UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
    x   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012
 
OR
 
o 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.)

52 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 403, New York, New York 10017
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
 
(212) 792-0107
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
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 o

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 o

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 o
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
Smaller Reporting Company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes  o    No x
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding on August 6, 2012 was 22,544,374.

 
 

 
 
NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.

FORM 10-Q

PART I. Financial Information
2
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
2
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011
2
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and  2011
3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
5
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011
6
Unaudited Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
36
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
66
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
70
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
70
Item 1A. Risk Factors
70
Item 6. Exhibits
72
SIGNATURES
73
 
 
 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
   
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
       
             
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (including pledged securities of $131,449 and $129,942, respectively)
  $ 157,886     $ 200,342  
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value held in securitization trust
    21,466       -  
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts (net)
    196,378       206,920  
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value
    3,854,884       -  
Derivative assets
    274,716       208,218  
Investment in limited partnership
    1,530       8,703  
Cash and cash equivalents
    8,621       16,586  
Receivable for securities sold
    -       1,133  
Receivables and other assets
    62,425       40,803  
Total Assets
  $ 4,577,906     $ 682,705  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments
  $ 138,871     $ 112,674  
Residential collateralized debt obligations
    190,637       199,762  
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations, at fair value
    3,768,116       -  
Securitized debt
    26,044       -  
Derivative liabilities
    3,213       2,619  
Payable for securities purchased
    273,981       228,300  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    19,053       8,043  
Subordinated debentures
    45,000       45,000  
Total liabilities
    4,464,915       596,398  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
Equity:
               
Stockholders' equity
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 authorized, 17,369,374 and 13,938,273 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    174       139  
Additional paid-in capital
    165,785       153,710  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    15,919       11,292  
Accumulated deficit
    (68,887 )     (79,863 )
Total stockholders' equity
    112,991       85,278  
Noncontrolling interest
    -       1,029  
Total equity
    112,991       86,307  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 4,577,906     $ 682,705  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 
 
NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)

   
For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
INTEREST INCOME:
                       
Investment securities and other
  $ 4,759     $ 5,052     $ 10,306     $ 7,316  
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts
    18,804       -       31,004       -  
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts
    1,428       1,430       2,772       2,860  
Total interest income
    24,991       6,482       44,082       10,176  
                                 
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
Investment securities and other
    500       355       952       694  
Multi-family collaterized debt obligations
    17,541       -       29,115       -  
Residential collaterized debt obligations
    332       356       691       735  
Securitized debt
    277       -       277       -  
Subordinated debentures
    500       470       999       936  
Total interest expense
    19,150       1,181       32,034       2,365  
                                 
NET INTEREST INCOME
    5,841       5,301       12,048       7,811  
                                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Provision for loan losses
    (59 )     (391 )     (289 )     (1,024 )
Income from investment in limited partnership and limited liability company
    358       499       728       1,283  
Realized (loss) gain on investment securities and related hedges, net
    (443 )     3,283       626       5,474  
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities and related hedges, net
    171       (695 )     (701 )     (735 )
Unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts
    2,205       -       4,228       -  
Total other income
    2,232       2,696       4,592       4,998  
                                 
General, administrative and other expenses
    2,659       3,454       5,327       5,747  
Total general, administrative and other expenses
    2,659       3,454       5,327       5,747  
                                 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    5,414       4,543       11,313       7,062  
Income tax expense
    467       363       467       363  
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
    4,947       4,180       10,846       6,699  
Income from discontinued operation - net of tax
    42       9       33       4  
NET INCOME
    4,989       4,189       10,879       6,703  
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (148 )     20       (97 )     20  
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
  $ 5,137     $ 4,169     $ 10,976     $ 6,683  
                                 
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.34     $ 0.44     $ 0.75     $ 0.71  
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.34     $ 0.44     $ 0.75     $ 0.71  
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.27     $ 0.22     $ 0.52     $ 0.40  
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic
    15,262       9,447       14,630       9,440  
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
    15,262       9,447       14,630       9,440  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
   
For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
                         
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
  $ 5,137     $ 4,169     $ 10,976     $ 6,683  
                                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
                               
                                 
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gain on available for sale securities
    240       (362 )     4,454       3,088  
Reclassification adjustment for net gain included in net income
    -       (2,017 )     -       (3,885 )
Increase in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges
    62       149       173       409  
                                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    302       (2,230 )     4,627       (388 )
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
  $ 5,439     $ 1,939     $ 15,603     $ 6,295  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)
 (unaudited)
 
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
Accumulated
Deficit
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Non-
controlling
Interest
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
  $ 139     $ 153,710     $ (79,863 )   $ 11,292     $ 1,029     $ 86,307  
Net income
    -       -       10,976       -       (97 )     10,879  
Stock issuance, net
    35       20,309       -       -       -       20,344  
Dividends declared
    -       (8,234 )     -       -       -       (8,234 )
Decrease in noncontrolling interest related to sale of interest in a mortgage loan held for investment
    -       -       -       -       (932 )     (932 )
Increase in net unrealized gain on available for sale securities
    -       -       -       4,454       -       4,454  
Increase in fair value of derivative instruments utilized for cash flow hedges
    -       -       -       173       -       173  
Balance, June 30, 2012
  $ 174     $ 165,785     $ (68,887 )   $ 15,919     $ -     $ 112,991  
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(unaudited)

   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 10,879     $ 6,703  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net amortization
    4,526       410  
Realized gain on investment securities and related hedges, net
    (626 )     (5,474 )
Unrealized loss on investment securities and related hedges, net
    701       735  
Unrealized gain on loans and debt held in multi-family securitization trusts
    (4,228 )     -  
Net decrease in loans held for sale
    951       14  
Provision for loan losses
    289       1,024  
Income from investment in limited partnership and limited liability company
    (728 )     (1,283 )
Interest distributions from investment in limited partnership
    181       383  
Stock issuance expense
    448       177  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables and other assets
    (10,491 )     (749 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    11,202       1,452  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    13,104       3,392  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Restricted cash
    (14,151 )     (2,828 )
Purchases of reverse repurchase agreements
    -       (18,000 )
Purchases of investment securities
    (17,374 )     (87,585 )
Proceeds from sales of investment securities
    1,201       26,286  
Issuance of mortgage loans held for investment
    -       (2,520 )
Proceeds from mortgage loans held for investment
    3,318       4,989  
Purchase of investment in limited liability company
    -       (5,322 )
Proceeds from investment in limited partnership
    7,719       4,517  
Net receipts on other derivative instruments settled during the period
    3,837       -  
Principal repayments received on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts
    17,576       10,039  
Principal paydowns on investment securities - available for sale
    12,563       8,811  
Purchases of investments held in multi-family securitization trusts
    (80,959 )     -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (66,270 )     (61,613 )
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from financing arrangements
    26,197       60,738  
Stock issuance
    20,189       -  
Dividends paid
    (8,422 )     (5,475 )
Payments made on collateralized debt obligations
    (17,582 )     (10,358 )
Capital (distributed to) contributed by noncontrolling interest
    (932 )     932  
Costs associated with common stock issued
    (293 )     (106 )
Proceeds from securitized debt
    26,044       -  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    45,201       45,731  
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (7,965 )     (12,490 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period
    16,586       19,375  
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period
  $ 8,621     $ 6,885  
                 
Supplemental Disclosure:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 2,238     $ 2,301  
                 
Non-Cash Investment Activities:
               
Purchase of investment securities not yet settled
  $ 273,981     $ 15,674  
Consolidation of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts
  $ 3,808,556     $ -  
Consolidation of multi-family collateralized debt obligations
  $ 3,727,742     $ -  
                 
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
               
Dividends declared to be paid in subsequent period
  $ 4,690     $ -  
                 
Common stock subscribed included in subscription receivable
  $ -     $ 10,638  

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6

 
 
NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2012
 
(unaudited)
 
1.                 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization – New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries (“NYMT,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”), is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related assets and, to a lesser extent, financial assets. Our objective is to manage a portfolio of investments that will deliver stable distributions to our stockholders over diverse economic conditions. We intend to achieve this objective through a combination of net interest margin and net realized capital gains from our investment portfolio. Our portfolio includes investments sourced from distressed markets in recent years as well as certain credit sensitive assets such as CMBS backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties (“multi-family CMBS”) that create the potential for capital gains, as well as more interest rate sensitive mortgage-related investments, such as Agency RMBS consisting of adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS, which we sometimes refer to as Agency ARMs, and Agency RMBS comprised of IOs, which we sometimes refer to as Agency IOs, that generate interest income.

The Company conducts its business through the parent company, NYMT, and several subsidiaries, including special purpose subsidiaries established for residential loan and CMBS securitization purposes, taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") and qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs"). The Company conducts certain of its portfolio investment operations through one of its wholly-owned TRSs, Hypotheca Capital, LLC (“HC”), in order to utilize, to the extent permitted by law, a portion of a net operating loss carry-forward held in HC that resulted from the Company's exit from the mortgage lending business. Prior to March 31, 2007, the Company conducted substantially all of its mortgage lending business through HC. The Company utilizes one of its wholly-owned QRSs, RB Commercial Mortgage LLC (“RBCM”), for its investments in multi-family CMBS assets, and, to a lesser extent, other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company utilizes another of its wholly-owned QRSs, NYMT-Midway LLC, and one of its wholly-owned TRSs, New York Mortgage Funding, LLC (“NYMF”), for its Agency IO portfolio managed by The Midway Group, L.P. (“Midway”). 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 tax 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.

The following defines certain of the commonly used terms in these financial statements: “RMBS” refers to residential adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, fixed-rate, interest only and inverse interest only and principal only mortgage-backed securities; “Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by a federally chartered corporation (“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”); “non-Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS backed by prime jumbo and Alternative A-paper (“Alt-A”) 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; “ARMs” refers to adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans; “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; and “CLO” refers to collateralized loan obligations.

Basis of Presentation – The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from audited financial statements.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2012, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the condensed consolidated statement of equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited.  In our opinion, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been made.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

 
7

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all subsidiaries; significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Variable Interest Entities – An entity is referred to as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) if it meets at least one of the following criteria: (1) the entity has equity that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support of other parties; or (2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (a) the power to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses; or (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns; or (3) have disproportional voting rights and the entity’s activities are conducted on behalf of the investor that has disproportionally few voting rights.

 The Company consolidates a VIE when 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.

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 RMBS that are issued by GSEs.  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 sale of securities and related hedges in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. 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.
 
When the fair value of an investment security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired. The Company assesses its impaired securities on at least a quarterly basis, and designates such impairments as either “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” 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, then it must recognize an other-than-temporary impairment through earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value at 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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 a result, the timing and amount of other-than-temporary impairments constitute material estimates that are susceptible to significant change.

The Company’s investment securities available for sale also includes its investment in a wholly owned account referred to as our Agency IO portfolio. These investments primarily include interest only and inverse interest only securities sometimes referred to as IO’s that represent the right to the interest component of the cash flow from a pool of mortgage loans that are guaranteed or issued by a GSE or government agency. The Agency IO portfolio investments include derivative investments not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, with unrealized gains and losses recognized through earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company has elected the fair value option for these investment securities which also measures unrealized gains and losses through earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, as the Company believes this accounting treatment more accurately and consistently reflects their results of operations.

 
8

 
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale Held in Securitization Trust – On May 23, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, RB Commercial Trust 2012-RS1 (the “2012-RS1 Trust”), completed a re-securitization of multi-family CMBS collateralized by multi-family mortgage loans. As part of the re-securitization transaction, the 2012 RS-1 Trust issued a Class A Senior Note and a Class B Note (collectively, the “2012-RS1 Notes”). The Notes are secured by multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1Trust by the Company. The multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust are comprised of the Company’s interest in first loss securities and certain IO’s issued by the FREMF 2011-K13 Mortgage Trust Multi-Family Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates 2011-K13 (the “K-13 Series”), the FREMF  2011-K15 Mortgage Trust Multi-Family Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Series 2011-K15 (the “K-15 Series”), and the FREMF 2012-K18 Mortgage Trust Multi-Family Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2012-K18 (the “K-18 Series”). The Company’s investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust are comprised of the first loss tranche PO security and certain IOs issued by the K-13 Series and K-15 Series that are held in the 2012 RS1 Trust. We determined that we were the primary beneficiary of the K-18 Series and have consolidated the entire K-18 Series securitization and related debt, interest income and expense in our financial statements. Refer to “– Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization.”

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are certain adjustable rate mortgage ("ARM") loans transferred to New York Mortgage Trust 2005-1, New York Mortgage Trust 2005-2 and New York Mortgage Trust 2005-3 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 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 no case 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.

Allowance for Loan Losses on Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – We establish 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, the 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, we look at the balance of any delinquent loan and compare that to the current value of the collateralizing property. We utilize 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 realtor in the property's area.
 
Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts are comprised of multi-family mortgage loans held in the COMM 2009-K3 Mortgage Trust (“K-3 Series”), the FREMF 2010-K6 Mortgage Trust, Multi-Family Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2010-K6 (the “K-6 Series”), and the K-18 Series (and together with the K-3 Series and the K-6 Series, the “Consolidated K-Series”).  Based on a number of factors, we determined that we were the primary beneficiary of each VIE within the Consolidated K-Series, met the criteria for consolidation and, accordingly have consolidated these securitizations and their related debt, interest income and expense 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 in the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series be reflected in the Company's statement of operations.
 
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 no case 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.

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. Loans are 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.
 
 
9

 
 
Investment in Limited Partnership – The Company has an equity investment in a limited partnership and a limited liability company. 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 and decreased for cash distributions and a proportionate share of the entity’s losses. Where the Company is not required to fund additional losses, the Company does not continue to record its proportionate share of the entity’s losses such that its investment balance would go below zero.

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.

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.
 
Receivables and Other Assets – Receivables and other assets include restricted cash held by third parties of $39.9 million which includes $27.0 million held in our Agency IO portfolio to be used for trading purposes and $12.7 million held by counterparties as collateral for hedging instruments at June 30, 2012. Also included is interest receivable on multi-family loans held in securitization trusts of $11.5 million.   

Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments – Investment securities available for sale are typically financed with repurchase agreements, a form of collateralized borrowing which is secured by the securities on the balance sheet.  Such financings are recorded at their outstanding principal balance with any accrued interest due recorded as an accrued expense.

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 has completed four securitizations since inception, the first three were accounted for as a permanent financing and the fourth was accounted for as a sale and accordingly, not included in the Company’s financial statements.

Multi-Family Collateralized Debt Obligations (“Multi-Family CDOs”) – We consolidated the Consolidated K-Series and related debt, 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 both the Residential CDOs and Multi-Family CDOs as CDOs in this report.

Securitized Debt – On May 23, 2012, the 2012-RS1 Trust, a subsidiary of the Company, completed a re-securitization of multi-family CMBS collateralized by multi-family mortgage loans. As part of the re-securitization transaction, the 2012-RS1 Trust issued the 2012-RS1 Notes, which are secured by the multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust. The multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust are comprised of the Company’s interest in the first loss tranche (PO securities) and certain IOs issued by the K-13 Series, K-15 Series and the K-18 Series.  The Company has consolidated the 2012-RS1 Trust on its financial statements beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

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.  These securities are classified as subordinated debentures in the liability section of the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Derivative Financial Instruments – The Company has developed risk management programs and processes, which include investments in derivative financial instruments designed to manage interest rate and prepayment risk associated with its securities investment activities.
 
Derivative instruments contain an element of risk in the event that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such agreements. The Company minimizes its risk exposure by limiting the counterparties with which it enters into contracts to banks and investment banks who meet established credit and capital guidelines.

 
10

 

The Company invests in To-Be-Announced securities (“TBAs”) through its Agency IO portfolio. 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. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with these TBAs are recognized through earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. 
 
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instruments in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change.
 
For instruments that are not designated or qualify as a cash flow hedge, such as our use of U.S. Treasury securities or Eurodollar futures contracts, any realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with these instruments are recognized through earnings in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
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 current earnings.

Revenue Recognition – Interest income on our investment securities and on our mortgage loans is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with investment securities and mortgage loans at the time of purchase or origination are amortized into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to premium amortization are made for actual prepayment activity.

Interest income on our credit sensitive securities, such as our non-Agency RMBS and certain of our CMBS that were purchased at a discount to par value, is recognized based on the security’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate on these securities is based on management’s estimate from each security of the projected cash flows, which are estimated based on the Company’s assumptions related to fluctuations in interest rates, prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of credit losses. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to 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/interest income recognized on these securities.

Based on the projected cash flows from the Company’s first loss principal only CMBS purchased at a discount to par value, a portion of the purchase discount is designated as non-accretable purchase discount or credit reserve, which partially mitigates the Company’s risk of loss on the mortgages collateralizing such 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 result.

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.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised primarily of income (loss) from changes in value of the Company’s available for sale securities, and the impact of deferred gains or losses on changes in the fair value of derivative contracts hedging future cash flows.
 
 
11

 
 
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. The Company made no contributions to the Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
Stock Based 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 stock at the grant date.
 
Income Taxes – The Company operates 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.
 
HC and NYMF are TRSs and therefore are subject to federal and state 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 base upon the change in tax status. 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.
 
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740 Accounting for 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.

Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to 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.

A Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Follows:

Transfers and Servicing (ASC 860)

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements . ASU 2011-03 is intended to improve financial reporting of repurchase agreements (“repos”) and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. In a typical repo transaction, an entity transfers financial assets to a counterparty in exchange for cash with an agreement for the counterparty to return the same or equivalent financial assets for a fixed price in the future. FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing , prescribes when an entity may or may not recognize a sale upon the transfer of financial assets subject to repo agreements. That determination is based, in part, on whether the entity has maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets. The amendments to the Codification in this ASU are intended to improve the accounting for these transactions by removing from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets. The guidance in the ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of ASU 2011-03 did not have an effect on our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

 
12

 
 
Fair Value Measurements (ASC 820)

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“ IFRS ”). ASU 2011-04 represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the IASB (the “Boards”) on fair value measurements. The collective efforts of the Boards and their staffs, reflected in ASU 2011-04, have resulted in common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” The Boards have concluded the common requirements will result in greater comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. The amendments in this ASU are required to be applied prospectively, and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not affect our financial condition or results of operations but required us to add additional disclosures.

Balance Sheet (ASC 210)

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities .  The update requires new disclosures about balance sheet offsetting and related arrangements. For derivatives and financial assets and liabilities, the amendments require disclosure of gross asset and liability amounts, amounts offset on the balance sheet, and amounts subject to the offsetting requirements but not offset on the balance sheet. The guidance is effective January 1, 2013 and is to be applied retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2011-11 will have an effect on our disclosures but we do not expect the adoption to have an effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
2.                Investment Securities Available For Sale

Investment securities available for sale consist of the following as of June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Amortized
Costs
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying
Value
 
Agency RMBS
 
$
135,268
   
$
2,952
   
$
(10,007)
   
$
128,213
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
3,605
     
     
(733)
     
2,872
 
CLOs
   
11,697
     
15,104
     
     
26,801
 
Total
 
$
150,570
   
$
18,056
   
$
(10,740)
   
$
157,886
 
 
Included in investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2012 are Agency IOs. Agency IOs are measured at fair value through earnings and consist of the following as of June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Amortized
Costs
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying
Value
 
IOs included in Agency RMBS:
                               
Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”)
 
$
32,549
   
$
643
   
$
(4,775)
   
$
28,417
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”)
   
24,043
     
108
     
(2,725)
     
21,426
 
Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)
   
22,530
     
491
     
(2,495)
     
20,526
 
Total
 
$
79,122
   
$
1,242
   
$
(9,995)
   
$
70,369
 
 
Investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust consist of the following as of June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Amortized
Costs
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying
Value
 
CMBS
 
$
21,486
   
$
476
   
$
(496)
   
$
21,466
 
Total
 
$
21,486
   
$
476
   
$
(496)
   
$
21,466
 
 
 
13

 
 
Investment securities available for sale consist of the following as of December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Amortized
Costs
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying
Value
 
Agency RMBS
 
$
139,639
   
$
2,327
   
$
(9,509)
   
$
132,457
 
CMBS
   
42,221
     
128
     
(1,164)
     
41,185
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
5,156
     
     
(1,211)
     
3,945
 
CLO
   
10,262
     
12,493
     
     
22,755
 
Total
 
$
197,278
   
$
14,948
   
$
(11,884)
   
$
200,342
 
 
Included in investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2011 are Agency IOs. Agency IOs are measured at fair value through earnings and consist of the following as of December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Amortized
Costs
   
Unrealized
Gains
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Carrying
Value
 
Interest only securities included in Agency RMBS:
                               
Fannie Mae
 
$
31,079
   
$
490
   
$
(3,908)
   
$
27,661
 
Freddie Mac
   
19,477
     
142
     
(2,554)
     
17,065
 
Ginnie Mae
   
21,656
     
304
     
(3,004)
     
18,956
 
Total
 
$
72,212
   
$
936
   
$
(9,466)
   
$
63,682
 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company received total proceeds of $0 and approximately $1.2 million, respectively, realizing $0 and approximately $1.1 million, respectively, of losses from the sale of investment securities available for sale. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company received total proceeds of approximately $4.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively, realizing approximately $2.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of profit before incentive fee to Harvest Capital Strategies LLC (“HCS”) from the sale of investment securities available for sale.

Actual maturities of our available for sale securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities (which range up to 30 years), as they are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments and prepayments of principal. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the weighted average life of the Company’s available for sale securities portfolio was approximately 4.82 and 5.24 years, respectively.

The following tables set forth the stated reset periods of our investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
June 30, 2012
 
Less than
6 Months
   
More than
6 Months
To 24 Months
   
More than
24 Months
   
 
Total
 
                         
   
Carrying
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
 
Carrying
Value
 
Agency RMBS
 
$
64,954
   
$
40,788
   
$
22,471
   
$
128,213
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
2,872
     
     
     
2,872
 
CLO
   
26,801
     
     
     
26,801
 
Total
 
$
94,627
   
$
40,788
   
$
22,471
   
$
157,886
 
 
 
14

 

The following tables set forth the stated reset periods of our investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust at June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
June 30, 2012
 
Less than
6 Months
   
More than
6 Months
To 24 Months
   
More than
24 Months
   
 
Total
 
                         
   
Carrying
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
 
Carrying
Value
 
CMBS
 
$
   
$
   
$
21,466
   
$
21,466
 
Total
 
$
   
$
   
$
21,466
   
$
21,466
 
 
The following tables set forth the stated reset periods of our investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
December 31, 2011
 
Less than
6 Months
   
More than
6 Months
To 24 Months
   
More than
24 Months
   
 
Total
 
                         
   
Carrying
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
 
Carrying
Value
 
Agency RMBS
 
$
74,983
   
$
29,210
   
$
28,264
   
$
132,457
 
CMBS
   
     
     
41,185
     
41,185
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
3,945
     
     
     
3,945
 
CLO
   
22,755
     
     
     
22,755
 
Total
 
$
101,683
   
$
29,210
   
$
69,449
   
$
200,342
 
 
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 June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
June 30, 2012
 
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
 
$
9,723
   
$
12
   
$
   
$
   
$
9,723
   
$
12
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
     
     
2,872
     
733
     
2,872
     
733
 
Total
 
$
9,723
   
$
12
   
$
2,872
   
$
733
   
$
12,595
   
$
745
 
 
The following tables present the Company's investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust 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 June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
June 30, 2012
 
Less than 12 Months
   
Greater than 12 months
   
Total
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
   
Carrying
Value
   
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
CMBS
 
$
15,128
   
$
496
   
$
   
$
   
$
15,128
   
$
496
 
Total
 
$
15,128
   
$
496
   
$
   
$
   
$
15,128
   
$
496
 
 
 
15

 
 
The following table presents 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, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
December 31, 2011
 
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
 
$
13,718
   
$
43
   
$
   
$
   
$
13,718
   
$
43
 
CMBS
   
13,396
     
1,164
     
     
     
13,396
     
1,164
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
     
     
3,944
     
1,211
     
3,944
     
1,211
 
Total
 
$
27,114
   
$
1,207
   
$
3,944
   
$
1,211
   
$
31,058
   
$
2,418
 
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company did not have unrealized losses in investment securities that were deemed other-than-temporary. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized a $0.3 million other-than-temporary impairment through earnings relating to unrealized losses in investment securities.

3.               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 June 30 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Mortgage loans principal amount
 
$
197,724
   
$
208,934
 
Deferred origination costs – net
   
1,258
     
1,317
 
Reserve for loan losses
   
(2,604
)
   
(3,331
)
Total
 
$
196,378
   
$
206,920
 
 
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 six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):  
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
3,331
   
$
2,589
 
Provisions for loan losses
   
298
     
769
 
Transfer to real estate owned
   
(898)
     
(16)
 
Charge-offs
   
(127)
     
(445)
 
Balance at the end of period
 
$
2,604
   
$
2,897
 
 
On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses. The Company’s allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2012 was $2.6 million, representing 132 basis points of the outstanding principal balance of residential loans held in securitization trusts as of June 30, 2012, as compared to 159 basis points as of December 31, 2011. As part of the Company’s allowance for loan 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.

 
16

 
Real Estate Owned – The following table presents the activity in the Company’s real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
454
   
$
740
 
Write downs
   
(20
)
   
(87
)
Transfer from mortgage loans held in securitization trusts
   
1,570
     
698
 
Disposal
   
(542
)
   
(897
)
Balance at the end of period
 
$
1,462
   
$
454
 
 
Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts are included in receivables and other assets on the balance sheet and write downs are included in provision for loan losses in the statement 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.  As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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 the loans and real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts and the amount of Residential CDOs outstanding, was $7.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively.

Delinquency Status of Our Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts

As of June 30, 2012, we had 31 delinquent loans with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $17.9 million categorized as Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts (net). Of the $17.9 million in delinquent loans, $16.1 million, or 90%, are under some form of modified payment plan. The table below shows delinquencies in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, including real estate owned through foreclosure (REO), as of June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):

June 30, 2012
 
Days Late
 
Number of Delinquent
Loans
   
Total
Dollar Amount
   
% of Loan
Portfolio
 
30-60
   
2
   
$
706
     
0.35
%
61-90
   
1
   
$
843
     
0.42
%
90+
   
28
   
$
16,376
     
8.19
%
Real estate owned through foreclosure
   
7
   
$
2,266
     
1.13
%
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had 38 delinquent loans with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of approximately $21.0 million categorized as Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts (net). Of the $21.0 million in delinquent loans, $18.0 million, or 86%, were under some form of modified payment plan. The table below shows delinquencies in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, including real estate owned through foreclosure (REO), as of December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):

December 31, 2011
 
Days Late
 
Number of Delinquent
Loans
   
Total
Dollar Amount
   
% of Loan
Portfolio
 
30-60
   
2
   
$
517
     
0.25
%
61-90
   
1
   
$
378
     
0.18
%
90+
   
35
   
$
20,138
     
9.61
%
Real estate owned through foreclosure
   
3
   
$
656
     
0.31
%
 
 
17

 

4.                Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts
 
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 will be reflected in the Company's statement of operations. We first consolidated the K-3 Series for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, while the K-6 and K-18 Series were first consolidated in our financial statements during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. Our investment in the K-3, K-6 and K-18 Series is limited to the first loss tranche PO securities and/or certain IOs issued by these securitizations with an aggregate carrying value of $86.8 million at June 30, 2012.

The condensed balance sheet of the Consolidated K-Series at June 30, 2012 is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

Assets
 
June 30,
2012
 
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts
 
$
3,854,884
 
Receivables
   
11,512
 
Total Assets
 
$
3,866,396
 
         
Liabilities & Equity
       
Multi-family CDOs
 
$
3,768,116
 
Accrued expenses
   
11,306
 
Total Liabilities     3,779,422  
Equity
   
86,974
 
Total Liabilities & Equity
 
$
3,866,396
 
 
The condensed statements of operations of the Consolidated K-Series for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, is as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
 
Interest income
  $ 18,804     $ 31,004  
Interest expense
    17,541       29,115  
Net interest income
    1,263       1,889  
Unrealized gain on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts
    2,205       4,228  
Net Income
  $ 3,468     $ 6,117  
 
 
18

 
 
5.                Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities
 
A Special Purpose Entity (“SPE”) is an entity designed to fulfill a specific limited need of the company that organized it.  SPEs are often used 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.

Re-securitization transaction
 
In May 2012, the Company entered into a re-securitization transaction that resulted in the Company consolidating as a VIE the SPE that was created to facilitate the transaction and to which the underlying assets in connection with the re-securitization were transferred.  On May 23, 2012, the Company completed a re-securitization of multi-family CMBS through the 2012-RS1 Trust.  The Company received net cash proceeds of approximately $26.0 million after deducting expenses associated with the re-securitization transaction.

As part of the re-securitization transaction, the 2012-RS1 Trust, a subsidiary of NYMT, issued a Class A Senior Note (the "Class A Note") with a coupon of 5.35% in the initial aggregate principal face amount of $35 million. The Class A Note was issued at a discount that provides for a bond equivalent yield of 9.50% to the purchaser. The Class A Note holder is entitled to receive all distributions of principal and interest from the multi-family CMBS pledged to secure the Class A Note until the Class A Note is fully retired, which is expected to occur by January 2022. NYMT will then receive all remaining cash flow, if any, through the Class B Note issued by the 2012-RS1 Trust and its retained ownership in the 2012-RS1 Trust. The transaction effectively represents a long term structured financing of the multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust by NYMT. The Class A Note is not callable due to collateral valuation or performance.  There is no guarantee that the Company will receive any cash flow or its residual interest from the trust.

The 2012-RS1 Trust classified the multi-family CMBS issued by the K-13 Series and K-15 Series and held by the 2012-RS1 Trust as available for sale securities as the purpose is not to trade these securities.  Available for sale securities are reported at fair value and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, not in earnings.

The 2012-RS1 Trust consolidated the K-18 Series securitization and its related debt, interest income and expense in its financial statements. See “Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trust” (footnote 1 above).  Based on a number of factors discussed below, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the K-18 Series and has consolidated the K-18 Series and related debt, interest income and expense in its financial statements. The Company has elected the fair value option on the assets and liabilities held within the K-18 Series, which requires that changes in valuations in the assets and liabilities of the K-18 Series be reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.

The Company engaged in the re-securitization transaction primarily for the purpose of obtaining non-recourse financing on a portion of its CMBS portfolio.  As a result of engaging in this transaction, the Company remains economically exposed to the first loss position on the underlying CMBS transferred to the VIE.

The activities that can be performed by an entity created to facilitate a re-securitization transaction are predominantly specified in the entity’s formation documents.  Those documents do not permit the entity, any beneficial interest holder in the entity, or any other party associated with the entity to cause the entity to sell or replace the assets held by the entity, or to limit such ability to specific events of default.

 
19

 

The Company concluded that the entity created to facilitate this transaction, the 2012-RS1 Trust, is a VIE.  The Company then completed an analysis of whether the VIE should be consolidated by the Company, based on consideration of its involvement in the VIE, including the design and purpose of the SPE, and whether its involvement reflected a controlling financial interest that resulted in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  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.

Based on its evaluation of the factors discussed above, including its involvement in the purpose and design of the entity, the Company determined that the VIE met the criteria for consolidation and accordingly consolidated the VIE created to facilitate this re-securitization transaction.

As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate fair value of the multi-family CMBS that were re-securitized as described above was $46.0 million.  These assets are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet and disclosed as “Investment securities available for sale, at fair value held in securitization trust” and “Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts” in the amount of $21.5 million and $3.9 billion, respectively.  As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate outstanding balance of the Class A Note issued by the 2012-RS1 Trust was $26.0 million.  The Class A Note is included in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet and disclosed as “Securitized debt”.  The holders of the Class A Note have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, but the Company does have the obligation, under certain circumstances to repurchase assets from the VIE upon the breach of certain representations and warranties in relation to the CMBS contributed to the VIE.  In the absence of such a breach, the Company has no obligation to provide any other explicit or implicit support to the VIE.

The Company has also determined that it has a variable interest in the K-3 Series, K-6 Series and K-18 Series for which it is the primary beneficiary and has a controlling financial interest and accordingly has consolidated the K-3, K-6 and K-18 Series and related debt, interest income and expense in our financial statements.
 
6.                Investment in Limited Partnership
 
The Company has a non-controlling, unconsolidated limited partnership interest in an entity that is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Capital contributions, distributions, and profits and losses of the entity are allocated in accordance with the terms of the limited partnership agreement. The Company owns 100% of the equity of the limited partnership, but has no decision-making powers, and therefore does not consolidate the limited partnership. Our maximum exposure to loss in this VIE is $1.4 million and $8.5 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. During the third and fourth quarters of 2010, HC invested, in exchange for limited partnership interests, $19.4 million in this limited partnership that was formed for the purpose of acquiring, servicing, selling or otherwise disposing of first-lien residential mortgage loans. The pool of mortgage loans was acquired by the partnership at a significant discount to the loans’ unpaid principal balance.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recognized income from the investment in limited partnership of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recognized income from the investment in limited partnership of $0.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company received distributions from the investment in limited partnership of $4.0 million and $7.9 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company received distributions from the investment in limited partnership of $2.1 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

 
20

 
 
The condensed balance sheets of the investment in limited partnership at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

Assets
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Cash
 
$
336
   
$
1,154
 
Mortgage loans held for sale (net)
   
1,310
     
6,918
 
Other assets
   
49
     
661
 
Total Assets
 
$
1,695
   
$
8,733
 
                 
Liabilities & Partners’ Equity
               
Other liabilities
 
$
256
   
$
206
 
Partners’ equity
   
1,439
     
8,527
 
Total Liabilities & Partners’ Equity
 
$
1,695
   
$
8,733
 
 
The condensed statements of operations of the investment in limited partnership for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Statement of Operations
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest income
  $ 76     $ 353     $ 294     $ 761  
Realized gain
    432       179       705       785  
Total Income
    508       532       999       1,546  
Other expenses
    (150 )     (85 )     (271 )     (315 )
Net Income
  $ 358     $ 447     $ 728     $ 1,231  
 
7.                Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company enters into derivative instruments to manage its interest rate risk exposure. These derivative instruments include interest rate swaps and futures. The Company may also purchase or short TBAs and U.S. Treasury securities, purchase put or call options on U.S. Treasury futures or invest in other types of mortgage derivative securities.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments held in our Agency IO portfolio that were not designated as hedging instruments and their location in our condensed consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

Derivatives Not Designated
as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
TBA securities
 
Derivative assets
 
$
274,349
   
$
207,891
 
Options on U.S. Treasury futures
 
Derivative assets
   
367
     
327
 
U.S. Treasury futures
 
Derivative liabilities
   
558
     
566
 
Eurodollar futures
 
Derivative liabilities
   
2,523
     
1,749
 
 
 
21

 
 
The tables below summarize the activity of derivative instruments not designated as hedges for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Notional Amount For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
Derivatives Not Designated
as Hedging Instruments
 
December 31, 2011
   
Additions
   
Settlement, Expiration
or Exercise
   
June 30, 2012
 
TBA securities
 
$
202,000
   
$
1,328,000
   
$
(1,269,000
)
 
$
261,000
 
U.S. Treasury futures
   
(92,800
)
   
497,800
     
(538,800
)
   
(133,800
)
Short sales of Eurodollar futures
   
(2,422,000
)
   
1,128,000
     
(1,361,000
)
   
(2,655,000
)
Options on U.S. Treasury futures
   
199,500
     
651,500
     
(676,500
)
   
174,500
 

 
   
Notional Amount For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Derivatives Not Designated
as Hedging Instruments
 
December 31, 2010
   
Additions
   
Settlement, Expiration
or Exercise
   
June 30, 2011
 
TBA securities
 
$
   
$
44,000
   
$
(30,000
)
 
$
14,000
 
U.S. Treasury futures
   
     
187,700
     
(172,100
)
   
15,600
 
Short sales of Eurodollar futures
   
     
394,000
     
(3,140,000
)
   
(2,746,000
)
Options on U.S. Treasury futures
   
     
186,500
     
(98,500
)
   
88,000
 
 
The TBAs in our Agency IO portfolio are accounted for at fair value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses included in other income (expense) in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The use of TBAs exposes the Company to market value risk, as the market value of the securities that the Company is required to purchase pursuant to a TBA transaction may decline below the agreed-upon purchase price. Conversely, the market value of the securities that the Company is required to sell pursuant to a TBA transaction may increase above the agreed upon sale price. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded net realized gains of $5.0 million and $8.3 million, respectively, and net unrealized gains of $2.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded net realized gains of $29,000 and $28,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded net unrealized gains of $33,000 and net unrealized losses of $33,000, respectively. At June 30, 2012, our condensed consolidated balance sheet includes TBA-related liabilities of $274.0 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.
 
The Eurodollar futures in our Agency IO portfolio are accounted for at fair value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses included in other income (expense) in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded net realized losses of $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and net unrealized gains of $0.3 million and net unrealized losses of $0.8 million, respectively, in our Eurodollar futures contracts. For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded net realized losses of $0.2 million and net unrealized losses of $1.8 million in our Eurodollar futures contracts. The Eurodollar futures consist of 2,655 contracts with expiration dates ranging between September 2012 and September 2014.

The U.S. Treasury futures and options in our Agency IO portfolio are accounted for at fair value with both realized and unrealized gains and losses included in other income (expense) in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we recorded net realized losses of $4.6 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and unrealized losses of $1.2 million and unrealized gains of $0.1 million, respectively. For each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded net realized gains of $0.8 million and net unrealized losses of $0.1 million.

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments and their location in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

Derivatives Designated
as Hedging Instruments
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
Derivative liabilities
 
$
132
   
$
304
 
 
 
22

 
 
The following table presents the impact of the Company’s derivative instruments on the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
2012
   
2011
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for derivative instruments:
           
Balance at beginning of the period
 
$
(304
)
 
$
(1,087
)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps
   
172
     
409
 
Balance at end of the period
 
$
(132
)
 
$
(678
)
 
The Company estimates that over the next 12 months, approximately $0.1 million of the net unrealized losses on the interest rate swaps will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings.
 
The following table details the impact of the Company’s interest rate swaps included in interest expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interest Rate Swaps:
                       
Interest expense-investment securities
  $ 64     $ 223     $ 192     $ 503  
 
The Company’s interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges against the benchmark interest rate risk associated with its short term repurchase agreements. There were no costs incurred at the inception of our 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. The Company’s interest rate swap notional amounts are based on an amortizing schedule fixed at the start date of the transaction.  
 
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 sheet 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.

 
23

 
 
The following table presents information about the Company’s interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Maturity (1)
 
Notional
Amount
   
Weighted Average
Fixed Pay
Interest Rate
   
Notional
Amount
   
Weighted Average
Fixed Pay
Interest Rate
 
Within 30 Days
 
$
130
     
2.93
%
 
$
14,930
     
3.02
%
Over 30 days to 3 months
   
240
     
2.93
     
260
     
2.93
 
Over 3 months to 6 months
   
440
     
2.93
     
380
     
2.93
 
Over 6 months to 12 months
   
8,380
     
2.93
     
810
     
2.93
 
Over 12 months to 24 months
   
             
8,380
     
2.93
 
Total
 
$
9,190
     
2.93
%
 
$
24,760
     
2.99
%
 
(1)
The Company enters into scheduled amortizing interest rate swap transactions whereby the Company pays a fixed rate of interest and receives one month LIBOR.

Interest Rate Swaps, Futures Contracts and TBAs - The use of interest rate swaps (“Swaps”) exposes the Company to counterparty credit risks in the event of a default by a Swap counterparty. If a counterparty defaults under the applicable Swap agreement, the Company may be unable to collect payments to which it is entitled under its Swap agreements, and may have difficulty collecting the assets it pledged as collateral against such Swaps. The Company currently has in place with all outstanding Swap counterparties bi-lateral margin agreements thereby 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.

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 June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Company had $12.7 million and $9.1 million of restricted cash related to margin posted for its agreements as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The restricted cash held by third parties is included in receivables and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 
24

 

8.                Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments

The Company has entered into repurchase agreements with third party financial institutions to finance its investment portfolio. The repurchase agreements 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 June 30, 2012, the Company had repurchase agreements with an outstanding balance of $138.9 million and a weighted average interest rate of 1.79%. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had repurchase agreements with an outstanding balance of $112.7 million and a weighted average interest rate of 0.71%. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, securities pledged by the Company as collateral for repurchase agreements had estimated fair values of $131.4 million and $129.9 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2012, the average days to maturity for all repurchase agreements are 34 days.

The follow table summarizes outstanding repurchase agreement borrowings secured by portfolio investments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Repurchase Agreements by Counterparty
 
             
Counterparty Name
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.
 
$
10,203
   
$
9,225
 
Credit Suisse First Boston LLC
   
9,876
     
11,147
 
Jefferies & Company, Inc.
   
35,969
     
18,380
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
   
62,292
     
49,226
 
South Street Securities LLC
   
20,531
     
24,696
 
Total Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments
 
$
138,871
   
$
112,674
 
 
As of June 30, 2012, the outstanding balance under our repurchase agreements was funded at an advance rate of 78% that implies an average haircut of 22%. The weighted average “haircut” related to our repurchase agreement financing for our Agency ARMs, Agency IOs, CLOs and CMBS was approximately 6%, 25%, 35% and 53%, respectively, for a total weighted average “haircut” of 22%. The amount at risk for Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, South Street Securities LLC, Jefferies & Company, Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. are $0.7 million, $1.0 million, $33.8 million, $4.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively.
 
In the event we are unable to obtain sufficient short-term financing through repurchase agreements or otherwise, 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.
 
As of June 30, 2012, the Company had $8.6 million in cash and $33.9 million in unencumbered investment securities to meet additional haircut or market valuation requirements, including $11.0 million of RMBS, of which $8.1 million are Agency RMBS. The $8.6 million of cash and the $11.0 million in RMBS (which, collectively, represents 14% of our financing arrangements, portfolio investments) are liquid and could be monetized to pay down or collateralize the liability immediately. There is also an additional $27.0 million held in overnight deposits in our Agency IO portfolio included in restricted cash that is available to meet margin calls as it relates to our Agency IO portfolio repurchase agreements.

9.                Residential Collateralized Debt Obligations

The Company’s Residential CDOs, which are recorded as liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet, are secured by ARM loans pledged as collateral, which are recorded as assets of the Company. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had Residential CDOs outstanding of $190.6 million and $199.8 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the current weighted average interest rate on these CDOs was 0.69% and 0.68%, respectively. The Residential CDOs are collateralized by ARM loans with a principal balance of $197.7 million and $208.9 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company retained the owner trust certificates, or residual interest for three securitizations, and, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, had a net investment in the residential securitization trusts of $7.2 million and $7.6 million, respectively.
 
 
25

 
 
10.              Multi-Family Collateralized Debt Obligations

The Company’s Multi-Family CDOs, which represent the CDOs issued by the Consolidated K-Series and are recorded as liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet, are secured by multi-family mortgage loans pledged as collateral, which are recorded as assets of the Company. As of June 30, 2012, the current weighted average interest rate on these CDOs was 5.10%. The Multi-Family CDOs are collateralized by multi-family mortgage loans with a principal balance of $3.5 billion at June 30, 2012. The Company had a net investment in the Consolidated K-Series of $86.8 million.

11.              Securitized Debt

On May 23, 2012, the 2012-RS1 Trust, a subsidiary of the Company, completed a re-securitization of multi-family CMBS collateralized by multi-family mortgage loans. As part of the re-securitization transaction, the 2012-RS1 Trust issued the 2012-RS1 Notes, which are secured by the multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust. The multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust are comprised of the Company’s interest in the first loss tranche (PO securities) and certain IOs issued by the K-13 Series, K-15 Series and the K-18 Series.  We determined that we were the primary beneficiary of the K-18 Series and accordingly have consolidated the K-18 Series and related debt, interest income and expense in our financial statements with our other consolidated K-3 Series and K-6 Series, however, the K-18 Series is held in a re-securitization.

The 2012-RS1 Trust issued a Class A Senior Note (the "Note") with a coupon of 5.35% in the initial aggregate principal face amount of $35 million. The Note was issued at a discount that provides for a bond equivalent yield of 9.50% to the purchaser. The Note holder will be entitled to receive all distributions of principal and interest from the Multifamily CMBS pledged to secure the Note until the Note is fully retired, which is expected to occur by January 2022. NYMT will then receive all remaining cash flow, if any, through its retained ownership in the 2012-RS1 Trust. The transaction effectively represents a long term structured financing of the Multifamily CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust by NYMT. The Note is not callable due to collateral valuation or performance. There is no guarantee that the Company will receive any cash flow or its residual interest in the trust. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had securitized debt outstanding of $26.0 million.

12.              Discontinued Operation

In connection with the sale of our mortgage origination platform assets during the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we classified our mortgage lending segment as a discontinued operation. As a result, we have reported revenues and expenses related to the segment as a discontinued operation for all periods presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  Certain assets, such as the deferred tax asset, and certain liabilities, such as subordinated debentures and liabilities related to lease facilities not sold, are part of our ongoing operations and accordingly, we have not included these items as part of the discontinued operation. Assets and liabilities related to the discontinued operation are $3.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, at June 30, 2012, and $4.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011, and are included in receivables and other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Statements of Operations Data

The statements of operations of the discontinued operation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
                     
Revenues
  $ 40     $ 57     $ 77     $ 101  
Expenses
    (2 )     48       44       97  
Income from discontinued operations – net of tax
  $ 42     $ 9     $ 33     $ 4  
 
13.              Commitments and Contingencies

Loans Sold to Third Parties – The Company sold its discontinued mortgage lending business in March 2007. In the normal course of business, the Company is obligated to repurchase loans based on violations of representations and warranties in the loan sale agreements. The Company did not repurchase any loans during the six months ended June 30, 2012. At June 30, 2012, the Company had a reserve of approximately $0.3 million.
 
Outstanding Litigation The Company is at times subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of June 30, 2012, 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.
 
 
26

 
 
14.              Concentrations of Credit Risk

At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were geographic concentrations of credit risk exceeding 5% of the total loan balances as follows:

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts and real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts:
 
2012
   
2011
 
New York
   
37.8
%
   
37.5
%
Massachusetts
   
25.4
%
   
24.6
%
New Jersey
   
9.3
%
   
9.2
%
Florida
   
5.1
%
   
5.7
%
Connecticut
   
4.8
%
   
5.1
%
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
CMBS investments and multi-family loans held in securitization trusts:
 
2012
   
2011
 
Texas
   
12.9
%
   
14.3
%
California
   
11.8
%
   
9.3
%
New York
   
6.4
%
   
7.2
%
Georgia
   
4.8
%
   
6.7
%
Washington
   
5.2
%
   
6.3
%
Florida
   
5.7
%
   
5.5
%
 
1 5.              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.
 
 
a.
Investment Securities Available for Sale (RMBS) Fair value for the RMBS in our portfolio is based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The dealers will 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 re-classified as a Level 3 security and, as a result, management will determine the fair value based on characteristics of the security that the Company receives from the issuer and based on available market information. Management reviews all prices used in determining valuation 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 that are comprised of RMBS are valued based upon readily observable market parameters and are classified as Level 2 fair values.
 
 
27

 

 
b.
Investment Securities Available for Sale Held in Securitization Trust (CMBS) As the Company’s CMBS investments 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 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 6.0% to 16.7%. Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. We also obtain quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments.
 
 
c.
Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts are recorded at fair value and classified as Level 3 fair values. Fair value 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 discount rates. The discount rate used in determining fair value incorporates default rate, loss severity and current market interest rates. The discount rate ranges from 3.1% to 6.8%.   Significant increases or decreases in these inputs would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. We also obtain quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments.
 
 
d.
Investment Securities Available for Sale (CLO) The fair value of the CLO notes was based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments.  The Company classifies these securities as Level 2 fair values.
 
 
e.
Investment Securities Available for Sale The fair value of other investment securities available for sale, such as U.S. Treasury securities, are based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments and are typically classified as Level 2 fair values.
 
 
f.
Derivative Instruments – The fair value of interest rate swaps, options and TBAs are based on dealer quotes. The fair value of futures are based on exchange-traded prices. The Company’s derivatives are classified as Level 1 and Level 2 fair values.
 
 
  g.
Multi-Family CDOs – The fair value of Multi-Family CDOs is based on contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants. We also obtain quoted market prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar securities.

 
28

 

The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets (dollar amounts in thousands):

   
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
at June 30, 2012
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets carried at fair value:
                               
Investment securities available for sale:
                               
Agency RMBS
 
$
   
$
128,213
   
$
   
$
128,213
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
     
2,872
     
     
2,872
 
CLO
   
     
26,801
     
     
26,801
 
Investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust:
                               
CMBS
   
     
     
21,466
     
21,466
 
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts
   
     
     
3,854,884
     
3,854,884
 
Derivative assets:
                               
TBA securities
   
     
274,349
     
     
274,349
 
Options on U.S. Treasury futures
   
     
367
     
     
367
 
Total
 
$
   
$
432,602
   
$
3,876,350
   
$
4,308,952
 
 
Liabilities carried at fair value:
               
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations
 
$
   
$
   
$
3,768,116
   
$
3,768,116
 
Derivative liabilities:
                               
Interest rate swaps
   
     
132
     
     
132
 
U.S. Treasury futures
   
558
     
     
     
558
 
Eurodollar futures
   
2,523
     
     
     
2,523
 
Total
 
$
3,081
   
$
132
   
$
3,768,116
   
$
3,771,329
 
 
   
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
at December 31, 2011
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets carried at fair value:
                               
Investment securities available for sale:
                               
Agency RMBS
 
$
   
$
132,457
   
$
   
$
132,457
 
CMBS
   
     
     
41,185
     
41,185
 
Non-Agency RMBS
   
     
3,945
     
     
3,945
 
CLO
   
     
22,755
     
     
22,755
 
Derivative assets:
                               
TBA securities
   
     
207,891
     
     
207,891
 
Options on U.S. Treasury futures
   
     
327
     
     
327
 
Total
 
$
   
$
367,375
   
$
41,185
   
$
408,560
 
 
Liabilities carried at fair value:
               
Derivative liabilities:
                               
Interest rate swaps
 
$
   
$
304
   
$
   
$
304
 
U.S. Treasury futures
   
566
     
     
     
566
 
Eurodollar futures
   
1,749
     
     
     
1,749
 
Total
 
$
2,315
   
$
304
   
$
   
$
2,619
 
 
 
29

 

The following table details changes in valuation for the Level 3 assets for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (amounts in thousands):
 
Level 3 Assets:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
41,185
   
$
 
Total gains (realized/unrealized)
               
Included in earnings (1)
   
55,541
     
 
Included in other comprehensive income
   
1,015
     
 
Purchases
   
2,668,983
     
 
Paydowns
   
(8,417
)
   
 
Transfers (2)
   
1,118,043
     
 
Balance at the end of period
 
$
3,876,350
   
$
 
 
(1) – Amounts included in interest income and unrealized gain.
(2) – Based on a number of factors, we determined that we were the primary beneficiary of the K-3 Series as of January 4, 2012 and have consolidated the K-3 Series and related debt, interest income and expense in our financial statements.

The following table details changes in valuation for the Level 3 liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (amounts in thousands):
 
Level 3 Liabilities:
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
   
$
 
Total gains (realized/unrealized)
               
Included in earnings (1)
   
48,791
     
 
Included in other comprehensive income
   
     
 
Purchases
   
2,609,851
     
 
Paydowns
   
(8,417
)
   
 
Transfers (2)
   
1,117,891
     
 
Balance at the end of period
 
$
3,768,116
   
$
 
 
(1) – Amounts included in interest expense and unrealized gain.
(2) – Based on a number of factors, we determined that we were the primary beneficiary of the K-3 Series as of January 4, 2012 and have consolidated the K-3 Series and related debt, interest income and expense in our financial statements.

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.
 
 
30

 
 
The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (dollar amounts in thousands):

 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
at June 30, 2012
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
 
$
   
$
   
$
1,791
   
$
1,791
 
Mortgage loans held for sale – included in discontinued operations (net)
   
     
     
2,843
     
2,843
 
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts – impaired loans (net)
   
     
     
3,902
     
3,902
 
Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts
   
     
     
1,462
     
1,462
 
 
 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
at December 31, 2011
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
 
$
   
$
   
$
5,118
   
$
5,118
 
Mortgage loans held for sale – included in discontinued operations (net)
   
     
     
3,780
     
3,780
 
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts – impaired loans (net)
   
     
     
6,518
     
6,518
 
Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts
   
     
     
454
     
454
 
 
The following table presents gains (losses) incurred for assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
 
                     
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts – impaired loans (net)
  $ (89 )   $ (393 )   $ (299 )   $ (798 )
Real estate owned held in residential securitization trusts
    30             10        
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Investment – The Company’s mortgage loans held for investment are recorded at amortized cost less specific loan loss reserves.

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.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held in Securitization Trusts – Impaired Loans (net) – Impaired residential mortgage loans held in the 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 distressed property, updated appraisal values of the property and estimated expenses required to remediate the impaired loan.

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 based on an estimate of disposal taking into consideration local market conditions of the distressed property, updated appraisal values of the property and estimated expenses required to sell the property.
 
 
31

 
 
The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2012 December 31, 2011, respectively, (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
       
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Fair Value
Hierarchy Level
 
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Financial Assets:
                           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
Level 1
  $ 8,621     $ 8,621     $ 16,586     $ 16,586  
Investment securities available for sale
 
Level 2
    157,886       157,886       200,342       200,342  
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value held in securitization trust
 
Level 3
    21,466       21,466              
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts (net)
 
Level 3
    196,378       171,941       206,920       182,976  
Multi-family loans held in securitization trusts
 
Level 3
    3,854,884       3,854,884              
Derivative assets
 
Level 2
    274,716       274,716       208,218       208,218  
Assets related to discontinued operation- mortgage loans held for sale (net)
 
Level 3
    2,843       2,843       3,780       3,780  
Mortgage loans held for investment
 
Level 3
    1,791       1,791       5,118       5,118  
Receivable for securities sold
 
Level 1
                1,133       1,133  
                                     
Financial Liabilities:
                                   
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments
 
Level 2
  $ 138,871     $ 138,871     $ 112,674     $ 112,674  
Residential collateralized debt obligations
 
Level 3
    190,637       160,613       199,762       171,187  
Multi-family collateralized debt obligations
 
Level 3
    3,768,116       3,768,116              
Securitized debt
 
Level 3
    26,044       26,044              
Derivative liabilities
 
Level 1 and 2
    3,213       3,213       2,619       2,619  
Payable for securities purchased
 
Level 1
    273,981       273,981       228,300       228,300  
Subordinated debentures
 
Level 3
    45,000       32,799       45,000       26,318  
 
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 following table:

 
a.
Cash and cash equivalents – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such assets.

 
b.
Residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts (net) – Residential mortgage loans held in the securitization trusts are recorded at amortized cost. Fair value is estimated using pricing models and taking into consideration 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.
Receivable for securities sold – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such assets.

 
d.
Financing arrangements, portfolio investments – The fair value of these financing arrangements approximates cost as they are short term in nature and generally mature in 30 days.

 
e.
Residential collateralized debt obligations – The fair value of these CDOs is based on discounted cash flows as well as market pricing on comparable obligations.

 
f.
Securitized debt – The fair value of securitized debt is based on discounted cash flows using management’s estimate for market yields.

 
g.
Payable for securities purchased – Estimated fair value approximates the carrying value of such liabilities.

 
h.
Subordinated debentures – The fair value of these subordinated debentures is based on discounted cash flows using management’s estimate for market yields.

 
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16.              Capital Stock and Earnings per Share

The Company had 400,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized with 17,369,374 and 13,938,273 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized, with 0 shares issued and outstanding. Of the common stock authorized at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 1,100,371 shares and 1,154,992 shares, respectively, were reserved for issuance under the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The Company issued 3,431,101 and 33,219 shares of common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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, 2011 and ended June 30, 2012:
 
Period
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Cash
Dividend
Per Share
 
Second Quarter 2012
 
June 15, 2012
 
June 25, 2012
 
July 25, 2012
 
$
0.27
 
First Quarter 2012
 
March 19, 2012
 
March 29, 2012
 
April 25, 2012
   
0.25
 
Fourth Quarter 2011
 
December 15, 2011
 
December 27, 2011
 
January 25, 2012
   
0.35
(1)
Third Quarter 2011
 
September 20, 2011
 
September 30, 2011
 
October 25, 2011
   
0.25
 
Second Quarter 2011
 
May 31, 2011
 
June 10, 2011
 
June 27, 2011
   
0.22
 
First Quarter 2011
 
March 18, 2011
 
March 31, 2011
 
April 26, 2011
   
0.18
 
 
 
(1)
Includes a $0.10 per share special dividend.
 
On May 25, 2012, we entered into an underwriting agreement relating to the offer and sale of up to 3,162,500 shares of our common stock (including 412,500 shares issuable pursuant to an over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $6.65 per share. On May 31, 2012, we closed on the issuance of 3,162,500 to the underwriter, resulting in total net proceeds to us of $20.0 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us.

The Company calculates basic net income per share by dividing net income for the period by weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted net income per share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments, such as convertible preferred stock, stock options and unvested restricted or performance stock, but uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of incremental shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. There were no dilutive instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

The following table presents the computation of basic and dilutive net income per share for the periods indicated (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Numerator :
                       
Net income – Basic
  $ 5,137     $ 4,169     $ 10,976     $ 6,683  
Net income from continuing operations
    5,095       4,160       10,943       6,679  
Net income from discontinued operations (net of tax)
    42       9       33       4  
Net income – Dilutive
    5,137       4,169       10,976       6,683  
Net income from continuing operations
    5,095       4,160       10,943       6,679  
Net income from discontinued operations (net of tax)
  $ 42     $ 9     $ 33     $ 4  
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average basic shares outstanding
    15,262       9,447       14,630       9,440  
Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding
    15,262       9,447       14,630       9,440  
EPS:
                               
Basic EPS
  $ 0.34     $ 0.44     $ 0.75     $ 0.71  
Basic EPS from continuing operations
    0.34       0.44       0.75       0.71  
Basic EPS from discontinued operations (net of tax)
                       
Dilutive EPS
  $ 0.34     $ 0.44     $ 0.75     $ 0.71  
Dilutive EPS from continuing operations
    0.34       0.44       0.75       0.71  
Dilutive EPS from discontinued operations (net of tax)
                       
 
 
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17.              Related Party Transactions

Management Agreements

On April 5, 2011, RBCM entered into a management agreement with RiverBanc, pursuant to which RiverBanc provides investment management services to RBCM. Under the terms of RiverBanc’s operating agreement, we may acquire up to 17.5% of the limited liability company interests of RiverBanc, upon satisfying certain funding thresholds. As of June 30, 2012, we owned 10.0% of the outstanding limited liability company interests of RiverBanc. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, RBCM paid approximately $172,000 and $293,000, respectively, in fees to RiverBanc.

Pursuant to the terms of an advisory agreement with HCS, which was terminated on December 31, 2011, the Company will continue to pay incentive compensation to HCS with respect to all assets of the Company that were, as of the effective termination date, managed pursuant to the advisory agreement (the “Incentive Tail Assets”) until such time as such Incentive Tail Assets are disposed of by the Company or mature. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, HCS earned incentive compensation of $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2012, approximately $30.1 million of the Company’s assets constitute Incentive Tail Assets.
 
18.              Income Taxes

At December 31, 2011, HC had approximately $59 million of net operating loss carryforwards which may be used to offset future taxable income. The carryforwards will expire in 2024 through 2029. The Internal Revenue Code places certain limitations on the annual amount of net operating loss carryforwards that can be utilized if certain changes in the Company’s ownership occur. The Company determined during 2011 that it had undergone an ownership change within the meaning of IRC section 382 that will limit the net loss carryforwards to be used to offset future taxable income to $660,000 per year. The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets because at this time management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the 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 is no longer subject to tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2008. HC is presently undergoing an IRS examination for the taxable years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s two TRSs recorded approximately $467,000 of income tax expense. The Company’s estimated taxable income differs from the federal statutory rate as a result of state and local taxes, non-taxable REIT income and a valuation allowance.

19.              Stock Incentive Plan

In May 2010, the Company’s stockholders approved the Company’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”), with such stockholder action resulting in the termination of the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The terms of the 2010 Plan are substantially the same as the 2005 Plan.  At June 30, 2012, there are 31,580 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding under the 2010 Plan.

Pursuant to the 2010 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 2010 Plan. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 2010 Plan is 1,190,000.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recognized non-cash compensation expense of $20,000 and $32,000, 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.

 
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A summary of the activity of the Company's non-vested restricted stock for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are presented below:
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
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
   
14,084
   
$
7.10
     
28,999
   
$
5.43
 
Granted
   
22,191
     
6.36
     
14,084
     
7.10
 
Forfeited
   
     
     
     
 
Vested
   
(4,695
)
   
7.10
     
     
 
Non-vested shares as of June 30
   
31,580
   
$
6.58
     
43,083
   
$
5.98
 
Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock granted during the period
   
22,191
   
$
6.36
     
14,084
   
$
7.10
 
 
 
(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 June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, related to the non-vested shares of restricted common stock. The unrecognized compensation expense at June 30, 2012 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. The total fair value of restricted shares vested during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $33,000 and $0, respectively. The requisite service period for restricted shares at issuance is three years.

20.              Subsequent Events

On July 17, 2012, we entered into an underwriting agreement relating to the offer and sale of up to 5,175,000 shares of our common stock (including the 675,000 shares that were issuable pursuant to an over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $6.70 per share. On July 17, 2012, we closed on the issuance of 5,175,000 shares of common stock to the underwriter (including the 675,000 over-allotment option shares), resulting in total net proceeds of $33.1 million after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 
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Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or 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, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or 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 the downgrade of the long-term credit ratings of the U.S., Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and 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; our ability to borrow to finance our assets; changes in government regulations affecting our business; 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 of 1940, as amended; 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 Part I, Item 1A – “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2012 and June 30, 2012, as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC 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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In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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. We 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: “RMBS” refers to residential adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, fixed-rate, interest only and inverse interest only and principal only mortgage-backed securities; “Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by a federally chartered corporation (“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”); “non-Agency RMBS” refers to RMBS backed by prime jumbo and Alternative A-paper (“Alt-A”) 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; “ARMs” refers to adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans; “prime ARM loans” refers to prime credit quality residential ARM loans (“prime ARM loans”) held in securitization trusts; “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; and “CLO” refers to collateralized loan obligations.

General

We are an internally managed real estate investment trust, or REIT, in the business of acquiring, investing in, financing and managing primarily mortgage-related assets and, to a lesser extent, financial assets. Our objective is to manage a portfolio of investments that will deliver stable distributions to our stockholders over diverse economic conditions. We intend to achieve this objective through a combination of net interest margin and net realized capital gains from our investment portfolio. Our portfolio includes investments sourced from distressed markets in recent years as well as certain credit sensitive assets such as CMBS backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties ( multi-family CMBS ) that create the potential for capital gains, as well as more traditional types of mortgage-related investments, such as Agency RMBS consisting of adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate RMBS, which we sometimes refer to as Agency ARMs, and Agency RMBS comprised of IOs, which we sometimes refer to as Agency IOs, that generate interest income.
 
Since 2009, we have endeavored to build a diversified investment portfolio that includes elements of interest rate and credit risk, as we believe a portfolio diversified among interest rate and credit risks are best suited to delivering stable cash flows over various economic cycles. In 2011, we refined our investment strategy from one focused on a broad range of alternative assets sourced by Harvest Capital Strategies LLC, or HCS, pursuant to an advisory agreement, to an investment strategy focused on residential and multi-family loans and securities. In connection with this focus, we entered into separate investment management agreements with The Midway Group, L.P. (“Midway”) and RiverBanc, LLC (“RiverBanc”) to provide investment management services with respect to certain of our investment strategies, including our investments in Agency IOs and multi-family CMBS. With our investment focus having moved away from the alternative assets sourced by HCS, our Board of Directors determined to terminate the advisory agreement with HCS on December 30, 2011, resulting in a one-time charge of approximately $2.2 million, substantially all of which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
Under our investment strategy, our targeted assets currently include Agency ARMs, Agency IOs and multi-family CMBS. Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we also may opportunistically acquire and manage various other types of mortgage-related and financial assets that we believe will compensate us appropriately for the risks associated with them, including, without limitation, non-Agency RMBS (which may include IOs and POs), collateralized mortgage obligations, residential mortgage loans and certain commercial real estate-related debt investments.
 
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT and have complied, and intend to continue to comply, with the provisions of 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 and ownership tests and recordkeeping 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.

 
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Key Second Quarter 2012 and Subsequent Developments

Completion of Multi-Family CMBS Re-Securitization Transaction
 
On May 23, 2012, a subsidiary of our company, RB Commercial Trust 2012-RS1, or the 2012-RS1 Trust, completed a re-securitization of multi-family CMBS, which we sometimes refer to in this report as the re-securitization transaction. We received net cash proceeds of approximately $26.0 million after deducting expenses associated with the transaction.
 
As part of the securitization transaction, the 2012-RS1 Trust issued a Class A Senior Note, or Class A Note, and a Class B Note, which we collectively refer to as the 2012-RS1 Notes. The Class A Note was sold to an institutional investor with a coupon of 5.35% in the initial aggregate principal face amount of $35.0 million.  The Class A Note was issued at a discount that provides for a bond equivalent yield of 9.5% to the purchaser.  The Class A Note holder is entitled to receive all distributions of principal and interest from the multi-family CMBS pledged to secure the 2012-RS1 Notes until the Class A Note is fully repaid, which is expected to occur by January 2022.  After the Class A Note is fully repaid, as the holder of the Class B Note and the ownership certificates of the 2012-RS1 Trust, we will receive all remaining cash flow, if any,  from the 2012-RS1 Trust. The 2012-RS1 Notes are not callable due to collateral valuation or performance.
 
The 2012-RS1 Notes are secured by the multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust by us, each of which represents an interest one of three pools that hold fixed rate, balloon (including mortgage loans that require no amortization prior to their stated maturity dates), nonrecourse mortgage loans, secured by first liens on multi-family properties. These multi-family CMBS are comprised of our interest in the first loss tranche (which are PO securities) and certain IO securities issued by certain Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family loan securitizations, and are collateralized in aggregate by 247 mortgage loans on 251 multifamily properties located throughout the continental United States. As of June 30, 2012, we estimate that the market value of the multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012-RS1 Trust was approximately $46.0 million.
 
Payment of the Class A Note is an obligation of the 2012-RS1 Trust and not an obligation of our company. At any time on or after May 25, 2017, as the holder of the Class B Note, we may redeem the Class A Note. For financial reporting purposes, we have consolidated the 2012-RS1 Trust on our financial statements beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2012.
 
Investments in Multi-Family CMBS

During the second quarter of 2012, we invested an aggregate of approximately $59.1 million in multi-family CMBS issued by certain Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family loan securitizations. The securities purchased include the first loss tranche (which are PO securities) as well as certain IO securities issued by these multi-family loan securitizations. We used short-term indebtedness and substantially all of the net proceeds from the re-securitization transaction and our May 2012 public offering of common stock to fund our purchase of these assets. Similar to the balance of the multi-family CMBS in our investment portfolio, payments of principal and interest on these securities are not guaranteed by Freddie Mac.
 
Public Offerings of Common Stock and Equity Distribution Program
 
On May 31, 2012, we closed on the issuance and sale of 3,162,500 shares of our common stock pursuant to an underwritten public offering, including 412,500 shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, at a price to the public of $6.65 per share and received net proceeds of approximately $20.0 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us.

On June 11, 2012, we entered into an equity distribution agreement with JMP Securities LLC. In accordance with the terms of the equity distribution agreement, we may offer and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock having a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $25.0 million. As of June 30, 2012, we had sold no shares of common stock under the equity distribution agreement.

On July 17, 2012, we closed on the issuance and sale of 5,175,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to an underwritten public offering, including 675,000 shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, at a price to the public of $6.70 per share and received net proceeds of approximately $33.1 million after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 
38

 
 
Second Quarter 2012 Common Stock Dividend
 
On June 15, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share on shares of our common stock for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The dividend was paid on July 25, 2012 to our common stockholders of record as of June 25, 2012.

Subsequent Events

Multi-Family CMBS Investment

During the quarter ending September 30, 2012, we expect to purchase certain securities issued by a multi-family loan securitization.  We expect to finance the purchase with proceeds from working capital and/or available short-term or longer-term structured financing.  The acquisition of this multi-family CMBS is pending.  As a result, there can be no assurance that we will complete the purchase during the expected period, if at all.
 
 
39

 
 
Current Market Conditions and Commentar y

 
General. The first quarter of 2012 produced signs of a moderately growing U.S. economy and a sharper than expected drop in unemployment, declining to 8.2% in March; however, recent data suggests that economic and employment growth have decelerated during the second quarter of 2012 with GDP growing only 1.5% during the quarter and the unemployment rate rising modestly to 8.3%.  In a statement released on August 1, 2012 following its two-day meeting, the Federal Reserve commented that it expects economic growth to remain moderate over coming quarters and then to pick up very gradually.  The Federal Reserve also cautioned that strains in global financial markets continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook for the U.S. Recent data continues to suggest that long-term inflation and wage pressure expectations remain low and the U.S. housing market, while showing some signs of improving, remains depressed. In its August 1, 2012 statement, the Federal Reserve reiterated that it anticipates that economic conditions are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the Federal Funds Rate at least through late 2014.  While announcing no new policy action in its August 1, 2012 statement, the Federal Reserve did acknowledge that it intends to "closely monitor incoming information on economic and financial developments and will provide additional accomodation as needed to promote a stronger economic recovery and sustained improvement in labor market conditions in a context of price stability." This environment has fostered continued strong demand for Agency RMBS backed by ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages while also helping to keep the costs of financing and hedging at or near historical lows.
 
Continued difficulties in European financial markets and a significantly decelerating trend in GDP in Europe have served as a drag on the U.S. and global economies and continue to generate significant fluctuations in credit and financial markets.  Although the European Central Bank president has indicated that the ECB is designing and may implement appropriate modalities to address the severe malfunctioning in pricing processes in the bond markets of European countries,  the timing and ultimate effectiveness of any such programs remains uncertain and unlikely to settle the credit and financing market until material details have been disclosed.  As a result, we anticipate further credit and financial market volatility during the third quarter of 2012.

Multi-family Housing .  Apartments and other residential rental properties remain one of the better performing segments of the commercial real estate market.  As a result, pricing on new issuances of multi-family CMBS has increased and is expected to continue to increase in the near future.  In recent months, the GSEs have continued to fund large numbers of new loans on multi-family properties.  We believe this is due, in part, to low levels of new construction and increased demand from former homeowners, which has driven stronger rental income growth across the country. In turn, these two factors have led to recent valuation recovery for multi-family properties and negligible delinquencies on new multi-family loans originated by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.
 
Recent Government Actions. Many political and economic analysts believe that there is little likelihood of any significant legislation being passed by the U.S. Congress prior to the 2012 presidential election, including meaningful deficit reduction legislation.   In recent years, the U.S. Government and the Federal Reserve and other governmental regulatory bodies have, however, taken numerous actions to stabilize or improve market and economic conditions in the U.S. or to assist homeowners and may in the future take additional significant actions that may impact our portfolio and our business. A description of recent government actions that we believe are most relevant to our operations and business is included below:
 
 
·
On September 21, 2011, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced the maturity extension program, or “operation twist,” pursuant to which the U.S. Federal Reserve would sell $400 billion of shorter-term U.S. Treasury securities by the end of June 2012 and use the proceeds to buy longer-term U.S. Treasury securities. In June 2012, and reiterated again on August 1, 2012, the Federal Reserve announced it was increasing the size of this program by $267 billion and extending it through the end of 2012.  This program is intended to extend the average maturity of the securities in the Federal Reserve’s portfolio. By reducing the supply of longer-term U.S. Treasury securities in the market, the action has created downward pressure on longer-term interest rates, including rates on financial assets that investors consider to be close substitutes for longer-term U.S. Treasury securities, like certain types of Agency RMBS. The reduction in longer-term interest rates, in turn, may contribute to a broad easing in financial market conditions that the Federal Reserve hopes will provide additional stimulus to support economic recovery.   While longer-term interest rates have fallen significantly since operations twist was implemented, its ability to stimulate economic recovery remains uncertain.
 
 
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·
On October 24, 2011, the FHFA, along with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced several changes to be made to HARP. Among those changes to HARP, which as modified, we refer to as HARP II, are (1) the reduction or elimination in certain cases, of many risk based fees charged to borrowers when refinancing, (2) the expansion of the previous 125% loan-to-value ceiling to allow all underwater borrowers (those borrowers who owe more on their mortgages than the value of their homes) to participate in the program, regardless of the size of their loan versus the value of their home and (3) the removal of certain representations and warranties made on behalf of lenders for loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, among other changes. The provisions of HARP II are only available to borrowers with loans originated prior to June 1, 2009 that are owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Aside from the expansion of HARP as described above, borrowers attempting to utilize the provisions of HARP II are subject to the restrictions originally put in place for HARP I. Although it is not yet possible to gauge the ultimate success of HARP II, the FHFA’s actions present the opportunity for many borrowers, who previously could not, to take advantage of the ability to refinance their mortgages into lower interest rates, possibly resulting in higher prepayment speeds in the future. This could negatively impact our Agency RMBS, particularly the performance of our Agency IOs.
 
 
·
On August 31, 2011, the SEC published a concept release (No. IC-29778; File No. SW7-34-11, Companies Engaged in the Business of Acquiring Mortgages and Mortgage-Related Instruments) pursuant to which it is reviewing whether certain companies that invest in mortgage-backed securities and rely on the exemption from registration under Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act should continue to be allowed to rely on such exemption from registration. This release suggests that the SEC may modify the exemption relied upon by companies similar to us that invest in mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities. The comment period relating to the concept release concluded during the fourth quarter of 2011. We expect the SEC to provide additional information on its position relating to this exception during 2012.
 
Developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac . Payments on the Agency RMBS in which we invest are guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As broadly publicized, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have experienced significant losses in recent years, and are presently under federal conservatorship as the U.S. Government continues to evaluate the futures of these entities and what role the U.S. Government should continue to play in the housing markets in the future. The scope and nature of the actions that the U.S. Government will ultimately undertake with respect to the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are unknown and will continue to evolve. New regulations and programs related to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may adversely affect the pricing, supply, liquidity and value of RMBS and otherwise materially harm our business and operations.

Credit Spreads . Over the past few years, the credit markets generally experienced tightening credit spreads (specifically, spreads between U.S. Treasury securities and other securities). However, during the last six months of 2011, the credit markets experienced significant spread widening due to a series of factors, including concerns related to a possible global economic slowdown, the European sovereign debt crisis and continued concern with respect to certain U.S. domestic economic policies. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, credit spreads in the residential and commercial markets experienced fluctuations due, in part, to growing concerns regarding the European debt crisis and expected recession and growing concerns regarding the U.S. Government’s ability to address the “fiscal cliff.” Typically when credit spreads widen, credit-sensitive assets such as CLOs and multi-family CMBS, as well as Agency IO’s are negatively impacted, while tightening credit spreads typically have a positive impact on the value of such assets.

Financing markets and liquidity . The availability of repurchase agreement financing for our Agency RMBS portfolio remains stable with interest rates between 0.40% and 0.70% for 30-90 day repurchase agreements for Agency ARM RMBS. The 30-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) was 0.25% at June 29, 2012, marking a decrease of approximately 5 basis points from December 30, 2011. Longer term interest rates also decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2012, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury Rate decreasing by 22 basis points to 1.65% at June 30, 2012.  We expect interest rates to rise over the longer term as the U.S. and global economic outlook improves. However, given the global economic headwinds and expected modest economic growth, we believe that interest rates, and thus our short-term financing costs, are likely to remain at very low levels until such time as the economic data begin to confirm an acceleration of overall economic recovery.  These lower interest rates may contribute to higher prepayment experience for our portfolio while the conditions persist.

 
41

 
 
While the financing markets for Agency RMBS remain favorable, financing and liquidity for commercial real estate securities remains uneven at best, although it has shown recent signs of improving. For example, short term financing for our multi-family CMBS assets has included interest rates of approximately 7.8%. In addition, we have recently begun to see more longer term financing opportunities present themselves, such as the re-securitization transaction we completed in May 2012.  See “Recent Developments.”
 
Prepayment rates . As a result of various government initiatives, particularly HARP II, and relatively low intermediate and longer-term treasury yields, rates on conforming mortgages have repeatedly established new historical lows during the first half of 2012. The result has been a noticeable upward trend in prepayment rates over the past seven months, as indicated in the table set forth under the caption “- Results of Operations – Prepayment Experience.”

Significant Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies
 
A summary of our critical accounting policies is included in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the condensed consolidated financial statements included therein. The Company elected the fair value option for its Agency IO strategy and the Consolidated K-Series, which measures unrealized gains and losses through earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
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. Such inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s IOs, POs, multi-family loans held in securitization trust and multi-family collateralized debt obligations are considered to be the most significant of its fair value estimates.
 
Loan Consolidation Reporting Requirement for Certain Multi-Family K-Series Securitizations . As of June 30, 2012, we owned 100% of the first loss securities of the Consolidated K-Series. The Consolidated K-Series represents three separate multi-family mortgage loan securitizations undertaken by Freddie Mac, of which we own the first loss PO securities and certain IO securities. We determined that the Consolidated K-Series were variable interest entities (“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 and related debt, interest income and interest expense in our 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 statement of operations.
 
 
42

 
 
Summary of Operations

For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $5.1 million as compared to $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011. The $0.9 million increase in net income attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2011, was due primarily to: a $0.5 million increase in net interest margin on the Company’s investment portfolio and loans held in securitization trusts; a net increase of $3.1 million in unrealized gains; a $0.3 million decrease in provision for loan loss for the residential loans held in securitization trusts and a $0.8 million decrease in general, administrative and other expenses; partially offset by a $3.7 million decrease in net realized gain on securities and related hedges and a $0.1 million decrease in income from investment in limited partnership.

The increase in net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011, was primarily due to an increase in average earning assets of approximately $67.7 million, which was mainly driven by the Company’s investments in multi-family CMBS. Net interest spread decreased by approximately 70 basis points for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period the previous year.  The decrease was due in large part to an increase in CPRs in certain of our Agency ARM and Agency IO securities.

The $3.1 million increase in net unrealized gains and losses is due primarily to a $2.2 million net unrealized gain related to our multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts in the current period as compared to a net unrealized loss of $0.7 million related to our Agency IO portfolio for the period ended June 30, 2011.

Finally, the $3.7 million decrease in net realized gain on securities and related hedges is primarily due to the realized gains from the sale of certain CLOs during the three months ended June 30, 2011. The Company did not sell any CLOs during the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Book value per common share as of June 30, 2012 was $6.51, representing an increase of $0.02 per common share from March 31, 2012 and $0.39 per common share from the Company’s book value at December 31, 2011.  The book value included net unrealized gains of $0.92 per common share, which is presented as accumulated other comprehensive income.

Financial Condition

As of June 30, 2012, we had approximately $4.6 billion of total assets, as compared to approximately $682.7 million of total assets as of December 31, 2011. The increase is primarily due to the consolidation of multi-family loans held in securitization trusts on our balance sheet, which represents the assets comprising the Consolidated K-Series. See "Multi-Family Loan Consolidation Reporting Requirement for certain Multi-Family K-Series Securitizations."

 
43

 
 
Investment Allocation

The following tables set forth our allocated equity by investment type at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
At June 30, 2012:
 
   
Agency
ARMs
   
 
Agency IOs
   
Multi-
Family CMBS (1)
   
 
Residential Securitized
Loans
   
 
Other (2)
   
 
Total
 
                                     
Carrying value
  $ 57,844     $ 70,369     $ 3,876,350     $ 196,378     $ 35,837     $ 4,236,778  
Liabilities:
                                               
Callable (3)
    (50,299 )     (62,292 )     (19,800 )     -       (6,480 )     (138,871 )
Non callable
    -       -       (3,794,160 )     (190,637 )     (45,000 )     (4,029,797 )
Hedges (Net) (4)
    88       10,143       -       -       -       10,231  
Cash
    -       27,028       -       -       8,621       35,649  
Other
    -       1,056       84       1,462       (3,601 )     (999 )
                                                 
Net equity allocated
  $ 7,633     $ 46,304     $ 62,474     $ 7,203     $ (10,623 )   $ 112,991  
 
(1)
The Company 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 June 30, 2012 follows:
 
Multi-Family loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value
  $ 3,854,884  
Multi-Family CDOs, at fair value
    (3,768,116 )
Net equity
    86,768  
CMBS, at fair value (available for sale)
    21,466  
Total CMBS, at fair value
    108,234  
Securitized debt
    (26,044 )
Repurchase agreements
    (19,800 )
Other
    84  
Net Equity in Multi-Family CMBS
  $ 62,474  
 
(2)
Other includes $26.8 million in CLOs, $1.8 million in loans held for investment, $2.9 million in non-Agency RMBS and $1.5 million in investment in limited partnership. Other callable liabilities include a $6.5 million repurchase agreement on our CLO securities and other non-callable liabilities consist of $45.0 million in subordinated debentures.
(3)
Includes repurchase agreements.
(4)
Includes derivative assets, receivable for securities sold, derivative liabilities, payable for securities purchased and restricted cash posted as margin.

 
44

 

At December 31, 2011:
 
   
Agency
ARMs
   
Agency IOs
   
Multi-
Family CMBS
   
Residential Securitized
Loans
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
                                     
Carrying value
 
$
68,776
   
$
63,681
   
$
41,185
   
$
206,920
   
$
44,301
   
$
424,863
 
Liabilities:
                                               
Callable (2)
   
(56,913
)
   
(49,226
)
   
(21,531
)
   
-
     
(6,535
)
   
(134,205
)
Non callable
           
-
     
-
     
(199,762
)
   
(45,000
)
   
(244,762
)
Hedges (Net) (3)
   
(304
)
   
9,317
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
9,013
 
Cash
   
-
     
16,536
     
-
     
-
     
16,586
     
33,122
 
Other
   
-
     
1,333
     
-
     
-
     
(3,057
)
   
(1,724
)
                                                 
Net equity allocated
 
$
11,559
   
$
41,641
   
$
19,654
   
$
7,158
   
$
6,295
   
$
86,307
 
 
(1)
Other includes CLOs, investment in limited partnership, loans held for investment and non-Agency RMBS. Other callable liabilities include a $6.5 million repurchase agreement on our CLO securities and other non-callable liabilities consist of $45.0 million in subordinated debentures.
(2)
Includes repurchase agreements and $21.5 million in payables for securities purchased related to our multi-family CMBS strategy.
(3)
Includes derivative assets, receivable for securities sold, derivative liabilities, payable for securities purchased and restricted cash posted as margin.

Balance Sheet Analysis
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale .   At June 30, 2012, our securities portfolio includes Agency RMBS, including Agency ARM pass-through certificates and Agency IOs, non-Agency RMBS and CLOs, which are classified as investment securities available for sale. At June 30, 2012, 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 reduction in investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2012 as compared to December 31, 2011 is primarily a result of the transfer of securities. The following tables set forth the balances of our investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:

Balances of Our Investment Securities Available for Sale (dollar amounts in thousands):

June 30, 2012
 
Par
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
% of Total
 
Agency RMBS:
                 
IOs
 
$
485,613
   
$
70,369
     
44.6
%
ARMs
   
54,238
     
57,844
     
36.6
%
Non-Agency RMBS
   
4,333
     
2,872
     
1.8
%
Collateralized Loan Obligations
   
35,550
     
26,801
     
17.0
%
Total
 
$
579,734
   
$
157,886
     
100.0
%
 
December 31, 2011
 
Par
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
% of Total
 
Agency RMBS:
                 
IOs
 
$
537,032
   
$
63,681
     
31.8
%
ARMs
   
65,112
     
68,776
     
34.3
%
CMBS:
                       
IOs
   
850,821
     
6,258
     
3.1
%
POs
   
138,386
     
34,927
     
17.5
%
Non-Agency RMBS
   
6,079
     
3,945
     
1.9
%
Collateralized Loan Obligations
   
35,550
     
22,755
     
11.4
%
Total
 
$
1,632,980
   
$
200,342
     
100.0
%
 
 
45

 
 
Investment Securities Available for Sale Held in Securitization Trust .   At June 30, 2012, our securities portfolio includes multi-family CMBS classified as investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust, which are multi-family CMBS contributed to the re-securitization transaction.  The following table sets forth the balances of our investment securities available for sale held in securitization trust as of June 30, 2012:

Balances of Our Investment Securities Available for Sale Held in Securitization Trust (dollar amounts in thousands):

June 30, 2012
 
Par
Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
% of Total
 
CMBS:
                       
POs
 
$
63,873
   
$
15,128
     
70.5
%
IOs
   
847,692
     
6,338
     
29.5
%
Total
 
$
911,565
   
$
21,466
     
100.0
%
 
Detailed Composition of Loans Securitizing Our CLOs

The following tables summarize the loans securitizing our CLOs grouped by range of outstanding balance and industry as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
As of June 30, 2012
   
As of December 31, 2011
 
Range of
Outstanding Balance
 
Number of
Loans
 
Maturity
Date
 
Total
Principal
   
Number of
Loans
 
Maturity
Date
 
Total
Principal
 
                             
$0 - $500
   
28
 
8/2015 - 4/2019
 
$
12,328
     
20
 
8/2015 – 11/2018
 
$
8,583
 
$500 - $2,000
   
136
 
12/2012 - 6/2019
   
182,113
     
103
 
12/2012 – 12/2018
   
147,598
 
$2,000 - $5,000
   
77
 
3/2013 - 9/2019
   
223,061
     
84
 
4/2013 – 9/2019
   
250,010
 
$5,000 - $10,000
   
4
 
2/2013 - 7/2017
   
22,272
     
6
 
2/2013 – 3/2016
   
35,623
 
Total
   
245
     
$
439,774
     
213
     
$
441,814
 
 
 
46

 
 
June 30, 2012
 
Industry
 
Number of Loans
   
Outstanding Balance
   
% of Outstanding Balance
 
                   
Healthcare, Education & Childcare
   
24
   
$
54,376
     
12.4
%
Retail Store
   
17
     
33,920
     
7.6
%
Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber
   
18
     
33,084
     
7.4
%
Diversified/Conglomerate Service
   
20
     
29,805
     
6.7
%
Electronics
   
15
     
28,199
     
6.4
%
Telecommunications
   
12
     
25,875
     
5.9
%
Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures & Entertainment
   
11
     
23,138
     
5.3
%
Beverage, Food & Tobacco
   
12
     
22,215
     
5.1
%
Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming
   
7
     
20,527
     
4.7
%
Personal & Non-Durable Consumer Products
   
9
     
17,118
     
3.9
%
Aerospace & Defense
   
10
     
16,982
     
3.8
%
Utilities
   
7
     
14,360
     
3.3
%
Personal, Food & Misc Services
   
11
     
11,581
     
2.6
%
Diversified/Conglomerate Mfg
   
8
     
10,367
     
2.4
%
Banking
   
5
     
9,931
     
2.3
%
Containers, Packaging and Glass
   
6
     
9,143
     
2.1
%
Automobile
   
7
     
9,102
     
2.1
%
Broadcasting & Entertainment
   
5
     
7,781
     
1.7
%
Finance
   
5
     
7,188
     
1.6
%
Machinery (Non-Agriculture, Non-Construction & Non-Electronic)
   
4
     
6,528
     
1.5
%
Buildings and Real Estate
   
2
     
5,827
     
1.3
%
Personal Transportation
   
3
     
5,681
     
1.3
%
Printing & Publishing
   
2
     
5,667
     
1.3
%
Textiles & Leather
   
5
     
5,586
     
1.3
%
Grocery
   
3
     
4,893
     
1.1
%
Insurance
   
2
     
4,783
     
1.1
%
Ecological
   
4
     
3,928
     
0.9
%
Farming & Agriculture
   
2
     
3,790
     
0.9
%
Cargo Transport
   
2
     
2,481
     
0.6
%
Oil & Gas
   
3
     
1,990
     
0.5
%
Diversified Natural Resources, Precious Metals and Minerals
   
1
     
1,568
     
0.4
%
Mining, Steel, Iron and Non-Precious Metals
   
1
     
1,365
     
0.3
%
Home and Office Furnishings, Housewares and Durable Consumer Products
   
1
     
498
     
0.1
%
Personal and Non-Durable Consumer Products (mfg only)
   
1
     
497
     
0.1
%
     
245
   
$
439,774
     
100.0
%
 
 
47

 
 
December 31, 2011
 
Industry
 
Number of Loans
   
Outstanding Balance
   
% of Outstanding Balance
 
                   
Healthcare, Education & Childcare
   
24
   
$
61,543
     
13.9
%
Retail Store
   
14
     
35,704
     
8.1
%
Electronics
   
13
     
31,721
     
7.2
%
Telecommunications
   
13
     
27,638
     
6.3
%
Chemicals, Plastics and Rubber
   
12
     
25,336
     
5.7
%
Diversified/Conglomerate Service
   
15
     
22,320
     
5.1
%
Beverage, Food & Tobacco
   
10
     
20,274
     
4.6
%
Leisure, Amusement, Motion Pictures & Entertainment
   
8
     
18,904
     
4.3
%
Personal & Non-Durable Consumer Products
   
8
     
18,203
     
4.1
%
Aerospace & Defense
   
10
     
17,254
     
3.9
%
Utilities
   
5
     
16,723
     
3.8
%
Hotels, Motels, Inns and Gaming
   
5
     
15,914
     
3.6
%
Personal, Food & Misc. Services
   
12
     
14,598
     
3.3
%
Containers, Packaging and Glass
   
7
     
14,493
     
3.3
%
Finance
   
8
     
11,471
     
2.6
%
Printing & Publishing
   
4
     
11,404
     
2.6
%
Automobile
   
7
     
9,829
     
2.2
%
Diversified/Conglomerate Mfg.
   
6
     
9,643
     
2.2
%
Banking
   
3
     
8,777
     
2.0
%
Broadcasting & Entertainment
   
3
     
6,293
     
1.4
%
Mining, Steel, Iron and Non-Precious Metals
   
3
     
6,242
     
1.4
%
Machinery (Non-Agriculture, Non-Construction & Non-Electronic)
   
4
     
6,029
     
1.4
%
Textiles & Leather
   
5
     
5,281
     
1.2
%
Personal Transportation
   
2
     
4,969
     
1.1
%
Grocery
   
3
     
4,911
     
1.1
%
Buildings and Real Estate
   
2
     
4,887
     
1.1
%
Insurance
   
2
     
4,352
     
1.0
%
Diversified Natural Resources, Precious Metals and Minerals
   
1
     
2,227
     
0.5
%
Ecological
   
2
     
1,984
     
0.4
%
Farming & Agriculture
   
1
     
1,900
     
0.4
%
Cargo Transport
   
1
     
990
     
0.2
%
     
213
   
$
441,814
     
100.0
%
 
 
48

 
 
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. We have completed four securitizations; three were completed in 2005 and were classified as financings and one, New York Mortgage Trust 2006-1, qualified as a sale, which resulted in the recording of residual assets and mortgage servicing rights.

At June 30, 2012, residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts totaled approximately $196.4 million, or 4.3% of our total assets. The Company has an aggregate net equity investment of approximately $7.2 million in the three securitization trusts at June 30, 2012. Of the residential mortgage loans held in securitized trusts, 100% are traditional ARMs or hybrid ARMs, 81.7% of which are ARM loans that are interest only. With respect to the hybrid ARMs included in these securitizations, interest rate reset periods are predominately five years or less and the interest-only period is typically 10 years, which mitigates the “payment shock” at the time of interest rate reset. None of the residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts are payment option-ARMs or ARMs with negative amortization.
 
The following table details our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):   
 
   
# of Loans
   
Par Value
   
Coupon
   
Carrying Value
 
June 30, 2012
   
491
   
$
197,724
     
3.05
%
 
$
196,378
 
December 31, 2011
   
512
   
$
208,934
     
2.82
%
 
$
206,920
 
 
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 June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Average
   
High
   
Low
 
General Loan Characteristics:
                 
Original Loan Balance (dollar amounts in thousands)
 
$
440
   
$
2,950
   
$
48
 
Current Coupon Rate
   
3.05
%
   
7.25
%
   
1.38
%
Gross Margin
   
2.37
%
   
4.13
%
   
1.13
%
Lifetime Cap
   
11.29
%
   
13.25
%
   
9.13
%
Original Term (Months)
   
360
     
360
     
360
 
Remaining Term (Months)
   
274
     
282
     
241
 
Average Months to Reset
   
3
     
11
     
1
 
Original Average FICO Score
   
728
     
818
     
593
 
Original Average LTV
   
70.47
%
   
95.00
%
   
13.94
%
 
   
% of Outstanding Loan Balance
   
Weighted Average Gross Margin (%)
 
Index Type/Gross Margin:
           
One Month LIBOR
   
3.0
%
   
1.69
%
Six Month LIBOR
   
72.6
%
   
2.40
%
One Year LIBOR
   
16.3
%
   
2.26
%
One Year Constant Maturity Treasury
   
8.1
%
   
2.65
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
2.38
%
 
 
49

 
 
The following table sets forth the composition of our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts as of December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Average
   
High
   
Low
 
General Loan Characteristics:
                 
Original Loan Balance (dollar amounts in thousands)
 
$
445
   
$
2,950
   
$
48
 
Current Coupon Rate
   
2.82
%
   
7.25
%
   
1.38
%
Gross Margin
   
2.37
%
   
4.13
%
   
1.13
%
Lifetime Cap
   
11.29
%
   
13.25
%
   
9.13
%
Original Term (Months)
   
360
     
360
     
360
 
Remaining Term (Months)
   
280
     
288
     
247
 
Average Months to Reset
   
4
     
11
     
1
 
Original Average FICO Score
   
729
     
818
     
593
 
Original Average LTV
   
70.41
%
   
95.00
%
   
13.94
%
 
   
% of Outstanding Loan Balance
   
Weighted Average Gross Margin (%)
 
Index Type/Gross Margin:
           
One Month LIBOR
   
2.8
%
   
1.69
%
Six Month LIBOR
   
72.9
%
   
2.40
%
One Year LIBOR
   
16.4
%
   
2.26
%
One Year Constant Maturity Treasury
   
7.9
%
   
2.64
%
Total
   
100.0
%
   
2.38
%
 
The following tables detail activity for the residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts (net) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
   
Principal
   
Premium
   
Allowance for Loan Losses
   
Net Carrying Value
 
Balance, January 1, 2012
 
$
208,934
   
$
1,317
   
$
(3,331
)
 
$
206,920
 
Principal repayments
   
(8,743
)
   
     
     
(8,743
)
Provision for loan loss
   
     
     
(298
)
   
(298
)
Transfer to real estate owned
   
(2,467
)
   
     
898
     
(1,569
)
Charge-Offs
   
     
     
127
     
127
 
Amortization for premium
   
     
(59
)
   
     
(59
)
Balance, June 30, 2012
 
$
197,724
   
$
1,258
   
$
(2,604
)
 
$
196,378
 
 
   
Principal
   
Premium
   
Allowance for Loan Losses
   
Net Carrying Value
 
Balance, January 1, 2011
 
$
229,323
   
$
1,451
   
$
(2,589
)
 
$
228,185
 
Principal repayments
   
(10,659
)
   
     
     
(10,659
)
Provision for loan loss
   
     
     
(769
)
   
(769
)
Transfer to real estate owned
   
(234
)
   
     
16
     
(218
)
Charge-Offs
   
175
     
     
445
     
620
 
Amortization for premium
   
     
(74
)
   
     
(74
)
Balance, June 30, 2011
 
$
218,605
   
$
1,377
   
$
(2,897
)
 
$
217,085
 
 
 
50

 
 
The following table details loan summary information for our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts at June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Description     Interest Rate   Final Maturity     Periodic
Payment
     
Original
Amount
      Current
Amount
   
Principal Amount of Loans
Subject to
Delinquent
Principal
 
Property
Type
Balance
 
Loan
Count
   
Max
   
Min
   
Avg
 
Min
   
Max
   
Term
(months)
 
Prior
Liens
 
of
Principal
   
of
Principal
   
or
Interest
 
Single
<= $100
   
14
     
3.38
     
2.38
     
3.00
 
12/01/34
   
11/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
1,858
   
$
1,016
   
$
-
 
FAMILY
<= $250
   
71
     
4.88
     
2.38
     
3.11
 
09/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
15,736
     
13,176
     
865
 
 
<= $500
   
82
     
4.13
     
2.38
     
3.08
 
07/01/33
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
31,573
     
28,735
     
4,689
 
 
<=$1,000
   
32
     
3.88
     
1.50
     
3.01
 
08/01/33
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
25,728
     
23,882
     
756
 
 
>$1,000
   
19
     
3.50
     
3.00
     
3.13
 
01/01/35
   
11/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
33,857
     
33,913
     
9,048
 
 
Summary
   
218
     
4.88
     
1.50
     
3.08
 
09/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
108,752
   
$
100,722
   
$
15,358
 
2-4
<= $100
   
2
     
4.00
     
3.00
     
3.50
 
02/01/35
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
212
   
$
161
   
$
75
 
FAMILY
<= $250
   
6
     
4.00
     
2.88
     
3.33
 
12/01/34
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
1,283
     
1,083
     
-
 
 
<= $500
   
15
     
7.25
     
2.13
     
3.23
 
09/01/34
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
5,554
     
5,075
     
254
 
 
<=$1,000
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
01/01/00
   
01/01/00
     
360
 
NA
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
>$1,000
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
01/01/00
   
01/01/00
     
360
 
NA
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
23
     
7.25
     
2.13
     
3.28
 
09/01/34
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
7,049
   
$
6,319
   
$
329
 
Condo
<= $100
   
15
     
3.88
     
2.88
     
3.18
 
12/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
2,157
   
$
1,008
   
$
-
 
 
<= $250
   
71
     
3.88
     
1.50
     
3.09
 
02/01/34
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
14,281
     
12,292
     
466
 
 
<= $500
   
56
     
4.13
     
2.38
     
3.03
 
09/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
20,005
     
17,960
     
-
 
 
<=$1,000
   
15
     
4.00
     
1.63
     
2.93
 
08/01/33
   
09/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
11,749
     
10,940
     
-
 
 
> $1,000
   
8
     
3.25
     
2.88
     
3.05
 
03/01/35
   
09/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
12,544
     
12,534
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
165
     
4.13
     
1.50
     
3.06
 
09/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
60,736
   
$
54,734
   
$
466
 
CO-OP
<= $100
   
4
     
3.13
     
2.38
     
2.88
 
10/01/34
   
08/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
443
   
$
290
   
$
-
 
 
<= $250
   
14
     
3.63
     
2.50
     
3.05
 
10/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
2,907
     
2,444
     
212
 
 
<= $500
   
18
     
3.25
     
1.38
     
3.05
 
08/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
7,933
     
6,573
     
262
 
 
<=$1,000
   
11
     
3.25
     
2.88
     
3.01
 
12/01/34
   
10/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
8,563
     
8,298
     
-
 
 
> $1,000
   
4
     
3.00
     
2.25
     
2.78
 
11/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
5,659
     
5,178
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
51
     
3.63
     
1.38
     
2.97
 
08/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
25,505
   
$
22,783
   
$
474
 
PUD
<= $100
   
1
     
3.00
     
3.00
     
3.00
 
07/01/35
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
100
   
$
88
   
$
-
 
 
<= $250
   
17
     
3.50
     
2.38
     
3.00
 
08/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
3,785
     
3,461
     
-
 
 
<= $500
   
9
     
3.00
     
2.88
     
2.99
 
08/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
3,305
     
3,054
     
455
 
 
<=$1,000
   
4
     
3.25
     
3.00
     
3.17
 
05/01/34
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
2,832
     
2,572
     
843
 
 
> $1,000
   
3
     
3.13
     
2.91
     
3.01
 
04/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
4,148
     
3,991
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
34
     
3.50
     
2.38
     
3.02
 
08/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
14,170
   
$
13,166
   
$
1,298
 
Summary
<= $100
   
36
     
4.00
     
2.38
     
3.09
 
10/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
4,770
   
$
2,563
   
$
75
 
 
<= $250
   
179
     
4.88
     
1.50
     
3.10
 
08/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
37,992
     
32,456
     
1,543
 
 
<= $500
   
180
     
7.25
     
1.38
     
3.08
 
08/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
68,370
     
61,442
     
5,661
 
 
<=$1,000
   
62
     
4.00
     
1.50
     
3.00
 
08/01/33
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
48,872
     
45,692
     
1,599
 
 
> $1,000
   
34
     
3.50
     
2.25
     
3.06
 
04/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
56,208
     
55,616
     
9,048
 
 
Grand Total
   
491
     
7.25
     
1.38
     
3.05
 
08/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
216,212
   
$
197,724
   
$
17,925
 
 
 
51

 
 
The following table details loan summary information for our residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts at December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Description
   
Interest Rate
   
Final Maturity
   
Periodic
Payment
     
Original
Amount
   
Current
Amount
   
Principal Amount of Loans
Subject to
Delinquent
Principal
 
Property
Type
Balance
 
Loan
Count
   
Max
   
Min
   
Avg
   
Min
   
Max
   
Term
(months)
 
Prior
Liens
 
of
Principal
   
of
Principal
   
or
Interest
 
Single
<= $100
   
14
     
3.00
     
2.50
     
2.88
   
09/01/34
   
11/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
1,658
   
$
1,055
   
$
-
 
FAMILY
<= $250
   
71
     
4.50
     
2.50
     
2.96
   
09/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
16,299
     
13,107
     
956
 
 
<= $500
   
89
     
3.75
     
2.50
     
2.87
   
07/01/33
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
33,896
     
31,056
     
6,135
 
 
<=$1,000
   
34
     
3.50
     
1.50
     
2.77
   
08/01/33
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
27,122
     
25,368
     
3,411
 
 
>$1,000
   
21
     
3.25
     
2.63
     
2.81
   
01/01/35
   
11/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
37,357
     
36,811
     
9,047
 
 
Summary
   
229
     
4.50
     
1.50
     
2.88
   
09/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
116,332
   
$
107,397
   
$
19,549
 
2-4
<= $100
   
2
     
3.63
     
3.00
     
3.31
   
02/01/35
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
212
   
$
168
   
$
75
 
FAMILY
<= $250
   
6
     
3.63
     
2.63
     
3.02
   
12/01/34
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
1,283
     
1,094
     
-
 
 
<= $500
   
15
     
7.25
     
2.13
     
3.10
   
09/01/34
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
5,554
     
5,134
     
254
 
 
<=$1,000
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
360
 
NA
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
>$1,000
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
360
 
NA
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
23
     
7.25
     
2.13
     
3.10
   
09/01/34
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
7,049
   
$
6,396
   
$
329
 
Condo
<= $100
   
13
     
3.25
     
2.63
     
2.81
   
01/01/35
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
1,640
   
$
844
   
$
-
 
 
<= $250
   
72
     
3.50
     
1.50
     
2.93
   
02/01/34
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
14,297
     
12,415
     
468
 
 
<= $500
   
58
     
3.75
     
2.38
     
2.84
   
09/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
20,942
     
18,891
     
-
 
 
<=$1,000
   
14
     
3.88
     
1.63
     
2.76
   
08/01/33
   
09/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
10,339
     
9,996
     
-
 
 
> $1,000
   
10
     
2.88
     
2.63
     
2.73
   
01/01/35
   
09/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
14,914
     
14,559
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
167
     
3.88
     
1.50
     
2.86
   
09/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
62,132
   
$
56,705
   
$
468
 
CO-OP
<= $100
   
4
     
2.88
     
2.50
     
2.69
   
10/01/34
   
08/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
443
   
$
306
   
$
-
 
 
<= $250
   
15
     
3.38
     
2.25
     
2.78
   
10/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
3,423
     
2,573
     
212
 
 
<= $500
   
23
     
3.50
     
1.38
     
2.78
   
08/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
9,537
     
8,233
     
-
 
 
<=$1,000
   
11
     
2.88
     
2.63
     
2.69
   
12/01/34
   
10/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
8,563
     
8,321
     
-
 
 
> $1,000
   
4
     
2.75
     
2.25
     
2.59
   
11/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
5,659
     
5,232
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
57
     
3.50
     
1.38
     
2.72
   
08/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
27,625
   
$
24,665
   
$
212
 
PUD
<= $100
   
1
     
2.63
     
2.63
     
2.63
   
07/01/35
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
100
   
$
89
   
$
-
 
 
<= $250
   
18
     
3.13
     
2.50
     
2.87
   
08/01/35
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
3,958
     
3,656
     
160
 
 
<= $500
   
10
     
3.00
     
2.63
     
2.88
   
08/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
3,665
     
3,422
     
315
 
 
<=$1,000
   
4
     
3.25
     
2.75
     
2.99
   
05/01/34
   
07/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
2,832
     
2,593
     
-
 
 
> $1,000
   
3
     
2.88
     
2.75
     
2.83
   
04/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
4,148
     
4,011
     
-
 
 
Summary
   
36
     
3.25
     
2.50
     
2.87
   
08/01/32
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
14,703
   
$
13,771
   
$
475
 
Summary
<= $100
   
34
     
3.63
     
2.50
     
2.85
   
09/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
 
$
4,053
   
$
2,462
   
$
75
 
 
<= $250
   
182
     
4.50
     
1.50
     
2.93
   
08/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
39,260
     
32,845
     
1,796
 
 
<= $500
   
195
     
7.25
     
1.38
     
2.87
   
08/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
   
73,594
     
66,736
     
6,704
 
 
<=$1,000
   
63
     
3.88
     
1.50
     
2.77
   
08/01/33
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
48,856
     
46,278
     
3,411
 
 
> $1,000
   
38
     
3.25
     
2.25
     
2.77
   
04/01/34
   
12/01/35
     
360
 
NA
   
62,078
     
60,613
     
9,047
 
 
Grand Total
   
512
     
7.25
     
1.38
     
2.82
   
08/01/32
   
01/01/36
     
360
 
NA
 
$
227,841
   
$
208,934
   
$
21,033
 
 
 
52

 
 
Multi-Family Loans Held in Securitization Trusts . As of June 30, 2012, we owned 100% of the first loss securities of the Consolidated K-Series. The Consolidated K-Series represents three separate multi-family mortgage loan securitizations undertaken by Freddie Mac, of which we own the first loss PO and certain IOs. We determined that the Consolidated K-Series were variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and that we are the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series. Accordingly, we are required to consolidate the Consolidated K-Series’ underlying multi-family loans and related debt, interest income and interest expense in our 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 statement of operations. As of June 30, 2012, the Consolidated K-Series was comprised of $3.9 billion in multi-family loans held in securitization trust and $3.8 billion in multi-family collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”).  In addition, as a result of the consolidation of the Consolidated K-Series, our statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 included $18.8 million and $31.0 million in interest income and $17.5 million and $29.1 million in interest expense, respectively. Also, we recognized a $2.2 million and $4.2 million unrealized gain in the statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as a result of the fair value accounting method election.  We do not have any claims to the assets (other than the security represented by our first loss piece) or obligations for the liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series. Our maximum exposure to loss from the Consolidated K-Series is its carrying value of $86.8 million as of June 30, 2012.
 
Multi-Family CMBS Loan Characteristics

The following table details the loan characteristics of the loans that back the multi-family CMBS (including the Consolidated K-Series) in our portfolio as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively (dollar amounts in thousands, except as noted):
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Current balance of loans
 
$
5,861,140
   
$
3,457,297
 
Number of loans
   
377
     
234
 
Weighted average original LTV
   
69.0
%
   
68.0
%
Weighted average underwritten debt service coverage ratio
   
1.42
x
   
1.52
x
Current average loan size
 
$
15,547
   
$
14,775
 
Weighted average original loan term (in months)
   
118
     
117
 
Weighted average current remaining term (in months)
   
97
     
101
 
Weighted average loan rate
   
5.15
%
   
5.25
%
First mortgages
   
100
%
   
100
%
Geographic state concentration (greater than 5.0%):
               
Texas
   
12.9
%
   
14.3
%
California
   
11.8
%
   
9.3
%
New York
   
6.4
%
   
7.2
%
Georgia
   
4.8
%
   
6.7
%
Washington
   
5.2
%
   
6.3
%
Florida
   
5.7
%
   
5.5
%
 
 
53

 

Equity Investment in Limited Partnership. The following tables detail loan summary information for the loans held in the limited partnership in which we have an equity interest as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which is accounted for under the equity method (dollar amounts in thousands):  
 

Loan Summary
 
June 30, 2012
Number of Loans
   
9
 
Aggregate Current Loan Balance
 
$
1,299
 
Average Current Loan Balance
 
$
144
 
Weighted Average Original Term (Months)
   
348
 
Weighted Average Remaining Term (Months)
   
271
 
Weighted Average Gross Coupon (%)
   
6.69
%
Weighted Average Original Loan-to-Value of Loan (%)
   
80.39
%
Average Cost-to-Principal of Asset at Funding (%)
   
78.74
%
Fixed Rate Mortgages (%)
   
32.85
%
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (%)
   
67.15
%
First Lien Mortgages (%)
   
100.00
%
 
Loan Summary
 
December 31, 2011
Number of Loans
   
64
 
Aggregate Current Loan Balance
 
$
9,654
 
Average Current Loan Balance
 
$
151
 
Weighted Average Original Term (Months)
   
375
 
Weighted Average Remaining Term (Months)
   
311
 
Weighted Average Gross Coupon (%)
   
7.02
%
Weighted Average Original Loan-to-Value of Loan (%)
   
85.69
%
Average Cost-to-Principal of Asset at Funding (%)
   
70.81
%
Fixed Rate Mortgages (%)
   
55.55
%
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (%)
   
44.45
%
First Lien Mortgages (%)
   
100.00
%
 
Financing Arrangements, Portfolio Investments .  As of June 30, 2012, we had approximately $138.9 million of repurchase borrowings outstanding.  Our repurchase agreements typically have terms of 30 days or less. As of June 30, 2012, the current weighted average borrowing rate on these financing facilities was 1.79%. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, the ending balance, quarterly average and maximum balance at any month-end for our repurchase agreement borrowings were $138.9 million, $125.1 million and $138.9 million, respectively.
 
Residential Collateralized Debt Obligations .  As of June 30, 2012, we had $190.6 million of residential collateralized debt obligations, or Residential CDOs, outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 0.69%.

Multi-Family Collateralized Debt Obligations .  As of June 30, 2012, we had $3.8 billion of multi-family collateralized debt obligations, or Multi-Family CDOs, outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 5.10%. These Multi-Family CDO’s are obligations of the Consolidated K-Series.  We determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the Consolidated K-Series and have consolidated the Consolidated K-Series into our financial statements.

Securitized Debt . As of June 30, 2012, we had $26.0 million of securitized debt.    This securitized debt represents the notes issued in the multi-family CMBS re-securitization transaction, which is securitized by the multi-family CMBS contributed to the 2012 RS1 Trust.
 
Subordinated Debentures . As of June 30, 2012, certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries had trust preferred securities outstanding of $45.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.30%. 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
54

 
 
Derivative Assets and Liabilities. We generally hedge the risks related to changes in interest rates related to our borrowings as well as market values of our overall portfolio.
 
In order to reduce our interest rate risk related to our borrowings, we may utilize various hedging instruments, such as interest rate swap agreement contracts whereby we receive floating rate payments in exchange for fixed rate payments, effectively converting our short term repurchase agreement borrowings or Residential CDOs to a fixed rate. At June 30, 2012, the Company had $9.2 million of notional amount of interest rate swaps outstanding with a fair market liability value of $0.1 million. The interest rate swaps qualify as cash flow hedges for financial reporting purposes.

In addition to utilizing interest rate swaps, we may purchase or sell short U.S. Treasury securities or enter into Eurodollar or other futures contracts or options to help mitigate the potential impact of changes in interest rates on the performance of our Agency IOs. We may borrow securities to cover short sales of U.S. Treasury securities under reverse repurchase agreements. Realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with purchases and short sales of U.S. Treasury securities and Eurodollar or other futures are recognized through earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. 

The Company uses To-Be-Announced securities, or TBAs, U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Treasury futures and options to hedge interest rate risk, as well as spread risk associated with its investments in Agency IOs. For example, we may utilize TBAs to hedge the interest rate or yield spread risk inherent in our long Agency RMBS by taking short positions in TBAs that are similar in character. 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. TBAs are liquid and have quoted market prices and represent the most actively traded class of RMBS. For TBA contracts that we have entered into, we have not asserted that physical settlement is probable. Because we have not designated these forward commitments associated with our Agency IOs as hedging instruments, realized and unrealized gains and losses associated with these TBAs, U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Treasury futures and options are recognized through earnings in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. 

The use of TBAs exposes the Company to market value risk, as the market value of the securities that the Company is required to purchase pursuant to a TBA transaction may decline below the agreed-upon purchase price. Conversely, the market value of the securities that the Company is required to sell pursuant to a TBA transaction may increase above the agreed upon sale price. The use of TBAs associated with our Agency IO investments creates significant short term payables (and/or receivables) on our balance sheet.

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.

Our investment in Agency IOs involves several types of derivative instruments used to hedge the overall risk profile of our investments in Agency IOs. 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 no minimal ability to adjust over the life of the transaction. Because we and Midway are frequently adjusting these derivative instruments 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.
 
Balance Sheet Analysis - Stockholders’ Equity
 
Stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2012 was $113.0 million and included $15.9 million of accumulated other comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of $16.0 million in unrealized gains primarily related to our CLOs and $0.1 million in unrealized derivative losses related to cash flow hedges. Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2011 was $85.3 million and included $11.3 million of accumulated other comprehensive income. The accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2011 consisted of $12.8 million in unrealized gains primarily related to our CLOs, $1.2 million in unrealized losses related to our CMBS and $0.3 million in unrealized derivative losses related to cash flow hedges.

 
55

 

Analysis of Changes in Book Value

The following table analyzes the changes in book value for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively (amounts in thousands, except per share):
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Per Share (1)
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Per Share (1)
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 91,956       14,175     $ 6.49     $ 85,278       13,938     $ 6.12  
Stock issuance, net
    20,286       3,194       0.00       20,344       3,431       0.00  
Balance after share issuance activity
    112,242       17,369       6.46       105,622       17,369       6.08  
Dividends declared
    (4,690 )             (0.27 )     (8,234 )             (0.47 )
Net change AOCI: (2)
                                               
Hedges
    61               0.00       172               0.01  
RMBS
    464               0.03       828               0.05  
CMBS
    119               0.01       1,015               0.06  
CLOs
    (342 )             (0.02 )     2,612               0.15  
Net income excluding unrealized gains and losses on Agency IOs and related hedges and multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts
    2,761               0.16       7,449               0.43  
Unrealized net gains (losses) on Agency IOs and related hedges
    171               0.01       (701 )             (0.04 )
Unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts
    2,205               0.13       4,228               0.24  
Ending Balance
  $ 112,991       17,369     $ 6.51     $ 112,991       17,369     $ 6.51  
 
(1)
Outstanding shares used to calculate book value per share for the quarter ended period is based on outstanding shares as of June 30, 2012 of 17,369,374.
(2)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).

 
56

 

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 to the Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $5.1 million and $11.0 million, as compared to net income attributable to common stockholders of $4.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. The main components of the change in net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods for the prior year are detailed in the following table (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data):

   
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
 
Net interest income
  $ 5,841     $ 5,301       10.2 %   $ 12,048     $ 7,811       54.2 %
Total other income
  $ 2,232     $ 2,696       (17.2 )%   $ 4,592     $ 4,998       (8.1 )%
Total general, administrative and other expenses
  $ 2,659     $ 3,454       (23.0 )%   $ 5,327     $ 5,747       (7.3 )%
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 5,414     $ 4,543       19.2 %   $ 11,313     $ 7,062       60.2 %
Income tax expense
  $ 467     $ 363       28.7 %   $ 467     $ 363       28.7 %
Income from continuing operations
  $ 4,947     $ 4,180       18.3 %   $ 10,846     $ 6,699       61.9 %
Income from discontinued operation – net of tax
  $ 42     $ 9       366.7 %   $ 33     $ 4       725.0 %
Net income
  $ 4,989     $ 4,189       19.1 %   $ 10,879     $ 6,703       62.3 %
Net (loss) income attributable to
noncontrolling interest
  $ (148 )   $ 20       (840.0 )%   $ (97 )   $ 20       (585.0 )%
Net income attributable to common stockholders
  $ 5,137     $ 4,169       23.2 %   $ 10,976     $ 6,683       64.2 %
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.34     $ 0.44       (22.7 )%   $ 0.75     $ 0.71       5.6 %
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.34     $ 0.44       (22.7 )%   $ 0.75     $ 0.71       5.6 %
 
The $1.0 million increase in net income attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended June 30, 3012, as compared to the same period in the previous year, was due primarily to a $2.2 million increase in unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, a $0.9 million increase in net unrealized gains on investment securities and related hedges, a $0.8 million decrease in general, administrative and other expenses, a $0.5 million increase in net interest margin on our investment portfolio and loans held in securitization trusts, a $0.3 million decrease in provision for loan losses, partially offset by a $3.7 million decrease in net realized gains on securities and related hedges and a $0.1 million decrease in income from investment in limited partnership.

The $4.3 million increase in net income attributable to common stockholders for the six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to the same period in the previous year, was due primarily to a $4.2 million in increase in net interest margin on our investment portfolio and loans held in securitization trusts, a $4.2 million increase in unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, a $0.7 million decrease in provision for loan losses, a $0.4 million decrease in general, administrative and other expenses, partially offset by a $4.8 million decrease in net realized gains on securities and related hedges, and a $0.6 million decrease in income from investment in limited partnership.

The $2.2 million and $4.2 million increase in unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2011, reflects the changes in valuations of the assets and liabilities of the Consolidated K-Series. As discussed above, unrealized gains and losses for these assets are reflected in the statement of operations. The valuation for the Consolidated K-Series’ assets and liabilities benefitted during the 2012 first and second quarters from tightening credit spreads. The $3.7 million and $4.8 million decrease in net realized gain on securities and related hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2011, is primarily due to the realized gains from the sale of CLOs during the 2011 first and second quarters. The Company did not sell any CLOs during the 2012 first and second quarters.

 
57

 
 
Comparative Expenses (dollar amounts in thousands)

   
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
   
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
General, Administrative and Other Expenses:
 
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
   
2012
   
2011
   
% Change
 
Salaries, benefits and directors’ compensation
  $ 598     $ 454       31.7 %   $ 1,106     $ 912       21.3 %
Professional fees
    464       429       8.2 %     907       765       18.6 %
Management fees
    1,020       2,095       (51.3 ) %     2,215       3,135       (29.3 )%
Other
    577       476       (21.2 ) %     1,099       935       17.5 %
Total
  $ 2,659     $ 3,454       (23.0 ) %   $ 5,327     $ 5,747       (7.3) %
 
The general, administrative and other expenses decrease of $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011, was due primarily to a $1.1 million decrease in management fees, offset by a $0.1 million increase in salaries, benefits and directors’ compensation, and a $0.1 million increase in other expenses. The decrease in management fees is due to payment of incentive fees on the sale of CLO’s in the prior period and the termination of the JMP management agreement.

 
58

 
 
Quarterly Comparative Net Interest Spread

Our results of operations for our investment portfolio during a given period typically reflects the net interest income earned on our investment portfolio of Agency and non-Agency RMBS, CMBS (including CMBS held in securitization trusts, prime ARM loans held in securitization trusts, loans held for investment, loans held for sale and CLOs (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 associated with our Agency IO investments, which do not utilize hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes, are included in other (expense) income in our statement of operations and therefore not reflected in the data set forth below. 
 
The following table sets forth, among other things, the net interest spread for our portfolio of Interest Earning Assets by quarter for the eight most recently completed quarters, excluding the costs of our subordinated debentures:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Average Interest
Earning Assets ($ millions) (1)
   
Weighted
Average
Cash Yield
on Interest
Earning Assets (3)
   
Cost of Funds (4)
   
Net Interest Spread (5)
 
June 30, 2012 (2)
  $ 409.4       7.28 %     1.33 %     5.95 %
March 31, 2012 (2)
  $ 396.4       7.59 %     1.01 %     6.58 %
December 31, 2011
  $ 372.9       7.17 %     0.97 %     6.20 %
September 30, 2011
  $ 369.8       8.04 %     0.89 %     7.15 %
June 30, 2011
  $ 341.7       7.59 %     0.94 %     6.65 %
March 31, 2011
  $ 310.2       4.76 %     1.08 %     3.68 %
December 31, 2010
  $ 318.0       4.98 %     1.45 %     3.53 %
September 30, 2010
  $ 343.5       5.29 %     1.66 %     3.63 %
 
(1)
Our Average Interest Earning Assets is calculated each quarter as the daily average balance of our Interest Earning Assets for the quarter, excluding unrealized gains and losses.

(2)
Average Interest Earning Assets for the quarter excludes all Consolidated K-Series assets other than the securities represented by the Consolidated K-Series owned by us.

(3)
Our Weighted Average Cash Yield on Interest Earning Assets was calculated by dividing our annualized interest income from Interest Earning Assets for the quarter by our average Interest Earning Assets for the quarter.

(4)
Our Cost of Funds was calculated by dividing our annualized interest expense from our Interest Earning Assets for the quarter by our average financing arrangements, portfolio investments and Residential CDOs for the quarter.

(5)
Net Interest Spread is the difference between our Weighted Average Cash Yield on Interest Earning Assets and our Cost of Funds.
 
 
59

 

Prepayment Experience . The constant prepayment rate (“CPR”) on our overall portfolio of RMBS and residential loans held in securitization trusts  averaged approximately 16.6% during the quarter ended June 30, 2012, as compared to 16.6% during the quarter ended March 31, 2012. CPRs on our overall RMBS portfolio for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 averaged approximately 20.0%, as compared to 19.4% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  The CPRs on our residential mortgage loans held in our securitization trusts for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 averaged approximately 7.4%, as compared to 8.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. 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. In addition, the market values and cash flows from our Agency IOs can be materially adversely affected during periods of elevated prepayments. We monitor our prepayment experience on a monthly basis and adjust the amortization rate to reflect current market conditions.

The following table sets forth the constant prepayment rates for selected asset classes, by quarter:

Quarter Ended
 
Agency
ARMs
   
Agency
IOs
   
Non-Agency
RMBS
   
Residential Securitizations
   
Weighted Average
for Overall Portfolio
 
June 30, 2012
   
24.8
%
   
19.4
%
   
15.2
%
   
7.4
%
   
16.6
%
March 31, 2012
   
18.1
%
   
19.6
%
   
13.3
%
   
8.1
%
   
16.6
%
December 31, 2011
   
16.9
%
   
19.5
%
   
12.6
%
   
5.2
%
   
15.8
%
September 30, 2011
   
16.6
%
   
10.1
%
   
14.7
%
   
10.2
%
   
10.8
%
June 30, 2011
   
19.3
%
   
8.0
%
   
11.2
%
   
8.4
%
   
8.8
%
March 31, 2011
   
16.5
%
   
10.4
%
   
20.8
%
   
7.0
%
   
9.6
%
December 31, 2010
   
22.6
%
   
N/A
     
18.4
%
   
11.5
%
   
13.8
%
September 30, 2010
   
33.8
%
   
N/A
     
15.5
%
   
18.7
%
   
21.1
%
 
Federal Housing Finance Agency HARP II Program

In November, the U.S. Government announced details of HARP II, which is a program designed to assist borrowers who are current with their mortgage payments but are unable to refinance due to property valuation ratios. HARP II will target homeowners who did not participate in the original version of HARP and whose mortgages were originated prior to June 1, 2009. The following table summarizes the Agency RMBS in our portfolio that contain mortgages which are eligible for refinancing and thus may be prepaid under HARP II given the parameters of the program.

HARP II Eligible Agency RMBS (Collateralized by loans originated prior to June 2009)

   
Weighted Average Coupon (“WAC”) of Underlying Loans
 
   
< 4.0
 
< 4.5
 
< 5.0
 
< 5.5
 
> 5.5
%
Agency ARMs
  $ 19,558                       $ 11,629  
Agency IOs
                    $ 6,479     $ 5,721  
 
Based on current interest rate conditions, the Company does not believe its securities backed by loans with WAC’s less than 4.0% are at risk to the HARP II program as the borrower has minimal rate incentive to refinance. In addition, the Agency ARMs with coupons greater than 5.5% have an average coupon reset period of seven months. Based on current interest rates, we project that the new coupon would be approximately 3.4% upon reset, thus reducing the borrower’s incentive to refinance.
 
 
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Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In addition to disclosing financial results calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we also present a non-GAAP financial measure that adjusts for certain items. The non-GAAP financial measure, net income excluding unrealized gains and losses associated with Agency IO investments and the Consolidated K-Series, set forth below is provided to enhance the user’s overall understanding of our financial performance. Specifically, management believes the non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to investors by excluding or adjusting certain items affecting reported operating results that were unusual or not indicative of our core operating results. The non-GAAP financial measure presented by the Company should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the non-GAAP financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measure included in this filing has been reconciled to the nearest GAAP measure which is net income attributable to common stockholders.
 
Net Income Excluding Unrealized Gains and Losses Associated with Agency IO Investments and Consolidated K-Series

A reconciliation between net income excluding unrealized gains and losses related to our investments in Agency IOs and related hedges and multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts, and GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is presented below (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

   
For the
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
   
For the
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
   
For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
   
For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011
 
   
Amounts
   
Per Share
   
Amounts
   
Per Share
   
Amounts
   
Per Share
   
Amounts
   
Per Share
 
                                                 
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders - GAAP
  $ 5,137     $ 0.34     $ 4,169     $ 0.44     $ 10,976     $ 0.75     $ 6,683     $ 0.71  
Adjustments:
                                                               
Unrealized net (gains) losses on investment securities and related hedges associated with Agency IO investments
    (171 )     (0.01 )     695       0.07       701       0.04       735       0.08  
Unrealized gains on multi-family loans and debt held in securitization trusts
    (2,205 )     (0.15 )                 (4,228 )     (0.28 )            
Net income attributable to common stockholders excluding unrealized gains and losses
  $ 2,761     $ 0.18     $ 4,864     $ 0.51     $ 7,449     $ 0.51     $ 7,418     $ 0.79  
 
Portfolio Asset Yields for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2012

The following table summarizes the Company’s significant assets at and for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, classified by relevant categories (dollar amount in thousands):  
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Coupons (1)
   
Yield (1)
   
CPR (1)
 
Agency RMBS
 
$
57,844
     
3.54
%
   
1.54
%
   
24.8
%
Agency IOs
 
$
70,369
     
5.81
%
   
14.17
%
   
19.4
%
CMBS (2)
 
$
108,234
     
0.08
%
   
13.42
%
   
N/A
 
Residential Securitized Loans
 
$
196,378
     
2.95
%
   
2.87
%
   
7.4
%
CLOs
 
$
26,801
     
4.41
%
   
40.09
%
   
N/A
 
 
(1)
Coupons, yields and CPRs are based on second quarter 2012 weighted average balances. Yields are calculated on amortized cost basis.
(2)
CMBS carrying value, coupons and yield calculations are based on the underlying CMBS that are owned by the Company and do not include the consolidated balances as discussed above.
 
 
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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, incentive and consulting 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, while the principal only multi-family CMBS we invest in are backed by balloon non-recourse mortgage loans that provide for the payment of principal at maturity date, which is typically eight to ten years. In addition, depending on market conditions, the sale of investment securities, structured financings or capital market transactions may provide additional liquidity. However, our intention is to meet our liquidity needs through normal operations with the goal of avoiding unplanned sales of assets or emergency borrowing of funds.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we used net cash of $8.0 million, as a result of $66.3 million used in investing activities, which was offset by $45.2 million provided by financing activities and $13.1 million of cash provided by operating activities. Our investing activities primarily included $81.0 million of purchases of investments held in multi-family securitization trusts, $17.4 million of purchases of investment securities, $14.2 million in transfers to restricted cash, offset by $17.6 million of principal repayments received on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, $12.6 million in principal paydowns on investment securities available for sale, $7.7 million in proceeds from investment in limited partnership, $3.8 million of net receipts on other derivative instruments settled, and $3.3 million in proceeds from mortgage loans held for investment. Our financing activities included proceeds from financing arrangements of $26.2 million, proceeds from securitized debt of $26.0 million, stock issuance of $20.2 million, partially offset by $17.6 million in payments made on CDO’s and dividends paid of $8.4 million.

We fund our investments and operations through a balanced and diverse funding mix, which includes proceeds from equity offerings, short-term repurchase agreement borrowings, CDOs, securitized debt, trust preferred debentures and, prior to their redemption in 2010, our convertible preferred debentures. At June 30, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents balances of $8.6 million. The reduction in cash and cash equivalents from $16.6 million at December 31, 2011 reflects the use of additional capital in 2012 to acquire our targeted assets.  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 current repurchase agreements and cash flows from operations will meet our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months. 

Liquidity – Financing Arrangements

We rely primarily on repurchase agreements and securitized debt to finance the mortgage-backed securities and CLOs in our investment portfolio. As of June 30, 2012, we have outstanding repurchase agreements, a form of collateralized short-term borrowing, with five 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. 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 repurchase agreement. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to our repurchase agreements at June 30, 2012 is approximately $45.1 million.
 
 
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At June 30, 2012, the Company had short term or repurchase agreement borrowings  of $138.9 million as compared to $112.7 million as of December 31, 2011. In addition to our excess cash, the Company has $26.4 million in unencumbered securities, including $11.0 million of RMBS, of which $8.1 million are Agency RMBS, to meet margin calls, if necessary. There is $27.0 million in restricted cash available to meet additional margin calls as it relates to the repurchase agreements secured by our Agency IOs. At June 30, 2012, we also had long-term debt, including Residential CDOs outstanding of $190.6 million, multi-family CDOs outstanding of $3.8 billion which represent obligations of the Consolidated K-Series, subordinated debt of $45.0 million and securitized debt of $26.0 million. The securitized debt represents the proceeds to us from the re-securitization transaction.  See “Key Second Quarter 2012 and Subsequent Developments” above.  As market conditions and balance sheet conditions permit, we expect to pursue in the future transactions similar in structure and form to the re-securitization transaction.  The CDOs are collateralized by the residential and multi-family loans held in securitization trusts, respectively. Our maximum exposure to loss on our Residential and Multi-Family CDOs at June 30, 2012 is $7.2 million and $86.8 million, respectively.
 
Our leverage ratio for our investment portfolio, which we define as our outstanding indebtedness under repurchase agreements divided by stockholders’ equity, was 1.2 to 1 at June 30, 2012. The Company's policy for leverage is based on the type of asset, underlying collateral and overall market conditions. Currently, the Company targets an 8 to 1 maximum leverage ratio for Agency ARMs, a 2 to 1 maximum leverage ratio for Agency IOs and a maximum ratio of 3 to 1 for all other securities. 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 Eurodollar or other futures contracts to hedge interest rate risk associated with our investments in Agency IOs. With respect to futures contracts, initial margin deposits will be made upon entering into futures contracts and can be either cash or securities. During the period the futures contract is 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 the contract at the end of each day’s trading. We may be required to satisfy variation margin payments periodically, depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred.

We also use TBAs to hedge interest rate risk and spread risk associated with our investments in Agency IOs. Since delivery for these securities extends 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, especially in the absence of margin arrangements with respect to these transactions, to increasing amounts at risk with the applicable counterparties. The use of TBAs associated with our Agency IO investments creates significant short term payables (and/or receivables) on our balance sheet, amounting to $274.0 million at June 30, 2012.

We also use U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Treasury futures and options to hedge interest rate risk associated with our investments in Agency IOs and interest rate swap agreements as a mechanism to reduce the interest rate risk of our Agency ARMs and mortgage loans held in securitization trusts.

As it relates to loans sold previously under certain loan sale agreements by our discontinued mortgage lending business, we may be required to repurchase some of those loans or indemnify the loan purchaser for damages caused by a breach of the loan sale agreement. We have a reserve of approximately $0.3 million.
 
Liquidity — Equity Offerings
 
In addit ion to the financing arrangements described above under the caption “―Liquidity―Financing Arrangements ,” we also rely on secondary equity offerings as a source of both short-term and long-term liquidity. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we closed on the issuance and sale of 3,162,500 shares of our common stock pursuant to an underwritten public offering, including 412,500 shares issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option, at a price to the public of $6.65 per share and received net proceeds of approximately $20.0 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us. The underwritten public offering closed on May 31, 2012. We used the net proceeds to fund a portion of the purchase price for the first loss tranche (which are PO securities) and certain IO securities issued by a Freddie Mac-sponsored multi-family loan securitization.
 
 
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We also may generate liquidity through the sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to an equity distribution agreement. On June 11, 2012, we entered into an equity distribution agreement with JMP Securities LLC as the placement agent, pursuant to which we may sell up to $25,000,000 of shares of our common stock  from time to time through the placement agent. Pursuant to the equity distribution agreement, the shares may be offered and sold through the placement agent in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on The Nasdaq Capital Market or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or, subject to the terms of a written notice from us, in privately negotiated transactions.  We have no obligation to sell any of the shares under the equity distribution agreement and may at any time suspend solicitations and offers under the equity distribution agreement. As of June 30, 2012, we had yet to issue any shares under the equity distribution agreement.

Liquidity — Management Agreements

We have investment management agreements with RiverBanc and Midway, pursuant to which we pay these managers a base management and incentive fee quarterly in arrears. See " - Results of Operations - Comparison of the Quarter Ended June 30, 2012 to Quarter Ended June 30, 2011 - Comparative Expenses" for more information regarding the management fees paid during the quarter ended June 30, 2012.  In addition, pursuant to the terms of our former advisory relationship with HCS, we also may pay incentive compensation to HCS with respect to all assets of our company that were managed by HCS (the “Incentive Tail Assets”) until such time as such Incentive Tail Assets are disposed of by us or mature.

Dividends

On June 15, 2012, we declared a 2012 second quarter cash dividend of $0.27 per common share, an increase of $0.02 per share compared to the common dividend paid for the 2012 first quarter. The dividend was paid on July 25, 2012 to common stockholders of record as of June 25, 2012. The dividend was paid out of our working capital. 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.

Exposure to European financial counterparties

We finance the acquisition of a significant portion of our mortgage-backed securities with repurchase agreements. In connection with these financing arrangements, we pledge our securities as collateral to secure the borrowing. The amount of collateral pledged will typically exceed the amount of the financing with the extent of over-collateralization ranging from 6% of the amount borrowed (in the case of Agency ARM collateral) to up to 53% (in the case of CMBS collateral). While our repurchase agreement financing results in us recording a liability to the counterparty in our condensed consolidated balance sheet, we are exposed to the counterparty, if during the term of the repurchase agreement financing, a lender should default on its obligation and we are not able to recover our pledged assets. The amount of this exposure is the difference between the amount loaned to us plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged by us to the lender including accrued interest receivable on such collateral.
 
Several large European banks have experienced and continue to experience financial difficulty, some of whom have required a rescue or assistance from other large European banks or the European Central Bank. Some of these banks have U.S. banking subsidiaries which have provided repurchase agreement financing or interest rate swap agreements to us in connection with the acquisition of various investments, including mortgage-backed securities investments. We have entered into repurchase agreements with Credit Suisse First Boston LLC (a subsidiary of Credit Suisse Group AG, which is domiciled in Switzerland) in the amount of $9.9 million at June 30, 2012 with a net exposure of $0.7 million. We have outstanding interest rate swap agreements with Barclays Bank PLC (domiciled in the United Kingdom) as a counterparty in the amount of $9.2 million notional with a net exposure of $0.1 million. In addition, certain of our U.S. based counterparties may have significant exposure to the financial and economic turmoil in Europe which could impact their future lending activities or cause them to default under agreements with us. Any counterparty defaults could result in a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 
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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.

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.
 
 
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Item 3.              Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, credit spreads and equity prices. All of our market risk sensitive assets, liabilities and related derivative positions are for non-trading purposes only. Management recognizes the following primary risks associated with our business and the industry in which we conduct business:

 
·
Interest rate risk
  
·
Liquidity risk
  
·
Prepayment risk
  
·
Credit risk
  
·
Fair value risk

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.

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 financial assets we manage and hold in our investment portfolio, the variable-rate borrowings we use to finance our portfolio, and 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 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 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, caps, Eurodollar and other futures, options 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, are less than one year. In addition, we utilize TBAs to mitigate the risks on our long Agency RMBS positions associated with our investments in Agency IOs.
 
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 instruments, including mortgage-backed securities, repurchase agreements, interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, TBAs and Eurodollar futures.

 
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Based on the results of the model, instantaneous changes in interest rates would have had the following effect on net interest income for the next 12 months based on our assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2012 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Changes in Net Interest Income
 
Changes in Interest Rates
 
Changes in Net Interest
Income
 
+200
 
$
7,825
 
+100
 
$
6,310
 
-100
 
$
(12,550
)
 
Interest rate changes may also impact our net book value as our financial 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 value of our portfolio attributable to interest rate changes will be offset, to the degree we are hedged, by increases in value of our interest rate swaps or other financial instruments used for hedging purposes, and vice versa. However, the relationship between spreads on securities 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.
 
  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. We recognize the need to have funds available to operate our business. It is our policy to 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.
 
Our principal sources of liquidity are the repurchase agreements on our mortgage-backed securities, the CDOs we have issued to finance our loans held in securitization trusts, trust preferred securities, the principal and interest payments from our assets and cash proceeds from the issuance of equity or debt securities (as market and other conditions permit). We believe our existing cash balances and cash flows from operations will be sufficient for our liquidity requirements for at least the next 12 months.

As it relates to our investment portfolio, derivative financial instruments we use to hedge interest rate risk subject us to “margin call” risk. If the value of our pledged assets decrease due to a change in interest rates, credit characteristics, or other pricing factors, we may be required to post additional cash or asset collateral, or reduce the amount we are able to “borrow” against the collateral. 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 the majority of our assets. Conversely, residential mortgage assets purchased for less than their then current balance exhibit higher yields due to faster prepayments. Furthermore, prepayment speeds exceeding or lower than our modeled prepayment speeds impact 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. The impact of increasing prepayment rates, whether as a result of declining interest rates, government intervention in the mortgage markets or otherwise, is particularly acute with respect to our Agency IOs. Because the value of an IO security is wholly contingent on the underlying mortgage loans having an outstanding principal balance, an unexpected increase in prepayment rates on the pool of mortgage loans underlying the IOs could significantly negatively impact the performance of our Agency IOs. 

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.

 
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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 a similar structure, quality 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 mortgage loans or other assets, such as non-Agency RMBS, CMBS, and CLOs, due to borrower defaults. Our portfolio of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts as of June 30, 2012 consisted of approximately $197.7 million of securitized first liens originated in 2005 and earlier. The securitized first liens were principally originated in 2005 by one of our subsidiaries prior to our exit from the mortgage lending business. These are predominately high-quality loans with an average loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio at origination of approximately 70.5%, and average borrower FICO score of approximately 728. In addition, approximately 65.0% of these loans were originated with full income and asset verification. While we feel that the quality of our origination and underwriting of these loans will help to mitigate the risk of significant borrower default on these loans, we cannot assure you that all borrowers will continue to satisfy their payment obligations under these loans and thereby avoid default.
  
As of June 30, 2012, the Company owns $86.7 million of first loss CMBS comprised of POs that are backed by commercial mortgage loans on multi-family properties at a weighted average amortized purchase price of approximately 25.7% of current par. The overall return of these securities will be dependent on the performance of the underlying loans and accordingly, management has taken an appropriate credit reserve when determining the amount of discount to accrete into income over time. In addition, we owned approximately $2.9 million of non-Agency RMBS senior securities. The non-Agency RMBS has a weighted average amortized purchase price of approximately 83.2% of current par value. Management believes the purchase price discount coupled with the credit support within the bond structure protects us from principal loss under most stress scenarios for these non-Agency RMBS. As of June 30, 2012, we own approximately $26.8 million of notes issued by a CLO at a discounted purchase price equal to 32.9% of par. The securities are backed by a portfolio of middle market corporate loans.
 
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 that are measured on a recurring basis are determined using Level 2 fair values, we own certain assets, such as our CMBS, 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 June 30, 2012, and do not take into consideration the effects of subsequent interest rate fluctuations.

We note that the values of our investments in derivative instruments, primarily interest rate hedges on our debt, 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.
 
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.
 
 
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The fair values of the Company's RMBS and CLOs are generally based on market prices provided by dealers who make markets in these financial instruments. If the fair value of a security is not reasonably available from a dealer, management estimates the fair value based on characteristics of the security that the Company receives from the issuer and on available market information.
 
The fair value of residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts is estimated using pricing models and taking into consideration 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.

The fair value of our CMBS is based on management’s estimates using pricing models and inputs from current market conditions including recent transactions. Our CMBS investments were acquired in private transactions and are not actively traded in the secondary markets. However similar assets are issued on a periodic basis that allows management to assess current market conditions when formulating a model evaluation.

The table below presents the sensitivity of the market value and net duration changes of our portfolio as of June 30, 2012, 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
   
(Amounts in thousands)
   
+200
 
$
(15,945)
   
4.15 years
+100
 
$
(6,137)
   
2.76 years
Base
   
   
2.14 years
-100
 
$
(3,351)
   
0.68 years
 
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 ARM products, 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, and the issuance of new equity. We typically run the simulation model under a variety of hypothetical business scenarios that may include different interest rate scenarios, different investment strategies, different prepayment possibilities and other scenarios that provide us with a range of possible earnings outcomes in order to assess potential interest rate risk. 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.

 
69

 
 
Item 4.        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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of June 30, 2012. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2012.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A.     Risk Factors
 
We previously disclosed risk factors under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. In addition to those risk factors and the other information included elsewhere in this report, you should also carefully consider the risk factors discussed below. The risks described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.

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.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we determined that certain securitization trusts that issued certain of our multi-family CMBS or securitized debt were variable interest entities, or 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 six months ended June 30, 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 are 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 re-securitize investment securities owned by us, we may be required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of the issuing or re-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.

 
70

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

We currently own and intend to continue to purchase principal only multi-family CMBS that represent the first loss tranche of a multi-family mortgage loan securitization. These first loss principal only securities are subject to the first risk of loss if any losses are realized on the underlying mortgage loans in the securitization. We also own and intend to continue to purchase 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 principal only CMBS, will be adversely affected by payment defaults, delinquencies and losses on the underlying mortgage loans.

We directly or indirectly utilize non-recourse securitizations, 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 exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, 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 special purpose securitization entity in exchange for cash.  In some sale transactions, we also retain a subordinated interest in the loans or CMBS sold.  The securitization 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.  Moreover, we cannot be assured that we will be able to access the securitization market in the future, or be able to do so at favorable rates. The inability to consummate securitizations of our portfolio to finance our investments on a long-term basis 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.

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

 
71

 
 
Item 6. Exhibits

The information set forth under “Exhibit Index” below is incorporated herein by reference.

 
72

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements 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: August 8, 2012
By:
/s/ Steven R. Mumma
 
   
Steven R. Mumma
 
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
 
   
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
 
 
     
       
 Date: August 8, 2012
By:
/s/ Fredric S. Starker
 
   
Fredric S. Starker
 
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
   
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 
 
 
73

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
 
Description
3.1(a)
 
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-111668), effective June 23, 2004).
     
3.1(b)
 
Articles of Amendment of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2007 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
3.1(c)
 
Articles of Amendment of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2007 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
3.1(d)
 
Articles of Amendment of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(d) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2008 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
3.1(e)
 
Articles of Amendment of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(e) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2008 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
3.1(f)
 
Articles of Amendment of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(f) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2009 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
3.1(g)
 
Certificate of Notice, dated May 4, 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1(g) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 4, 2012 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
3.2
 
Bylaws of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 4, 2011 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
4.1
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-111668), effective June 23, 2004).
     
4.2(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 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2005).
     
4.2(b)
 
Parent Guarantee Agreement between New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. 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 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September  6, 2005 (File No. 001-32216))
     
4.3(a)
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture between The New York Mortgage Company, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, dated March 15, 2005.*
     
4.3(b)
 
Parent Guarantee Agreement between New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as guarantee trustee, dated March 15, 2005.*
 
Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K.  The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to the SEC, upon request, copies of any such instruments.
     
4.4(a)
 
Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of Series A Cumulative Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company   (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2008 (File No. 001-32216)).

 
74

 

     
4.4(b)
 
Form of Series A Cumulative Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2008 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
4.4(c)
 
Articles Supplementary Reclassifying Series A Cumulative Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock as Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2012 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
10.1
 
Underwriting Agreement among New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. and the several underwriters listed therein, dated as of May 25, 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2012 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
10.2
 
Equity Distribution Agreement, dated June 11, 2012, by and between New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. and JMP Securities LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, 2012 (File No. 001-32216)).
     
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.*
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.*
32.1
 
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.*

 
*
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.
 
 
75
Exhibit 4.3(a)
 
 
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED INDENTURE
 
between
 
The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
 
and
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
 
__________________
 
Dated as of March 15, 2005
 
__________________
 
 
 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
ARTICLE I
Definitions and Other Provisions of General Application
SECTION 1.1.
Definitions.
1
SECTION 1.2.
Compliance Certificate and Opinions.
9
SECTION 1.3.
Forms of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
10
SECTION 1.4.
Acts of Holders.
10
SECTION 1.5.
Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company.
12
SECTION 1.6.
Notice to Holders; Waiver.
12
SECTION 1.7.
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
13
SECTION 1.8.
Successors and Assigns.
13
SECTION 1.9.
Separability Clause.
13
SECTION 1.10.
Benefits of Indenture.
13
SECTION 1.11.
Governing Law.
13
SECTION 1.12.
Submission to Jurisdiction.
13
SECTION 1.13.
Non-Business Days.
14
ARTICLE II
Security Forms
SECTION 2.1.
Form of Security.
14
SECTION 2.2.
Restricted Legend.
18
SECTION 2.3.
Form a/Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
20
SECTION 2.4.
Temporary Securities.
21
SECTION 2.5.
Definitive Securities.
21
ARTICLE III
The Securities
SECTION 3.1.
Payment of Principal and Interest.
21
SECTION 3.2.
Denominations.
23
SECTION 3.3.
Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
23
SECTION 3.4.
Global Securities.
24
SECTION 3.5.
Registration, Transfer and Exchange Generally.
26
SECTION 3.6.
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
27
SECTION 3.7.
Persons Deemed Owners.
28
SECTION 3.8.
Cancellation.
28
SECTION 3.9.
Reserved.
29
SECTION 3.10.
Reserved.
29
 
 
-i-

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
 
Page
SECTION 3.11.
Agreed Tax Treatment.
29
SECTION 3.12.
CUSIP Numbers.
29
ARTICLE IV
Satisfaction and Discharge
SECTION 4.1.
Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
29
SECTION 4.2.
Application of Trust Money.
30
ARTICLE V
Remedies
SECTION 5.1.
Events of Default.
31
SECTION 5.2.
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
32
SECTION 5.3.
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
33
SECTION 5.4.
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
33
SECTION 5.5.
Trustee May Enforce Claim Without Possession of Securities.
34
SECTION 5.6.
Application of Money Collected.
34
SECTION 5.7.
Limitation on Suits.
34
SECTION 5.8.
Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest; Direct Action by Holders of Preferred Securities.
35
SECTION 5.9.
Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
35
SECTION 5.10.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
36
SECTION 5.11.
Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
36
SECTION 5.12.
Control by Holders.
36
SECTION 5.13.
Waiver of Past Defaults.
36
SECTION 5.14.
Undertaking for Costs.
37
SECTION 5.15.
Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.
37
ARTICLE VI
The Trustee
SECTION 6.1.
Corporate Trustee Required.
37
SECTION 6.2.
Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
38
SECTION 6.3.
Notice of Defaults.
40
SECTION 6.4.
Certain Rights a/Trustee.
40
SECTION 6.5.
May Hold Securities.
42
SECTION 6.6.
Compensation; Reimbursement; Indemnity.
42
SECTION 6.7.
Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
43
SECTION 6.8.
Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
44
SECTION 6.9.
Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
44
SECTION 6.10.
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
44
 
 
-ii-

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
 
Page
SECTION 6.11.
Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
45
ARTICLE VII
Holder’s lists and reports by company
SECTION 7.1.
Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
46
SECTION 7.2.
Preservation of Information, Communications to Holders.
46
SECTION 7.3.
Reports by Company.
47
ARTICLE VIII
Consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease
SECTION 8.1.
Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
48
SECTION 8.2.
Successor Company Substituted.
48
ARTICLE IX
Supplemental indentures
SECTION 9.1.
Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders.
49
SECTION 9.2.
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
49
SECTION 9.3.
Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
50
SECTION 9.4.
Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
51
SECTION 9.5.
Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
51
ARTICLE X
Covenants
SECTION 10.1.
Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest.
51
SECTION 10.2.
Money for Security Payments to be Held in Trust.
51
SECTION 10.3.
Statement as to Compliance.
52
SECTION 10.4.
Calculation Agent.
52
SECTION 10.5.
Additional Tax Sums.
53
SECTION 10.6.
Additional Covenants.
54
SECTION 10.7.
Waiver a/Covenants.
55
SECTION 10.8.
Treatment of Securities.
55
ARTICLE XI
Redemption of securities
SECTION 11.1.
Optional Redemption.
55
SECTION 11.2.
Special Event Redemption.
55
SECTION 11.3.
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
55
SECTION 11.4.
Selection of Securities to be Redeemed.
56
SECTION 11.5.
Notice of Redemption.
56
SECTION 11.6.
Deposit of Redemption Price.
57
SECTION 11.7.
Payment a/Securities Called for Redemption.
57
 
 
-iii-

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
 
Page
ARTICLE XII
Subordination of securities
SECTION 12.1.
Securities Subordinate to Senior Debt.
58
SECTION 12.2.
No Payment When Senior Debt in Default; Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.
58
SECTION 12.3.
Payment Permitted If No Default.
59
SECTION 12.4.
Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt.
60
SECTION 12.5.
Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.
60
SECTION 12.6.
Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
60
SECTION 12.7.
No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.
61
SECTION 12.8.
Notice to Trustee.
61
SECTION 12.9.
Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
62
SECTION 12.10.
Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt.
62
SECTION 12.11.
Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Debt; Preservation a/Trustee’s Rights.
62
SECTION 12.12.
Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
62
 
SCHEDULES
 
 
Schedule A
-
Determination of LIBOR
 
 
Exhibit A
-
Form of Officer’s Financial Certificate
 
 
-iv-

 

Junior Subordinated Indenture , dated as of March 15,2005, between The New York Mortgage Company, LLC a Limited Liability Company corporation (the “ Company ”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association , a New York banking corporation, as Trustee (in such capacity, the “ Trustee ”).
 
Recitals of the Company
 
Whereas , the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of its unsecured junior subordinated interest notes (the “ Securities ”) issued to evidence loans made to the Company of the proceeds from the issuance by NYM Preferred Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust (the “ Trust ”), of undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (the “ Preferred Securities ”) and undivided common beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (the “ Common Securities ” and, collectively with the Preferred Securities, the “ Trust Securities ”), and to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are to be authenticated, issued and delivered; and
 
Whereas , all things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
 
Now , therefore , this Indenture Witnesseth:
 
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities, as follows:
 
ARTICLE I
 
Definitions and Other Provisions of General Application
 
SECTION 1.1.   Definitions.
 
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
 
(a)            the terms defined in this Article I have the meanings assigned to them in this Article I ;
 
(b)            the words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”;
 
(c)            all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP;
 
(d)            unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture;
 
(e)            the words “hereby”, “herein”, “hereof’’ and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;
 
 
1

 
 
(f)              a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and
 
(g)             the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
 
Act ” when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 1.4 .
 
Administrative Trustee ” means, with respect to the Trust, each Person identified as an “Administrative Trustee” in the Trust Agreement, solely in its capacity as Administrative Trustee of the Trust under the Trust Agreement and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor Administrative Trustee appointed as therein provided.
 
Additional Interest ” means the interest, if any, that shall accrue on any amounts payable on the Securities, the payment of which has not been made on the applicable Interest Payment Date and which shall accrue at the rate per annum specified or determined as specified in such Security, in each case to the extent legally enforceable.
 
Additional Tax Sums ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.5 .
 
Additional Taxes ” means taxes, duties or other governmental charges imposed on the Trust as a result of a Tax Event (which, for the sake of clarity, does not include amounts required to be deducted or withheld by the Trust from payments made by the Trust to or for the benefit of the Holder of, or any Person that acquires a beneficial interest in, the Securities).
 
Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
 
Applicable Depositary Procedures ” means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Global Security or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary for such Security, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.
 
Authenticating Agent ” means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.11 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate the Securities.
 
Bankruptcy Code ” means Title 11 of the United States Code or any successor statute(s) thereto, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors, in each case as amended from time to time.
 
Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.
 
Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.
 
 
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Business Day ” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or Sunday, (ii) a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is closed for business.
 
Calculation Agent ” has the meaning specified in Section 10.4 .
 
Common Securities ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.
 
Common Stock ” means the common stock, par value $774,000 per share, of the Company.
 
Company ” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor corporation.
 
Company Request ” and “ Company Order ” mean, respectively, the written request or order signed in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, its Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, its Chief Executive Officer, President or a Vice President, and by its Chief Financial Officer, its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.
 
Corporate Trust Office ” means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of this Indenture is located at 600 Travis, 50 th Floor, Houston, Texas 77019 Attn: Institutional Trust Services-NYM Preferred Trust I.
 
Debt ” means, with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person, whether currently existing or hereafter incurred and whether or not contingent and without duplication, (i) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person; (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such Person; (vi) all indebtedness of such Person, whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products, including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity forward contracts, options and swaps and similar arrangements; (vii) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable for, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise; and (viii) any renewals, extensions, refundings, amendments or modifications of any obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vii).
 
Defaulted Interest ” has the meaning specified in Section 3.1 .
 
 
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Delaware Trustee ” means, with respect to the Trust, the Person identified as the “Delaware Trustee” in the Trust Agreement, solely in its capacity as Delaware Trustee of the Trust under the Trust Agreement and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor Delaware Trustee appointed as therein provided.
 
Depositary ” means an organization registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act that is designated as Depositary by the Company or any successor thereto.  DTC will be the initial Depositary.
 
Depositary Participant ” means a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Depositary effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Depositary.
 
Distributions ” means amounts payable in respect of the Trust Securities as provided in the Trust Agreement and referred to therein as “Distributions.”
 
Dollar ” or “ $ ” means the currency of the United States of America that, as at the time of payment, is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.
 
DTC ” means The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation, or any successor thereto.
 
Event of Default ” has the meaning specified in Section 5.1 .
 
Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or any statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
 
Expiration Date ” has the meaning specified in Section 1.4 .
 
GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied, from time to time in effect.
 
Global Security ” means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities, the ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Depositary.
 
Government Obligation ” means (a) any security that is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and (b) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any Government Obligation that is specified in clause (a) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any Government Obligation that is so specified and held, provided , that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
 
 
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Holder ” means a Person m whose name a Security 1s registered in the Securities Register.
 
Indenture ” means this instrument as originally executed or as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented by one or more amendments or indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof.
 
Interest Payment Date ” means March 30, June 30, September 30, and December 30 of each year, commencing on June 30, 2005, during the term of this Indenture.
 
Investment Company Act ” means the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
 
Investment Company Event ” means the receipt by the Company of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation (including any announced prospective change) or a written change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or, within ninety (90) days of the date of such opinion will be, considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, which change or prospective change becomes effective or would become effective, as the case may be, on or after the date of the issuance of the Securities.
 
LIBOR ” has the meaning specified in Schedule A .
 
LIBOR Business Day ” has the meaning specified in Schedule A .
 
LIBOR Determination Date ” has the meaning specified in Schedule A .
 
Liquidation Amount ” has the meaning specified in the Trust Agreement.
 
Maturity ,” when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or any installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
 
Notice of Default ” means a written notice of the kind specified in Section 5.1(c) .
 
Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.
 
Operative Documents ” means the Trust Agreement, the Indenture, the Purchase Agreement and the Securities.
 
Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for or an employee of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.
 
 
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Optional Redemption Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 .
 
Original Issue Date ” means the date of original issuance of each Security.
 
Outstanding ” means, when used in reference to any Securities, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:
 
(i)             Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
 
(ii)            Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided , that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and
 
(iii)           Securities that have been paid or in substitution for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Securities are held by Holders in whose hands such Securities are valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company;
 
provided , that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded.  Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Securities initially issued to the Trust that are owned by the Trust shall be deemed to be Outstanding notwithstanding the ownership by the Company or an Affiliate of any beneficial interest in the Trust.
 
Paying Agent ” means the Trustee or any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of or any premium or interest on, or other amounts in respect of, any Securities on behalf of the Company.
 
Person ” means a legal person, including any individual, corporation, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity of whatever nature.
 
 
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Place of Payment ” means, with respect to the Securities, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
 
Preferred Securities ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.
 
Predecessor Security ” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security.  For the purposes of this definition, any security authenticated and delivered under Section 3.6 in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.
 
Proceeding ” has the meaning specified in Section 12.2 .
 
Property Trustee ” means the Person identified as the “Property Trustee” in the Trust Agreement, solely in its capacity as Property Trustee of the Trust under the Trust Agreement and not in its individual capacity, or its successor in interest in such capacity, or any successor Property Trustee appointed as therein provided.
 
Purchase Agreement ” means the agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and the Trust and Purchaser named therein.
 
Redemption Date ” means, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
 
Redemption Price ” means, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, in whole or in part, the Special Redemption Price or the Optional Redemption Price, as applicable, at which such Security or portion thereof is to be redeemed as fixed by or pursuant to this Indenture.
 
Reference Banks ” has the meaning specified in Schedule A .
 
Regular Record Date ” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date with respect to the Securities means the date that is fifteen (15) days preceding such Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day).
 
Responsible Officer ” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, the officer in the Institutional Trust Services department of the Trustee having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
 
Rights Plan ” means a plan of the Company providing for the issuance by the Company to all holders of its Common Stock of rights entitling the holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares of any class or series of capital stock of the Company which rights (i) are deemed to be transferred with such shares of such Common Stock and (ii) are also issued in respect of future issuances of such Common Stock, in each case until the occurrence of a specified event or events.
 
Securities ” or “ Security means any debt securities or debt security, as the case may be, authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.
 
 
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Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933 or any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
 
Securities Register ” and “ Securities Registrar ” have the respective meanings specified in Section 3.5 .
 
Senior Debt ” means the principal of and any premium and interest on (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company, whether or not such claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding) all Debt of the Company, whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, unless it is provided in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to the Securities issued under this Indenture; provided , that Senior Debt shall not be deemed to include any other debt securities (and guarantees, if any), in respect of such debt securities issued to any trust other than the Trust (or a trustee of any such trust), partnership or other entity affiliated with the Company that is a financing vehicle of the Company (a “financing entity”) in connection with the issuance by such financing entity of equity securities or other securities that are treated as equity capital for regulatory capital purposes guaranteed by the Company pursuant to an instrument that ranks pari passu with or junior in right of payment to this Indenture.
 
Special Event ” means the occurrence of an Investment Company Event or a Tax Event.
 
Special Record Date ” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 .
 
Special Redemption Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2 .
 
Stated Maturity ” means March 30, 2035.
 
Subsidiary ” means a Person more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting stock or other voting interests of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries.  For purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means stock that ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
 
Tax Event ” means the receipt by the Company of an Opinion of Counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of (a) any amendment to or change (including any announced prospective change) in the laws or any regulations thereunder of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein or (b) any judicial decision or any official administrative pronouncement (including any private letter ruling, technical advice memorandum or field service advice) or regulatory procedure, including any notice or announcement of intent to adopt any such pronouncement or procedure (an “ Administrative Action ”), regardless of whether such judicial decision or Administrative Action is issued to or in connection with a proceeding involving the Company or the Trust and whether or not subject to review or appeal, which amendment, change, judicial decision or Administrative Action is enacted, promulgated or announced, in each case, on or after the date of issuance of the Securities, there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be within ninety (90) days of the date of such opinion, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the Securities, (ii) interest payable by the Company on the Securities is not, or within ninety (90) days of the date of such opinion, will not be, deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes, or (iii) the Trust is, or will be within ninety (90) days of the date of such opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges.
 
 
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Trust ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.
 
Trust Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement executed and delivered by the Company, the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees named therein, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Indenture, for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Securities, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
 
Trustee ” means the Person named as the “ Trustee ” in the first paragraph of this instrument, solely in its capacity as such and not in its individual capacity, until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and, thereafter, “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder.
 
Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and as in effect on the date as of this Indenture.
 
Trust Securities ” has the meaning specified in the first recital of this Indenture.
 
SECTION 1.2.   Compliance Certificate and Opinions.
 
(a)             Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall, if requested by the Trustee, furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent (including covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent), if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent (including covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent), if any, have been complied with.
 
(b)             Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than the certificate provided pursuant to Section 10.3 ) shall include:
 
(i)             a statement by each individual signing such certificate or opinion that such individual has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;
 
(ii)            a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions of such individual contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
 
(iii)           a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
 
 
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(iv)           a statement as to whether, in the opinion of such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
 
SECTION 1.3.   Forms of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
 
(a)              In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
 
(b)             Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or after reasonable inquiry should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to matters upon which his or her certificate or opinion is based are erroneous.  Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or after reasonable inquiry should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
 
(c)              Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
 
(d)             Whenever, subsequent to the receipt by the Trustee of any Board Resolution, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel or other document or instrument, a clerical, typographical or other inadvertent or unintentional error or omission shall be discovered therein, a new document or instrument may be substituted therefor in corrected form with the same force and effect as if originally received in the corrected form and, irrespective of the date or dates of the actual execution and/or delivery thereof, such substitute document or instrument shall be deemed to have been executed and/or delivered as of the date or dates required with respect to the document or instrument for which it is substituted.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Securities issued under the authority of such defective document or instrument shall nevertheless be the valid obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of this Indenture equally and ratably with all other Outstanding Securities.
 
SECTION 1.4.   Acts of Holders.
 
(a)              Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given to or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent thereof duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments (including any appointment of an agent) is or are delivered to the Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company.  Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “ Act ” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.4 .
 
 
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(b)             The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him or her the execution thereof.  Where such execution is by a Person acting in other than his or her individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his or her authority.  The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems sufficient and in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Trustee may determine.
 
(c)             The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Securities Register.
 
(d)            Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.
 
(e)             Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.
 
(f)              Except as set forth in paragraph (g) of this Section 1.4 , the Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities.  If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided , that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date (as defined in Section 1.4(h) ) by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities on such record date.  Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect).  Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities in the manner set forth in Section 1.6 .
 
(g)             The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration or rescission or annulment thereof referred to in Section 5.2 , (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 5.7(b) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 5.12 .  If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided , that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities on such record date.  Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect).  Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities in the manner set forth in Section 1.6 .
 
 
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(h)             With respect to any record date set pursuant to paragraph (f) or (g) of this Section 1.4 , the party hereto that sets such record date may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided , that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities in the manner set forth in Section 1.6 , on or prior to the existing Expiration Date.  If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 1.4 , the party hereto that set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the ninetieth (90th) day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the one hundred eightieth (180 th ) day after the applicable record date.
 
SECTION 1.5.   Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company.
 
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, Act of Holders, or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:
 
(a)             the Trustee by any Holder, any holder of Preferred Securities or the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with and received by the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, or
 
(b)             the Company by the Trustee, any Holder or any holder of Preferred Securities shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at 1301 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York  10019 or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.
 
SECTION 1.6.   Notice to Holders; Waiver.
 
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to each Holder affected by such event to the address of such Holder as it appears in the Securities Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice.  If, by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular mail service or for any other reason, it shall be impossible or impracticable to mail notice of any event to Holders when said notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.  In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders.  Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
 
 
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SECTION 1.7.   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
 
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Indenture.
 
SECTION 1.8.   Successors and Assigns.
 
This Indenture shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor to the Company and the Trustee, including any successor by operation of law.  Except in connection with a transaction involving the Company that is permitted under Article VIII and pursuant to which the assignee agrees in writing to perform the Company’s obligations hereunder, the Company shall not assign its obligations hereunder.
 
SECTION 1.9.   Separability Clause.
 
If any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and there shall be deemed substituted for the provision at issue a valid, legal and enforceable provision as similar as possible to the provision at issue.
 
SECTION 1.10.   Benefits of Indenture.
 
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors and assigns, the holders of Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities and, to the extent expressly provided in Sections 5.2 , 5.8 , 5.9 , 5.11 , 5.13 , 9.2 and 10.7 , the holders of Preferred Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
 
SECTION 1.11.   Governing Law.
 
This Indenture and the rights and obligations of each of the Holders, the Company and the Trustee shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without reference to its conflict of laws provisions (other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law).
 
SECTION 1.12.   Submission to Jurisdiction .
 
 
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ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO OR WITH RESPECT TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS INDENTURE MAY BE BROUGHT IN OR REMOVED TO THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (IN EACH CASE SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN).  BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS INDENTURE, EACH PARTY ACCEPTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS (AND COURTS OF APPEALS THEREFROM) FOR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE.
 
SECTION 1.13.   Non-Business Days.
 
If any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or the Securities) payment of interest, premium, if any, or principal or other amounts in respect of such Security shall not be made on such date, but shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day (and no interest shall accrue in respect of the amounts whose payment is so delayed for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, until such next succeeding Business Day) except that, if such Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date or at the Stated Maturity.
 
ARTICLE II
Security Forms
 
SECTION 2.1.   Form of Security.
 
Any Security issued hereunder shall be in substantially the following form:
 
The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
 
Junior Subordinated Note due 2035
 
No.   $ 25,774,000
 
  The New York Mortgage Company, LLC, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of New York (hereinafter called the “ Company ,” which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to _____________________, the principal sum of Twenty Five Million Seven Hundred Seventy Four Thousand Dollars ($25,774,000) [ if the Security is a Global Security, then insert   ¾ or such other principal amount represented hereby as may be set forth in the records of the Securities Registrar hereinafter referred to in accordance with the Indenture] on March 30, 2035.  The Company further promises to pay interest on said principal sum from March 15, 2005, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, quarterly in arrears on March 30, June 30, September 30, and December 30 of each year, commencing June 30, 2005, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (and no interest shall accrue in respect of the amounts whose payment is so delayed for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date until such next succeeding Business Day), except that, if such Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day, in each case, with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.75% per annum, together with Additional Tax Sums, if any, as provided in Section 10.5 of the Indenture, until the principal hereof is paid or duly provided for or made available for payment; provided , further , that any overdue principal, premium, if any, or Additional Tax Sums and any overdue installment of interest shall bear Additional Interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.75% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), compounded quarterly, from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand.
 
 
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The amount of interest payable shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed in the relevant interest period.  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest installment.  Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Indenture.
 
During an Event of Default, the Company shall not (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of the Company’s capital stock or (ii) make any payment of principal of or any interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to this Security (other than (a) repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of capital stock of the Company in connection with (1) any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of any one or more employees, officers, directors or consultants, (2) a dividend reinvestment or stockholder stock purchase plan and (3) the issuance of capital stock of the Company (or securities convertible into or exercisable for such capital stock) as consideration in an acquisition transaction entered into prior to such Event of Default, (b) as a result of an exchange or conversion of any class or series of the Company’s capital stock (or any capital stock of a Subsidiary of the Company) for any class or series of the Company’s capital stock or of any class or series of the Company’s indebtedness for any class or series of the Company’s capital stock, (c) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged, (d) any declaration of a dividend in connection with any Rights Plan, the issuance of rights, stock or other property under any Rights Plan, or the redemption or repurchase of rights pursuant thereto or (e) any dividend in the form of stock, warrants, options or other rights where the dividend stock or the stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants, options or other rights is the same stock as that on which the dividend is being paid or ranks pari passu with or junior to such stock).
 
 
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Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Security shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.  Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest due at the Maturity of this Security shall be made at the Place of Payment upon surrender of such Securities to the Paying Agent, and payments of interest shall be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Paying Agent at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto unless proper written transfer instructions have not been received by the relevant record date, in which case such payments shall be made by check mailed to the address of such Person as such address shall appear in the Security Register.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the Holder of this Security is the Property Trustee, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including any overdue installment of interest and Additional Tax Sums, if any) on this Security will be made at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.
 
The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent provided in the Indenture, subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, and this Security is issued subject to the provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto.  Each Holder of this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.  Each Holder hereof, by his or her acceptance hereof, waives all notice of the acceptance of the subordination provisions contained herein and in the Indenture by each holder of Senior Debt, whether now outstanding or hereafter incurred, and waives reliance by each such holder upon said provisions.
 
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
 
[FORM OF REVERSE OF SECURITY]
 
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (the “ Securities ”) issued under the Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2005 (the “ Indenture ”), between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee (in such capacity, the “ Trustee ,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee, the holders of Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities and the holders of the Preferred Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.
 
All terms used in this Security that are defined in the Indenture or in the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2005 (as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Trust Agreement ”), relating to the NYM Preferred Trust I (the “ Trust ”) among the Company, as Depositor, the Trustees named therein and the Holders from time to time of the Trust Securities issued pursuant thereto, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture or the Trust Agreement, as the case may be.
 
 
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The Company may, on any Interest Payment Date, at its option, upon not less than thirty (30) days’ nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Holders of the Securities (unless a shorter notice period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) on or after March 30, 2010 and subject to the terms and conditions of Article XI of the Indenture, redeem this Security in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a Redemption Price equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount hereof, together, in the case of any such redemption, with accrued interest, including any Additional Interest, through but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date.
 
In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Special Event, the Company may, at its option, upon not less than thirty (30) days’ nor more than sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Holders of the Securities (unless a shorter notice period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), redeem this Security, in whole but not in part, subject to the terms and conditions of Article XI of the Indenture at a Redemption Price equal to one hundred seven and one half percent (107.5%) of the principal amount hereof, together, in the case of any such redemption, with accrued interest, including any Additional Interest, through but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date.
 
In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.  If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than sixty (60) days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the Outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a portion of the principal amount of any Security.
 
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the Company and the Trustee at any time to enter into a supplemental indenture or indentures for the purpose of modifying in any manner the rights and obligations of the Company and of the Holders of the Securities, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities.  The Indenture also contains provisions permitting Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences.  Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
 
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium, if any, and interest, including any Additional Interest (to the extent legally enforceable), on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.
 
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is restricted to transfers to “Qualified Purchasers” (as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), and is registrable in the Securities Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar and duly executed by, the Holder hereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities, of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
 
 
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The Securities are issuable only in registered form without coupons in mmtmum denominations of $100,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
 
No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
 
The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
The Company and, by its acceptance of this Security or a beneficial interest herein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a beneficial interest in, this Security agree that, for United States federal, state and local tax purposes, it is intended that this Security constitute indebtedness.
 
This Security shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without reference to its conflict of laws provisions (other than Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law).
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed on this day of , 20_.
 
The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
 
By:                                                                            
Name:                                                              
Title:                                                                
 
SECTION 2.2.   Restricted Legend .
 
(a)            Any Security issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
 
“[ IF THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY INSERT: THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) OR A NOMINEE OF DTC.  THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN DTC OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY AS A WHOLE BY DTC TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY A NOMINEE OF DTC TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF DTC) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.
 
 
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UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO.  OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO.  OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.)
 
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND SUCH SECURITIES, AND ANY INTEREST THEREIN, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM.  EACH PURCHASER OF ANY SECURITIES IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THE SECURITIES MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
 
THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITIES MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (I) TO THE COMPANY OR (II) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED PURCHASER” (AS DEFINED IN SECTION 2(a)(51) OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED), AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF ANY SECURITIES FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE.
 
THE SECURITIES WILL BE ISSUED AND MAY BE TRANSFERRED ONLY IN BLOCKS HAVING AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN $100,000.  TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF SECURITIES, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, IN A BLOCK HAVING AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF LESS THAN $100,000 AND MULTIPLES OF $1,000 IN EXCESS THEREOF SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE VOID AND OF NO LEGAL EFFECT WHATSOEVER.  TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY SUCH PURPORTED TRANSFEREE SHALL BE DEEMED NOT TO BE THE HOLDER OF SUCH SECURITIES FOR ANY PURPOSE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE RECEIPT OF PRINCIPAL OF OR INTEREST ON SUCH SECURITIES, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, AND SUCH PURPORTED TRANSFEREE SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER IN SUCH SECURITIES.
 
 
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THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF OR THEREOF ALSO AGREES, REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ ERISA’’ ), OR SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “ CODE’’ ) (EACH A “ PLAN’’ ), OR AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” BY REASON OF ANY PLAN’S INVESTMENT IN THE ENTITY, AND NO PERSON INVESTING “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY PLAN MAY ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN.  ANY PURCHASER OR HOLDER OF THE SECURITIES OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED BY ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING THEREOF THAT IT IS NOT AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 3(3) OF ERISA, OR A PLAN TO WHICH SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE IS APPLICABLE, A TRUSTEE OR OTHER PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR PLAN, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY USING THE ASSETS OF ANY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR PLAN TO FINANCE SUCH PURCHASE.”
 
(b)            The above legends shall not be removed from any Security unless there is delivered to the Company satisfactory evidence, which may include an Opinion of Counsel, as may be reasonably required to ensure that any future transfers thereof may be made without restriction under or violation of the provisions of the Securities Act and other applicable law.  Upon provision of such satisfactory evidence, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall deliver, upon receipt of a Company Order directing it to do so, a Security that does not bear the legend.
 
SECTION 2.3.   Form a/Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.
 
The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:
 
This is one of the Securities referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
 
Dated:                                                                
 
 
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JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, not in its individual capacity, but
solely as Trustee
 
By:                                                                           
                         Authorized signatory
 
SECTION 2.4.   Temporary Securities.
 
(a)            Pending the preparation of definitive Securities, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities that are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
 
(b)            If temporary Securities are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay.  After the preparation of definitive Securities, the temporary Securities shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities upon surrender of the temporary Securities at the office or agency of the Company designated for that purpose without charge to the Holder.  Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive Securities of any authorized denominations having the same Original Issue Date and Stated Maturity and having the same terms as such temporary Securities.  Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities.
 
SECTION 2.5.   Definitive Securities.
 
The Securities issued on the Original Issue Date shall be in definitive form.  The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved, or produced by any combination of these methods, if required by any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner permitted by the rules of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.
 
ARTICLE III
 
The Securities
 
SECTION 3.1.   Payment of Principal and Interest.
 
(a)            The unpaid principal amount of the Securities shall bear interest at a variable rate of LIBOR plus 3.75% per annum until paid or duly provided for such interest to accrue from the Original Issue Date or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, and any overdue principal, premium, if any, or Additional Tax Sums and any overdue installment of interest shall bear Additional Interest at the rate equal to a variable rate of LIBOR plus 3.75% per annum compounded quarterly from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or funds for the payment thereof are made available for payment.
 
 
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(b)            Interest and Additional Interest on any Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, except that interest and any Additional Interest payable on the Stated Maturity (or any date of principal repayment upon early maturity) of the principal of a Security or on a Redemption Date shall be paid to the Person to whom principal is paid.  The initial payment of interest on any Security that is issued between a Regular Record Date and the related Interest Payment Date shall be payable as provided in such Security.
 
(c)            Any interest on any Security that is due and payable, but is not timely paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for Securities (herein called “ Defaulted Interest ”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in paragraph (i) or (ii) below:
 
(i)            The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest (a “ Special Record Date ”), which shall be fixed in the following manner.  At least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the proposed payment, the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest.  Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be not more than fifteen (15) days and not less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than ten (10) days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment.  The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first class, postage prepaid, to each Holder of a Security at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Securities Register not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date.  Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered on such Special Record Date; or
 
 
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(ii)            The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities may be listed and, upon such notice as may be required by such exchange (or by the Trustee if the Securities are not listed), if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
 
(d)            Payments of interest on the Securities shall include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates.  Interest payments for the Securities shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed in the relevant interest period.
 
(e)            Payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.  Payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest due at the Maturity of such Securities shall be made at the Place of Payment upon surrender of such Securities to the Paying Agent and payments of interest shall be made subject to such surrender where applicable, by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Paying Agent at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto unless proper written transfer instructions have not been received by the relevant record date, in which case such payments shall be made by check mailed to the address of such Person as such address shall appear in the Security Register.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as the holder of this Security is the Property Trustee, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest (including any overdue installment of interest and Additional Tax Sums, if any) on this Security will be made at such place and to such account as may be designated by the Property Trustee.
 
(f)            Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.1 , each Security delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Security.
 
SECTION 3.2.   Denominations.
 
The Securities shall be in registered form without coupons and shall be issuable m minimum denominations of $100,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
SECTION 3.3.   Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
 
(a)            At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities in an aggregate principal amount (including all then Outstanding Securities) not in excess of Twenty Five Million Seven Hundred Seventy Four Thousand Dollars ($25,774,000) executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities.  In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon:
 
(i)            a copy of any Board Resolution relating thereto; and
 
 
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(ii)            an Opinion of Counsel stating that: (1) such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute, and the Indenture constitutes, valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, each enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles; (2) the Securities have been duly authorized and executed by the Company and have been delivered to the Trustee for authentication in accordance with this Indenture; (3) the Securities are not required to be registered under the Securities Act; and (4) the Indenture is not required to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.
 
(b)            The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its Chief Executive Officer, its President or one of its Vice Presidents.  The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile.  Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
 
(c)            No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 3.8 , for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
 
(d)            Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
 
[If DTC entry insert the following Section:]
 
SECTION 3.4.   Global Securities.
 
(a)            Upon the election of the Holder after the Original Issue Date, which election need not be in writing, the Securities owned by such Holder shall be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.  Each Global Security issued under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated by the Company for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.
 
 
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(b)            Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for registered Securities, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof unless (i) such Depositary advises the Trustee and the Company in writing that such Depositary is no longer willing or able to properly discharge its responsibilities as Depositary with respect to such Global Security, and no qualified successor is appointed by the Company within ninety (90) days of receipt by the Company of such notice, (ii) such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and no successor is appointed by the Company within ninety (90) days after obtaining knowledge of such event, (iii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order stating that the Company elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Depositary or (iv) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.  Upon the occurrence of any event specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, the Trustee shall notify the Depositary and instruct the Depositary to notify all owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security of the occurrence of such event and of the availability of Securities to such owners of beneficial interests requesting the same.  The Trustee may conclusively rely, and be protected in relying, upon the written identification of the owners of beneficial interests furnished by the Depositary, and shall not be liable for any delay resulting from a delay by the Depositary.  Upon the issuance of such Securities and the registration in the Securities Register of such Securities in the names of the Holders of the beneficial interests therein, the Trustees shall recognize such holders of beneficial interests as Holders.
 
(c)            If any Global Security is to be exchanged for other Securities or canceled in part, or if another Security is to be exchanged in whole or in part for a beneficial interest in any Global Security, then either (i) such Global Security shall be so surrendered for exchange or cancellation as provided in this Article III or (ii) the principal amount thereof shall be reduced or increased by an amount equal to (x) the portion thereof to be so exchanged or canceled, or (y) the principal amount of such other Security to be so exchanged for a beneficial interest therein, as the case may be, by means of an appropriate adjustment made on the records of the Securities Registrar, whereupon the Trustee, in accordance with the Applicable Depositary Procedures, shall instruct the Depositary or its authorized representative to make a corresponding adjustment to its records.  Upon any such surrender or adjustment of a Global Security by the Depositary, accompanied by registration instructions, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver any Securities issuable in exchange for such Global Security (or any portion thereof) in accordance with the instructions of the Depositary.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions and may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected in relying on, such instructions.
 
(d)            Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.
 
(e)            Securities distributed to holders of Book-Entry Preferred Securities (as defined in the applicable Trust Agreement) upon the dissolution of the Trust shall be distributed in the form of one or more Global Securities registered in the name of a Depositary or its nominee, and deposited with the Securities Registrar, as custodian for such Depositary, or with such Depositary, for credit by the Depositary to the respective accounts of the beneficial owners of the Securities represented thereby (or such other accounts as they may direct).  Securities distributed to holders of Preferred Securities other than Book-Entry Preferred Securities upon the dissolution of the Trust shall not be issued in the form of a Global Security or any other form intended to facilitate book-entry trading in beneficial interests in such Securities.
 
 
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(f)            The Depositary or its nominee, as the registered owner of a Global Security, shall be the Holder of such Global Security for all purposes under this Indenture and the Securities, and owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security shall hold such interests pursuant to the Applicable Depositary Procedures.  Accordingly, any such owner’s beneficial interest in a Global Security shall be shown only on, and the transfer of such interest shall be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary or its nominee or its Depositary Participants.  The Securities Registrar and the Trustee shall be entitled to deal with the Depositary for all purposes of this Indenture relating to a Global Security (including the payment of principal and interest thereon and the giving of instructions or directions by owners of beneficial interests therein and the giving of notices) as the sole Holder of the Security and shall have no obligations to the owners of beneficial interests therein.  Neither the Trustee nor the Securities Registrar shall have any liability in respect of any transfers effected by the Depositary.
 
(g)            The rights of owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such owners and the Depositary and/or its Depositary Participants.
 
(h)            No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on its behalf by a Depositary shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global Security, and such Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever.  None of the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by a Depositary or impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial interests, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary (or its nominee) as Holder of any Security.
 
SECTION 3.5.   Registration, Transfer and Exchange Generally.
 
(a)            The Trustee shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office a register (the “ Securities Register ”) in which the registrar and transfer agent with respect to the Securities (the “ Securities Registrar ”), subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers and exchanges of Securities.  The Trustee shall at all times also be the Securities Registrar.  The provisions of Article VI shall apply to the Trustee in its role as Securities Registrar.
 
(b)            Subject to compliance with Section 2.2(b) , upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security at the offices or agencies of the Company designated for that purpose the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of any authorized denominations of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.
 
(c)            At the option of the Holder, Securities may be exchanged for other Securities of any authorized denominations, of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency.  Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
 
 
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(d)            All Securities issued upon any transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
 
(e)            Every Security presented or surrendered for transfer or exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Securities Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing.
 
(f)            No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange of Securities.
 
(g)            Neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be required pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.5 (g): (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security during a period beginning at the opening of business fifteen (15) days before the day of selection for redemption of Securities pursuant to Article XI and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the notice of redemption or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any such Security to be redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to be redeemed.
 
(h)            The Company shall designate an office or offices or agency or agencies where Securities may be surrendered for registration or transfer or exchange.  The Company initially designates the Corporate Trust Office as its office and agency for such purposes.  The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee and to the Holders of any change in the location of any such office or agency.
 
(i)            The Securities may only be transferred to a “Qualified Purchaser” as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company Act.  Neither the Trustee nor the Securities Registrar shall be responsible for ascertaining whether any transfer hereunder complies with the registration provisions of or any exemptions from the Securities Act, applicable state securities laws or the applicable laws of any other jurisdiction, ERISA, the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Investment Company Act; provided , that if a certificate is specifically required by the express terms of this Section 3.5 to be delivered to the Trustee or the Securities Registrar by a Holder or transferee of a Security, the Trustee and the Securities Registrar shall be under a duty to receive and examine the same to determine whether or not the certificate substantially conforms on its face to the requirements of this Indenture and shall promptly notify the party delivering the same if such certificate does not comply with such terms.
 
SECTION 3.6.   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
 
(a)            If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee together with such security or indemnity as may be required by the Trustee to save the Company and the Trustee harmless, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of like tenor and aggregate principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
 
 
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(b)            If there shall be delivered to the Trustee (i) evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by it to save each of the Company and the Trustee harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its written request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of like tenor and aggregate principal amount as such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
 
(c)            If any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
 
(d)            Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section 3.6 , the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
 
(e)            Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section 3.6 in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities duly issued hereunder.
 
(f)            The provisions of this Section 3.6 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
 
SECTION 3.7.   Persons Deemed Owners.
 
The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall treat the Person in whose name any Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any interest on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
SECTION 3.8.   Cancellation.
 
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities and Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly canceled by it.  The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Trustee.  No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section 3.8 , except as expressly permitted by this Indenture.  All canceled Securities shall be retained or disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary practices and the Trustee shall deliver to the Company a certificate of such disposition.
 
 
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SECTION 3.9.   Reserved.
 
SECTION 3.10.   Reserved.
 
SECTION 3.11.   Agreed Tax Treatment.
 
Each Security issued hereunder shall provide that the Company and, by its acceptance or acquisition of a Security or a beneficial interest therein, the Holder of, and any Person that acquires a direct or indirect beneficial interest in, such Security, intend and agree to treat such Security as indebtedness of the Company for United States Federal, state and local tax purposes and to treat the Preferred Securities (including but not limited to all payments and proceeds with respect to the Preferred Securities) as an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the Securities (and any other Trust property) (and payments and proceeds therefrom, respectively) for United States Federal, state and local tax purposes.  The provisions of this Indenture shall be interpreted to further this intention and agreement of the parties.
 
SECTION 3.12.   CUSIP Numbers.
 
The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption and other similar or related materials as a convenience to Holders; provided , that any such notice or other materials may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption or other materials and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.
 
ARTICLE IV
 
Satisfaction and Discharge
 
SECTION 4.1.   Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
 
This Indenture shall, upon Company Request, cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for and as otherwise provided in this Section 4.1 ) and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when
 
(a)              either
 
(i)             all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (A) Securities that have been mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 3.6 and (B) Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust as provided in Section 10.2 ) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
 
 
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(ii)            all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
 
(A)           have become due and payable, or
 
(B)            will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year of the date of deposit, or
 
(C)            are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
 
and the Company, in the case of subclause (ii)(A), (B) or (C) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose (x) an amount in the currency or currencies in which the Securities are payable, (y) Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount or (z) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities that have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity (or any date of principal repayment upon early maturity) or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
 
(b)             the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and
 
(c)             the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
 
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 6.6 , the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 6.11 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (a)(ii) of this Section 4.1 , the obligations of the Trustee under Section 4.2 and Section 10.2(e) shall survive.
 
SECTION 4.2.   Application of Trust Money.
 
Subject to the provisions of Section 10.2(e) , all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.1 shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment in accordance with Section 3.1 , either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) for the payment of which such money or obligations have been deposited with or received by the Trustee.  Moneys held by the Trustee under this Section 4.2 shall not be subject to the claims of holders of Senior Debt under Article XII .
 
 
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ARTICLE V
 
Remedies
 
SECTION 5.1.   Events of Default.
 
Event of Default ” means, wherever used herein with respect to the Securities, any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
 
(a)            default in the payment of any interest upon any Security, including any Additional Interest in respect thereof, when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of thirty (30) days; or
 
(b)            default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any Security at its Maturity; or
 
(c)            default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture and continuance of such default or breach for a period of thirty (30) days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;
 
(d)            the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days;
 
(e)            the institution by the Company of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by the Company to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by the Company of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due and its willingness to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
 
 
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(f)             the Trust shall have voluntarily or involuntarily liquidated, dissolved, wound-up its business or otherwise terminated its existence, except in connection with (1) the distribution of the Securities to holders of the Preferred Securities in liquidation of their interests in the Trust, (2) the redemption of all of the outstanding Preferred Securities or (3) certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations, each as and to the extent permitted by the Trust Agreement.
 
SECTION 5.2.   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
 
(a)             If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities may declare the principal amount of all the Securities to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), provided , that if, upon an Event of Default, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than twenty five percent (25%) in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities fail to declare the principal of all the Outstanding Securities to be immediately due and payable, the holders of at least twenty five percent (25%) in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding shall have the right to make such declaration by a notice in writing to the Property Trustee, the Company and the Trustee; and upon any such declaration the principal amount of and the accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Securities shall become immediately due and payable.
 
(b)            At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter provided in this Article V , the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by written notice to the Indenture Trustee, or the holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, by written notice to the Property Trustee, the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:
 
(i)            the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:
 
(A)            all overdue installments of interest on all Securities,
 
(B)            any accrued Additional Interest on all Securities,
 
(C)            the principal of and any premium on any Securities that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest (including any Additional Interest) thereon at the rate borne by the Securities, and
 
(D)            all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Property Trustee and their agents and counsel; and
 
 
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(ii)            all Events of Default with respect to Securities, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities that has become due solely by such acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 5.13 ;
 
provided , that if the Holders of such Securities fail to annul such declaration and waive such default, the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding shall also have the right to rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences by written notice to the Property Trustee, the Company and the Trustee, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 5.2 .  No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
 
SECTION 5.3.   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
 
(a)            The Company covenants that if:
 
(i)             default is made in the payment of any installment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of thirty (30) days, or
 
(ii)            default is made in the payment of the principal of and any premium on any Security at the Maturity thereof,
 
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) and, in addition thereto, all amounts owing the Trustee under Section 6.6 .
 
(b)            If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities, wherever situated.
 
(c)            If an Event of Default with respect to Securities occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
 
SECTION 5.4.   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
 
In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or similar judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized hereunder in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding.  In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to first pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts owing the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and other Persons under Section 6.6 .
 
 
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SECTION 5.5.   Trustee May Enforce Claim Without Possession of Securities.
 
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, subject to Article XII and after provision for the payment of all the amounts owing the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and other Persons under Section 6.6 , be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
 
SECTION 5.6.   Application of Money Collected.
 
Any money or property collected or to be applied by the Trustee with respect to the Securities pursuant to this Article V shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money or property on account of principal or any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest), upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
 
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee, any predecessor Trustee and other Persons under Section 6.6 ;
 
SECOND: To the payment of all Senior Debt of the Company if and to the extent required by Article XII ;
 
THIRD: Subject to Article XII , to the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities for principal and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest), respectively; and
 
FOURTH: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.
 
SECTION 5.7.   Limitation on Suits.
 
Subject to Section 5.8 , no Holder of any Securities shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture or for the appointment of a custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar official) or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
 
 
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(a)            such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities;
 
(b)            the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
 
(c)            such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
 
(d)            the Trustee after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding for sixty (60) days; and
 
(e)            no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such sixty (60)-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities;
 
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing itself of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders of Securities, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.
 
SECTION 5.8.   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest; Direct Action by Holders of Preferred Securities.
 
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and any premium on such Security at its Maturity and payment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Security when due and payable and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.  Any registered holder of the Preferred Securities shall have the right, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in Section 5.1(a) or Section 5.1(b) , to institute a suit directly against the Company for enforcement of payment to such holder of principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities having a principal amount equal to the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities held by such holder.
 
SECTION 5.9.   Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
 
If the Trustee, any Holder or any holder of Preferred Securities has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee, such Holder or such holder of Preferred Securities, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee, such Holders and such holder of Preferred Securities shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee, such Holder and such holder of Preferred Securities shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
 
 
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SECTION 5.10.   Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
 
Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.6(f) , no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
 
SECTION 5.11.   Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
 
No delay or omission of the Trustee, any Holder of any Securities or any holder of any Preferred Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article V or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders and the right and remedy given to the holders of Preferred Securities by Section 5.8 may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee, the Holders or the holders of Preferred Securities, as the case may be.
 
SECTION 5.12.   Control by Holders.
 
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities (or, as the case may be, the holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee; provided , that:
 
(a)            such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,
 
(b)            the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction, and
 
(c)            subject to the provisions of Section 6.2 , the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow such direction if a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee shall, in good faith, reasonably determine that the proceeding so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders not joining in any such direction or would involve the Trustee in personal liability.
 
SECTION 5.13.   Waiver of Past Defaults.
 
(a)            The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities or the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities may waive any past Event of Default hereunder and its consequences except an Event of Default:
 
(i)            in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security (unless such Event of Default has been cured and the Company has paid to or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay all installments of interest (including any Additional Interest) due and past due and all principal of and any premium on all Securities due otherwise than by acceleration), or
 
 
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(ii)            in respect of a covenant or provision hereof that under Article IX cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder of any Outstanding Security.
 
(b)            Any such waiver shall be deemed to be on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities or, in the case of a waiver by holders of Preferred Securities issued by such Trust, by all holders of Preferred Securities.
 
(c)            Upon any such waiver, such Event of Default shall cease to exist and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
 
SECTION 5.14.   Undertaking for Costs.
 
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his or her acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 5.14 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than ten percent (10%) in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or any premium on the Security after the Stated Maturity or any interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security after it is due and payable.
 
SECTION 5.15.   Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.
 
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
The Trustee
 
SECTION 6.1.   Corporate Trustee Required.
 
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities.  The Trustee shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof, authorized to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state authority and having an office within the United States.  If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of such supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section 6.1 , the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.  If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.1 , it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article VI .
 
 
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SECTION 6.2.   Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
 
Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
 
(i)             the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
 
(ii)            in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided , that in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they substantially conform on their face to the requirements of this Indenture.
 
(b)            If an Event of Default known to the Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, prior to the receipt of directions, if any, from the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities (or, if applicable, from the holders of at least a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities), exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
 
(c)            Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.  Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 6.2 .  To the extent that, at law or in equity, the Trustee has duties and liabilities relating to the Holders, the Trustee shall not be liable to any Holder or any holder of Preferred Securities for the Trustee’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Indenture.  The provisions of this Indenture, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Trustee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Company and the Holders and the holders of Preferred Securities to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Trustee.
 
 
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(d)            No provisions of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability with respect to matters that are within the authority of the Trustee under this Indenture for its own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, except that:
 
(i)             the Trustee shall not be liable for any error or judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
 
(ii)            the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities (or, as the case may be, the holders of a majority in aggregate Liquidation Amount of Preferred Securities) relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee under this Indenture; and
 
(iii)            the Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company and money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
 
(e)            If at any time the Trustee hereunder is not the same Person as the Property Trustee under the Trust Agreement:
 
(i)             whenever a reference is made herein to the dissolution, termination or liquidation of the Trust, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that no such dissolution, termination, or liquidation has occurred so long as the Securities are or continue to be registered in the name of such Property Trustee, and the Trustee shall be charged with notice or knowledge of such dissolution, termination or liquidation only upon written notice thereof given to the Trustee by the Depositor under the Trust Agreement; and
 
(ii)            the Trustee shall not be charged with notice or knowledge that any Person is a holder of Preferred Securities or Common Securities issued by the Trust or whether any group of holders of Preferred Securities constitutes any specified percentage of all outstanding Preferred Securities for any purpose under this Indenture, unless and until the Trustee is furnished with a list of holders by such Property Trustee and the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding.  The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in relying on such list.
 
(f)            Notwithstanding Section 1.10 , the Trustee shall not, and shall not be deemed to, owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of any of the Trust Securities issued by the Trust and shall not be liable to any such holder (other than for the willful misconduct or negligence of the Trustee) if the Trustee in good faith (i) pays over or distributes to a registered Holder of the Securities or to the Company or to any other Person, cash, property or securities to which such holders of such Trust Securities shall be entitled or (ii) takes any action or omits to take any action at the request of the Holder of such Securities.  Nothing in this paragraph shall affect the obligation of any other such Person to hold such payment for the benefit of, and to pay such amount over to, such holders of Preferred Securities or Common Securities or their representatives.
 
 
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SECTION 6.3.   Notice of Defaults.
 
Within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of any default actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall give the Holders notice of such default unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided , that except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities, the Trustee shall be fully protected in withholding the notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interest of holders of Securities; and provided , further , that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 5.1(c) , no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least thirty (30) days after the occurrence thereof.  For the purpose of this Section 6.3 , the term “default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
 
SECTION 6.4.   Certain Rights a/Trustee.
 
Subject to the provisions of Section 6.2 :
 
(a)            the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith and in accordance with the terms hereof upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
 
(b)            if (i) in performing its duties under this Indenture the Trustee is required to decide between alternative courses of action, (ii) in construing any of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee finds ambiguous or inconsistent with any other provisions contained herein or (iii) the Trustee is unsure of the application of any provision of this Indenture, then, except as to any matter as to which the Holders are entitled to decide under the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee shall deliver a notice to the Company requesting the Company’s written instruction as to the course of action to be taken and the Trustee shall take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Trustee shall be instructed in writing to take, or to refrain from taking, by the Company; provided , that if the Trustee does not receive such instructions from the Company within ten Business Days after it has delivered such notice or such reasonably shorter period of time set forth in such notice the Trustee may, but shall be under no duty to, take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as the Trustee shall deem advisable and in the best interests of the Holders, in which event the Trustee shall have no liability except for its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct;
 
(c)            any request or direction of the Company shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
 
(d)            the Trustee may consult with counsel (which counsel may be counsel to the Trustee, the Company or any of its Affiliates, and may include any of its employees) and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
 
 
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(e)            the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders or any holder of Preferred Securities pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders (or such holders of Preferred Securities) shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction, including reasonable advances as may be requested by the Trustee;
 
(f)            the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, indenture, note or other paper or document, but the Trustee in its discretion may make such inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney;
 
(g)            the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with due care by it hereunder;
 
(h)            whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right or taking any other action with respect to enforcing any remedy or right hereunder, the Trustees (i) may request instructions from the Holders (which instructions may only be given by the Holders of the same aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities as would be entitled to direct the Trustee under this Indenture in respect of such remedy, right or action), (ii) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such action until such instructions are received and (iii) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions;
 
(i)            except as otherwise expressly provided by this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the provisions of this Indenture;
 
(j)            without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with any bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding referred to in clauses (d) or (e) of the definition of Event of Default, such expenses (including legal fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) and the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy laws or law relating to creditors rights generally;
 
(k)            whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate addressing such matter, which, upon receipt of such request, shall be promptly delivered by the Company;
 
(l)            the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Event of Default unless either (i) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actual knowledge or (ii) the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a Holder; and
 
 
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(m)            in the event that the Trustee is also acting as Paying Agent, Authenticating Agent or Securities Registrar hereunder, the rights and protections afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall also be afforded such Paying Agent, Authenticating Agent, or Securities Registrar.
 
SECTION 6.5.   May Hold Securities.
 
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Securities Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Securities Registrar or such other agent.
 
SECTION 6.6.   Compensation; Reimbursement; Indemnity.
 
(a)            The Company agrees:
 
(i)             to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder in such amounts as the Company and the Trustee shall agree from time to time (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
 
(ii)             to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct; and
 
(iii)            to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to indemnify the Trustee and its Affiliates, and their officers, directors, shareholders, agents, representatives and employees for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, damage, liability, tax (other than income, franchise or other taxes imposed on amounts paid pursuant to (i) or (ii) hereof), penalty, expense or claim of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or the performance of the Trustee’s duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
 
(b)            To secure the Company’s payment obligations in this Section 6.6 , the Company hereby grants and pledges to the Trustee and the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, other than money or property held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Securities.  Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
 
(c)            The obligations of the Company under this Section 6.6 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.
 
 
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(d)            In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits, even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
 
(e)            In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder because of circumstances beyond its control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, flood, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, fire, riot, embargo, government action, including any laws, ordinances, regulations, governmental action or the like which delay, restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Indenture.
 
SECTION 6.7.   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
 
(a)            No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee under Section 6.8 .
 
(b)            The Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Company.
 
(c)            Unless an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee may be removed at any time by the Company by a Board Resolution.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee may be removed by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
 
(d)            If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any reason, at a time when no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee, and such successor Trustee and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.8 .  If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any reason, at a time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Holders, by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee, and such successor Trustee and the retiring Trustee shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 6.8 .  If no successor Trustee shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment within sixty (60) days after the giving of a notice of resignation by the Trustee or the removal of the Trustee in the manner required by Section 6.8 , any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of such Holder and all others similarly situated, and any resigning Trustee may, at the expense of the Company, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
 
(e)            The Company shall give notice to all Holders in the manner provided in Section 1.6 of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee and each appointment of a successor Trustee.  Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
 
 
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SECTION 6.8.   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
 
(a)            In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee, each successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
 
(b)            Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section 6.8 .
 
(c)            No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article VI .
 
SECTION 6.9.   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
 
Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided , that such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article VI .  In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation or as otherwise provided above in this Section 6.9 to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated, and in case any Securities shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Securities either in the name of any predecessor Trustee or in the name of such successor Trustee, and in all cases the certificate of authentication shall have the full force which it is provided anywhere in the Securities or in this Indenture that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
 
SECTION 6.10.   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
 
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness.  The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities.  Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of the Securities or the proceeds thereof.
 
 
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SECTION 6.11.   Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
 
(a)            The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to the Securities, which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities issued upon original issue and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.6 , and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder.  Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent.  Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, or of any State or Territory thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state authority.  If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 6.11 the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.  If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.11 , such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section 6.11 .
 
(b)            Any Person into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent shall be the successor Authenticating Agent hereunder, provided such Person shall be otherwise eligible under this Section 6.11 , without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
 
(c)            An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company.  The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company.  Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.11 , the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent eligible under the provisions of this Section 6.11 , which shall be acceptable to the Company, and shall give notice of such appointment to all Holders.  Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
 
(d)            The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 6.11 in such amounts as the Company and the Authenticating Agent shall agree from time to time.
 
 
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(e)            If an appointment of an Authenticating Agent is made pursuant to this Section 6.11 , the Securities may have endorsed thereon, an alternative certificate of authentication in substantially the following form:
 
This is one of the Securities referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
 
Dated:                                                           
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee


By:                                                                            
Authenticating Agent

By:                                                                            
Authorized Signatory


 
ARTICLE VII
 
Holder’s lists and reports by company
 
SECTION 7.1.   Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
 
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:
 
(a)            semiannually, on or before June 30 and December 31 of each year, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the delivery thereof, and
 
(b)            at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the time such list is furnished,
 
in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Company and has not otherwise been received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar.
 
SECTION 7.2.   Preservation of Information, Communications to Holders.
 
(a)            The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 7.1 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Securities Registrar.  The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 7.1 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
 
 
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(b)            The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided in the Trust Indenture Act.
 
(c)            Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of information as to the names and addresses of the Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
 
SECTION 7.3.   Reports by Company .
 
(a)            The Company shall furnish to the Holders and to prospective purchasers of Securities, upon their request, the information required to be furnished pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.  The delivery requirement set forth in the preceding sentence may be satisfied by compliance with Section 7.3(b) hereof.
 
(b)            The Company shall furnish to each of (i) the Trustee, (ii) the Holders and to subsequent holders of Securities, (iii) Cohen Bros.  & Company, 1818 Market Street, 28th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, Attn: Mitchell Kahn or such other address as designated by Cohen Bros.  & Company) and (iv) any beneficial owner of the Securities reasonably identified to the Company (which identification may be made either by such beneficial owner or by Cohen Bros.  & Company), a duly completed and executed certificate substantially and substantively in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, including the financial statements referenced in such Exhibit, which certificate and financial statements shall be so furnished by the Company not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Company and not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company.  The delivery requirements under this Section 7.3(b) may be satisfied by compliance with Section 8.16 (b) of the Trust Agreement.
 
(c)            If the Company intends to file its annual and quarterly information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in electronic form pursuant to Regulation S-T of the Commission using the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval (“EDGAR”) system, the Company shall notify the Trustee in the manner prescribed herein of each such annual and quarterly filing.  The Trustee is hereby authorized and directed to access the EDGAR system for purposes of retrieving the financial information so filed.  Compliance with the foregoing shall constitute delivery by the Company of its financial statements to the Trustee in compliance with the provisions of Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable.  The Trustee shall have no duty to search for or obtain any electronic or other filings that the Company makes with the Commission, regardless of whether such filings are periodic, supplemental or otherwise.  Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.3(c) shall be solely for purposes of compliance with this Section 7.3(c) and, if applicable, with Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.  The Trustee’s receipt of such reports, information and documents shall not constitute notice to it of the content thereof or any matter determinable from the content thereof, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder, as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely upon Officers’ Certificates.
 
 
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ARTICLE VIII
 
Consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease
 
SECTION 8.1.   Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
 
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and no Person shall consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:
 
(a)            if the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person that acquires by conveyance or transfer, or that leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
 
(b)            immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
 
(c)            the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, any such supplemental indenture comply with this Article VIII and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and the Trustee may rely upon such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that such transaction complies with this Section 8.1 .
 
SECTION 8.2.   Successor Company Substituted.
 
(a)            Upon any consolidation or merger by the Company with or into any other Person, or any conveyance, transfer or lease by the Company of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 8.1 and the execution and delivery to the Trustee of the supplemental indenture described in Section 8.l(a), the successor entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; and in the event of any such conveyance or transfer, following the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Indenture and the Securities.
 
 
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(b)            Such successor Person may cause to be executed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company, any or all of the Securities issuable hereunder that theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such successor Person instead of the Company and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Securities that previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication, and any Securities that such successor Person thereafter shall cause to be executed and delivered to the Trustee on its behalf.  All the Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
 
(c)            In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance or lease, such changes in phraseology and form may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate to reflect such occurrence.
 
ARTICLE IX
 
Supplemental indentures
 
SECTION 9.1.   Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders.
 
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
 
(a)            to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or
 
(b)            to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein that may be defective or• inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make or amend any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, which shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of this Indenture, provided , that such action pursuant to this clause (b) shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holders or the holders of the Preferred Securities; or
 
(c)            to add to the covenants, restrictions or obligations of the Company or to add to the Events of Default, provided , that such action pursuant to this clause (c) shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holders or the holders of the Preferred Securities; or
 
(d)            to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the Indenture or the Securities to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Securities are treated as indebtedness of the Company for United States Federal income tax purposes, provided , that such action pursuant to this clause (d) shall not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Holders or the holders of the Preferred Securities.
 
SECTION 9.2.   Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
 
(a)            With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities under this Indenture; provided , that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security,
 
 
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(i)            change the Stated Maturity of the principal or any premium of any Security or change the date of payment of any installment of interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or interest thereon is payable, or restrict or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date, or
 
(ii)            reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with any provision of this Indenture or of defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture, or
 
(iii)            modify any of the provisions  of this Section 9.2 , Section 5.13 or Section 10.7 , except to increase any percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities, the consent of whose Holders is required for any reason, or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Security;
 
provided , further , that, so long as any Preferred Securities remain outstanding, no amendment under this Section 9.2 shall be effective until the holders of a majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities shall have consented to such amendment; provided , further , that if the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security is required for any amendment under this Indenture, such amendment shall not be effective until the holder of each Outstanding Preferred Security shall have consented to such amendment.
 
(b)            It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
 
SECTION 9.3.   Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
 
In executing or accepting the additional trusts created by any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article IX or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such action have been complied with.  The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties, indemnities or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.  Copies of the final form of each supplemental indenture shall be delivered by the Trustee at the expense of the Company to each Holder, and, if the Trustee is the Property Trustee, to each holder of Preferred Securities, promptly after the execution thereof.
 
 
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SECTION 9.4.   Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
 
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article IX , this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities and every holder of Preferred Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
 
SECTION 9.5.   Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
 
Securities authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article IX may, and shall if required by the Company, bear a notation in form approved by the Company as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture.  If the Company shall so determine, new Securities so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities.
 
ARTICLE X
 
Covenants
 
SECTION 10.1.   Payment of Principal, Premium, if any, and Interest.
 
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities and this Indenture.
 
SECTION 10.2.   Money for Security Payments to be Held in Trust.
 
(a)            If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to the Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal and any premium or interest (including Additional Interest) so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of its failure so to act.
 
(b)            Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents, it will, prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided in the Trust Indenture Act and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.
 
(c)            The Company will cause each Paying Agent for the Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 10.2 , that such Paying Agent will (i) comply with the provisions of this Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (ii) during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities.
 
 
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(d)            The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.
 
(e)            Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company in trust for the payment of the principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and any premium or interest has become due and payable shall (unless otherwise required by mandatory provision of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law) be paid on Company Request to the Company, or (if then held by the Company) shall (unless otherwise required by mandatory provision of applicable escheat or abandoned or unclaimed property law) be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided , that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
 
SECTION 10.3.   Statement as to Compliance.
 
The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers’ Certificate covering the preceding calendar year, stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof the Company is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder), and if the Company shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.  The delivery requirements of this Section 10.3 may be satisfied by compliance with Section 8.16 (a) of the Trust Agreement.
 
SECTION 10.4.   Calculation Agent.
 
(a)            The Company hereby agrees that for so long as any of the Securities remain Outstanding, there will at all times be an agent appointed to calculate LIBOR in respect of each Interest Payment Date in accordance with the terms of Schedule A (the “Calculation Agent”).  The Company has initially appointed the Property Trustee as Calculation Agent for purposes of determining LIBOR for each Interest Payment Date.  The Calculation Agent may be removed by the Company at any time.  So long as the Property Trustee holds any of the Securities, the Calculation Agent shall be the Property Trustee, except as described in the immediately preceding sentence.  If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to act as such or is removed by the Company, the Company will promptly appoint as a replacement Calculation Agent the London office of a leading bank which is engaged in transactions in Eurodollar deposits in the international Eurodollar market and which does not control or is not controlled by or under common control with the Company or its Affiliates.  The Calculation Agent may not resign its duties without a successor having been duly appointed.
 
 
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(b)            The Calculation Agent shall be required to agree that, as soon as possible after 11:00 a.m.  (London time) on each LIBOR Determination Date (as defined in Schedule A ), but in no event later than 11:00 a.m.  (London time) on the Business Day immediately following each LIBOR Determination Date, the Calculation Agent will calculate the interest rate (the Interest Payment shall be rounded to the nearest cent, with half a cent being rounded upwards) for the related Interest Payment Date, and will communicate such rate and amount to the Company, the Trustee, each Paying Agent and the Depositary.  The Calculation Agent will also specify to the Company the quotations upon which the foregoing rates and amounts are based and, in any event, the Calculation Agent shall notify the Company before 5:00 p.m.  (London time) on each LIBOR Determination Date that either: (i) it has determined or is in the process of determining the foregoing rates and amounts or (ii) it has not determined and is not in the process of determining the foregoing rates and amounts, together with its reasons therefor.  The Calculation Agent’s determination of the foregoing rates and amounts for any Interest Payment Date will (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding upon all parties.  For the sole purpose of calculating the interest rate for the Securities, “Business Day” shall be defined as any day on which dealings in deposits in Dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
 
SECTION 10.5.   Additional Tax Sums.
 
So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, if (a) the Trust is the Holder of all of the Outstanding Securities and (b) a Tax Event described in clause (i) or (iii) in the definition of Tax Event in Section 1.1 hereof has occurred and is continuing, the Company shall pay to the Trust (and its permitted successors or assigns under the related Trust Agreement) for so long as the Trust (or its permitted successor or assignee) is the registered holder of the Outstanding Securities, such amounts as may be necessary in order that the amount of Distributions (including any Additional Interest Amount (as defined in the Trust Agreement)) then due and payable by the Trust on the Preferred Securities and Common Securities that at any time remain outstanding in accordance with the terms thereof shall not be reduced as a result of any Additional Taxes arising from such Tax Event (additional such amounts payable by the Company to the Trust, the “Additional Tax Sums”).  Whenever in this Indenture or the Securities there is a reference in any context to the payment of principal of or interest on the Securities, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payments of the Additional Tax Sums provided for in this Section 10.5 to the extent that, in such context, Additional Tax Sums are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.5 and express mention of the payment of Additional Tax Sums (if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Tax Sums in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.
 
 
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SECTION 10.6.   Additional Covenants.
 
(a)            The Company covenants and agrees with each Holder of Securities that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, it shall not (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any shares of the Company’s capital stock (for the avoidance of doubt, the term “capital stock” includes both common stock and preferred stock of the Company), (ii) vote in favor of or permit or otherwise allow any of its subsidiaries to declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to or otherwise retire, any shares of such subsidiaries preferred stock (for the avoidance of doubt, whether such preferred stock is perpetual or otherwise), or (iii) make any payment of principal of or any interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company that rank pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to the Securities (other than (A) repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of capital stock of the Company in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of any one or more employees, officers, directors or consultants, in connection with a dividend reinvestment or stockholder stock purchase plan or in connection with the issuance of capital stock of the Company (or securities convertible into or exercisable for such capital stock) as consideration in an acquisition transaction entered into prior to such Event of Default, (B) as a result of an exchange or conversion of any class or series of the Company’s capital stock (or any capital stock of a Subsidiary of the Company) for any class or series of the Company’s capital stock or of any class or series of the Company’s indebtedness for any class or series of the Company’s capital stock, (C) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company’s capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged, (D) any declaration of a dividend in connection with any Rights Plan, the issuance of rights, stock or other property under any Rights Plan or the redemption or repurchase of rights pursuant thereto or (E) any dividend in the form of stock, warrants, options or other rights where the dividend stock or the stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants, options or other rights is the same stock as that on which the dividend is being paid or ranks pari passu with or junior to such stock).
 
(b)            The Company also covenants with each Holder of Securities (i) to hold, directly or indirectly, one hundred percent (100%) of the Common Securities of the Trust, provided , that any permitted successor of the Company hereunder may succeed to the Company’s ownership of such Common Securities, (ii) as holder of such Common Securities, not to voluntarily dissolve, wind-up or liquidate the Trust other than (A) in connection with a distribution of the Securities to the holders of the Preferred Securities in liquidation of the Trust or (B) in connection with certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations permitted by the Trust Agreement and (iii) to use its reasonable commercial efforts, consistent with the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement, to cause the Trust to continue to be taxable as a grantor trust and not as a corporation for United States Federal income tax purposes.
 
(c)            The Company also agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to meet the requirements to qualify, effective for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005, as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
 
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SECTION 10.7.   Waiver a/Covenants.
 
The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant or condition contained in Section 10.6 if, before or after the time for such compliance, the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities shall, by Act of such Holders, and at least a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities then outstanding, by consent of such holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such covenant or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company in respect of any such covenant or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
 
SECTION 10.8.   Treatment of Securities.
 
The Company will treat the Securities as indebtedness, and the amounts, other than payments of principal, payable in respect of the principal amount of such Securities as interest, for all U.S.  federal income tax purposes.  All payments in respect of the Securities will be made free and clear of U.S.  withholding tax to any beneficial owner thereof that has provided an Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or W-8BEN (or any substitute or successor form) establishing its U.S.  or non-U.S.  status for U.S.  federal income tax purposes, or any other applicable form establishing a complete exemption from U.S.  withholding tax.
 
ARTICLE XI
 
Redemption of securities
 
SECTION 11.1.   Optional Redemption.
 
The Company may, at its option, on any Interest Payment Date, on or after March 30, 2010, redeem the Securities in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a Redemption Price equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount thereof (or of the redeemed portion thereof, as applicable), together, in the case of any such redemption, with accrued interest, including any Additional Interest, through but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date (the “Optional Redemption Price”).
 
SECTION 11.2.   Special Event Redemption.
 
Prior to March 30, 2010, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Special Event, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Securities, in whole but not in part, at a Redemption Price equal to one hundred seven and one half percent (107.5%) of the principal amount thereof, together, in the case of any such redemption, with accrued interest, including any Additional Interest, through but excluding the date fixed as the Redemption Date (the “Special Redemption Price”).
 
SECTION 11.3.   Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
 
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities, in whole or in part, shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Board Resolution.  In case of any redemption at the election of the Company, the Company shall, not less than forty-five (45) days and not more than seventy-five (75) days prior to the Redemption Date (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee and the Property Trustee under the Trust Agreement in writing of such date and of the principal amount of the Securities to be redeemed and provide the additional information required to be included in the notice or notices contemplated by Section 11.5 .  In the case of any redemption of Securities, in whole or in part, (a) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in this Indenture or the Securities or (b) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in this Indenture or the Securities, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.
 
 
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SECTION 11.4.   Selection of Securities to be Redeemed.
 
(a)             If less than all the Securities are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected and redeemed on a pro rata basis not more than sixty (60) days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the Outstanding Securities not previously called for redemption, provided , that the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security.
 
(b)            The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security that has been or is to be redeemed.
 
(c)            The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 11.4 shall not apply with respect to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to be redeemed in whole or in part.  In the case of any such redemption in part, the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) for such Security.
 
SECTION 11.5.   Notice of Redemption.
 
(a)            Notice of redemption shall be given not later than the thirtieth (30th) day, and not earlier than the sixtieth (60th) day, prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part, (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Property Trustee under the related Trust Agreement).
 
(b)            With respect to Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part, each notice of redemption shall state:
 
(i)             the Redemption Date;
 
(ii)            the Redemption Price or, if the Redemption Price cannot be calculated prior to the time the notice is required to be sent, the estimate of the Redemption Price, as calculated by the Company, together with a statement that it is an estimate and that the actual Redemption Price will be calculated on the fifth Business Day prior to the Redemption Date (and if an estimate is provided, a further notice shall be sent of the actual Redemption Price on the date that such Redemption Price is calculated);
 
 
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(iii)           if less than all Outstanding Securities are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the respective principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed;
 
(iv)           that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security or portion thereof, and that any interest (including any Additional Interest) on such Security or such portion, as the case may be, shall cease to accrue on and after said date; and
 
(v)            the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price.
 
(c)            Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable.  The notice if mailed in the manner provided above shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  In any case, a failure to give such notice by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Security.
 
SECTION 11.6.   Deposit of Redemption Price.
 
Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption Date specified in the notice of redemption given as provided in Section 11.5 , the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with one or more Paying Agents (or if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, the Company will segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 10.2 ) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and any accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) on, all the Securities (or portions thereof) that are to be redeemed on that date.
 
SECTION 11.7.   Payment a/Securities Called for Redemption.
 
(a)            If any notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 11.5 , the Securities or portion of Securities with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the place or places stated in such notice at the applicable Redemption Price, together with accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) to the Redemption Date.  On presentation and surrender of such Securities at a Place of Payment specified in such notice, the Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Company at the applicable Redemption Price, together with accrued interest (including any Additional Interest) to the Redemption Date.
 
(b)            Upon presentation of any Security redeemed in part only, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder thereof, at the expense of the Company, a new Security or Securities, of authorized denominations, in aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security so presented and having the same Original Issue Date, Stated Maturity and terms.
 
 
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(c)            If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal of and any premium on such Security shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.
 
ARTICLE XII
 
Subordination of securities
 
SECTION 12.1.   Securities Subordinate to Senior Debt.
 
The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by its acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article XII , the payment of the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on each and all of the Securities are hereby expressly made subordinate and subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt.
 
SECTION 12.2.   No Payment When Senior Debt in Default; Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc.
 
(a)            In the event and during the continuation of any default by the Company in the payment of any principal of or any premium or interest on any Senior Debt (following any grace period, if applicable) when the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for prepayment or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, then, upon written notice of such default to the Company by the holders of such Senior Debt or any trustee therefor, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no direct or indirect payment (in cash, property, securities, by set-off or otherwise) shall be made or agreed to be made on account of the principal of or any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any of the Securities, or in respect of any redemption, repayment, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any of the Securities.
 
(b)            In the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding described in clause (d) or (e) of the definition of Event of Default (each such event, if any, herein sometimes referred to as a “Proceeding”), all Senior Debt (including any interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any such proceedings) shall first be paid in full before any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to any Holder of any of the Securities on account thereof.  Any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than securities of the Company or any other entity provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in these subordination provisions with respect to the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities, to the payment of all Senior Debt at the time outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment), which would otherwise (but for these subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the Securities shall be paid or delivered directly to the holders of Senior Debt in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders until all Senior Debt (including any interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any Proceeding) shall have been paid in full.
 
 
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(c)            In the event of any Proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with respect to Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities, together with the holders of any obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the Securities, shall be entitled to be paid from the remaining assets of the Company the amounts at the time due and owing on account of unpaid principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities and such other obligations before any payment or other distribution, whether in cash, property or otherwise, shall be made on account of any capital stock or any obligations of the Company ranking junior to the Securities and such other obligations.  If, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of any character or any security, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than securities of the Company or any other entity provided for by a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to the extent provided in these subordination provisions with respect to the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities, to the payment of all Senior Debt at the time outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan of reorganization or readjustment) shall be received by the Trustee or any Holder in contravention of any of the terms hereof and before all Senior Debt shall have been paid in full, such payment or distribution or security shall be received in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered and transferred to, the holders of the Senior Debt at the time outstanding in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders for application to the payment of all Senior Debt remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all such Senior Debt (including any interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any Proceeding) in full.  In the event of the failure of the Trustee or any Holder to endorse or assign any such payment, distribution or security, each holder of Senior Debt is hereby irrevocably authorized to endorse or assign the same.
 
(d)            The Trustee and the Holders, at the expense of the Company, shall take such reasonable action (including the delivery of this Indenture to an agent for any holders of Senior Debt or consent to the filing of a financing statement with respect hereto) as may, in the opinion of counsel designated by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Senior Debt at the time outstanding, be necessary or appropriate to assure the effectiveness of the subordination effected by these provisions.
 
(e)            The provisions of this Section 12.2 shall not impair any rights, interests, remedies or powers of any secured creditor of the Company in respect of any security interest the creation of which is not prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture.
 
(f)            The securing of any obligations of the Company, otherwise ranking on a parity with the Securities or ranking junior to the Securities, shall not be deemed to prevent such obligations from constituting, respectively, obligations ranking on a parity with the Securities or ranking junior to the Securities.
 
SECTION 12.3.   Payment Permitted If No Default.
 
Nothing contained in this Article XII or elsewhere in this Indenture or in any of the Securities shall prevent (a) the Company, at any time, except during the pendency of the conditions described in paragraph (a) of Section 12.2 or of any Proceeding referred to in Section 12.2 , from making payments at any time of principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities or (b) the application by the Trustee of any moneys deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of and any premium or interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities or the retention of such payment by the Holders, if, at the time of such application by the Trustee, it did not have knowledge (in accordance with Section 12.8 ) that such payment would have been prohibited by the provisions of this Article XII , except as provided in Section 12.8 .
 
 
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SECTION 12.4.   Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt.
 
Subject to the payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on all Senior Debt, or the provision for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of Senior Debt, the Holders of the Securities shall be subrogated to the extent of the payments or distributions made to the holders of such Senior Debt pursuant to the provisions of this Article XII (equally and ratably with the holders of all indebtedness of the Company that by its express terms is subordinated to Senior Debt of the Company to substantially the same extent as the Securities are subordinated to the Senior Debt and is entitled to like• rights of subrogation by reason of any payments or distributions made to holders of such Senior Debt) to the rights of the holders of such Senior Debt to receive payments and distributions of cash, property and securities applicable to the Senior Debt until the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities shall be paid in full.  For purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Debt of any cash, property or securities to which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article XII , and no payments made pursuant to the provisions of this Article XII to the holders of Senior Debt by Holders of the Securities or the Trustee, shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than holders of Senior Debt, and the Holders of the Securities, be deemed to be a payment or distribution by the Company to or on account of the Senior Debt.
 
SECTION 12.5.   Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights.
 
The provisions of this Article XII are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Securities on the one hand and the holders of Senior Debt on the other hand.  Nothing contained in this Article XII or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Securities is intended to or shall (a) impair, as between the Company and the Holders of the Securities, the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders of the Securities the principal of and any premium and interest (including any Additional Interest) on the Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, (b) affect the relative rights against the Company of the Holders of the Securities and creditors of the Company other than their rights in relation to the holders of Senior Debt or (c) prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Security (or to the extent expressly provided herein, the holder of any Preferred Security) from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, including filing and voting claims in any Proceeding, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article XII of the holders of Senior Debt to receive cash, property and securities otherwise payable or deliverable to the Trustee or such Holder.
 
SECTION 12.6.   Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
 
Each Holder of a Security by his or her acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Trustee on his or her behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination provided in this Article XII and appoints the Trustee his or her attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
 
 
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SECTION 12.7.   No Waiver of Subordination Provisions.
 
(a)            No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Debt to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof that any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.
 
(b)            Without in any way limiting the generality of paragraph (a) of this Section 12.7 , the holders of Senior Debt may, at any time and from to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities, without incurring responsibility to such Holders of the Securities and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article XII or the obligations hereunder of such Holders of the Securities to the holders of Senior Debt, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Debt, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Debt or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Debt is outstanding, (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Debt, (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the payment of Senior Debt and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person.
 
SECTION 12.8.   Notice to Trustee.
 
(a)            The Company shall give prompt written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of any fact known to the Company that would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article XII or any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts that would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Securities, unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or a holder of Senior Debt or from any trustee, agent or representative therefor; provided , that if the Trustee shall not have received the notice provided for in this Section 12.8 at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which by the terms hereof any monies may become payable for any purpose (including, the payment of the principal of and any premium on or interest (including any Additional Interest) on any Security), then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such monies and to apply the same to the purpose for which they were received and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary that may be received by it within two Business Days prior to such date.
 
(b)            The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a Person representing himself or herself to be a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee, agent, representative or attorney-in-fact therefor) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee, agent, representative or attorney-in-fact therefor).  In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article XII , the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Debt held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article XII , and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
 
 
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SECTION 12.9.   Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
 
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article XII , the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon any order or decree entered by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such Proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XII .
 
SECTION 12.10.   Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Debt.
 
The Trustee, in its capacity as trustee under this Indenture, shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities or to the Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XII or otherwise.
 
SECTION 12.11.   Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Debt; Preservation a/Trustee’s Rights.
 
The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article XII with respect to any Senior Debt that may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
 
SECTION 12.12.   Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
 
If at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term “Trustee” as used in this Article XII shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article XII in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided , that Sections 12.8 and 12.11 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of the Company if the Company or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.
 
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This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
* * * *
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
THE NEW YORK MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC
 
By: /s/ Steven B. Schnall                                                                            
      Name:  Steven B. Schnall
      Title:  President/Chief Executive Officer
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
 
By: /s/ Maria D. Calzado                                                                            
      Name:  Maria D. Calzado
      Title:  Vice-President
 
 
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Schedule A
 
DETERMINATION OF LIBOR
 
With respect to the Securities, the London interbank offered rate (“ LIBOR ”) shall be determined by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the following provisions (in each case rounded to the nearest .000001%):
 
(1) On the second LIBOR Business Day (as defined below) prior to an Interest Payment Date (except with respect to the first interest payment period, commencing March 15, 2005, for which interest payment period period LIBOR was set at 2.89% on February 24, 2005) (each such day, a “ LIBOR Determination Date ”), LIBOR for any given security shall for the following interest payment period equal the rate, as obtained by the Calculation Agent from Bloomberg Financial Markets Commodities News, for three-month Eurodollar deposits that appears on Dow Jones Telerate Page 3750 (as defined in the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 1991 Interest Rate and Currency Exchange Definitions), or such other page as may replace such Page 3750, as of 11:00 a.m.  (London time) on such LIBOR Determination Date.
 
(2) If, on any LIBOR Determination Date, such rate does not appear on Dow Jones Telerate Page 3750 or such other page as may replace such Page 3750, the Calculation Agent shall determine the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations of the Reference Banks (as defined below) to leading banks in the London interbank market for three-month Eurodollar deposits in an amount determined by the Calculation Agent by reference to requests for quotations as of approximately 11:00 a.m.  (London time) on the LIBOR Determination Date made by the Calculation Agent to the Reference Banks.  If, on any LIBOR Determination Date, at least two of the Reference Banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall equal such arithmetic mean of such quotations.  If, on any LIBOR Determination Date, only one or none of the Reference Banks provide such quotations, LIBOR shall be deemed to be the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations that leading banks in the City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent are quoting on the relevant LIBOR Determination Date for [three-month Eurodollar deposits in an amount determined by the Calculation Agent by reference to the principal London offices of leading banks in the London interbank market; provided that, if the Calculation Agent is required but is unable to determine a rate in accordance with at least one of the procedures provided above, LIBOR shall be LIBOR as determined on the previous LIBOR Determination Date.
 
(3) As used herein: “ Reference Banks ” means four major banks in the London interbank market selected by the Calculation Agent; and “ LIBOR Business Day ” means a day on which commercial banks are open for business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in London.
 
 
Schedule A-1

 
 
Exhibit A
 
Form of Officer’s Financial Certificate
 
The undersigned, the [Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer/ Secretary/ Assistant Secretary, Chairman/ViceChairman/Chief Executive Officer/President/Vice President] hereby certifies, pursuant to Section 7.3(b) of the Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2005 (the “Indenture”), among The New York Mortgage Company, LLC (the “Company”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, that, as of [date], [20_], the Company, if applicable, and its Subsidiary had the following ratios and balances:
 
As of [Quarterly/Annual Financial Date], 20___
 
Senior secured indebtedness for borrowed money (“Debt”) $          
 
Senior unsecured Debt $          
 
Subordinated Debt       $                 
 
Total Debt       $                
 
Ratio of (x) senior secured and unsecured Debt to (y) total Debt   ____%
 
[FOR FISCAL YEAR END: Attached hereto are the audited consolidated financial statements (including the balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows, and notes thereto, together with the report of the independent accountants thereon) of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the three years ended [date], 20_.]
 
[FOR FISCAL QUARTER END: Attached hereto are the unaudited consolidated and consolidating financial statements (including the balance sheet and income statement) of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ended [date], 20_.]
 
The financial statements fairly present in all material respects, in accordance with U.S.  generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and the results of operations and changes in financial condition as of the date, and for the [quarter] [annual] period ended [date], 20_, and such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period involved (expect as otherwise noted therein).
 
 
Exhibit A-1

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Officer’s Financial Certificate as of this _____day of __________________, 20__.
 

 
By:                                                                       
Name:                                                                  



The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
(212) 634-2342
 
 
Exhibit A-2
Exhibit 4.3(b)

 
PARENT GUARANTEE AGREEMENT


between


THE NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.
as Parent Guarantor,


and


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Guarantee Trustee



Dated as of March 15, 2005








THE NEW YORK MORTGAGE COMPANY, LLC

 
 
 
 

 
 
This Parent Guarantee Agreement , dated as of March 15, 2005, executed and delivered by New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (the “ Parent Guarantor ”) having its principal office at 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10019, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association , a national banking association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “ Guarantee Trustee ”), for the benefit of the Trust (as defined herein), the Holders (as defined herein) and the Note Holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Notes (as defined herein) of The New York Mortgage Company, LLC, a New York limited liability company (the “ Company ”).
 
W i t n e s s e t h :

Whereas , pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Indenture ”), among the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee, the Company is issuing Twenty Five Million Seven Hundred Seventy Four Thousand Dollars ($25,774,000) aggregate principal amount of its junior subordinated deferrable interest notes (the “ Notes ”) having the terms set forth in the Indenture to NYM Preferred Trust I, a Delaware statutory trust (the “ Trust ”), evidencing loans made to the Company by the Trust of proceeds from the issuance of undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (the “ Preferred Securities ”), and undivided common beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (collectively, together with the Preferred Securities, the “ Trust Securities ”);
 
Whereas , the Parent Guarantor owns one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding equity interests in the Company, and will substantially benefit from the issuance of the Notes by the Company and the sale of the Preferred Securities by the Trust; and
 
Whereas , as incentive for the Holders (as defined herein) to purchase Preferred Securities from the Trust and for the Trust to purchase the Notes with the proceeds from such purchase, the Parent Guarantor desires irrevocably and unconditionally to agree, to the extent set forth herein, to pay to the Note Holders (as defined herein) the Parent Guarantee Payments (as defined herein) and to make certain other payments on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
Now, Therefore , in consideration of the purchase by each Holder of Preferred Securities and the purchase of the Notes by the Trust, the Parent Guarantor executes and delivers this Parent Guarantee Agreement to provide as follows for the benefit of the Holders of the Preferred Securities and the Note Holders (as defined herein):
 
ARTICLE I
 
Interpretation and Definitions
 
SECTION 1.1.           Interpretation.
 
In this Parent Guarantee Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
 
(a)            capitalized terms used in this Parent Guarantee Agreement but not defined in the preamble hereto have the respective meanings assigned to them in Section 1.2 ;
 
 
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(b)            the words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”;
 
(c)            all references to “the Parent Guarantee Agreement” or “this Parent Guarantee Agreement” are to this Parent Guarantee Agreement, as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time;
 
(d)            all references in this Parent Guarantee Agreement to articles and sections are to articles and sections of this Parent Guarantee Agreement unless otherwise specified;
 
(e)            the words “hereby”, “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Parent Guarantee Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;
 
(f)             a reference to the singular includes the plural and vice versa;
 
(g)            the masculine, feminine or neuter genders used herein shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter genders.
 
SECTION 1.2.           Definitions.
 
As used in this Parent Guarantee Agreement, the terms set forth below shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this definition, “ control ” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “ controlling ” and “ controlled ” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
 
Beneficiaries ” means the Guarantee Trustee, the Delaware Trustee, the Property Trustee, the Administrative Trustees and any successors thereof.
 
Board of Directors ” means either the board of directors of the Parent Guarantor or any duly authorized committee of that board.
 
Common Securities ” means the securities representing common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust.
 
 
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Debt ” means with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person, whether currently existing or hereafter incurred, and whether or not contingent and without duplication, (i) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person; (iv) every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such Person; (vi) all indebtedness of such Person, whether incurred on or prior to the date of this Parent Guarantee Agreement or thereafter incurred, for claims in respect of derivative products, including interest rate, foreign exchange rate and commodity forward contracts, options, swaps and similar arrangements; (vii) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, such Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable for, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise; and (viii) any renewals, extensions, refundings, amendments or modifications of any obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vii).
 
Event of Default ” means a default by the Parent Guarantor on any of its payment or other obligations under this Parent Guarantee Agreement; provided , that except with respect to a default in payment of any Parent Guarantee Payments, such default shall not be an Event of Default unless the Parent Guarantor shall have received notice of such default in accordance with the terms herein from the Guarantee Trustee, the Trust or any Holder and shall have failed to cure such default within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice.
 
Guarantee Trustee ” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, until a Successor Guarantee Trustee, as defined below, has been appointed and has accepted such appointment pursuant to the terms of this Parent Guarantee Agreement, and thereafter means each such Successor Guarantee Trustee, in any case solely in its capacity as guarantee trustee and not in its individual capacity.
 
Holder ” means any holder, as registered on the books and records of the Trust, of any Preferred Securities; provided , that, in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Preferred Securities have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, “Holder” shall not include the Parent Guarantor, the Guarantee Trustee or any Affiliate of the Parent Guarantor or the Guarantee Trustee.
 
List of Holders ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1 .
 
Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities ” means a vote by the Holder(s), voting separately as a class, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all then outstanding Preferred Securities issued by the Trust.
 
Majority in Principal Amount of the Notes ” means a vote by the Note Holder(s), voting separately as a class, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate principal amount of all then outstanding Notes.
 
Note Holder ” means any holder, as registered on the books and records of the Trustee (as defined in the Indenture), of any Notes; provided , that, in determining whether the holders of the requisite percentage of Notes have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, “Note Holder” shall not include either the Parent Guarantor, the Company, the Guarantee Trustee or any Affiliate of either of the Parent Guarantor or the Guarantee Trustee.
 
 
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Officers’ Certificate ” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, President or a Vice President of such Person, and by the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person, and delivered to the Guarantee Trustee.  Any Officers’ Certificate delivered with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Parent Guarantee Agreement (other than the certificate provided pursuant to Section 2.2 ) shall include:
 
(a)            a statement that each officer signing the Officers’ Certificate has read the covenant or condition and the definitions relating thereto;
 
(b)            a brief statement of the nature and scope of the examination or investigation undertaken by each officer in rendering the Officers’ Certificate;
 
(c)            a statement that each officer has made such examination or investigation as, in such officer’s opinion, is necessary to enable such officer to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
 
(d)            a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each officer, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
 
Parent Guarantee Payments ” means the following payments or distributions, without duplication, with respect to the Notes, to the extent not fully and promptly paid or made by the Company immediately after the expiration of any grace or cure period applicable to the Company under the terms of the Indenture: (a) any accumulated and unpaid payments of interest or principal, or other amounts, required to be paid on the Notes; and (b) payment of any other amounts to be paid by the Company under the Indenture, including all amounts due to any Beneficiary by the Company.
 
Person ” means a legal person, including any individual, corporation, estate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated association, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity of whatever nature.
 
Responsible Officer ” means, with respect to the Guarantee Trustee, the officer in the Institutional Trust Services Department of the Trustee having direct responsibility for the administration of this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
 
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Senior Debt ” means the principal of and any premium and interest on (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Parent Guarantor whether or not such claim for post-petition is allowed in such proceeding) all Debt of the Parent Guarantor, whether incurred on or prior to the date of the Indenture or thereafter incurred, unless it is provided in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, that such obligations are not superior in right of payment to the Preferred Securities; provided, that Senior Debt shall not include any other debt securities and guarantees in respect of such debt securities issued to any trust other than the Trust (or a trustee of any such trust), partnership or other entity affiliated with the Parent Guarantor that is a financing vehicle of the Parent Guarantor (a “financing entity”) in connection with the issuance by such financing entity of equity securities or other securities or other securities that are treated as equity capital for regulatory capital purposes guaranteed by the Parent Guarantor pursuant to an instrument that ranks pari passu with or junior in right of payment to the Indenture, including, without limitation, securities issued by or to the Trust.
 
Successor Guarantee Trustee ” means a successor Guarantee Trustee possessing the qualifications to act as Guarantee Trustee under Section 4.1 .
 
Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended and as in effect on the date of this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
Capitalized or otherwise defined terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof.
 
ARTICLE II
 
Reports
 
SECTION 2.1.           List of Holders.
 
The Parent Guarantor shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Guarantee Trustee at such times as the Guarantee Trustee may request in writing, within thirty (30) days after the receipt by the Parent Guarantor of any such request, a list, in such form as the Guarantee Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders or Note Holders (each a “ List of Holders ”) as of a date not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the time such list is furnished, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Parent Guarantor or the Company and is not identical to a previously supplied List of Holders or has not otherwise been received by the Guarantee Trustee in its capacity as such.  The Guarantee Trustee may destroy any List of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new List of Holders.
 
SECTION 2.2.           Periodic Reports to the Guarantee Trustee.
 
(a)             The Parent Guarantor shall deliver to the Guarantee Trustee, within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor ending after the date of this Parent Guarantee Agreement, an Officers’ Certificate covering the preceding fiscal year, stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof the Parent Guarantor is in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms or provisions or any of the conditions of this Parent Guarantee Agreement (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Parent Guarantor shall be in default thereof, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they have knowledge.
 
 
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(b)            The Parent Guarantor shall furnish to (i) the Guarantee Trustee; (ii) Taberna Capital Management, LLC, 1818 Market Street, 28th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 or such other address as designated by Taberna Capital Management, LLC); and (iii) any Owner of the Preferred Securities reasonably identified to the Company and the Trust (which identification may be made either by such Owner or by Taberna Capital Management, LLC) a duly completed and executed certificate substantively and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, including the financial statements referenced in such Exhibit, which certificate and financial statements shall be so furnished by the Parent Guarantor not later than forty five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor and not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor.
 
SECTION 2.3.           Event of Default; Waiver.
 
Neither the Trust nor the Note Holders shall have the right to waive any past Event of Default without the consent of the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities.  The Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities may, on behalf of the Holders, the Trust or the Note Holders, waive any past Event of Default and its consequences.  Upon such waiver, any such Event of Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Parent Guarantee Agreement, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent therefrom.
 
SECTION 2.4.           Event of Default; Notice.
 
(a)             The Guarantee Trustee shall, within ninety (90) days after the occurrence hereunder of a default, transmit to the Trust, the Note Holders, the Company and the Holders notices of all defaults actually known to the Guarantee Trustee, unless such defaults have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice.  For the purpose of this Section 2.4 , the term “ default ” means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
 
(b)            The Guarantee Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Event of Default unless the Guarantee Trustee shall have received written notice, or a Responsible Officer charged with the administration of this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall have obtained written notice, of such Event of Default from the Parent Guarantor, the Company, a Note Holder or a Holder.
 
ARTICLE III
 
Powers, Duties and Rights of the Guarantee Trustee
 
SECTION 3.1.           Powers and Duties of the Guarantee Trustee.
 
(a)            This Parent Guarantee Agreement shall be held by the Guarantee Trustee for the benefit of the Holders, the Note Holders and the Trust, and the Guarantee Trustee shall not transfer this Parent Guarantee Agreement to any Person except a Holder or Note Holder exercising its rights pursuant to Section 5.4(d) or to a Successor Guarantee Trustee upon acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment to act as Successor Guarantee Trustee.  The right, title and interest of the Guarantee Trustee shall automatically vest in any Successor Guarantee Trustee, upon acceptance by such Successor Guarantee Trustee of its appointment hereunder, and such vesting and succession of title shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant to the appointment of such Successor Guarantee Trustee.
 
 
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(b)            The rights, immunities, duties and responsibilities of the Guarantee Trustee shall be as provided by this Parent Guarantee Agreement and there shall be no other duties or obligations, express or implied, of the Guarantee Trustee.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provisions of this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall require the Guarantee Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.  Whether or not herein expressly so provided, every provision of this Parent Guarantee Agreement relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Guarantee Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 3.1 .  To the extent that, at law or in equity, the Guarantee Trustee has duties and liabilities relating to the Trust, the Parent Guarantor or the Note Holders or the Holders, the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable to any Note Holders or the Holder for the Guarantee Trustee’s good faith reliance on the provisions of this Parent Guarantee Agreement.  The provisions of this Parent Guarantee Agreement, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of the Guarantee Trustee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Parent Guarantor and the Note Holders or the Holders to replace such other duties and liabilities of the Guarantee Trustee.
 
(c)             No provision of this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall be construed to relieve the Guarantee Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, negligent failure to act or own willful misconduct, except that:
 
(i)             the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Guarantee Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Guarantee Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts upon which such judgment was made; and
 
(ii)            the Guarantee Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Note Holders of not less than a Majority in Principal Amount of the Notes or, in the case of a waiver under Section 2.3 , the Holders of not less than a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
SECTION 3.2.           Certain Rights of the Guarantee Trustee.
 
(a)             Subject to the provisions of Section 3.1 :
 
 
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(i)             the Guarantee Trustee may conclusively rely, and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting in good faith and in accordance with the terms hereof, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper party or parties;
 
(ii)            any direction or act of the Parent Guarantor contemplated by this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate unless otherwise prescribed herein;
 
(iii)            the Guarantee Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon and in accordance with such advice.  Such counsel may be counsel to the Guarantee Trustee, the Parent Guarantor or any of their respective Affiliates and may be one of the Guarantee Trustee’s employees.  The Guarantee Trustee shall have the right at any time to seek instructions concerning the administration of this Parent Guarantee Agreement from any court of competent jurisdiction;
 
(iv)            the Guarantee Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Parent Guarantee Agreement at the request or direction of any Holder or Note Holder, unless such Holder or Note Holder shall have provided to the Guarantee Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in complying with such request or direction, including such reasonable advances as may be requested by the Guarantee Trustee; provided , that, nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(iv) shall be taken to relieve the Guarantee Trustee, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, of its obligation to exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Parent Guarantee Agreement; provided, further , that nothing contained in this Section 3.2(a)(iv) shall prevent the Guarantee Trustee from exercising its rights under Section 4.2 hereof;
 
(v)            the Guarantee Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Guarantee Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and if the Guarantee Trustee shall determine to make such inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Parent Guarantor, personally or by agent or attorney;
 
(vi)            the Guarantee Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees and the Guarantee Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent, attorney, custodian or nominee appointed with due care by it hereunder;
 
(vii)            whenever in the administration of this Parent Guarantee Agreement the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable to receive instructions with respect to enforcing any remedy or right hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (A) may request instructions from the Trust, the Note Holders of a Majority in Principal Amount of the Notes or the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, (B) may refrain from enforcing such remedy or right or taking such other action until such requested instructions are received and (C) shall be protected in acting in accordance with such instructions; provided, however , that the Guarantee Trustee must first obtain the consent of the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities prior to taking any action upon the direction of the Trust;
 
 
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(viii)         except as otherwise expressly provided by this Parent Guarantee Agreement, the Guarantee Trustee shall not be under any obligation to take any action that is discretionary under the provisions of this Parent Guarantee Agreement; and
 
(ix)            whenever, in the administration of this Parent Guarantee Agreement, the Guarantee Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established before taking, suffering or omitting to take any action hereunder, the Guarantee Trustee (unless other evidence is herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, request and rely upon an Officers’ Certificate which, upon receipt of such request from the Guarantee Trustee, shall be promptly delivered by the Parent Guarantor.
 
(b)            No provision of this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall be deemed to impose any duty or obligation on the Guarantee Trustee to perform any act or acts or exercise any right, power, duty or obligation conferred or imposed on it in any jurisdiction in which it shall be illegal, or in which the Guarantee Trustee shall be unqualified or incompetent in accordance with applicable law, to perform any such act or acts or to exercise any such right, power, duty or obligation.  No permissive power or authority available to the Guarantee Trustee shall be construed to be a duty to act in accordance with such power and authority.
 
SECTION 3.3.           Compensation.
 
The Parent Guarantor agrees to pay to the Guarantee Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provisions of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust) and to reimburse the Guarantee Trustee upon request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its attorneys and agents) incurred or made by the Guarantee Trustee in accordance with any provisions of this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
SECTION 3.4.          Indemnity.
 
The Parent Guarantor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Guarantee Trustee and any of its Affiliates and any of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives or agents from and against any loss, damage, liability, tax (other than income, franchise or other taxes imposed on amounts paid pursuant to Section 3.3 ), penalty, expense or claim of any kind or nature whatsoever incurred without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this Parent Guarantee Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.  The Guarantee Trustee will not claim or exact any lien or charge on any Parent Guarantee Payments as a result of any amount due to it under this Parent Guarantee Agreement.  This indemnity shall survive the termination of this Parent Guarantee Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Guarantee Trustee.
 
 
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In no event shall the Guarantee Trustee be liable for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits, even if the Guarantee Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
 
In no event shall the Guarantee Trustee be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder because of circumstances beyond its control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, flood, war (declared or undeclared), terrorism, fire, riot, embargo, government action, including any laws, ordinances, regulations, governmental action or the like which delay, restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
SECTION 3.5.          Securities.
 
The Guarantee Trustee or any other agent of the Guarantee Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of the Notes.
 
ARTICLE IV
 
Guaranttee Trustee
 
SECTION 4.1.           Guarantee Trustee; Eligibility.
 
(a)            There shall at all times be a Guarantee Trustee which shall:
 
(i)            not be an Affiliate of the Parent Guarantor or the Company; and
 
(ii)            be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof, authorized to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least fifty million dollars ($50,000,000), subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority and having an office within the United States.  If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of such supervising or examining authority, then, for the purposes of this Section 4.1 , the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published.
 
(b)            If at any time the Guarantee Trustee shall cease to be eligible to so act under Section 4.1(a) , the Guarantee Trustee shall immediately resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c) .
 
 
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(c)            If the Guarantee Trustee has or shall acquire any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Guarantee Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign in the manner and with the effect set out in Section 4.2(c) .
 
SECTION 4.2.           Appointment, Removal and Resignation of the Guarantee Trustee.
 
(a)            Subject to Section 4.2(b) , the Guarantee Trustee may be appointed or removed without cause at any time by the Parent Guarantor, except during an Event of Default.
 
(b)            The Guarantee Trustee shall not be removed until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by written instrument executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Parent Guarantor.
 
(c)            The Guarantee Trustee appointed hereunder shall hold office until a Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed or until its removal or resignation.  The Guarantee Trustee may resign from office (without need for prior or subsequent accounting) by an instrument in writing executed by the Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Parent Guarantor, which resignation shall not take effect until a Successor Guarantee Trustee has been appointed and has accepted such appointment by instrument in writing executed by such Successor Guarantee Trustee and delivered to the Parent Guarantor and the resigning Guarantee Trustee.
 
(d)            If no Successor Guarantee Trustee shall have been appointed and accepted appointment as provided in this Section 4.2 within thirty (30) days after delivery to the Parent Guarantor of an instrument of resignation, the resigning Guarantee Trustee may petition, at the expense of the Parent Guarantor, any court of competent jurisdiction for appointment of a Successor Guarantee Trustee.  Such court may thereupon, after prescribing such notice, if any, as it may deem proper, appoint a Successor Guarantee Trustee.
 
ARTICLE V
 
Parent Guarantee
 
SECTION 5.1.           Parent Guarantee.
 
(a)            The Parent Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to pay in full to the Note Holders and/or the Beneficiaries, as the case may be, the Parent Guarantee Payments (without duplication of amounts theretofore timely paid by or on behalf of the Company), as and when due, regardless of any defense (except for the defense of timely payment by the Company), right of set-off or counterclaim which the Company may have or assert.  The Parent Guarantor’s obligation to make a Parent Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by the Parent Guarantor to the Note Holders and/or the Beneficiaries, as the case may be, or by causing the Company to pay such amounts to the Note Holders and/or the Beneficiaries, as the case may be.  The Parent Guarantor shall give prompt written notice to the Guarantee Trustee in the event the Parent Guarantor makes any direct payment to the Note Holders and/or the Beneficiaries, as the case may be.
 
(b)            The Parent Guarantor expressly agrees that the guarantee set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph includes, but is not limited to, the guarantee of the full and prompt payment of the Parent Guarantor’s obligation to make any and all interest payments on the Notes which would be required to be made by the Company under the Indenture, including, without limitation, any amounts of Additional Interest, the Optional Redemption Price, Liquidation Amount, the Special Redemption Price, Additional Tax Sums, or any other amount set forth in the Indenture or the Note.
 
 
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(c)            All Parent Guarantee Payments made from time to time with respect to this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall be in U.S. dollars.
 
SECTION 5.2.           Waiver of Notice and Demand.
 
The Parent Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of the Parent Guarantee Agreement and of any liability to which it applies or may apply, presentment, demand for payment, any right to require a proceeding first against the Guarantee Trustee, the Company, the Trust, the Note Holders or any other Person before proceeding against the Parent Guarantor, protest, notice of nonpayment, notice of dishonor, notice of redemption and all other notices and demands.
 
SECTION 5.3.           Obligations Not Affected.
 
The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Parent Guarantor under this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall be absolute and unconditional, and shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from time to time of any of the following:
 
(a)            the release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Company of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to the Notes to be performed or observed by the Company;
 
(b)            any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Trust or the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Trust or the Holders pursuant to the terms of the Notes, or any action on the part of the Company granting indulgence or extension of any kind;
 
(c)            the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of debt of, or other similar proceedings affecting, the Company or any of the assets of the Company;
 
(d)            any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Notes;
 
(e)            the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred; or
 
(f)            any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 5.3 that the obligations of the Parent Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.
 
 
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There shall be no obligation of the Holders, the Note Holders or the Trust to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Parent Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.  No set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any obligation, or any defense of any kind or nature that the Parent Guarantor has or may have shall be available hereunder to the Parent Guarantor against the Trust, any Holder or any Note Holder to reduce the payments thereto under this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
SECTION 5.4.           Rights of Holders, the Note Holders and the Trust.
 
The Parent Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (a) this Parent Guarantee Agreement will be deposited with the Guarantee Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders, the Note Holders and the Trust; (b) the Guarantee Trustee has the right to enforce this Parent Guarantee Agreement on behalf of the Holders, the Note Holders and the Trust; (c) the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities, the Note Holders of a Majority in Principal Amount of the Notes and the Trust have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Guarantee Trustee in respect of this Parent Guarantee Agreement or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Guarantee Trustee under this Parent Guarantee Agreement ( provided, however , the Trust shall not exercise such right without the consent of the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities); and (d) the Trust, any Note Holder or any Holder may institute a legal proceeding directly against the Parent Guarantor to enforce their respective rights under this Parent Guarantee Agreement, without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Guarantee Trustee, the Company or any other Person.
 
SECTION 5.5.           Guarantee of Payment.
 
This Parent Guarantee Agreement creates a guarantee of payment and not of collection.  This Parent Guarantee Agreement will not be discharged except by payment of the Parent Guarantee Payments in full (without duplication of amounts theretofore paid by the Company) or upon payment in full of the Notes and all amounts owed by the Company under the Indenture to the Note Holders or beneficiary thereof.
 
SECTION 5.6.           Subrogation.
 
The Parent Guarantor shall be subrogated to all (if any) rights of the Trust, the Note Holders and the Holders against the Company in respect of any amounts paid to the Trust or the Note Holders by the Parent Guarantor under this Parent Guarantee Agreement and shall have the right to waive payment by the Company pursuant to Section 5.1 ; provided , that, the Parent Guarantor shall not (except to the extent required by mandatory provisions of law) be entitled to enforce or exercise any rights it may acquire by way of subrogation or any indemnity, reimbursement or other agreement, in all cases as a result of payment under this Parent Guarantee Agreement, if, at the time of any such payment, any amounts are due and unpaid under this Parent Guarantee Agreement.  If any amount shall be paid to the Parent Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence, the Parent Guarantor agrees to hold such amount in trust for the Holders, Note Holders and the holders of any beneficial interests thereof and to pay over such amount to the appropriate Note Holder or Holder, as applicable.
 
 
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SECTION 5.7.           Independent Obligations.
 
The Parent Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Company with respect to the Notes, any other guarantee agreement and with respect to any obligations of the Parent Guarantor, the Trust or the Company with respect to the Notes and the Preferred Securities and that the Parent Guarantor shall be liable as principal and as debtor hereunder to make Parent Guarantee Payments pursuant to the terms of this Parent Guarantee Agreement notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a) through (g), inclusive, of Section 5.3 .
 
SECTION 5.8.           Enforcement.
 
A Beneficiary or a Note Holder may enforce the Obligations of the Parent Guarantor contained in Section 5.1(c) directly against the Parent Guarantor, and the Parent Guarantor waives any right or remedy to require that any action be brought against the Company or any other person or entity before proceeding against the Parent Guarantor.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
SECTION 6.1.           Subordination.
 
(a)            The obligations of the Parent Guarantor under this Parent Guarantee Agreement will constitute unsecured obligations of the Parent Guarantor and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Debt of the Parent Guarantor.
 
(b)            The right of the Parent Guarantor to participate in any distribution of assets of any of its subsidiaries upon such subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise is subject to the prior claims or creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent the Parent Guarantor may itself be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary.  Accordingly, the Parent Guarantor’s obligations under the Parent Guarantee Agreement will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Parent Guarantor’s subsidiaries, and claimants should look only to the assets of the Parent Guarantor for payments thereunder.  This Parent Guarantee Agreement does not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of the Parent Guarantor, including Senior Debt of the Parent Guarantor.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
Termination
 
SECTION 7.1.           Termination.
 
This Parent Guarantee Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect upon (a) full payment of the Redemption Price of all Preferred Securities or (b) full payment of the Notes and all amounts payable in accordance with the Indenture upon liquidation of the Trust.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Parent Guarantee Agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Holder, the Note Holder or the Trust must restore payment of any sums paid with respect to Preferred Securities (including amounts paid under that certain Guarantee Agreement issued by the Company and the Parent Guarantor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as guarantee trustee, dated even herewith with respect to the Preferred Securities, the Notes or this Parent Guarantee Agreement).  The obligations of the Parent Guarantor under Sections 3.3 and 3.4 shall survive any such termination or the resignation and removal of the Guarantee Trustee.
 
 
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ARTICLE VIII
 
Miscellaneous
 
SECTION 8.1.           Successors and Assigns.
 
All guarantees and agreements contained in this Parent Guarantee Agreement shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of the Parent Guarantor and shall inure to the benefit of the Trust and the Holders or the Note Holders.  Except in connection with a consolidation, merger or sale involving the Parent Guarantor that is permitted under Article X hereof, and pursuant to which the successor or assignee agrees in writing to perform the Parent Guarantor’s obligations hereunder, the Parent Guarantor shall not assign its rights or delegate its obligations hereunder without the prior approval of the Holders of a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities.
 
SECTION 8.2.          Amendments.
 
Except with respect to any changes that do not adversely affect the rights of the Trust and of the Holders in any material respect (in which case no consent of the Holders will be required), this Parent Guarantee Agreement may only be amended with the prior approval of the Parent Guarantor, the Guarantee Trustee, the Trust and the Holders of not less than a Majority in Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities.  The provisions of Article VI of the Trust Agreement (as defined in the Indenture) concerning meetings or consents of the Holders shall apply to the giving of such approval.
 
SECTION 8.3.          Notices.
 
Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing, duly signed by the party giving such notice, and delivered, telecopied or mailed by first class mail as follows:
 
(a)            if given to the Parent Guarantor, to the address or facsimile number set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Parent Guarantor may give notice to the Guarantee Trustee and the Holders:
 
  The New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.
  c/o The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
  1301 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, New York 10019
  Facsimile No.: (212) 621-4525
  Attention: President
 
 
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  with a copy to:

  Hunton & Williams LLP
  Riverfront Plaza, East Tower
  951 East Byrd Street
  Richmond, Virginia 23219
  Fascimile No.: (804) 788-8218
  Attention: Daniel LeBay

(b)            if given to the Trust, at the address or facsimile number set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Trust may give notice to the Guarantee Trustee and the Holders:
 
  The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
  1301 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, New York 10019
  Facsimile No.: (212) 621-4525
  Attention: President

(c)            if given to the Company, at the address or facsimile number set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Company may give notice to the Guarantee Trustee and the Holders:
 
  The New York Mortgage Company, LLC
  1301 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, New York 10019
  Facsimile No.: (212) 621-4525
  Attention: President

(d)            if given to the Guarantee Trustee, at the address or facsimile number set forth below or such other address, facsimile number or to the attention of such other Person as the Guarantee Trustee may give notice to the Parent Guarantor and the Holders:
 
  JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
  600 Travis, 50th Floor
  Houston, Texas 77002
  Facsimile No.: (713) 216-2101
  Attention: Institutional Trust Services—NYM Preferred Trust I

(e)            if given to any Note Holder, at the address set forth on the books and records of the Trustee (as defined in the Indenture), and if to any Holder, at the address set forth in the books and records of the Trust.
 
All notices hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when received in person, telecopied with receipt confirmed, or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, except that if a notice or other document is refused delivery or cannot be delivered because of a changed address of which no notice was given, such notice or other document shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of such refusal or inability to deliver.
 
 
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SECTION 8.4.          Benefit.
 
This Parent Guarantee Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Trust, the Note Holders and the Holders and is not separately transferable from the Notes.
 
SECTION 8.5.           Governing Law.
 
This Parent Guarantee Agreement and the rights and obligations of each party hereto, shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without reference to its conflict of laws provisions (other than Section 5­1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law).
 
SECTION 8.6.           Submission to Jurisdiction.
 
ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO OR WITH RESPECT TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS PARENT GUARANTEE AGREEMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN OR REMOVED TO THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, OR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (IN EACH CASE SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN).  BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS PARENT GUARANTEE AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY ACCEPTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY, THE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS (AND COURTS OF APPEALS THEREFROM) FOR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PARENT GUARANTEE AGREEMENT.
 
SECTION 8.7.           Counterparts.
 
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
SECTION 8.8.           The Indenture.
 
Each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges that it is familiar with the terms of the Indenture.  The Indenture shall be deemed to be specifically described in this Parent Guarantee Agreement.
 
 
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ARTICLE IX
 
Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease and Ownership of the Company
 
SECTION 9.1.           Parent Guarantor May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms.
 
The Parent Guarantor shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and no Person shall consolidate with or merge into the Parent Guarantor or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Parent Guarantor, unless:
 
(a)            if the Parent Guarantor shall consolidate with or merge into another Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Parent Guarantor is merged or the Person that acquires by conveyance or transfer, or that leases, the properties and assets of the Parent Guarantor substantially as an entirety shall be an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any State or Territory thereof or the District of Columbia unless otherwise approved by Holders of a Majority Liquidation Amount of the Preferred Securities and shall expressly assume, in writing, executed and delivered to the Guarantee Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Guarantee Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the Parent Guarantee Payments required hereunder and the performance of every covenant and obligation of the Parent Guarantor to be performed under this Parent Guarantee Agreement on the part of the Parent Guarantor to be performed or observed;
 
(b)            immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
 
(c)            the Parent Guarantor has delivered to the Guarantee Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a written agreement evidencing any assignment or assumption is required in connection with such transaction, any such agreement complies with this Article IX and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and the Trustee may rely upon such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that such transaction complies with this Section 9.1 .
 
 
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SECTION 9.2.           Dividends, Distributions and Payments.
 
So long as any Notes or Preferred Securities remain outstanding, if there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default, then the Parent Guarantor shall not and shall not permit the Company to (a) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make liquidation payment with respect to, any of its respective capital stock (other than payments of dividends or distributions by the Company to the Parent Guarantor, its successor or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that such Subsidiary is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by the Parent Guarantor) or (b) make any payment of principal of or any interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities of the Company or the Parent Guarantor that rank pari passu in all respects with or junior in interest to the Notes (other than (i) repurchases, redemptions or other acquisitions of shares of capital stock of the Company or the Parent Guarantor by either the Company or the Parent Guarantor in connection with any employment contract, benefit plan or other similar arrangement with or for the benefit of any one of more employees, officers, directors or consultants, in connection with a dividend reinvestment or stockholder stock purchase plan or in connection with the issuance of capital stock of the Company or the Parent Guarantor (or securities convertible into or exercisable for such capital stock) as consideration in an acquisition transaction entered into prior to the occurrence of such Event of Default, (ii) as a result of an exchange or conversion of any class or series of the Company’s or the Parent Guarantor’s capital stock (or any capital stock of a subsidiary of either the Company or the Parent Guarantor) for any class or series of the Company’s or the Parent Guarantor’s capital stock or any class of series of the Company’s or the Parent Guarantor’s indebtedness for any class or series of the Company’s or the Parent Guarantor’s capital stock, (iii) the purchase of fractional interests in shares of the Company’s or the Parent Guarantor’s capital stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such capital stock or the security being converted or exchanged, (iv) any declaration of a dividend in connection with any rights plan, the issuance of rights, stock or other property under any rights plan or the redemption or repurchase of rights pursuant thereto, or (v) any dividend in the form of stock, warrants, options or other rights where the dividend stock or the stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants, options or other rights is the same stock as that on which the dividend is being paid or ranks pari passu with or junior to such stock).
 
SECTION 9.3.           Successor Company Substituted.
 
Upon any consolidation or merger by the Parent Guarantor with or into any other Person, or any conveyance, transfer or lease by the Parent Guarantor of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 9.1 and the execution and delivery to the Trustee of the written agreement described in Section 9.1(a) , the successor entity formed by such consolidation or into which the Parent Guarantor is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Parent Guarantor under this Parent Guarantee Agreement with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Parent Guarantor herein; and in the event of any such conveyance, or transfer, or lease following the execution and delivery of such written agreement, the Parent Guarantor shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Parent Guarantee Agreement and the Notes.
 
SECTION 9.4.           Ownership of the Company.
 
At all times while this Parent Guarantee Agreement is in effect and while any of the obligations of the Parent Guarantor hereunder remain outstanding, one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding capital stock of the Company shall be owned by the Parent Guarantor.
 
 
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ARTICLE X
 
Representations and Warranties
 
SECTION 10.1.         Representations and Warranties of Parent Guarantor.
 
The Parent Guarantor hereby represents and warrants for the benefit of the Note Holders and the Holders that:
 
(a)            the Parent Guarantor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York.
 
(b)            the Parent Guarantor has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Parent Guarantee Agreement and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Parent Guarantee Agreement;
 
(c)            this Parent Guarantee Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Parent Guarantor and constitutes the legal, valid and binding agreement of the Parent Guarantor enforceable against the Parent Guarantor in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity;
 
(d)            the execution, delivery and performance of this Parent Guarantee Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action on the part of the Parent Guarantor and do not require any approval of stockholders of the Parent Guarantor and such execution, delivery and performance will not (i) violate the articles or certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other organizational documents) of the Parent Guarantor or (ii) violate any applicable law, governmental rule or regulation governing the Parent Guarantor, any material agreement to which it is a party or any material portion of its property or any order, judgment or decree applicable to the Company or the Parent Guarantor, respectively, or any material portion of its property;
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 
 
20

 
 
In Witness Whereof , the undersigned have executed this Parent Guarantee Agreement as of the date first above written.
 
 
New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

By:  /s/ Michael I. Wirth                                             
      Name:  Michael I. Wirth
      Title:  Chief Financial Officer


The New York Mortgage Company, LLC

By: /s/ Steven B. Schnall                                            
      Name:  Steven B. Schnall
      Title:  President/Chief Executive officer


JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association,
as Guarantee Trustee

By: /s/ Shelly A. Sterling                                            
      Name: Shelly A. Sterling
      Title: Vice President
 
 
 
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 quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 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. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are 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. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our 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.
 
Date: August 8, 2012
   
 
  
/s/ Steven R. Mumma 
 
Steven R. Mumma
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Fredric S. Starker, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 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. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are 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. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our 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.
 
Date: August 8, 2012
   
 
  
/s/ Fredric S. Starker
 
Fredric S. Starker
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and 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 Quarterly Report of New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, 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: August 8, 2012
   
 
  
/s/ Steven R. Mumma
 
Steven R. Mumma
 
Chief Executive Officer and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: August 8, 2012
   
 
  
/s/ Fredric S. Starker
 
Fredric S. Starker
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)