586		$	69,694
Fixed charges ⁽¹⁾	46,436			32,115			27,680			25,094			20,949
Income from unconsolidated entities	(11,921		)	(13,055		)	(7,865		)	(4,562		)	(2,297		)
Distributions of income from unconsolidated entities	7,628			7,509			5,392			2,238			2,112
Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest in consolidated variable interest entities	3,413			(9		)	—			—			—
Total Earnings	$	137,478		$	97,215		$	107,755		$	165,356		$	90,458
Fixed Charges:
Interest expense ⁽¹⁾	$	46,436		$	32,115		$	27,680		$	25,094		$	20,949
Total Fixed Charges	46,436			32,115			27,680			25,094			20,949
Preferred stock dividends	15,660			12,900			10,990			5,812			3,568
Total Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends	$	62,096		$	45,015		$	38,670		$	30,906		$	24,517
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges	2.96			3.03			3.89			6.59			4.32
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends	2.21			2.16			2.79			5.35			3.69
Deficiency related to ratio of earnings to fixed charges	NA			NA			NA			NA			NA
Deficiency related to ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends	NA			NA			NA			NA			NA


⁽¹⁾	Excludes interest expense on multi-family collateralized debt obligations of the Consolidated K-Series, which we are required to consolidate in our financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles. We do not have any claims to the assets (other than the securities represented by our first loss pieces) or obligations for the liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series.

Exhibit 21.1

List of Significant Subsidiaries



Name	State of Incorporation	Names under which it does Business
Hypotheca Capital, LLC (formerly known as The New York Mortgage Company, LLC)	New York	n/a
New York Mortgage Funding, LLC	Delaware	n/a
New York Mortgage Trust 2005-1	Delaware	n/a
New York Mortgage Trust 2005-2	Delaware	n/a
New York Mortgage Trust 2005-3	Delaware	n/a
NYMT Commercial LLC	Delaware	n/a
NYMT-Midway LLC	Delaware	n/a
NYMT Residential, LLC	Delaware	n/a
NYMT Loan Financing, LLC	Delaware	n/a
RB Commercial Mortgage LLC	Delaware	n/a

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our reports dated February 27, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting included in the Annual Report of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. We consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. on Forms S-3 (File No. 333-213316 and File No. 333-186016) and on Forms S-8 (File No. 333- 218165 and File No. 333-167609).

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

New York, New York

February 27, 2018

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Steven R. Mumma, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	As the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer, I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	As the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Exhibit 31.1



Date: February 27, 2018
	/s/ Steven R. Mumma
	Steven R. Mumma
	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.



Date: February 27, 2018
	/s/ Steven R. Mumma
	Steven R. Mumma
	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)