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CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORP - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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: March 31, 2019
OR
[  ]              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: 1-33796
CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter) 
MARYLAND
 
26-0630461
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
                                                                                                                                             
520 Madison Avenue 32nd Floor
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
(Address of principal executive offices)
10022
(Zip Code)
(212) 626-2300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
 
 
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
CIM
New York Stock Exchange
8.00% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
CIM PRA
New York Stock Exchange
8.00% Series B Cumulative Fixed-to-Floating Rate Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
CIM PRB
New York Stock Exchange
7.75% Series C Cumulative Fixed-to-Floating Rate Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
CIM PRC
New York Stock Exchange
8.00% Series D Cumulative Fixed-to-Floating Rate Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
CIM PRD
New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all documents and 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 þ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 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 þ No ☐



Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
Yes ☐ No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date:
Class
Outstanding at April 30, 2019
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
187,145,152





CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2018 (Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018)
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 




1


Part I
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$
122,850

$
47,486

Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value
2,538,043

2,486,130

Agency MBS, at fair value
12,238,044

12,188,950

Loans held for investment, at fair value
12,400,203

12,572,581

Receivable for investment sold
1,414,478


Accrued interest receivable
122,746

123,442

Other assets
500,593

252,582

Derivatives, at fair value, net
946

37,468

Total assets (1)
$
29,337,903

$
27,708,639

Liabilities:
 

 

Repurchase agreements ($17.2 billion and $15.8 billion pledged as collateral, respectively)
$
15,323,874

$
14,030,465

Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS ($1.0 billion pledged as collateral, respectively)
153,179

159,955

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment ($11.8 billion and $12.3 billion pledged as collateral, respectively)
8,124,760

8,455,376

Payable for investments purchased
1,513,657

1,136,157

Accrued interest payable
124,759

110,402

Dividends payable
99,050

95,986

Accounts payable and other liabilities
45,447

16,469

Total liabilities (1)
$
25,384,726

$
24,004,810






Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)









Stockholders' Equity:
 

 

Preferred Stock, par value of $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized:




8.00% Series A cumulative redeemable: 5,800,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ($145,000 liquidation preference)
$
58

$
58

8.00% Series B cumulative redeemable: 13,000,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ($325,000 liquidation preference)
130

130

7.75% Series C cumulative redeemable: 10,400,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ($260,000 liquidation preference)
104

104

8.00% Series D cumulative redeemable: 8,000,000 and 0 shares issued and outstanding, respectively ($200,000 liquidation preference)
80


Common stock: par value $0.01 per share; 500,000,000 and 300,000,000 shares authorized, 187,144,009 and 187,052,398 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
1,871

1,871

Additional paid-in-capital
4,268,063

4,072,093

Accumulated other comprehensive income
672,988

626,832

Cumulative earnings
3,497,636

3,379,489

Cumulative distributions to stockholders
(4,487,753
)
(4,376,748
)
Total stockholders' equity
$
3,953,177

$
3,703,829

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
29,337,903

$
27,708,639

(1) The Company's consolidated statements of financial condition include assets of consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that can only be used to settle obligations and liabilities of the VIE for which creditors do not have recourse to the primary beneficiary (Chimera Investment Corporation). As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, total assets of consolidated VIEs were $13,076,640 and $13,392,951, respectively, and total liabilities of consolidated VIEs were $8,312,916 and $8,652,158, respectively. See Note 8 for further discussion.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2



CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Quarters Ended

March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
Net interest income:


Interest income (1)
$
350,389

$
297,132

Interest expense (2)
202,950

149,251

Net interest income
147,439

147,881

Other-than-temporary impairments:
 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(801
)
(294
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
(4,052
)
(864
)
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
(4,853
)
(1,158
)
Other investment gains (losses):
 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
(89,315
)
81,419

Realized gains (losses) on terminations of interest rate swaps
(108,046
)

Net realized gains (losses) on derivatives
(7,277
)
13,085

Net gains (losses) on derivatives
(204,638
)
94,504

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value
200,812

14,466

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
8,603


Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

9,670

Total other gains (losses)
4,777

118,640






Other expenses:
 

 

Compensation and benefits
14,370

8,411

General and administrative expenses
5,883

5,489

Servicing fees
8,963

11,334

Deal expenses

1,088

Total other expenses
29,216

26,322

Income (loss) before income taxes
118,147

239,041

Income taxes

34

Net income (loss)
$
118,147

$
239,007






Dividends on preferred stock
17,392

9,400






Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
100,755

$
229,607






Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders:


 

Basic
$
0.54

$
1.22

Diluted
$
0.54

$
1.22






Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:


 

Basic
187,112,454

187,553,281

Diluted
188,199,711

188,176,753



(1) Includes interest income of consolidated VIEs of $207,112 and $235,026 for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 8 to consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
(2) Includes interest expense of consolidated VIEs of $91,027 and $99,614 for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 8 to consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3




CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)




For the Quarters Ended

March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
Comprehensive income (loss):
 

Net income (loss)
$
118,147

$
239,007

Other comprehensive income:
 

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
26,385

(88,816
)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income for other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
4,853

1,158

Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net income
14,918


Other comprehensive income (loss)
46,156

(87,658
)
Comprehensive income (loss) before preferred stock dividends
$
164,303

$
151,349

Dividends on preferred stock
$
17,392

$
9,400

Comprehensive income (loss) available to common stock shareholders
$
146,911

$
141,949




4



CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Series A Preferred Stock Par Value
Series B Preferred Stock Par Value
Series C Preferred Stock Par Value
Series D Preferred Stock Par Value
Common
Stock Par
Value
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Cumulative Earnings
Cumulative Distributions to Stockholders
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
58

$
130

$

$

$
1,878

$
3,826,691

$
796,902

$
2,967,852

$
(3,958,534
)
$
3,634,977

Net income (loss)







239,007


239,007

Other comprehensive income (loss)






(87,658
)


(87,658
)
Repurchase of common stock




(8
)
(14,826
)



(14,834
)
Stock based compensation





2,526




2,526

Common dividends declared








(93,875
)
(93,875
)
Preferred dividends declared








(9,400
)
(9,400
)
Balance, March 31, 2018
$
58

$
130

$

$

$
1,870

$
3,814,391

$
709,244

$
3,206,859

$
(4,061,809
)
$
3,670,743

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
58

$
130

$
104

$

$
1,871

$
4,072,093

$
626,832

$
3,379,489

$
(4,376,748
)
$
3,703,829

Net income (loss)







118,147


118,147

Other comprehensive income (loss)






46,156



46,156

Stock based compensation





2,682




2,682

Common dividends declared








(93,613
)
(93,613
)
Preferred dividends declared








(17,392
)
(17,392
)
Issuance of preferred stock



80


193,288




193,368

Balance, March 31, 2019
$
58

$
130

$
104

$
80

$
1,871

$
4,268,063

$
672,988

$
3,497,636

$
(4,487,753
)
$
3,953,177



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5



CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income
$
118,147

$
239,007

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Accretion) amortization of investment discounts/premiums, net
6,030

2,521

Accretion (amortization) of deferred financing costs and securitized debt discounts/premiums, net
(5,955
)
(693
)
Amortization of swaption premium
160

727

Net unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives
89,315

(81,419
)
Margin (paid) received on derivatives
(98,565
)
43,891

Net unrealized losses (gains) on financial instruments at fair value
(200,812
)
(14,466
)
Net realized losses (gains) on sales of investments
(8,603
)

Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
4,853

1,158

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt

(9,670
)
Equity-based compensation expense
2,682

2,526

Changes in operating assets:




Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable, net
(662
)
2,120

Decrease (increase) in other assets
1,025

12,501

Changes in operating liabilities:




Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities
15,655

(7,766
)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable, net
14,554

8,041

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(62,176
)
$
198,478

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Agency MBS portfolio:
 

 

Purchases
$
(1,379,467
)
$
(217,579
)
Sales
91,731


Principal payments
215,403

109,645

Non-Agency RMBS portfolio:
 

 

Purchases
(112,778
)

Sales
4,394


Principal payments
78,689

96,988

Loans held for investment:
 

 

Purchases
(512,044
)
(369,583
)
Sales
358,175


Principal payments
375,087

443,755

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
$
(880,810
)
$
63,226

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Proceeds from repurchase agreements
$
25,994,053

$
13,951,070

Payments on repurchase agreements
(24,700,865
)
(13,997,248
)
Net proceeds from preferred stock offerings
193,368


Payments on repurchase of common stock

(14,834
)
Proceeds from securitized debt borrowings, collateralized by loans held for investment

509,066

Payments on securitized debt borrowings, collateralized by loans held for investment
(354,361
)
(558,917
)
Payments on securitized debt borrowings, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
(5,905
)
(10,353
)
Common dividends paid
(93,526
)
(93,905
)
Preferred dividends paid
(14,414
)
(9,400
)

6



Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
$
1,018,350

$
(224,521
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
75,364

37,183

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
47,486

63,569

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
122,850

$
100,752

 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest received
$
357,111

$
301,772

Interest paid
$
194,549

$
141,903

Non-cash investing activities:
 

 

Receivable for investments sold
$
1,414,478

$

Payable for investments purchased
$
1,513,657

$
766,250

Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for sale securities
$
46,156

$
(87,658
)
Retained beneficial interests
$
40,825

$






Non-cash financing activities:
 

 

    Dividends declared, not yet paid
$
99,050

$
95,335



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7



CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. Organization

Chimera Investment Corporation, or the Company, was organized in Maryland on June 1, 2007. The Company commenced operations on November 21, 2007 when it completed its initial public offering. The Company elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder, or the Code.

The Company conducts its operations through various subsidiaries including subsidiaries it treats as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs. In general, a TRS may hold assets and engage in activities that the Company cannot hold or engage in directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The Company currently has nine wholly owned direct subsidiaries: Chimera RMBS Whole Pool LLC, and Chimera RMBS LLC formed in June 2009; CIM Trading Company LLC, or CIM Trading, formed in July 2010; Chimera Funding TRS LLC, or CIM Funding TRS, a TRS formed in October 2013, Chimera CMBS Whole Pool LLC and Chimera RMBS Securities LLC formed in March 2015; Chimera Insurance Company, LLC formed in July 2015; Chimera RR Holding LLC formed in April 2016, and Anacostia LLC, a TRS formed in June 2018.

2. Summary of the Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation.

The consolidated financial statements include, the Company’s accounts, the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities, or VIEs, in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company uses securitization trusts considered to be VIEs in its securitization and re-securitization transactions. VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The entity that consolidates a VIE is known as its primary beneficiary, and is generally the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance, and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. For VIEs that do not have substantial on-going activities, the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance may be determined by an entity’s involvement with the design and structure of the VIE.

The trusts are structured as entities that receive principal and interest on the underlying collateral and distribute those payments to the security holders. The assets held by the securitization entities are restricted in that they can only be used to fulfill the obligations of the securitization entity. The Company’s risks associated with its involvement with these VIEs are limited to its risks and rights as a holder of the security it has retained.

Determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE requires judgment. The Company determined that for the securitizations it consolidates, its ownership provides the Company with the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. In addition, the Company has the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance, or power, such as rights to direct servicer activity or the Company was determined to have power in connection with its involvement with the structure and design of the VIE.

The Company’s interest in the assets held by these securitization vehicles, which are consolidated on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, is restricted by the structural provisions of these trusts, and a recovery of the Company’s investment in the vehicles will be limited by each entity’s distribution provisions. The liabilities of the securitization vehicles, which are also consolidated on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, are non-recourse to the Company, and can only be satisfied from each securitization vehicle’s respective asset pool.


8



The assets of securitization entities are comprised of residential mortgage backed securities (or RMBS), or residential mortgage loans. See Notes 3, 4 and 8 for further discussion of the characteristics of the securities and loans in the Company’s portfolio.

(b) Statements of Financial Condition Presentation

The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition include both the Company’s direct assets and liabilities and the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization vehicles. Assets of each consolidated VIE can only be used to satisfy the obligations of that VIE, and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs are non-recourse to the Company. The Company is not obligated to provide, nor does it intend to provide, any financial support to these consolidated securitization vehicles. The notes to the consolidated financial statements describe the Company’s assets and liabilities including the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization vehicles. See Note 8 for additional information related to the Company’s investments in consolidated securitization vehicles.

(c) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that effect 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. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be materially different than anticipated in those estimates, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition. Management has made significant estimates including in accounting for income recognition and OTTI on Agency and Non-Agency RMBS and IO MBS (Note 3), valuation of Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS (Notes 3 and 5), residential mortgage loans (Note 4), securitized debt (Note 7), derivative instruments (Notes 5 and 9) and compensation expense estimates (Note 12). Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

(d) Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no significant changes to the Company's accounting policies included in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, other than the significant accounting policies disclosed below.

Income Taxes

The Company does not have any material unrecognized tax positions that would affect its financial statements or require disclosure. No accruals for penalties and interest were necessary as of March 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

Fair Value Disclosure

The Company has elected to account for certain Non- Agency RMBS investments acquired on or after January 1, 2019 under the fair value option. Under the fair value option, these investments will be carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in earnings (included as part of “Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value”). Consistent with all other investments for which the Company has elected the fair value option, the Company will recognize revenue on a prospective basis in accordance with guidance in ASC 325-40.

The Company carries the majority of its financial instruments at fair value. The Company has elected fair value option on certain Non-Agency RMBS, Agency MBS, Loans held for investments and Securitized debt, collateralized by loans held for investment. The Company believes the fair value option election will provide its financial statements user with reduced complexity, greater consistency, understandability and comparability.

A complete discussion of the methodology utilized by the Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments is included in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements.

(e) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815):

Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (ASU No. 2018-16)


9



In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging - Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes. The amendments in this update permit the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate. Including the OIS rate based on SOFR as an eligible benchmark interest rate during the early stages of the marketplace transition will facilitate the LIBOR to SOFR transition and provide sufficient lead time for entities to prepare for changes to interest rate risk hedging strategies for both risk management and hedge accounting purposes. The Company has adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019. The Company does not have any derivative instruments linked to SOFR and the Company does not apply hedge accounting for GAAP reporting purposes. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Targeted improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU No. 2017-12)

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This update is issued with the objective of improving the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. In addition, the amendments in this update make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP. The Company has adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019. The Company does not apply hedge accounting for GAAP reporting purposes. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurement - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. It eliminates disclosure requirements for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and policies related to valuation processes and the timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy. It adds the following disclosure requirements, but it exempts nonpublic entities from these requirements: i) The changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of instruments held at the end of the reporting period and ii) For recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements, the range and weighted averages used to develop significant unobservable inputs and how the weighted average was calculated, with certain exceptions. The Company has adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - (Topic 220)

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this update allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this Update also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The Company has adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - (Topic 326)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update replaces the current model for recognizing credit losses from an incurred credit loss model to a current expected credit loss (CECL) model for instruments measured at amortized cost and requires entities to record allowances for available-for-sale (AFS) debt securities for all expected (rather than incurred) credit losses of the asset rather than reduce the carrying amount, as the Company does under the current OTTI model. This update also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. The changes in the allowances created in accordance with this update will be recorded in earnings. The update also expands the disclosure requirements regarding the Company's assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the expected credit losses. In addition, the Company will disclose the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination. The guidance in the ASU is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2020. Early adoption is allowed, beginning January 1, 2019. The standard requires entities to record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which

10



the guidance is effective. The Company did not early adopt and is currently evaluating what impact this update will have on the consolidated financial statements.

3. Mortgage-Backed Securities

The Company classifies its Non-Agency RMBS as senior, senior IO, subordinated, or subordinated IO. The Company also invests in Agency residential, commercial and IO MBS. Senior interests in Non-Agency RMBS are considered to be entitled to the first principal repayments in their pro-rata ownership interests at the acquisition date. The tables below present amortized cost, fair value and unrealized gain/losses of Company's MBS investments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Principal or Notional Value
Total Premium
Total Discount
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
2,347,459

$
590

$
(1,076,077
)
$
1,271,972

$
1,922,984

$
651,411

$
(399
)
$
651,012

Senior, interest-only
6,227,847

289,604


289,604

281,757

42,464

(50,311
)
(7,847
)
Subordinated
446,450

8,729

(187,755
)
267,424

321,355

54,101

(170
)
53,931

Subordinated, interest-only
229,475

10,298


10,298

11,947

1,881

(232
)
1,649

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Residential
8,686,945

209,197


8,896,142

8,952,414

94,066

(37,794
)
56,272

Commercial
3,080,065

65,013

(5,185
)
3,139,893

3,138,727

25,839

(27,005
)
(1,166
)
Interest-only
2,627,192

145,343


145,343

146,903

4,364

(2,804
)
1,560

Total
$
23,645,433

$
728,774

$
(1,269,017
)
$
14,020,676

$
14,776,087

$
874,126

$
(118,715
)
$
755,411


 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Principal or Notional Value
Total Premium
Total Discount
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
2,386,049

$
537

$
(1,112,368
)
$
1,274,218

$
1,943,124

$
669,356

$
(450
)
$
668,906

Senior, interest-only
5,667,198

286,942


286,942

254,890

31,123

(63,175
)
(32,052
)
Subordinated
394,037

8,642

(179,669
)
223,010

276,467

53,702

(245
)
53,457

Subordinated, interest-only
221,549

9,932


9,932

11,649

2,000

(283
)
1,717

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential
8,984,249

221,606


9,205,855

9,174,382

51,986

(83,459
)
(31,473
)
Commercial
2,895,679

61,727

(4,469
)
2,952,937

2,881,222

6,303

(78,018
)
(71,715
)
Interest-only
3,028,572

136,026


136,026

133,346

1,986

(4,666
)
(2,680
)
Total
$
23,577,333

$
725,412

$
(1,296,506
)
$
14,088,920

$
14,675,080

$
816,456

$
(230,296
)
$
586,160



The table below presents changes in accretable yield, or the excess of the security’s cash flows expected to be collected over the Company’s investment, solely as it pertains to the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS portfolio accounted for according to the provisions of ASC 310-30.


11



 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
1,248,309

$
1,303,590

Purchases


Yield income earned
(55,990
)
(59,732
)
Reclassification (to) from non-accretable difference
6,693

50,026

Sales and deconsolidation
(506
)
112

Balance at end of period
$
1,198,506

$
1,293,996



The table below presents the outstanding principal balance and related amortized cost at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 as it pertains to the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS portfolio accounted for according to the provisions of ASC 310-30.
 
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year Ended
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Outstanding principal balance:
 
 
Beginning of period
$
2,325,154

$
2,673,350

End of period
$
2,252,126

$
2,325,154

Amortized cost:
 

 

Beginning of period
$
1,158,291

$
1,381,839

End of period
$
1,119,307

$
1,158,291



The following tables present the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value of the Company’s RMBS by length of time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. All securities in an unrealized loss position have been evaluated by the Company for OTTI.

 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months
 
Unrealized Loss Position for 12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Number of Positions
 
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Number of Positions
 
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Number of Positions
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$

$


 
$
32,777

$
(399
)
1

 
$
32,777

$
(399
)
1

Senior, interest-only
31,447

(2,537
)
18

 
103,525

(47,774
)
88

 
134,972

(50,311
)
106

Subordinated
1,097

(78
)
1

 
725

(92
)
11

 
1,822

(170
)
12

Subordinated, interest-only
2,016

(113
)
1

 
284

(119
)
1

 
2,300

(232
)
2

Agency MBS
 

 



 


 

 

 
 

 

 

Residential
425,019

(735
)
2

 
1,515,009

(37,059
)
88

 
1,940,028

(37,794
)
90

Commercial
652,433

(9,357
)
312

 
857,886

(17,648
)
239

 
1,510,319

(27,005
)
551

Interest-only
10,285

(100
)
4

 
16,948

(2,704
)
9

 
27,233

(2,804
)
13

Total
$
1,122,297

$
(12,920
)
338

 
$
2,527,154

$
(105,795
)
437

 
$
3,649,451

$
(118,715
)
775



12



 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months
 
Unrealized Loss Position for 12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Number of Positions
 
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Number of Positions
 
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Number of Positions
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$

$


 
$
33,303

$
(450
)
1

 
$
33,303

$
(450
)
1

Senior, interest-only
34,236

(4,276
)
29

 
95,108

(58,899
)
91

 
129,344

(63,175
)
120

Subordinated
13,404

(245
)
7

 


8

 
13,404

(245
)
15

Subordinated, interest-only
2,104

(158
)
2

 
303

(125
)
1

 
2,407

(283
)
3

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Residential
779,322

(6,220
)
17

 
1,809,566

(77,239
)
114

 
2,588,888

(83,459
)
131

Commercial
1,697,555

(56,382
)
548

 
504,570

(21,636
)
183

 
2,202,125

(78,018
)
731

Interest-only
5,769

(48
)
2

 
41,659

(4,618
)
17

 
47,428

(4,666
)
19

Total
$
2,532,390

$
(67,329
)
605

 
$
2,484,509

$
(162,967
)
415

 
$
5,016,899

$
(230,296
)
1,020



At March 31, 2019, the Company did not intend to sell any of its RMBS that were in an unrealized loss position, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these RMBS before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at their maturity. With respect to RMBS held by consolidated VIEs, the ability of any entity to cause the sale by the VIE prior to the maturity of these RMBS is either expressly prohibited, not probable, or is limited to specified events of default, none of which have occurred as of March 31, 2019.

Gross unrealized losses on the Company’s Agency residential and commercial MBS (excluding Agency MBS which are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings) were $38 million and $95 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Given the inherent credit quality of Agency MBS, the Company does not consider any of the current impairments on its Agency MBS to be credit related. In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell any impaired security before its anticipated recovery, which may be at their maturity, the Company considers the significance of each investment, the amount of impairment, the projected future performance of such impaired securities, as well as the Company’s current and anticipated leverage capacity and liquidity position. Based on these analyses, the Company determined that at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, unrealized losses on its Agency MBS were temporary.

Gross unrealized losses on the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS (excluding Non-Agency MBS which are reported at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings) were $477 thousand and $601 thousand at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Based upon the most recent evaluation, the Company does not consider these unrealized losses to be indicative of OTTI and does not believe that these unrealized losses are credit related, but rather are due to other factors. The Company has reviewed its Non-Agency RMBS that are in an unrealized loss position to identify those securities with losses that are other-than-temporary based on an assessment of changes in cash flows expected to be collected for such RMBS, which considers recent bond performance and expected future performance of the underlying collateral.

A summary of the OTTI included in earnings for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below.

 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
$
(801
)
$
(294
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
(4,052
)
(864
)
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
$
(4,853
)
$
(1,158
)
 
The following table presents a roll forward of the credit loss component of OTTI on the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS for which a portion of loss was recognized in OCI. The table delineates between those securities that are recognizing OTTI for the first time as opposed to those that have previously recognized OTTI.

13



 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Cumulative credit loss beginning balance
$
587,199

$
591,521

Additions:
 

 

Other-than-temporary impairments not previously recognized
1,479

1,140

Reductions for securities sold or deconsolidated during the period

(173
)
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairments on securities with previously recognized other-than-temporary impairments
3,375

18

Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected over the remaining life of the securities
(771
)
(6,450
)
Cumulative credit impairment loss ending balance
$
591,282

$
586,056



Cash flows generated to determine net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses recognized in earnings are estimated using significant unobservable inputs. The significant inputs used to measure the component of OTTI recognized in earnings for the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS for the periods reported are summarized as follows:

 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
Loss Severity
 
 
Weighted Average
69%
100%
Range
53% - 102%
34% - 132%
60+ days delinquent
 
 
Weighted Average
8%
18%
Range
2% - 18%
16% - 19%
Credit Enhancement (1)

 
Weighted Average
0%
17%
Range
0% - 0%
0% - 51%
3 Month CPR
 
 
Weighted Average
8%
27%
Range
3% - 21%
3% - 39%
12 Month CPR
 
 
Weighted Average
9%
15%
Range
3% - 12%
3% - 20%

(1) Calculated as the combined credit enhancement to the Re-REMIC and underlying from each of their respective capital structures.

The following tables present a summary of unrealized gains and losses at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

14



 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands) 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Cumulative Earnings
Total Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Cumulative Earnings
Total Gross Unrealized Loss
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
651,184

$
227

$
651,411

$
(399
)
$

$
(399
)
Senior, interest-only

42,464

42,464


(50,311
)
(50,311
)
Subordinated
49,318

4,783

54,101

(78
)
(92
)
(170
)
Subordinated, interest-only

1,881

1,881


(232
)
(232
)
Agency MBS
 

 

 
 

 

 
Residential
2,868

91,198

94,066

(24,976
)
(12,818
)
(37,794
)
Commercial
8,117

17,722

25,839

(13,046
)
(13,959
)
(27,005
)
Interest-only

4,364

4,364


(2,804
)
(2,804
)
Total
$
711,487

$
162,639

$
874,126

$
(38,499
)
$
(80,216
)
$
(118,715
)
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)  
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Cumulative Earnings
Total Gross Unrealized Gain
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Cumulative Earnings
Total Gross Unrealized Loss
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
669,356

$

$
669,356

$
(450
)
$

$
(450
)
Senior, interest-only

31,123

31,123


(63,175
)
(63,175
)
Subordinated
50,235

3,467

53,702

(151
)
(94
)
(245
)
Subordinated, interest-only

2,000

2,000


(283
)
(283
)
Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential
1,708

50,278

51,986

(59,552
)
(23,907
)
(83,459
)
Commercial
811

5,492

6,303

(35,125
)
(42,893
)
(78,018
)
Interest-only

1,986

1,986


(4,666
)
(4,666
)
Total
$
722,110

$
94,346

$
816,456

$
(95,278
)
$
(135,018
)
$
(230,296
)


Changes in prepayments, actual cash flows, and cash flows expected to be collected, among other items, are affected by the collateral characteristics of each asset class. The Company chooses assets for the portfolio after carefully evaluating each investment’s risk profile.

The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s MBS portfolio at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
March 31, 2019
 
Principal or Notional Value
at Period-End
(dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average Amortized
Cost Basis
Weighted Average Fair Value
Weighted Average
Coupon
Weighted Average Yield at Period-End (1)
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
2,347,459

$
54.19

$
81.92

5.1
%
19.2
%
Senior, interest-only
6,227,847

4.65

4.52

1.1
%
8.1
%
Subordinated
446,450

59.90

71.98

4.1
%
9.3
%
Subordinated, interest-only
229,475

4.49

5.21

1.1
%
15.9
%
Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

Residential pass-through
8,686,945

102.41

103.06

4.0
%
3.6
%
Commercial pass-through
3,080,065

101.94

101.90

3.6
%
3.4
%
Interest-only
2,627,192

5.53

5.59

1.0
%
5.3
%
(1) Bond Equivalent Yield at period end.

15




 
December 31, 2018
 
Principal or Notional Value at Period-End
(dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average Amortized
Cost Basis
Weighted Average Fair Value
Weighted Average
Coupon
Weighted Average Yield at Period-End (1)
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
2,386,049

$
53.40

$
81.44

5.0
%
19.5
%
Senior, interest-only
5,667,198

5.06

4.50

1.2
%
8.4
%
Subordinated
394,037

56.60

70.16

4.0
%
9.9
%
Subordinated, interest-only
221,549

4.48

5.26

1.1
%
16.4
%
Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

Residential pass-through
8,984,249

102.47

102.12

4.0
%
3.6
%
Commercial pass-through
2,895,679

101.98

99.50

3.6
%
3.4
%
Interest-only
3,028,572

4.49

4.40

0.8
%
4.3
%
(1) Bond Equivalent Yield at period end.

The following table presents the weighted average credit rating of the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS portfolio at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018

AAA
1.0
%
0.5
%
AA
0.1
%
0.1
%
A
0.3
%
0.3
%
BBB
0.8
%
0.4
%
BB
4.1
%
3.6
%
B
1.4
%
1.1
%
Below B or not rated
92.3
%
94.0
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%


Actual maturities of MBS are generally shorter than the stated contractual maturities. Actual maturities of the Company’s MBS are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal. The following tables provide a summary of the fair value and amortized cost of the Company’s MBS at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 according to their estimated weighted-average life classifications. The weighted-average lives of the MBS in the tables below are based on lifetime expected prepayment rates using an industry prepayment model for the Agency MBS portfolio and the Company’s prepayment assumptions for the Non-Agency RMBS. The prepayment model considers current yield, forward yield, steepness of the interest rate curve, current mortgage rates, mortgage rates of the outstanding loan, loan age, margin, and volatility.

16



 
March 31, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands) 
 
Weighted Average Life
 
Less than one year
Greater than one year and less
than five years
Greater than five years and less
than ten years
Greater than ten years
Total
Fair value
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
6,994

$
355,416

$
940,246

$
620,328

$
1,922,984

Senior interest-only
1,224

53,184

103,826

123,523

281,757

Subordinated

41,834

38,486

241,035

321,355

Subordinated interest-only

284

8,948

2,715

11,947

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

Residential

5,556,080

3,396,334


8,952,414

Commercial
15,367

533

28,670

3,094,157

3,138,727

Interest-only
102,838

23,238

18,422

2,405

146,903

Total fair value
$
126,423

$
6,030,569

$
4,534,932

$
4,084,163

$
14,776,087

Amortized cost
 

 

 

 

 

Non-Agency RMBS
 
 

 

 

 

Senior
$
6,941

$
284,202

$
584,098

$
396,731

$
1,271,972

Senior interest-only
2,195

54,767

112,167

120,475

289,604

Subordinated

30,127

23,190

214,107

267,424

Subordinated interest-only

402

7,097

2,799

10,298

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

Residential

5,494,865

3,401,277


8,896,142

Commercial
15,434

533

29,363

3,094,563

3,139,893

Interest-only
99,013

25,845

18,072

2,413

145,343

Total amortized cost
$
123,583

$
5,890,741

$
4,175,264

$
3,831,088

$
14,020,676

 
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Weighted Average Life
 
Less than one year
Greater than one year and less
than five years
Greater than five years and less
than ten years
Greater than ten years
Total
Fair value
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
7,611

$
357,543

$
946,536

$
631,434

$
1,943,124

Senior interest-only
1,189

38,407

96,401

118,893

254,890

Subordinated

39,825

43,744

192,898

276,467

Subordinated interest-only

303

9,321

2,025

11,649

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

Residential

640,713

8,524,211

9,458

9,174,382

Commercial

15,468

28,205

2,837,549

2,881,222

Interest-only
65,675

48,580

19,091


133,346

Total fair value
$
74,475

$
1,140,839

$
9,667,509

$
3,792,257

$
14,675,080

Amortized cost
 

 

 

 

 

Non-Agency RMBS
 
 

 

 

 

Senior
$
7,522

$
277,025

$
585,187

$
404,484

$
1,274,218

Senior interest-only
2,250

46,944

111,538

126,210

286,942

Subordinated

29,487

26,036

167,487

223,010

Subordinated interest-only

428

7,358

2,146

9,932

Agency MBS
 

 

 

 

 

Residential

645,368

8,550,766

9,721

9,205,855

Commercial

15,543

29,447

2,907,947

2,952,937

Interest-only
64,185

53,076

18,765


136,026

Total amortized cost
$
73,957

$
1,067,871

$
9,329,097

$
3,617,995

$
14,088,920




17



The Non-Agency RMBS portfolio is subject to credit risk. The Non-Agency RMBS portfolio is primarily collateralized by Alt-A first lien mortgages. An Alt-A mortgage is a type of U.S. mortgage that, for various reasons, is considered riskier than A-paper, or prime, and less risky than subprime, the riskiest category. Alt-A interest rates, which are determined by credit risk, therefore tend to be between those of prime and subprime home loans. Typically, Alt-A mortgages are characterized by borrowers with less than full documentation, lower credit scores and higher loan-to-value ratios. At origination of the loan, Alt-A mortgage securities are defined as Non-Agency RMBS where (i) the underlying collateral has weighted average FICO scores between 680 and 720 or (ii) the FICO scores are greater than 720 and RMBS have 30% or less of the underlying collateral composed of full documentation loans. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 66% and 71% of the Non-Agency RMBS collateral was classified as Alt-A, respectively. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 19% and 12% of the Non-Agency RMBS collateral was classified as prime, respectively. The remaining Non-Agency RMBS collateral is classified as subprime.

The Non-Agency RMBS in the Portfolio have the following collateral characteristics at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Weighted average maturity (years)
 
22.0

 
21.3

Weighted average amortized loan to value (1)
 
63.3
%
 
62.9
%
Weighted average FICO (2)
 
713

 
708

Weighted average loan balance (in thousands)
 
$
304

 
$
308

Weighted average percentage owner occupied
 
85.9
%
 
85.7
%
Weighted average percentage single family residence
 
61.8
%
 
63.8
%
Weighted average current credit enhancement
 
1.5
%
 
1.4
%
Weighted average geographic concentration of top four states
CA
33.9
%
CA
33.8
%
 
FL
7.6
%
FL
7.7
%
 
NY
6.8
%
NY
7.4
%
 
NJ
2.0
%
NJ
2.1
%
(1) Value represents appraised value of the collateral at the time of loan origination.
(2) FICO as determined at the time of loan origination.

The table below presents the origination year of the underlying loans related to the Company’s portfolio of Non-Agency RMBS at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Origination Year
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018

2003 and prior
1.4
%
1.3
%
2004
1.7
%
1.7
%
2005
12.4
%
12.9
%
2006
50.3
%
49.8
%
2007
29.4
%
31.0
%
2008 and later
4.8
%
3.3
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%


Gross realized gains and losses are recorded in “Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The proceeds and gross realized gains and gross realized losses from sales of investments for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Proceeds from sales
$
1,509,281

$

 
 
 
Gross realized gains
27,297


Gross realized losses
(18,694
)

Net realized gain (loss)
$
8,603

$



18




4. Loans Held for Investment

The Loans held for investment are comprised primarily of loans collateralized by seasoned subprime residential mortgages. Additionally, it includes non-conforming, single family, owner occupied, jumbo, prime residential mortgages.

At March 31, 2019, all Loans held for investment are carried at fair value. See Note 5 for a discussion on how the Company determines the fair values of the Loans held for investment. As changes in the fair value of these loans are reflected in earnings, the Company does not estimate or record a loan loss provision. The total amortized cost of our Loans held for investment was $12.0 billion and $12.2 billion as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying value of Loans held for investment at fair value at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

 
For the Quarter Ended
For the Year Ended
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
12,572,581

$
13,678,263

Purchases
512,044

1,671,330

Principal paydowns
(375,087
)
(1,859,155
)
Sales and settlements
(401,901
)
(807,364
)
Net periodic accretion (amortization)
(13,979
)
(83,393
)
Realized gains (losses) on sales and settlements

101

Change in fair value
106,545

(27,201
)
Balance, end of period
$
12,400,203

$
12,572,581



The primary cause of the change in fair value is due to market demand and changes in credit risk of mortgage loans. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company purchased $399 million of loans which were subsequently sold to a trust and securitized, with the Company retaining $41 million of beneficial interests. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased $415 million of loans which were subsequently sold to a trust and securitized, with the Company retaining $40 million of beneficial interests. There were no gains or losses incurred from the sale of these assets.

Residential mortgage loans

The loan portfolio for all residential mortgages were originated during the following periods:
Origination Year
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018

2002 and prior
7.2
%
7.3
%
2003
6.5
%
6.6
%
2004
13.5
%
13.6
%
2005
19.4
%
19.5
%
2006
22.5
%
22.7
%
2007
19.4
%
19.5
%
2008
6.1
%
6.2
%
2009
1.0
%
1.0
%
2010 and later
4.4
%
3.6
%
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%


The following table presents a summary of key characteristics of the residential loan portfolio at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

19



 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Number of loans
 
136,791

 
140,345

Weighted average maturity (years)
 
18.3

 
18.6

Weighted average loan to value (1)
 
87.4
%
 
87.5
%
Weighted average FICO (1)
 
629

 
629

Weighted average loan balance (in thousands)
 
$
89

 
$
89

Weighted average percentage owner occupied
 
89.3
%
 
90.1
%
Weighted average percentage single family residence
 
86.1
%
 
86.3
%
Weighted average geographic concentration of top five states
CA
9.5
%
CA
9.0
%
 
FL
7.2
%
FL
7.3
%
 
OH
5.9
%
OH
5.9
%
 
NY
5.8
%
NY
5.7
%
 
PA
5.6
%
PA
5.6
%
(1) As provided by the Trustee.

The following table summarizes the outstanding principal balance of the residential loan portfolio which are 30 days delinquent and greater as reported by the servicer at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.




 
30 Days Delinquent
60 Days Delinquent
90+ Days Delinquent
Bankruptcy
Foreclosure
REO
Total
Unpaid Principal/Notional
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2019
$860,489
$290,509
$327,712
$281,078
$301,013
$51,993
$2,112,794
$12,139,229
% of Unpaid Principal Balance
7.1%
2.4%
2.7%
2.3%
2.5%
0.4%
17.4%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
$855,423
$278,953
$342,944
$266,034
$292,307
$47,055
$2,082,716
$12,432,582
% of Unpaid Principal Balance
6.9%
2.2%
2.8%
2.1%
2.4%
0.4%
16.8%



The fair value of residential mortgage loans 90 days or more past due was $619 million and $606 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Real estate owned

Real estate owned, or REO, represents properties which the Company has received the legal title of the property to satisfy the outstanding loan. REO is re-categorized from loan to REO when the Company takes legal title of the property. REO assets are measured and reported at the estimated fair value less the estimated cost to sell at the end of each reporting period. At the time the asset is re-categorized, any difference between the previously recorded loan balance and the carrying value of the REO at the time the Company takes legal title of the property, is recognized as a gain or loss. All REO assets of the Company are held-for-sale and it is the Company’s intention to sell the property in the shortest time possible to maximize their return and recovery on the previously recorded loan. The carrying value of REO assets at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $20 million and $17 million, respectively, and were recorded in Other Assets on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

5. Fair Value Measurements

The Company applies fair value guidance in accordance with GAAP to account for its financial instruments. The Company categorizes its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the financial instruments fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value

20



measurement of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition or disclosed in the related notes are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and 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 fair value.

Fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 are sensitive to changes in the assumptions or methodology used to determine fair value and such changes could result in a significant increase or decrease in the fair value. Any changes to the valuation methodology are reviewed by management to ensure the changes are appropriate. As markets and products evolve and the pricing for certain products becomes more transparent, the Company will continue to refine its valuation methodologies. The methodology utilized by the Company for the periods presented is unchanged. The methods used to produce a fair value calculation may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants. Using 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 the measurement date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which price transparency may be reduced.

During times of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs can be difficult for certain investments. If third party pricing services are unable to provide a price for an asset, or if the price provided by them is deemed unreliable by the Company, then the asset will be valued at its fair value as determined by the Company without validation to third-party pricing. Illiquid investments typically experience greater price volatility as an active market does not exist. Observability of prices and inputs can vary significantly from period to period and may cause instruments to change classifications within the three level hierarchy.

A description of the methodologies utilized by the Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments by instrument class follows:
Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS

The Company determines the fair value of all of its investment securities based on discounted cash flows utilizing an internal pricing model that incorporates factors such as coupon, prepayment speeds, loan size, collateral composition, borrower characteristics, expected interest rates, life caps, periodic caps, reset dates, collateral seasoning, delinquency, expected losses, expected default severity, credit enhancement, and other pertinent factors. To corroborate that the estimates of fair values generated by these internal models are reflective of current market prices, the Company compares the fair values generated by the model to non-binding independent prices provided by two independent third party pricing services. For certain highly liquid asset classes, such as Agency fixed-rate pass-through bonds, the Company’s valuations are also compared to quoted prices for To-Be-Announced, or TBA, securities.

Each quarter the Company develops thresholds which are determined utilizing current bid/ask spreads, liquidity, price volatility and other factors as appropriate. If internally developed model prices differ from the independent prices provided by greater than a market derived predetermined threshold for the period, the Company highlights these differences for further review, both internally and with the third party pricing service. The Company obtains the inputs used by the third party pricing services and compares them to the Company’s inputs. The Company updates its own inputs if the Company determines the third party pricing inputs more accurately reflect the current market environment. If the Company believes that its internally developed inputs more accurately reflect the current market environment, it will request that the third party pricing service review market factors that may not have been considered by the third party pricing service and provide updated prices. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the predetermined thresholds before a final price is established. At March 31, 2019, seventeen investment holdings with an internally developed fair value of $171 million had a difference between the model generated prices and third party prices provided in excess of the derived predetermined threshold for the period. The internally developed prices were $3 million higher than the third party prices provided of $168 million. After review and discussion, the Company affirmed and valued the investments at the higher internally developed prices. No other differences were noted at March 31, 2019 in excess of the derived predetermined threshold for the period. At December 31, 2018,nineteen investment holdings with an internally developed fair value of $127 million had a difference between the model generated prices and third party prices provided in excess of the derived predetermined threshold for the period. The internally

21



developed prices were $4 million higher than the third party prices provided of $123 million. After review and discussion, the Company affirmed and valued the investments at the higher internally developed prices. No other differences were noted at December 31, 2018 in excess of the derived predetermined threshold for the period.

The Company’s estimate of prepayment, default and severity curves all involve judgment and assumptions that are deemed to be significant to the fair value measurement process, which renders the resulting Non-Agency RMBS fair value estimates Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As the fair values of Agency MBS are more observable, these investments are classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Loans Held for Investment
Loans consisting of seasoned subprime residential mortgage loans:
The Company estimates the fair value of its Loans held for investment consisting of seasoned subprime residential mortgage loans on a loan by loan basis using an internally developed model which compares the loan held by the Company with a loan currently offered in the market. The loan price is adjusted in the model by considering the loan factors which would impact the value of a loan. These loan factors include: loan coupon as compared to coupon currently available in the market, FICO, loan-to-value ratios, delinquency history, owner occupancy, and property type, among other factors. A baseline is developed for each significant loan factor and adjusts the price up or down depending on how that factor for each specific loan compares to the baseline rate. Generally, the most significant impact on loan value is the loan interest rate as compared to interest rates currently available in the market and delinquency history.

The Company also monitors market activity to identify trades which may be used to compare internally developed prices; however, as the portfolio of loans held at fair value is a seasoned subprime pool of mortgage loans, comparable loan pools are not common or directly comparable. There are limited transactions in the market place to develop a comprehensive direct range of values.

The Company reviews the fair values generated by the model to determine whether prices are reflective of the current market by corroborating its estimates of fair value by comparing the results to non-binding independent prices provided by two independent third party pricing services for the loan portfolio. Each quarter the Company develops thresholds which are determined utilizing the securitization market.

If the internally developed fair values of the loan pools differ from the independent prices provided by greater than a predetermined threshold for the period, the Company highlights these differences for further review, both internally and with the third party pricing service. The Company obtains certain inputs used by the third party pricing services and evaluates them for reasonableness. The Company updates its own model if the Company determines the third party pricing inputs more accurately reflect the current market environment or observed information from the third party vendors. If the Company believes that its internally developed inputs more accurately reflect the current market environment, it will request that the third party pricing service review market factors that may not have been considered by the third party pricing service. The Company reconciles and resolves all pricing differences in excess of the predetermined thresholds before a final price is established.

At March 31, 2019, the internally developed fair value of two loan pools of $1.2 billion had a difference between the model generated prices and third party prices provided in excess of the derived predetermined threshold for the period. The internally developed prices were $20 million lower than the third party price provided of $1.2 billion. After review and discussion, the Company affirmed and valued the investment at the higher internally developed price. At December 31, 2018, the internally developed fair value of three loan pools of $489 million had a difference between the model generated prices and third party prices provided in excess of the derived predetermined threshold for the period. The internally developed prices were $3 million higher than the third party price provided of $486 million. After review and discussion, the Company affirmed and valued the investment at the higher internally developed price.

The Company’s estimates of fair value of Loans held for investment involve management judgment and assumptions that are deemed to be significant to the fair value measurement process, which renders the resulting fair value estimates level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

Loans collateralized by jumbo, prime residential mortgages:

The loans collateralized by jumbo, prime residential mortgages are carried at fair value. The loans are held as part of a consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity, or a CFE. A CFE is a variable interest entity that holds financial assets, issues beneficial interests in those assets and has no more than nominal equity and the beneficial interests have contractual recourse only to the related assets of the CFE. Accounting guidance for CFEs allow the Company to elect to measure the CFE’s financial

22



assets using the fair value of the CFE’s financial liabilities as the fair values of the financial liabilities of the CFE are more observable. Therefore, the fair value of the loans collateralized by jumbo, prime residential mortgages is based on the fair value of the financial liabilities. See discussion of the fair value of Securitized Debt, collateralized by Loans Held for Investment at fair value below.

As the more observable financial liabilities are considered level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, the Loans collateralized by jumbo, prime residential mortgages are also level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Securitized Debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS

The Company carries securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS at the principal balance outstanding plus unamortized premiums, less unaccreted discounts recorded in connection with the financing of the loans or RMBS with third parties. For disclosure purposes, the Company estimates the fair value of securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS by estimating the future cash flows associated with the underlying assets collateralizing the secured debt outstanding. The Company models the fair value of each underlying asset by considering, among other items, the structure of the underlying security, coupon, servicer, delinquency, actual and expected defaults, actual and expected default severities, reset indices, and prepayment speeds in conjunction with market research for similar collateral performance and management’s expectations of general economic conditions in the sector and other economic factors. This process, including the review process, is consistent with the process used for Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS using internal models. For further discussion of the valuation process and benchmarking process, see Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS discussion herein.

The Company’s estimates of fair value of securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS involve management’s judgment and assumptions that are deemed to be significant to the fair value measurement process, which renders the resulting fair value estimates level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

Securitized Debt, collateralized by Loans Held for Investment

The process for determining the fair value of securitized debt, collateralized by loans held for investment is based on discounted cash flows utilizing an internal pricing model that incorporates factors such as coupon, prepayment speeds, loan size, collateral composition, borrower characteristics, expected interest rates, life caps, periodic caps, reset dates, collateral seasoning, expected losses, expected default severity, credit enhancement, and other pertinent factors. This process, including the review process, is consistent with the process used for Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS using internal models. For further discussion of the valuation process and benchmarking process, see Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS discussion herein.

The Company’s estimates of fair value of securitized debt, collateralized by loans held for investment involve management’s judgment and assumptions that are deemed to be significant to the fair value measurement process, which renders the resulting fair value estimates level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value option

The table below shows the unpaid principal, fair value and impact of change in fair value on each of the financial instruments carried with fair value option as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively:

23



 
March 31, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unpaid
Principal/
Notional
Fair Value
 
Quarter to Date Gain/(Loss) on Change in Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Non-agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
Senior
44,913

45,212

 
227

Subordinated
57,256

59,800

 
1,319

Senior, interest-only
6,227,847

281,757

 
24,204

Subordinated, interest-only
229,475

11,947

 
(68
)
Agency MBS
 
 
 
 
Residential Pass-through
7,645,236

7,881,274

 
52,011

Commercial Pass-through
1,796,747

1,828,837

 
41,162

Interest-only
2,627,192

146,903

 
4,241

Loans held for investment, at fair value
12,139,229

12,400,203

 
106,545

Liabilities:
 

 

 
 

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
8,205,804

8,124,760

 
(28,829
)

 
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unpaid
Principal/
Notional
Fair Value
 
Year to Date Gain/(Loss) on Change in Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
Non-agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
Subordinated
N/A

$
12,014

 
$
(145
)
Senior, interest-only
5,667,198

254,890

 
20,095

Subordinated, interest-only
221,549

11,649

 
1,261

Agency MBS
 
 
 
 
Residential Pass-through
7,573,835

7,739,382

 
31,185

Commercial Pass-through
1,607,626

1,595,681

 
(35,002
)
Interest-only
3,028,572

133,346

 
4,230

Loans held for investment, at fair value
12,432,582

12,572,581

 
(27,201
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
8,561,319

8,455,376

 
52,209



Derivatives

Interest Rate Swaps and Swaptions

The Company uses clearing exchange market prices to determine the fair value of its exchange cleared interest rate swaps. For bi-lateral swaps, the Company determines the fair value based on the net present value of expected future cash flows on the swap. The Company uses option pricing model to determine the fair value of its swaptions. For bi-lateral swaps and swaptions, the Company compares its own estimate of fair value with counterparty prices to evaluate for reasonableness. Both the clearing exchange and counter-party pricing quotes, incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the Treasury yield curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular contract. Interest rate swaps and swaptions are modeled by the Company by incorporating such factors as the term to maturity, swap curve, overnight index swap rates, and the payment rates on the fixed portion of the interest rate swaps. The Company has classified the characteristics used to determine the fair value of interest rate swaps and swaptions as Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.


24



Treasury Futures

The fair value of Treasury futures is determined by quoted market prices in an active market. The Company has classified the characteristics used to determine the fair value of Treasury futures as Level 1 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.

Repurchase Agreements

Repurchase agreements are collateralized financing transactions utilized by the Company to acquire investment securities. Due to the short term nature of these financial instruments, the Company estimates the fair value of these repurchase agreements using the contractual obligation plus accrued interest payable.

Short-term Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, dividends payable, payable for investments purchased, receivable for investments sold and accrued interest payable are considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short term nature and low credit risk of these short-term financial instruments.

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including the level in the fair value hierarchy, at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are presented below.

 
March 31, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)  
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Counterparty and Cash Collateral, netting
Total
Assets:
 

 

 

 

 

Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value
$

$

$
2,538,043

$

$
2,538,043

Agency MBS, at fair value

12,238,044



12,238,044

Loans held for investment, at fair value


12,400,203


12,400,203

Derivatives

39,127


(38,181
)
946

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 

 

 

 

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment


8,124,760


8,124,760

Derivatives
8,050

214,595


(222,645
)


 
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Counterparty and Cash Collateral, netting
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value
$

$

2,486,130

$

$
2,486,130

Agency MBS, at fair value

12,188,950



12,188,950

Loans held for investment, at fair value


12,572,581


12,572,581

Derivatives

89,121


(51,653
)
37,468

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 

 

 

 

 

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment


8,455,376


8,455,376

Derivatives
13,375

169,790


(183,165
)




25



The table below provides a summary of the changes in the fair value of securities classified as Level 3 at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Fair Value Reconciliation, Level 3

For the Quarter Ended, March 31, 2019

(dollars in thousands)
 
Non-Agency RMBS
Loans held for investment
Securitized Debt
Beginning balance Level 3
$
2,486,130

$
12,572,581

$
8,455,376

Transfers in to Level 3



Transfers out of Level 3



Purchases of assets/ issuance of debt
108,603

512,044


Principal payments
(78,689
)
(375,087
)
(354,361
)
Sales and Settlements
(4,394
)
(401,901
)

Net accretion (amortization)
25,607

(13,979
)
(5,084
)
Gains (losses) included in net income
 
 
 
Other than temporary credit impairment losses
(4,853
)


Realized gains (losses) on sales and settlements
(1,079
)


Net unrealized gains (losses) included in income
25,683

106,545

28,829

Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
 
 
 
   Total unrealized gains (losses) for the period
(18,965
)


Ending balance Level 3
$
2,538,043

$
12,400,203

$
8,124,760


Fair Value Reconciliation, Level 3
 
For the Year Ended, December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Non-Agency RMBS
Loans held for investment
Securitized Debt
Beginning balance Level 3
$
2,851,316

$
13,678,263

$
9,388,657

Transfers in to Level 3



Transfers out of Level 3



Purchases of assets/ issuance of debt
253,952

1,671,330

1,769,539

Principal payments
(521,109
)
(1,859,155
)
(1,778,625
)
Sales and Settlements
(100,786
)
(807,364
)
(834,414
)
Net accretion (amortization)
101,088

(83,393
)
(11,197
)
Gains (losses) included in net income
 

 

 

Other than temporary credit impairment losses
(21,791
)


Realized gains (losses) on sales and settlements
201

101

(26,375
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in income
21,208

(27,201
)
(52,209
)
Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income
 
 
 
   Total unrealized gains (losses) for the period
(97,949
)


Ending balance Level 3
$
2,486,130

$
12,572,581

$
8,455,376



There were no transfers in or out from Level 3, during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and during the year ended December 31, 2018.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS and securitized debt are the weighted average discount rates, constant prepayment speed, or CPR, cumulative default rate, and the loss severity.

Constant Prepayment Rates

The prepayment speed specifies the percentage of the collateral balance that is expected to prepay at each point in the future. The prepayment speed is based on factors such as collateral FICO score, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, and vintage

26



on a loan level basis and is scaled up or down to reflect recent collateral-specific prepayment experience as obtained from remittance reports and market data services.

For securitized debt carried at fair value issued at a premium, as prepayment speeds increase, the amount of interest expense the Company recognizes decreases as the issued premium on the debt amortizes faster than expected. Conversely, decreases in prepayment speeds result in increased expense and can extend the period over which the Company amortizes the premium.

For debt issued at a discount, as prepayment speeds increase, the amount of interest the Company expenses increases from the acceleration of the accretion of the discount into interest expense. Conversely, decreases in prepayment speeds result in decreased expense as the accretion of the discount into interest expense occurs over a longer period.

Constant Default Rates

Constant default rates represent an annualized rate of default on a group of mortgages. The constant default rate, or CDR, represents the percentage of outstanding principal balances in the pool that are in default, which typically equates to the home being past 60-day and 90-day notices and in the foreclosure process. When default rates increase, expected cash flows on the underlying collateral decreases. When default rates decrease, expected cash flows on the underlying collateral increases.

Default vectors are determined from the current “pipeline” of loans that are more than 30 days delinquent, in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or are REO. These delinquent loans determine the first 30 months of the default curve. Beyond month 30, the default curve transitions to a value that is reflective of a portion of the current delinquency pipeline.

Loss Severity

Loss severity rates reflect the amount of loss expected from a foreclosure and liquidation of the underlying collateral in the mortgage loan pool. When a mortgage loan is foreclosed the collateral is sold and the resulting proceeds are used to settle the outstanding obligation. In many circumstances, the proceeds from the sale do not fully repay the outstanding obligation. In these cases, a loss is incurred by the lender. Loss severity is used to predict how costly future losses are likely to be. An increase in loss severity results in a decrease in expected future cash flows. A decrease in loss severity results in an increase in expected future cash flows.

The curve generated to reflect the Company’s expected loss severity is based on collateral-specific experience with consideration given to other mitigating collateral characteristics. Characteristics such as seasoning are taken into consideration because severities tend to initially increase on newly originated securities, before beginning to decline as the collateral ages and eventually stabilize. Collateral characteristics such as loan size, loan-to-value, and geographic location of collateral also effect loss severity.

Discount Rate

The discount rate refers to the interest rate used in the discounted cash flow analysis to determine the present value of future cash flows. The discount rate takes into account not just the time value of money, but also the risk or uncertainty of future cash flows. An increased uncertainty of future cash flows results in a higher discount rate. The discount rate used to calculate the present value of the expected future cash flows is based on the discount rate implicit in the security as of the last measurement date. As discount rates move up, the discounted cash flows are reduced.

The discount rates applied to the expected cash flows to determine fair value are derived from a range of observable prices on securities backed by similar collateral. As the market becomes more or less liquid, the availability of these observable inputs will change.

Sensitivity of Significant Inputs – Non-Agency RMBS and securitized debt, collateralized by loans held for investment

Prepayment speeds, as reflected by the CPR, vary according to interest rates, the type of financial instrument, conditions in financial markets, and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. In general, when interest rates rise, it is relatively less attractive for borrowers to refinance their mortgage loans, and as a result, prepayment speeds tend to decrease. When interest rates fall, prepayment speeds tend to increase. For RMBS investments purchased at a premium, as prepayment speeds increase, the amount of income the Company earns decreases as the purchase premium on the bonds amortizes faster than expected. Conversely, decreases in prepayment speeds result in increased income and can extend the period over which the Company amortizes the purchase premium. For RMBS investments purchased at a discount, as prepayment speeds increase, the amount of income the Company earns increases from the acceleration of the accretion of the discount into interest income.

27



Conversely, decreases in prepayment speeds result in decreased income as the accretion of the purchase discount into interest income occurs over a longer period.

A summary of the significant inputs used to estimate the fair value of Non-Agency RMBS held for investment at fair value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 follows:


March 31, 2019

Significant Inputs
  
Discount Rate
CPR
CDR
Loss Severity
  
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
3% -8%
4.4%
1% -17%
6.3%
0% -60%
5.4%
35% -95%
48.2%
Senior interest-only
0% -100%
10.9%
2% -27%
10.6%
0% -35%
3.5%
30% -95%
43.7%
Subordinated
4% -15%
5.6%
1% -20%
7.8%
0% -39%
2.8%
10% -70%
41.4%
Subordinated interest-only
9% -100%
12.8%
4% -22%
10.0%
0% -7%
2.8%
30% -46%
39.8%
 
December 31, 2018
 
Significant Inputs
  
Discount Rate
CPR
CDR
Loss Severity
  
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Non-Agency RMBS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
3% -8%
4.5%
1% -25%
6.7%
0% -60%
6.1%
35% -95%
48.0%
Senior interest-only
8% -100%
11.1%
3% -32%
10.9%
0% -60%
4.5%
30% -95%
44.5%
Subordinated
4% -20%
5.8%
1% -19%
7.5%
0% -34%
2.9%
10% -70%
42.5%
Subordinated interest-only
9% -100%
12.0%
4% -25%
12.8%
0% -24%
5.6%
35% -68%
41.2%

A summary of the significant inputs used to estimate the fair value of securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 follows:
 
March 31, 2019
 
Significant Inputs
 
Discount Rate
CPR
CDR
Loss Severity
 
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
0% -10%
4.1%
6% - 15%
8.8%
0% - 36%
1.4%
30% - 70%
59.5%



28



 
December 31, 2018
 
Significant Inputs
 
Discount Rate
CPR
CDR
Loss Severity
 
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Range
Weighted Average
Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
0% -10%
4.3%
6% - 18%
9.3%
0% - 23%
1.5%
30% - 65%
58.8%


All of the significant inputs listed have some degree of market observability, based on the Company’s knowledge of the market, information available to market participants, and use of common market data sources. Collateral default and loss severity projections are in the form of “curves” that are updated quarterly to reflect the Company’s collateral cash flow projections. Methods used to develop these projections conform to industry conventions. The Company uses assumptions it considers its best estimate of future cash flows for each security.

Sensitivity of Significant Inputs – Loans held for investment

The Loans held for investment are comprised primarily of loans collateralized by seasoned subprime residential mortgages. Additionally, it includes non-conforming, single family, owner occupied, jumbo, prime residential mortgages. The significant unobservable inputs used to estimate the fair value of the Loans held for investment collateralized by seasoned subprime residential mortgage loans, as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 include coupon, FICO score at origination, loan-to-value ratios (LTV), owner occupancy status, and property type. A summary of the significant inputs used to estimate the fair value of Loans held for investment collateralized primarily by seasoned subprime mortgages at fair value as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 follows:
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Factor:
 
 
 
Coupon
 
 
 
Base Rate
4.9%
 
5.2%
Actual
6.9%
 
6.9%
 
 
 
 
FICO
 
 
 
Base Rate
638
 
638
Actual
626
 
626
 
 
 
 
Loan-to-value (LTV)
 
 
 
Base Rate
88%
 
88%
Actual
88%
 
88%
 
 
 
 
Loan Characteristics:
 
 
 
Occupancy
 
 
 
Owner Occupied
90%
 
90%
Investor
1%
 
1%
Secondary
9%
 
9%
Property Type
 
 
 
Single family
86%
 
86%
Manufactured housing
4%
 
4%
Multi-family/mixed use/other
10%
 
10%


The loan factors are generally not observable for the individual loans and the base rates developed by the Company’s internal model are subjective and change as market conditions change. The impact of the loan coupon on the value of the loan is dependent on whether the loan is clean or reperforming. A clean loan, with no history of delinquent payments and a relatively

29



high loan interest rate would result in a higher overall value than a reperforming loan which has a history of delinquency. Similarly, a higher FICO score and a lower LTV ratio results in increases in the fair market value of the loan and a lower FICO score and a higher LTV ratio results in a lower value.

Property types also affect the overall loan values. Property types include single family, manufactured housing and multi-family/mixed use and other types of properties. Single family homes represent properties which house one to four family units. Manufactured homes include mobile homes and modular homes. Loan value for properties that are investor or secondary homes have a reduced value as compared to the baseline loan value. Additionally, single family homes will result in an increase to the loan value where manufactured and multi-family/mixed use and other properties will result in a decrease to the loan value, as compared to the baseline.

Financial instruments not carried at fair value

The following table presents the carrying value and fair value, as described above, of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
March 31, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Repurchase agreements
2
15,323,874

15,377,158

Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
3
153,179

135,750


 
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Level in Fair Value Hierarchy
Carrying Amount
Fair Value
Repurchase agreements
2
14,030,465

14,085,164

Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
3
159,955

140,711



6. Repurchase Agreements

The interest rates of the Company’s repurchase agreements are generally indexed to the one-month and three-month LIBOR rates and re-price accordingly. The repurchase agreements outstanding, weighted average borrowing rates, weighted average remaining maturities, average balances and the fair value of collateral pledged as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were:

30



 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Repurchase agreements outstanding secured by:
 
 
Agency MBS (in thousands)
$
11,304,483

$
10,193,272

Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment (in thousands)
4,019,391

3,837,193

Total:
$
15,323,874

$
14,030,465

 
 
 
Average balance of Repurchase agreements secured by:
 

 

Agency MBS (in thousands)
$
10,695,015

$
6,085,643

Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment (in thousands)
3,898,372

3,730,527

Total:
$
14,593,387

$
9,816,170

 
 
 
Average borrowing rate of Repurchase agreements secured by:
 

 

Agency MBS
2.71
%
2.55
%
Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment
4.06
%
4.04
%
 
 
 
Average remaining maturity of Repurchase agreements secured by:
 

 

Agency MBS
34 Days

30 Days

Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment
217 Days

231 Days

 
 
 
Average original maturity of Repurchase agreements secured by:




Agency MBS
82 Days

88 Days

Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment
244 Days

259 Days

 
 
 
MBS pledged as collateral at fair value on Repurchase agreements:
 

 

Agency MBS (in thousands)
$
11,925,748

$
10,832,018

Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment (in thousands)
5,283,063

4,998,990

Total:
$
17,208,811

$
15,831,008


At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the repurchase agreements collateralized by MBS and Loans held for investment had the following remaining maturities.
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Overnight
$
8,504

$

1 to 29 days
6,455,405

6,326,232

30 to 59 days
4,897,931

4,620,656

60 to 89 days
1,507,408

1,504,695

90 to 119 days
683,716

169,244

Greater than or equal to 120 days
1,770,910

1,409,638

Total
$
15,323,874

$
14,030,465



At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there was no amount at risk with any counterparty greater than 10% of the Company's equity.

7. Securitized Debt

All of the Company’s securitized debt is collateralized by residential mortgage loans or Non-Agency RMBS. For financial reporting purposes, the Company’s securitized debt is accounted for as secured borrowings. Thus, the residential mortgage loans or RMBS held as collateral are recorded in the assets of the Company as Loans held for investment or Non-Agency RMBS and the securitized debt is recorded as a non-recourse liability in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

31




Securitized Debt Collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the Company’s securitized debt collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS is carried at amortized cost and had a principal balance of $169 million and $175 million, respectively. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the debt carried a weighted average coupon equal to 6.4%, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, the maturities of the debt range between the years 2035 and 2037. None of the Company’s securitized debt collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS is callable.

There were no securitized debt collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS acquisitions during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

The following table presents the estimated principal repayment schedule of the securitized debt collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, based on expected cash flows of the residential mortgage loans or RMBS, as adjusted for projected losses on the underlying collateral of the debt. All of the securitized debt recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is non-recourse to the Company.

 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Within One Year
$
20,863

$
23,602

One to Three Years
26,858

30,803

Three to Five Years
6,182

8,047

Greater Than Five Years
2,862

3,605

Total
$
56,765

$
66,057


 
Maturities of the Company’s securitized debt collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS are dependent upon cash flows received from the underlying collateral. The estimate of their repayment is based on scheduled principal payments on the underlying collateral. This estimate will differ from actual amounts to the extent prepayments or losses are experienced. See Note 3 for a more detailed discussion of the securities collateralizing the securitized debt.

Securitized Debt Collateralized by Loans Held for Investment

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the Company’s securitized debt collateralized by loans held for investment had a principal balance of $8.2 billion and $8.6 billion, respectively. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the total securitized debt collateralized by loans held for investment carried a weighted average coupon equal to 4.5%, respectively. As of March 31, 2019, the maturities of the debt range between the years 2023 and 2067.

There were no securitized debt collateralized by loans acquisitions during the quarters ended March 31, 2019. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company acquired securitized debt collateralized by loans with an amortized cost balance of $149 million for $139 million. This transaction resulted in a net gain on the extinguishment of debt of $10 million, which is reflected in earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

The following table presents the estimated principal repayment schedule of the securitized debt collateralized by loans held for investment at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, based on expected cash flows of the residential mortgage loans or RMBS, as adjusted for projected losses on the underlying collateral of the debt. All of the securitized debt recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is non-recourse to the Company.

 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Within One Year
$
1,509,970

$
1,608,381

One to Three Years
2,471,069

2,587,635

Three to Five Years
1,863,415

1,949,060

Greater Than Five Years
2,215,326

2,237,259

Total
$
8,059,780

$
8,382,335




32



Maturities of the Company’s securitized debt collateralized by loans held for investment are dependent upon cash flows received from the underlying loans. The estimate of their repayment is based on scheduled principal payments on the underlying loans. This estimate will differ from actual amounts to the extent prepayments or loan losses are experienced. See Note 4 for a more detailed discussion of the loans collateralizing the securitized debt.

Certain of the securitized debt collateralized by loans held for investment contain call provisions at the option of the Company. The following table presents the par value of the callable debt by year at March 31, 2019
March 31, 2019
(dollars in thousands)
Year
Principal
2019
$
307,944

2020
4,014,172

2021
3,314,461

2022
264,362

2023
124,136

Total
$
8,025,075



8. Consolidated Securitization Vehicles and Other Variable Interest Entities

Since its inception, the Company has utilized VIEs for the purpose of securitizing whole mortgage loans or re-securitizing RMBS and obtaining long-term, non-recourse financing. The Company evaluated its interest in each VIE to determine if it is the primary beneficiary.

As of March 31, 2019, the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition includes assets of consolidated VIEs with a carrying value of $13.1 billion and liabilities with a carrying value of $8.3 billion. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition includes assets of consolidated VIEs with a carrying value of $13.4 billion and liabilities with a carrying value of $8.7 billion.

VIEs for Which the Company is the Primary Beneficiary

The retained beneficial interests in VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary are typically the subordinated tranches of these re-securitizations and in some cases the Company may hold interests in additional tranches. The table below reflects the assets and liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition related to the consolidated VIEs as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value
$
985,588

$
1,017,442

Loans held for investment, at fair value
11,986,287

12,263,265

Accrued interest receivable
66,560

72,389

Other assets
38,205

39,855

Liabilities:
 

 

Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
$
153,179

$
159,955

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
8,124,760

8,455,376

Accrued interest payable
32,035

33,541

Other liabilities
2,942

3,286



Income, OTTI and expense amounts related to consolidated VIEs recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is presented in the tables below.

33



 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest income, Assets of consolidated VIEs
$
207,112

$
235,026

Interest expense, Non-recourse liabilities of VIEs
91,027

99,614

Net interest income
$
116,085

$
135,412

 
 
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
$
(424
)
$

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
(3,831
)

Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
$
(4,255
)
$

 
 
 
Servicing fees
$
8,739

$
10,411



VIEs for Which the Company is Not the Primary Beneficiary

The Company is not required to consolidate VIEs in which it has concluded it does not have a controlling financial interest, and thus is not the primary beneficiary. In such cases, the Company does not have both the power to direct the entities’ most significant activities and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. The Company’s investments in these unconsolidated VIEs are carried in Non-Agency RMBS on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and include senior and subordinated bonds issued by the VIEs. The fair value of the Company’s investments in each unconsolidated VIEs at March 31, 2019, ranged from less than $1 million to $50 million, with an aggregate amount of $1.6 billion. The fair value of the Company’s investments in each unconsolidated VIEs at December 31, 2018, ranged from less than $1 million to $52 million, with an aggregate amount of $1.5 billion, respectively. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these unconsolidated VIEs was $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The maximum exposure to loss was determined as the amortized cost of the unconsolidated VIE, which represents the purchase price of the investment adjusted by any unamortized premiums or discounts as of the reporting date.

9. Derivative Instruments

In connection with the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy, the Company economically hedges a portion of its interest rate risk by entering into derivative financial instrument contracts in the form of interest rate swaps, swaptions, and Treasury futures. The Company’s swaps are used to lock in a fixed rate related to a portion of its current and anticipated payments on its repurchase agreements. The Company typically agrees to pay a fixed rate of interest, or pay rate, in exchange for the right to receive a floating rate of interest, or receive rate, over a specified period of time. Treasury futures are derivatives which track the prices of specific Treasury securities and are traded on an active exchange. It is generally the Company’s policy to close out any Treasury futures positions prior to delivering the underlying security. The Company uses Treasury futures to lock in a fixed rate related to a portion of its current and anticipated payments on its repurchase agreements.

The use of derivatives creates exposure to credit risk relating to potential losses that could be recognized if the counterparties to these instruments fail to perform their obligations under the contracts. In the event of a default by the counterparty, the Company could have difficulty obtaining its RMBS or cash pledged as collateral for these derivative instruments. The Company periodically monitors the credit profiles of its counterparties to determine if it is exposed to counterparty credit risk. See Note 14 for further discussion of counterparty credit risk.

The table below summarizes the location and fair value of the derivatives reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition after counterparty netting and posting of cash collateral as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.


34



 
 
 
 
March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative Instruments
 
Notional Amount Outstanding
 
Location on Consolidated Statements of Financial
Condition
Net Estimated Fair Value/Carrying Value
 
Location on Consolidated Statements of Financial
Condition
Net Estimated Fair Value/Carrying Value
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands) 
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
$
9,508,200

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net
$

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net
$

Swaptions
 
53,000

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net
946

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net

Treasury Futures
 
619,700

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net

Total
 
$
10,180,900

 
 
$
946

 
 
$


 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative Instruments
 
Notional Amount Outstanding
 
Location on Consolidated Statements of Financial
Condition
Net Estimated Fair Value/Carrying Value
 
Location on Consolidated Statements of Financial
Condition
Net Estimated Fair Value/Carrying Value
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)  
 
 
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
$
10,906,700

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net
$
35,798

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net
$

Swaptions
 
53,000

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net
1,670

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net

Treasury Futures
 
619,700

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net

 
Derivatives, at fair value, net

Total
 
$
11,579,400

 
 
$
37,468

 
 
$


 
The effect of the Company’s derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is presented below.

 
 
Net gains (losses) on derivatives
for the quarters ended
Derivative Instruments
Location on Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Comprehensive Income
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
Interest Rate Swaps
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
$
(94,075
)
$
84,964

Interest Rate Swaps
Net realized gains (losses) on derivatives (1)
(102,584
)
(2,612
)
Treasury Futures
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
5,325

(6,587
)
Treasury Futures
Net realized gains (losses) on derivatives
(12,579
)
16,424

Swaptions
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
(565
)
3,042

Swaptions
Net realized gains (losses) on derivatives
(160
)
(727
)
Total
 
$
(204,638
)
$
94,504


(1) Includes loss on termination of interest rate swaps of $108 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. There were no swaps terminations during the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

The company paid $108 million to terminate interest rate swaps with a notional value of $1.5 billion during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The terminated swaps had original maturities of 2028. There were no swap terminations during the quarter ended March 31, 2018

The weighted average pay rate on the Company’s interest rate swaps at March 31, 2019 was 2.48% and the weighted average receive rate was 2.67%. The weighted average pay rate on the Company’s interest rate swaps at December 31, 2018 was 2.58% and the weighted average receive rate was 2.69%. The weighted average maturity on the Company’s interest rate swaps at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was 6 years and 7 years, respectively.


35



Certain of the Company’s derivative contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreements or other similar agreements which may contain provisions that grant counterparties certain rights with respect to the applicable agreement upon the occurrence of certain events such as (i) a decline in stockholders’ equity in excess of specified thresholds or dollar amounts over set periods of time, (ii) the Company’s failure to maintain its REIT status, (iii) the Company’s failure to comply with limits on the amount of leverage, and (iv) the Company’s stock being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Upon the occurrence of any one of items (i) through (iv), or another default under the agreement, the counterparty to the applicable agreement has a right to terminate the agreement in accordance with its provisions. Certain of the Company’s interest rate swaps are cleared through a registered commodities exchange. Each of the Company’s ISDAs and clearing exchange agreements contains provisions under which the Company is required to fully collateralize its obligations under the interest rate swap agreements if at any point the fair value of the swap represents a liability greater than the minimum transfer amount contained within the agreements. The Company is also required to post initial collateral upon execution of certain of its swap transactions. If the Company breaches any of these provisions, it will be required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination values, which approximates fair value. The Company uses clearing exchange market prices to determine the fair value of its interest rate swaps. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features are in a net liability position at March 31, 2019 is approximately $211 million including accrued interest, which represents the maximum amount the Company would pay upon termination, which is fully collateralized.

10. Capital Stock

Preferred Stock

In January 2019, the Company issued 8,000,000 shares of 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, or the Series D Preferred Stock, at a public offering price of $25.00 per share and for net proceeds to us of $193 million. The Series D Preferred Stock is redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) exclusively at the Company’s option commencing in March 30, 2024, subject to the Company’s right, under limited circumstances, to redeem the Series D Preferred Stock prior to that date. The initial dividend rate for the Series D Preferred Stock, from and including January 23, 2019, to but not including March 30, 2024, will be equal to 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to the fixed annual rate of $2.00 per share). On and after March 30, 2024, dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will accumulate at a percentage of the $25.00 liquidation preference equal to an annual floating rate of the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.379% per annum. The Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to receive, when and as declared, a dividend at a rate of 8.00% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference before the common stock is paid any dividends and is senior to the common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

The first dividend on the Series D preferred stock is scheduled to be paid on or about June 28, 2019 (long first dividend period), in the amount of $0.87222 per share.

The Company declared dividends to Series A preferred stockholders of $3 million, or $0.50 per preferred share, during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company declared dividends to Series B preferred stockholders of $7 million, or $0.50 per preferred share during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company declared dividends to Series C preferred stock holders of $5 million, or $0.484375 per preferred share during the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

Common Stock

In February 2018, our Board of Directors reauthorized $100 million under our share repurchase program, or the Repurchase Program. Such authorization does not have an expiration date and, at present, there is no intention to modify or otherwise rescind such authorization. Shares of our common stock may be purchased in the open market, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined at our discretion and the program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason. Among other factors, the Company intends to only consider repurchasing shares of our common stock when the purchase price is less than the last publicly reported book value per common share. In addition, the Company does not intend to repurchase any shares from directors, officers or other affiliates. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares, and all repurchases will be made in accordance with Rule 10b-18, which sets certain restrictions on the method, timing, price and volume of stock repurchases.

Pursuant to our Repurchase Program, the Company repurchased approximately 883 thousand shares of its common stock at an average price of $16.81 per share for a total of $15 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The Company did not

36



repurchase any of its common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Repurchase Program is $85 million as of March 31, 2019.

The Company declared dividends to common shareholders of $94 million, or $0.50 per share during the quarters ended March 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Earnings per share for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively, are computed as follows:
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Numerator:
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
100,755

$
229,607

Effect of dilutive securities:


Dilutive net income available to common shareholders
$
100,755

$
229,607

 
 
 
Denominator:
 

 

Weighted average basic shares
187,112,454

187,553,281

Effect of dilutive securities
1,087,257

623,472

Weighted average dilutive shares
188,199,711

188,176,753

 
 
 
Net income per average share attributable to common stockholders - Basic
$
0.54

$
1.22

Net income per average share attributable to common stockholders - Diluted
$
0.54

$
1.22



11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the changes in the components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, or the AOCI, for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
March 31, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
Total Accumulated OCI Balance
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
626,832

$
626,832

OCI before reclassifications
26,385

26,385

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
19,771

19,771

Net current period OCI
46,156

46,156

Balance as of March 31, 2019
$
672,988

$
672,988

 
 
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
Total Accumulated OCI Balance
Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
796,902

$
796,902

OCI before reclassifications
(88,816
)
(88,816
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
1,158

1,158

Net current period OCI
(87,658
)
(87,658
)
Balance as of March 31, 2018
$
709,244

$
709,244


 
The following table presents the details of the reclassifications from AOCI for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:

37




 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
Details about Accumulated OCI Components
Amounts Reclassified
from Accumulated OCI
Amounts Reclassified
from Accumulated OCI
Affected Line on the Consolidated Statements Of Operations
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities
 
 
 
 
$
(14,918
)
$

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
 
(4,853
)
(1,158
)
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
 
$
(19,771
)
$
(1,158
)
Income before income taxes
 


Income taxes
 
$
(19,771
)
$
(1,158
)
Net of tax


12. Equity Compensation, Employment Agreements and other Benefit Plans

In accordance with the terms of the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated on December 10, 2015), or the Incentive Plan, directors, officers and employees of the Company are eligible to receive restricted stock grants. These awards generally have a vesting period lasting three years. During the vesting period, these shares may not be sold. There were approximately 5 million shares available for future grants under the Incentive Plan as of March 31, 2019.

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has approved a Stock Award Deferral Program, or the Deferral Program. Under the Deferral Program, non-employee directors and certain executive officers can elect to defer payment of certain stock awards made pursuant to the Equity Plan. Deferred awards are treated as deferred stock units and paid at the earlier of separation from service or a date elected by the participant. Payments are generally made in a lump sum or, if elected by the participant, in five annual installments. Deferred awards receive dividend equivalents during the deferral period in the form of additional deferred stock units. Amounts are paid at the end of the deferral period by delivery of shares from the Incentive Plan (plus cash for any fractional deferred stock units), less any applicable tax withholdings. Deferral elections do not alter any vesting requirements applicable to the underlying stock award.

Grants of Restricted Stock Units or, RSUs
During the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company granted RSU awards to senior management. These RSU awards are designed to reward senior management of the Company for services provided to the Company. Generally, the RSU awards vest equally over a three-year period beginning from the grant date and will fully vest after three years. For employees whose years of service to the Company plus age is equal to or greater than 65, the service period is considered to be fulfilled and all grants are expensed immediately. The RSU awards are valued at the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and generally the employees must be employed by the Company on the vesting dates to receive the RSU awards. The Company granted 399 thousand RSU awards during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, with a grant date fair value of $7 million for the 2018 and 2019 performance years. The Company granted 241 thousand RSU awards during the quarters ended March 31, 2018, with a grant date fair value $4 million for the 2017 performance year.
Grants of Performance Share Units or, PSUs
PSU awards are designed to align compensation with the Company’s future performance. The PSU awards granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, include a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2021. The final number of shares awarded will be between 0% and 200% of the PSUs granted based on the Company Economic Return compared to a peer group. The Company’s three-year Company Economic Return is equal to the Company’s change in book value per common share plus common stock dividends. Compensation expense will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period based on an estimate of the Company Economic Return in relation to the entities in the peer group and will be adjusted each period based on the Company’s best estimate of the actual number of shares which will vest. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, the Company granted 152 thousand PSU awards to senior management with a grant date fair value of $3 million.
The 2018 PSU awards include a three years performance period ending on December 31, 2020. The final number of shares that will vest will be between 0% to 150% of the total PSU awards granted based on the total shareholder return of the Company as compared to an index of comparable financial institutions and will cliff vest at the end of the performance period. The PSU awards are measured at fair value on the grant date which will be recognized as compensation expense ratably over the three-year vesting period.  Fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model developed to value the specific features of

38



the PSU awards, including market based conditions. Inputs into the model include the Company’s historical volatility, the peer average historical volatility, and the correlation coefficient of the volatility.  In addition, inputs also included the share price at the beginning of the measurement period and an estimated total shareholder return for both the Company and the peer group of comparable financial institutions. Based on the model results, the 133 thousand PSU awards granted during quarter ended March 31, 2018, had a grant date fair value of $2 million which will cliff vest on December 31, 2020.
The Company recognized stock based compensation expenses of $5 million and $2 million, for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company also maintains a qualified 401(k) plan.  The plan is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to contribute a portion of their wages on a tax-deferred basis under Section 401(k) of the Code. Employees may contribute, through payroll deductions, up to $19,000 if under the age of 50 years and an additional $6,000 “catch-up” contribution for employees 50 years or older. The Company matches 100% of the first 6% of the eligible compensation deferred by employee contributions. The employer funds the 401(k) matching contributions in the form of cash, and participants may direct the Company match to an investment of their choice. The benefit of the Company’s contributions vests immediately. Generally, a participating employee is entitled to distributions from the plans upon termination of employment, retirement, death or disability. The 401(k) expenses related to the Company’s qualified plan for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, were $142 thousand and $114 thousand, respectively.

13. Income Taxes

For the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company qualified to be taxed as a REIT under Code Sections 856 through 860. As a REIT, the Company is not subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it makes qualifying distributions of taxable income to its stockholders. To maintain qualification as a REIT, the Company must distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income (subject to certain adjustments) to its shareholders and meet certain other requirements such as assets it may hold, income it may generate and its shareholder composition. It is generally the Company’s policy to distribute to its shareholders all of the Company’s taxable income.

The state and local tax jurisdictions to which the Company is subject to tax-filing obligations, recognize the Company’s status as a REIT, and therefore, the Company generally does not pay income tax in such jurisdictions. The Company may, however, be subject to certain minimum state and local tax filing fees and its TRSs are subject to federal, state and local taxes. There were no significant income tax expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from its combined U.S. federal, state and city corporate statutory tax rate primarily due to the deduction of dividend distributions required to be paid under Code Section 857(a).

The Company’s 2017, 2016 and 2015 U.S. federal, state and local tax returns remain open for examination.

14. Credit Risk and Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s primary components of market risk are credit risk and interest rate risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk in connection with its investments in Agency MBS and Non-Agency RMBS, residential mortgage loans, borrowings under repurchase agreements and securitized debt. When the Company assumes interest rate risk, it attempts to minimize interest rate risk through asset selection, hedging and matching the income earned on mortgage assets with the cost of related financing.

The Company attempts to minimize credit risk through due diligence, asset selection and portfolio monitoring. The Company has established a whole loan target market including prime and subprime borrowers, Alt-A documentation, geographic diversification, owner-occupied property, and moderate loan-to-value ratios. These factors are considered to be important indicators of credit risk.

By using derivative instruments and repurchase agreements, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk if counterparties to the contracts do not perform as expected. If a counterparty fails to perform on a derivative hedging instrument, the Company’s counterparty credit risk is equal to the amount reported as a derivative asset on its balance sheet to the extent that amount exceeds collateral obtained from the counterparty or, if in a net liability position, the extent to which collateral posted exceeds the liability to the counterparty. The amounts reported as a derivative asset/(liability) are derivative contracts in a gain/(loss) position, and to the extent subject to master netting arrangements, net of derivatives in a loss/(gain) position with the same counterparty and collateral received/(pledged). If the counterparty fails to perform on a repurchase agreement, the Company is exposed to a loss to the extent that the fair value of collateral pledged exceeds the liability to the counterparty. The Company attempts to minimize counterparty credit risk by evaluating and monitoring the counterparty’s credit, executing

39



master netting arrangements and obtaining collateral, and executing contracts and agreements with multiple counterparties to reduce exposure to a single counterparty.

Our repurchase agreements and derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that provide for a right of setoff under master netting arrangements, including in the event of default or in the event of bankruptcy of either party to the transactions. The Company presents its assets and liabilities subject to such arrangements on a net basis in our consolidated statements of financial condition. The following table presents information about our liabilities that are subject to such arrangements and can potentially be offset on our consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
March 31, 2019
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 Gross Amounts of Recognized  Assets (Liabilities)
 Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Net Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Gross Amounts Not Offset with Financial Assets (Liabilities) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position  
 
 
Financial
Instruments
Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged (1)
Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements
$
(15,323,874
)
$

$
(15,323,874
)
$
17,208,811

$

$
1,884,937

Interest Rate Swaps - Gross Assets
38,181

(38,181
)


240,364

240,364

Interest Rate Swaps - Gross Liabilities
(214,595
)
214,595





Treasury Futures - Gross Assets




6,581

6,581

Treasury Futures - Gross Liabilities
(8,050
)
8,050





Swaptions - Gross Assets
946


946



946

Swaptions - Gross Liabilities






Total
$
(15,507,392
)
$
184,464

$
(15,322,928
)
$
17,208,811

$
246,945

$
2,132,828

(1) Included in other assets

 
December 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 Gross Amounts of Recognized  Assets (Liabilities)
 Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Net Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Gross Amounts Not Offset with Financial Assets (Liabilities) in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position  
 
 
Financial
Instruments
Cash Collateral (Received) Pledged (1)
Net Amount
Repurchase Agreements
$
(14,030,465
)
$

$
(14,030,465
)
$
15,831,008

$

$
1,800,543

Interest Rate Swaps - Gross Assets
87,451

(51,653
)
35,798


198,112

233,910

Interest Rate Swaps - Gross Liabilities
(169,790
)
169,790





Treasury Futures - Gross Assets




3,220

3,220

Treasury Futures - Gross Liabilities
(13,375
)
13,375





Swaptions - Gross Assets
1,670


1,670



1,670

Swaptions - Gross Liabilities






Total
$
(14,124,509
)
$
131,512

$
(13,992,997
)
$
15,831,008

$
201,332

$
2,039,343

(1) Included in other assets

15. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may become involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In connection with certain re-securitization transactions engaged in by the Company, it has the obligation under certain circumstances to repurchase assets from the VIE upon breach of certain representations and warranties.

During the third quarter of 2018, Anacostia LLC, a TRS, acquired a 24.9% ownership interest in KAH Capital Management LLC, or KAH Capital, for $25 thousand. KAH Capital was formed to sponsor and manage one or more funds or accounts that focus on investments in U.S. housing related assets including reperforming and distressed loans, structured transactions and securities sourced from Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) and private sellers, as well as other investments related to U.S. mortgage finance. KAH Capital will generate advisory and fee income and accordingly our investment is indirectly held through Anacostia LLC, a taxable REIT subsidiary.


40



In addition to the investment in KAH Capital, the Company has made a $150 million capital commitment to Hains Point, LLC (Hains Point), which is KAH Capital’s initial fund for which Chimera is the sole investor. As of March 31, 2019, the Company has funded $48 million towards that commitment. KAH Capital will manage the investments in Hains Point including asset selection, repurchase and other financing arrangements as well as hedging transactions. Capital calls for investments made in Hains Point are subject to our consent and approval. KAH Capital will earn $6.5 million over approximately 3 years for its investment advisory services.

16. Subsequent Events

None.



41



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements included in Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We make forward-looking statements in this report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include information about, among other things, possible or assumed future results of our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When we use the words ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘continue,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘would,’’ ‘‘will’’ or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, are forward-looking by their nature:

our business and investment strategy;
availability of investment opportunities in real estate-related and other securities;
our expected investments;
changes in the value of our investments;
changes in interest rates and mortgage prepayment rates;
prepayments of the mortgage and other loans underlying our mortgage-backed securities, or RMBS, or other asset-backed securities, or ABS;
rates of default, delinquencies or decreased recovery rates on our investments;
general volatility of the securities markets in which we invest;
our ability to maintain existing financing arrangements and our ability to obtain future financing arrangements;
our ability to effect our strategy to securitize residential mortgage loans;
interest rate mismatches between our investments and our borrowings used to finance such purchases;
effects of interest rate caps on our adjustable-rate investments;
the degree to which our hedging strategies may or may not protect us from interest rate volatility;
the impact of and changes to various government programs;
impact of and changes in governmental regulations, tax law and rates, accounting guidance, and similar matters;
market trends in our industry, interest rates, the debt securities markets or the general economy;
estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future;
our understanding of our competition;
availability of qualified personnel;
our ability to maintain our classification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
our ability to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or 1940 Act;
our expectations regarding materiality or significance; and
the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures.

The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. Some of these factors are described under the caption ‘‘Risk Factors’’ in our Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us 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.







42



Executive Summary

We are a publicly traded real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is primarily engaged in the business of investing directly or indirectly through our subsidiaries, on a leveraged basis, in a diversified portfolio of mortgage assets, including residential mortgage loans, Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, Agency CMBS, and other real estate related securities. Our principal business objective is to deliver shareholder value through the generation of distributable income and through asset performance linked to residential mortgage credit fundamentals. We selectively invest in residential mortgage assets with a focus on credit analysis, projected prepayment rates, interest rate sensitivity and expected return.

We focus our investment activities primarily on acquiring residential mortgage loans and on acquiring Non-Agency and Agency residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, or MBS. At March 31, 2019, based on the amortized cost balance of our interest earning assets, approximately 46% of our investment portfolio was residential mortgage loans, 47% of our investment portfolio was Agency MBS and 7% of our investment portfolio was Non-Agency RMBS, respectively. At December 31, 2018, based on the amortized cost balance of our interest earning assets, approximately 47% of our investment portfolio was residential mortgage loans, 47% of our investment portfolio was Agency MBS and 6% of our investment portfolio was Non-Agency RMBS, respectively.

Our investment strategy is intended to take advantage of opportunities in the current interest rate and credit environment. We expect to adjust our strategy to changing market conditions by shifting our asset allocations across these various asset classes as interest rate and credit cycles change over time. We believe that our strategy will enable us to pay dividends and preserve capital throughout changing market cycles. We expect to take a long-term view of assets and liabilities, and our reported earnings and estimates of the fair value of our investments at the end of a financial reporting period will not significantly impact our objective of providing attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders over the long-term.

We use leverage to increase returns and to finance the acquisition of our assets. Our income is generated primarily by the difference, or net spread, between the income we earn on our assets and the cost of our borrowings. We expect to finance our investments using a variety of financing sources including, when available, securitizations, warehouse facilities, repurchase agreements, structured asset financing and offerings of our securities. We may manage our debt and interest rate risk by utilizing interest rate hedges, such as interest rate swaps, caps, options and futures to reduce the effect of interest rate fluctuations related to our financing sources.

Market Conditions and our Strategy
There are several key factors that impact our financial results, including the interest rate environment and changes in LIBOR rates, U.S. unemployment rates and residential home prices, as well as residential mortgage origination and refinance activity. The interest rate environment is sensitive to actual and anticipated U.S. Federal Reserve actions, availability of adequate and efficient financing sources, rate volatility as well as other market factors. We have operated over the past several years and continue to operate in a volatile interest rate environment.
After increasing the Fed Funds Target rate four times in 2018, the Federal Reserve is signaling that it will be patient with future rate hikes. Further, the Federal Reserve may stop shrinking its balance sheet, and may allow it to grow again. Medium term and longer-term interest rates generally decreased during the quarter and the front end of the curve was relatively unchanged. The shape of the yield curve is impacting many financial companies by keeping short-term borrowing costs high and portfolio reinvestment rate low. The longer the yield curve maintains the shape, the harder it will become to maintain net interest spreads.
Our core portfolio continues to perform well. The Case-Shiller housing index showed continued strength but the pace of growth continued to slow down since the first quarter of 2018. U.S. mortgage rates trended up for most of 2018 before slipping in November and continued to trend down through the first quarter of 2019. The recent decline in interest rates has spurred purchase and refinance activity. The rate of unemployment continues to be historically low, which is generally supportive of the U.S. housing economy. 
The interest rate environment and investor demand was supportive of the value of the assets in our portfolio during the first quarter of 2019. We added to our interest earning assets in 2019, growing from an average of $24.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018 to $25.4 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2019. Our average interest-bearing liabilities are up from $21.8 billion in 2018 to $22.9 billion in 2019 and economic borrowing costs. Chimera’s net interest spread of 2.1% is consistent with the fourth quarter of 2018.
Our book value per common share was $16.15 as of March 31, 2019 up from $15.90 as of December 31, 2018 as interest rate declines during the quarter increased the value of our Agency MBS, Non-Agency RMBS and Loans held for investment portfolios, partially offset by losses incurred on our hedge portfolio. We continue to seek high yielding investment opportunities that will deliver a durable dividend to our shareholders while managing risk.

43



Business Operations

Net Income Summary

The table below presents our net income on a GAAP basis for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Net Income
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

For the Quarters Ended

March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
Net interest income:


Interest income (1)
$
350,389

$
297,132

Interest expense (2)
202,950

149,251

Net interest income
147,439

147,881

Other-than-temporary impairments:
 

 

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
(801
)
(294
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
(4,052
)
(864
)
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
(4,853
)
(1,158
)
Other investment gains (losses):
 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
(89,315
)
81,419

Realized gains (losses) on terminations of interest rate swaps
(108,046
)

Net realized gains (losses) on derivatives
(7,277
)
13,085

Net gains (losses) on derivatives
(204,638
)
94,504

Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value
200,812

14,466

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
8,603


Gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt

9,670

Total other gains (losses)
4,777

118,640

 
 
 
Other expenses:
 

 

Compensation and benefits
14,370

8,411

General and administrative expenses
5,883

5,489

Servicing fees
8,963

11,334

Deal expenses

1,088

Total other expenses
29,216

26,322

Income (loss) before income taxes
118,147

239,041

Income taxes

34

Net income (loss)
$
118,147

$
239,007






Dividends on preferred stock
17,392

9,400






Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
$
100,755

$
229,607






Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders:


 

Basic
$
0.54

$
1.22

Diluted
$
0.54

$
1.22






Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 

 

Basic
187,112,454

187,553,281

Diluted
188,199,711

188,176,753




Dividends declared per share of common stock
$
0.50

$
0.50

(1) Includes interest income of consolidated VIEs of $207,112 and $235,026 for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 8 to consolidated financial statements for further discussion.
(2) Includes interest expense of consolidated VIEs of $91,027 and $99,614 for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 8 to consolidated financial statements for further discussion.


Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.


44



Our primary source of income is interest income earned on our assets, net of interest expense paid on our financing liabilities.

Our net income available to common shareholders decreased by $129 million to $101 million, or $0.54 per average basic common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 as compared to $230 million, or $1.22 per average basic common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The decrease in net income available to common shareholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 is primarily due to an increase in Net losses on derivatives of $299 million which was partially offset by an increase in Net unrealized gains on financial instruments at fair value of $186 million, compared to the same period of, 2018.

Interest Income

The changes in our interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, are primarily driven by the repositioning of our balance sheet by significantly increasing Agency MBS investments.

Interest income increased by $53 million, or 18%, to $350 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to $297 million for the same period of 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest income earned on Agency MBS of $70 million, which was driven by higher average Agency MBS balances, as compared to the same period of 2018. This increase was offset in part by a decrease in interest income on Loans held for investment of $16 million, compared to the same period of 2018.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $54 million, or 36%, to $203 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to $149 million for the same period of 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher interest expenses on repurchase agreements collateralized by Agency MBS of $53 million, which was driven by higher average repurchase agreements collateralized by Agency MBS balance, as compared to the same period of 2018, generally following the four Federal funds rate hikes in 2018. Interest expense is also higher as a result of higher interest rates in 2019 compared to 2018. LIBOR rates have increased during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Interest expense for GAAP reporting does not include the periodic costs of our derivatives, which are reported separately in our GAAP financial statements.

Economic Net Interest Income

Our “Economic net interest income” is a non-GAAP financial measure, that equals interest income, less interest expense and realized gains or losses on our interest rate swaps. Realized gains or losses on our interest rate swaps are the periodic net settlement payments made or received.  For the purpose of computing Economic net interest income and ratios relating to cost of funds measures throughout this section, interest expense includes net payments on our interest rate swaps, which is presented as a part of Net realized gains (losses) on derivatives in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest rate swaps are used to manage the increase in interest paid on repurchase agreements in a rising rate environment. Presenting the net contractual interest payments on interest rate swaps with the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities reflects our total contractual interest payments. We believe this presentation is useful to investors because it depicts the economic value of our investment strategy by showing actual interest expense and net interest income. However, Economic net interest income should not be viewed in isolation and is not a substitute for net interest income computed in accordance with GAAP. Where indicated, interest expense, including interest payments on interest rate swaps, is referred to as Economic interest expense. Where indicated, net interest income reflecting interest payments on interest rate swaps, is referred to as Economic net interest income.

The following table reconciles the Economic net interest income to GAAP Net interest income for the periods presented.
 
GAAP
Interest
Income

GAAP
Interest
Expense
Net Realized (Gains)
Losses on Interest Rate Swaps
Economic Interest
Expense

GAAP Net Interest
Income
Net Realized
Gains (Losses) on Interest Rate Swaps
Other (1)
Economic
Net
Interest
Income
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2019
$
350,389


$
202,950

$
(5,462
)
$
197,488


$
147,439

$
5,462

$
(1,571
)
$
151,330

For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2018
$
348,033


$
193,920

$
364

$
194,284


$
154,113

$
(364
)
$
(140
)
$
153,609

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018
$
321,715


$
174,671

$
(242
)
$
174,429


$
147,044

$
242

$
321

$
147,607

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2018
$
306,436


$
161,266

$
(1,246
)
$
160,020


$
145,170

$
1,246

$
436

$
146,852

For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
$
297,132


$
149,251

$
2,612

$
151,863


$
147,881

$
(2,612
)
$
143

$
145,412

(1) Primarily interest expense/(income) on cash and cash equivalents.

Net Interest Rate Spread


45



The following table shows our average earning assets held, interest earned on assets, yield on average interest earning assets, average debt balance, economic interest expense, economic average cost of funds, economic net interest income, and net interest rate spread for the periods presented.
 
For the Quarter Ended

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2018

(dollars in thousands)

(dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Yield/Cost

Average
Balance
Interest
Average
Yield/Cost
Assets:
 
 
 

 
 
 
Interest-earning assets (1):
 
 
 

 
 
 
Agency MBS
$
11,448,243

$
103,595

3.6
%

$
3,880,870

$
33,342

3.4
%
Non-Agency RMBS
1,272,073

32,758

10.3
%

1,150,135

22,004

7.7
%
Non-Agency RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
535,031

38,769

29.0
%

896,139

52,107

23.3
%
Residential mortgage loans held for investment
12,102,993

173,696

5.7
%

13,265,821

189,822

5.7
%
Total
$
25,358,340

$
348,818

5.5
%

$
19,192,965

$
297,275

6.2
%










Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
 
 
 


 
 
 

Interest-bearing liabilities: 
 
 
 


 
 
 

Repurchase agreements collateralized by:













Agency MBS (2)
$
10,695,015

$
69,311

2.6
%

$
3,253,529

$
16,140

2.0
%
Non-Agency RMBS (2)
634,481

5,691

3.6
%

411,143

3,025

2.9
%
Re-REMIC repurchase agreements
557,467

6,499

4.7
%

828,745

7,727

3.7
%
RMBS from loan securitizations
2,706,425

24,960

3.7
%

2,763,631

25,358

3.7
%
Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
156,277

1,934

5.0
%

200,374

2,825

5.6
%
Securitized debt, collateralized by loans
8,150,394

89,093

4.4
%

9,185,049

96,788

4.2
%
Total
$
22,900,059

$
197,488

3.4
%

$
16,642,471

$
151,863

3.7
%














Economic net interest income/net interest rate spread
 

$
151,330

2.1
%

 

$
145,412

2.5
%














Net interest-earning assets/net interest margin
$
2,458,281

 

2.4
%

$
2,550,494

 

3.0
%














Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest bearing liabilities
1.11

 

 


1.15

 

 















(1) Interest-earning assets at amortized cost













(2) Interest includes net cash paid/received on swaps














Economic Net Interest Income and the Average Earning Assets

Our Economic net interest income (which is a non-GAAP measure, see “Economic net interest income” discussion earlier for details) increased by $6 million to $151 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 from $145 million for the same period of 2018. Our net interest rate spread, which equals the yield on our average interest-earning assets less the economic average cost of funds decreased by 40 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. The net interest margin, which equals the Economic net interest income as a percentage of the net average balance of our interest-earning assets less our interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 60 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018. Average net interest-earning assets decreased by $92 million to $2.5 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period of 2018.

Economic Interest Expense and the Cost of Funds

The borrowing rate at which we are able to finance our assets using repurchase agreements and securitized debt is typically correlated to LIBOR and the term of the financing. The table below shows our average borrowed funds, Economic interest expense, average cost of funds (inclusive of realized losses on interest rate swaps), average one-month LIBOR, average three-month LIBOR and average one-month LIBOR relative to average three-month LIBOR.

46



 
Average Debt Balance
Economic Interest Expense (1)
Average Cost of Funds
Average One-Month LIBOR
Average Three-Month LIBOR
Average One-Month LIBOR Relative to Average Three-Month LIBOR
 
(Ratios have been annualized, dollars in thousands)
For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2019
$
22,900,059

$
197,488

3.45
%
2.50
%
2.69
%
(0.19
)%
For The Quarter Ended December 31, 2018
$
21,777,412

$
194,284

3.57
%
2.35
%
2.62
%
(0.27
)%
For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2018
$
19,348,075

$
174,429

3.61
%
2.11
%
2.34
%
(0.23
)%
For The Quarter Ended June 30, 2018
$
17,883,143

$
160,020

3.58
%
1.97
%
2.34
%
(0.37
)%
For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
$
16,642,471

$
151,863

3.65
%
1.65
%
1.92
%
(0.27
)%
(1) Includes effect of realized losses on interest rate swaps.

Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $6.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018. Economic interest expense increased by $46 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities and Economic interest expense is a result of the increase in the amount of our Agency repurchase agreements as well as the increase in LIBOR.

Average one-month and three-month LIBOR were up 85 basis points and 77 basis points, respectively, during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, contributing to the increase in Economic interest expense. While we do acquire interest rate hedges to mitigate changes in interest rate risks, the hedges may not fully offset interest expense movements.

Net Other-than-temporary Credit Impairment Losses

OTTI losses are generated when fair values decline below our amortized cost basis, an unrealized loss, and the expected future cash flows decline from prior periods, an adverse change. When an unrealized loss and an adverse change in cash flows occur, we will recognize an OTTI loss in earnings. In addition, if we intend to sell a security, or believe we will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position, we will recognize an OTTI loss in earnings equal to the unrealized loss.

OTTI losses were $5 million and $1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Of the $5 million, $4 million of the OTTI for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 was related to securities included in our consolidated VIEs. As of March 31, 2019, we had two Non-agency RMBS securities subject to OTTI in an unrealized loss position totaling $477 thousand for which we did not recognize impairment. We continue to monitor our investment portfolio and will record an OTTI for all investments in an unrealized loss position for which we do not believe we will recover our amortized cost prior to maturity or sale.

Net Gains (losses) on derivatives

Our interest rate swaps are primarily used to economically hedge the effects of changes in interest rates on our portfolio, specifically our floating rate debt. Therefore, we included the periodic interest costs of the interest rate swaps for the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 on these economic hedges in our presentation of economic net interest income and our net interest spreads. As we do not account for these as hedges for GAAP presentation, we present these gains and losses separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The decrease in the net periodic interest cost of the interest rate swaps are primarily due to the increase in interest rates and changes in our swap portfolio balance during the year.

The table below shows a summary of our net gains (losses) on derivative instruments, for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

47



 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands)
Periodic interest income(expense) on interest rate swaps, net
$
5,462

$
(2,612
)
Realized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net:
 

 

Treasury Futures
(12,579
)
16,424

Swaptions
(160
)
(727
)
Swaps - Terminations
(108,046
)

Total realized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net
(120,785
)
15,697

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net:
 

 

Interest Rate Swaps
(94,075
)
84,964

Treasury Futures
5,325

(6,587
)
Swaptions
(565
)
3,042

Total unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net:
(89,315
)
81,419

Total gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net
$
(204,638
)
$
94,504


The net gains and losses on our derivatives include both unrealized and realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses include the net cash paid and received on our interest rate swaps during the period as well as sales and settlements of our Treasury Futures and swaptions. The realized loss on our derivative instruments is primarily a result of the pay fixed leg of our swaps carried at a higher interest rate than the receive floating leg of these same swaps, resulting in a net payment on the periodic settlement of the swaps during the year. 

Unrealized gains and losses include the change in market value, period over period, on our derivatives portfolio. Changes in market value are generally a result of changes in interest rates. We may or may not ultimately realize these unrealized derivative gains and losses depending on trade activity, changes in interest rates and the values of the underlying securities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we recognized total net losses on derivatives of $205 million, compared to net gains on derivatives of $95 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2018. This was primarily driven by realized losses on interest rate swap terminations and unrealized losses on interest rate swaps in 2019 as compared to 2018.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we terminated interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of $1.5 billion. There were no swap terminations during the quarter ended March 31, 2018. Our Treasury futures positions remained unchanged at $620 million of notional value during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Our swaptions positions remained unchanged at $53 million of notional value during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

Changes in our derivative positions were primarily a result of changes in our portfolio composition and changes in interest rates.

We had net realized losses of $13 million and realized gains of $16 million on our short futures positions for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The realized gains and losses were driven primarily by changes in interest rates during these periods, which affects the Treasury futures prices, resulting in realized gains or losses on our short futures positions. Treasury futures are not included in our economic interest expense and economic net interest income.

Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Financial Instruments at Fair Value

We have elected to account for certain Non- Agency RMBS investments acquired on or after January 1, 2019 under the fair value option. Under the fair value option, these investments will be carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in earnings (included as part of “Net unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value”). All Non-Agency RMBS investments owned prior to this date will continue to be carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income (OCI) as available-for-sale investments.

We have elected the fair value option with changes in fair value reflected in earnings for our IO MBS securities, certain Non-Agency RMBS securities which receive residual cash flows, Agency MBS, Loans held for investment, and the related financing for the loans consolidated as a VIE in our statement of financial condition.

IO MBS securities represent the right to receive the interest on a pool of mortgage backed securities, including both Agency and Non-Agency mortgage pools. The fair values of IO MBS securities are heavily impacted by changes in expected prepayment

48



rates. When IO securities prepay faster than expectations, the holder of the IO security will receive less interest on the investment due to the reduced principal.

We invest in overcollateralization classes of several seasoned pools of mortgage loans. These holdings generally do not have a traditional original and current face or notional face value amount and pay cash based on guidance in the trust documents when excess cash is available. Many of these holdings do not pay any interest and may never pay interest. We have elected to carry these overcollateralization classes at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings.

The Net unrealized gains on financial instruments at fair value for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 were $201 million, which were primarily driven by unrealized gains on Loans held for investments of $107 million and Agency MBS of $97 million. For the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Net unrealized gains on financial instruments at fair value were $14 million, which were primarily driven by unrealized gains on Loans held for investment of $42 million and secured debt of $8 million, offset in part by unrealized losses on Agency MBS of $33 million.

Gains and Losses on Sales of Assets and Extinguishment of Securitized Debt

For the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we had net realized gains of $9 million on sales of investments. We did not have any sales during the quarter ended March 31, 2018. We do not forecast sales of investments as we generally expect to invest for long term gains. However, from time to time, we may sell assets to create liquidity necessary to pursue new opportunities, achieve targeted leverage ratios as well as for gains when prices indicate a sale is most beneficial to us, or is the most prudent course of action to maintain a targeted risk adjusted yield for our investors.

When we acquire our outstanding securitized debt, we extinguish the outstanding debt and recognize a gain or loss based on the difference between the carrying value of the debt and the cost to acquire the debt which is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a gain or loss on extinguishment of debt.

There were no securitized debt collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS acquisitions during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

There were no securitized debt collateralized by loans during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we acquired securitized debt collateralized by loans with an amortized cost balance of $149 million for $139 million. This transaction resulted in a net loss on the extinguishment of debt of $10 million.

Compensation, General and Administrative Expenses and Deal Expenses

The table below shows our total compensation and benefit expense, general and administrative, or G&A expenses, and deal expenses as compared to average total assets and average equity for the periods presented.
 
Total Compensation, G&A and Deal Expenses
Total Compensation, G&A and Deal Expenses/Average Assets
Total Compensation, G&A and Deal Expenses/Average Equity
 
(Ratios have been annualized, dollars in thousands)
For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2019
$
20,253

0.28
%
2.12
%
For The Quarter Ended December 31, 2018
$
20,126

0.30
%
2.11
%
For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2018
$
15,629

0.26
%
1.65
%
For The Quarter Ended June 30, 2018
$
16,644

0.30
%
1.82
%
For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
$
14,988

0.28
%
1.64
%

Compensation and benefit costs were $14 million and $8 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in Compensation and benefit costs was primarily driven by higher bonuses, retirement eligibility and stock based compensation.

G&A expenses were $6 million and $5 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The G&A expenses are primarily comprised of market data and research, auditing, information technology, due diligence on loan packages, legal and independent investment consulting expenses. The increases in G&A expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 were primarily driven by higher due diligence fees and investment consulting fees as compared to the same period of 2018.

49




There were no deal expenses incurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The Company incurred deal expenses of $1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, respectively.

Servicing Fees

Servicing fees expenses were $9 million and $11 million during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These servicing fees are related to the consolidation of the whole loan securitization vehicles and are paid from interest income earned by the VIEs. The servicing fees generally range from 20 to 50 basis points of unpaid principal balances of our consolidated VIEs.

Core earnings

Core earnings is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as GAAP net income excluding unrealized gains on the aggregate portfolio, impairment losses, realized gains on sales of investments, realized gains or losses on futures, realized gains or losses on swap terminations, gain on deconsolidation, extinguishment of debt and certain other non-recurring gains or losses. As defined, core earnings include interest income and expense as well as realized losses on interest rate swaps used to hedge interest rate risk and other expenses. Management believes that the presentation of core earnings provides investors with a useful measure to facilitate comparisons of financial performance between our REIT peers, but has important limitations. We believe core earnings as described above helps evaluate our financial performance without the impact of certain transactions but is of limited usefulness as an analytical tool. Therefore, core earnings should not be viewed in isolation and is not a substitute for net income or net income per basic share computed in accordance with GAAP.

The following table provides GAAP measures of net income and net income per basic share available to common stockholders for the periods presented and details with respect to reconciling the line items to core earnings and related per average basic common share amounts:

 
For the Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
September 30, 2018
June 30, 2018
March 31, 2018
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
GAAP Net income available to common stockholders
$
100,755

$
(117,235
)
$
147,361

$
108,708

$
229,607

Adjustments:
 

 

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
4,853

4,269

7,233

9,131

1,158

Net unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives
89,315

319,673

(71,197
)
(25,895
)
(81,419
)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments at fair value
(200,812
)
(84,836
)
34,306

18,364

(14,466
)
Net realized (gains) losses on sales of investments
(8,603
)
(1,213
)
6,123

(2,167
)

(Gains) losses on extinguishment of debt

(7,055
)
(9,263
)
(387
)
(9,670
)
Realized (gains) losses on terminations of interest rate swaps
108,046





Net realized (gains) losses on Futures (1)
12,579

(4,320
)
(2,799
)
2,210

(16,424
)
Core Earnings
$
106,133

$
109,283

$
111,764

$
109,964

$
108,786












GAAP net income per basic common share
$
0.54

$
(0.63
)
$
0.79

$
0.58

$
1.22

Core earnings per basic common share(2)
$
0.57

$
0.58

$
0.60

$
0.59

$
0.58












(1) Included in net realized gains (losses) on derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) We note that core and taxable earnings will typically differ, and may materially differ, due to differences on realized gains and losses on investments and related hedges, credit loss recognition,
      timing differences in premium amortization, accretion of discounts, equity compensation and other items.

Our core earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 were $106 million, or $0.57 per average basic common share, which remained relatively flat, as compared to $109 million, or $0.58 per average basic common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Net Income (Loss) and Return on Total Stockholders' Equity

The table below shows our Net Income and Economic Net Interest Income as a percentage of average stockholders' equity and Core Earnings as a percentage of average common stockholders' equity. Return on average equity is defined as our GAAP net

50



income (loss) as a percentage of average equity.  Average equity is defined as the average of our beginning and ending stockholders' equity balance for the period reported. Economic Net Interest Income and Core Earnings are non-GAAP measures as defined in previous sections.

 
Return on Average Equity
Economic Net Interest Income/Average Equity *
Core Earnings/Average Common Equity
 
(Ratios have been annualized)
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2019
12.34
 %
15.81
%
14.03
%
For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2018
(10.80
)%
16.13
%
14.09
%
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018
16.64
 %
15.61
%
13.96
%
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2018
12.91
 %
16.05
%
13.72
%
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2018
26.17
 %
15.92
%
13.61
%
* Includes effect of realized losses on interest rate swaps.

Return on average equity decreased by 1,383 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018 primarily driven by Net losses on derivatives during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Economic net interest income as a percentage of average equity decreased slightly by 11 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2018. Core earnings as a percentage of average common equity increased slightly by 42 basis points for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

Financial Condition

Portfolio Review

During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, on an aggregate basis, we purchased $2.0 billion of investments, sold $454 million of investments and received $669 million in principal payments related to our Agency, Non-Agency RMBS and Loans held for investments portfolio.

The following table summarizes certain characteristics of our portfolio at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Interest earning assets at period-end (1)
$
27,176,290

$
27,247,661

Interest bearing liabilities at period-end
$
23,601,813

$
22,645,796

GAAP Leverage at period-end
 6.0:1

 6.1:1

GAAP Leverage at period-end (recourse)
 3.9:1

 3.8:1

Portfolio Composition, at amortized cost
 

 

Non-Agency RMBS
5.0
%
4.7
%
Senior
2.9
%
2.8
%
Senior, interest only
1.1
%
1.1
%
Subordinated
1.0
%
0.8
%
Subordinated, interest only
0.0
%
0.0
%
RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
2.0
%
2.1
%
Agency MBS
46.9
%
46.7
%
Residential
34.2
%
35.0
%
Commercial
12.1
%
11.2
%
Interest-only
0.6
%
0.5
%
Loans held for investment
46.1
%
46.5
%
Fixed-rate percentage of portfolio
95.8
%
95.8
%
Adjustable-rate percentage of portfolio
4.2
%
4.2
%
(1) Excludes cash and cash equivalents.

GAAP leverage at period-end is calculated as a ratio of our repurchase agreements and securitized debt liabilities over GAAP book value. GAAP recourse leverage is calculated as a ratio of our repurchase agreements over GAAP book value.

51




The following table presents details of each asset class in our portfolio at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The principal or notional value represents the interest income earning balance of each class. The weighted average figures are weighted by each investment’s respective principal/notional value in the asset class.
  
March 31, 2019
  
Principal or Notional Value at Period-End
 (dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average Amortized Cost Basis
Weighted Average Fair Value
Weighted Average Coupon
Weighted Average Yield at Period-End (1)

Weighted Average 3 Month CPR at Period-End
Weighted Average 12 Month CPR at Period-End
Weighted Average Delinquency Pipeline 60+
Weighted Average Loss Severity(2)
Weighted Average Credit Enhancement
Principal Writedowns During the Quarter
 (dollars in thousands)
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior
$
1,127,033

$
66.42

$
83.55

4.7
%
11.3
%
12.0
%
13.5
%
16.0
%
42.0
%
8.9
%
$
3,863

Senior, interest only
$
6,203,459

$
4.64

$
4.47

1.1
%
7.9
%
9.4
%
12.8
%
9.4
%
52.4
%
%
$

Subordinated
$
446,450

$
59.90

$
71.98

4.1
%
9.3
%
10.7
%
14.8
%
9.4
%
43.3
%
8.6
%
$
807

Subordinated, interest only
$
229,475

$
4.49

$
5.21

1.1
%
15.9
%
11.9
%
15.0
%
9.5
%
23.3
%
%
$

RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
$
1,244,813

$
42.21

$
79.18

5.3
%
30.4
%
12.3
%
14.8
%
15.8
%
50.7
%
0.1
%
$
3,573

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential
$
8,686,944

$
102.41

$
103.06

4.0
%
3.6
%
7.0
%
7.8
%
0.1
%
N/A

N/A

$

Commercial
$
3,080,065

$
101.94

$
101.90

3.6
%
3.4
%
%
%
0.9
%
N/A

N/A

$

Interest-only
$
2,627,192

$
5.53

$
5.59

1.0
%
5.3
%
6.2
%
5.9
%
0.1
%
N/A

N/A

$

Loans held for investment
$
12,139,229

$
98.59

$
102.32

6.3
%
5.8
%
8.7
%
10.0
%
8.0
%
58.4
%
N/A

$
30,652

(1) Bond Equivalent Yield at period end. Weighted Average Yield is calculated using each investment's respective amortized cost.
(2) Calculated based on reported losses to date, utilizing widest data set available (i.e., life-time losses, 12-month loss, etc.)

52



  
December 31, 2018
  
Principal or Notional Value at Period-End
 (dollars in thousands)
Weighted Average Amortized Cost Basis
Weighted Average Fair Value
Weighted Average Coupon
Weighted Average Yield at Period-End (1)

Weighted Average 3 Month CPR at Period-End
Weighted Average 12 Month CPR at Period-End
Weighted Average Delinquency Pipeline 60+
Weighted Average Loss Severity(2)
Weighted Average Credit Enhancement
Principal Writedowns During the Quarter
(dollars in thousands)
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior
$
1,122,782

$
65.10

$
82.79

4.7
%
11.5
%
11.4
%
14.0
%
16.8
%
42.7
%
7.7
%
$
4,145

Senior, interest only
$
5,642,053

$
5.05

$
4.45

1.2
%
8.3
%
10.8
%
13.4
%
10.9
%
53.3
%
0.0
%
$

Subordinated
$
394,037

$
56.60

$
70.16

4.0
%
9.9
%
11.3
%
15.6
%
10.3
%
44.3
%
9.4
%
$
3,478

Subordinated, interest only
$
221,549

$
4.48

$
5.26

1.1
%
16.4
%
15.1
%
15.1
%
9.5
%
29.2
%
0.0
%
$

RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
$
1,288,412

$
42.33

$
78.97

5.3
%
30.2
%
13.2
%
15.0
%
16.1
%
51.0
%
0.1
%
$
9,269

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential
$
8,984,249

$
102.47

$
102.12

4.0
%
3.6
%
5.9
%
10.7
%
0.1
%
N/A

N/A

$

Commercial
$
2,895,680

$
101.98

$
99.50

3.6
%
3.4
%
%
%
0.0
%
N/A

N/A

$

Interest-only
$
3,028,572

$
4.49

$
4.40

0.8
%
4.3
%
2.1
%
4.9
%
0.2
%
N/A

N/A

$

Loans held for investment
$
12,432,582

$
98.48

$
101.27

6.6
%
5.8
%
10.0
%
10.4
%
7.7
%
57.1
%
N/A

$
33,717

(1) Bond Equivalent Yield at period end. Weighted Average Yield is calculated using each investment's respective amortized cost.
(2) Calculated based on reported losses to date, utilizing widest data set available (i.e., life-time losses, 12-month loss, etc.)

Based on the projected cash flows for our Non-Agency RMBS that are not of high credit quality, a portion of the original purchase discount is designated as Accretable Discount, which reflects the purchase discount expected to be accreted into interest income, and a portion is designated as Non-Accretable Difference, which represents the contractual principal on the security that is not expected to be collected. The amount designated as Non-Accretable Difference 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 is more favorable than previously estimated, a portion of the amount designated as Non-Accretable Difference may be transferred to accretable discount and accreted into interest income over time. Conversely, if the performance of a security is less favorable than previously estimated, an OTTI may be recognized resulting in an increase in the amounts designated as Non-Accretable Difference.

The following table presents changes to Accretable Discount (net of premiums) as it pertains to our Non-Agency RMBS portfolio, excluding premiums on IOs, during the previous five quarters.
 
For the Quarters Ended
Accretable Discount (Net of Premiums)
March 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

September 30, 2018

June 30, 2018

March 31, 2018


(dollars in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
505,763

$
539,020

$
540,269

$
555,444

$
582,193

Accretion of discount
(35,551
)
(36,287
)
(35,184
)
(38,110
)
(37,309
)
Purchases
6,638

4,589

1,966

3,098


Sales and deconsolidation
127

(625
)
(986
)
(6,439
)
174

Transfers from/(to) credit reserve, net
8,063

(934
)
32,955

26,276

10,386

Balance, end of period
$
485,040

$
505,763

$
539,020

$
540,269

$
555,444


Liquidity and Capital Resources

General


53



Liquidity measures our ability to meet cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay our borrowings, purchase RMBS, residential mortgage loans and other assets for our portfolio, pay dividends and other general business needs. Our principal sources of capital and funds for additional investments primarily include earnings, principal paydowns and sales from our investments, borrowings under securitizations and re-securitizations, repurchase agreements and other financing facilities including warehouse facilities, and proceeds from equity or other securities offerings. We also maintain a certain amount of liquid, un-levered securities that we can either finance with recourse or sell if we have liquidity needs.

To meet our short term (one year or less) liquidity needs, we expect to continue to borrow funds in the form of repurchase agreements and, subject to market conditions, other types of financing. The terms of the repurchase transaction borrowings under our master repurchase agreements generally conform to the terms in the standard master repurchase agreement as published by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, or SIFMA, or similar market accepted agreements, as to repayment and margin requirements. In addition, each lender typically requires that we include supplemental terms and conditions to the standard master repurchase agreement. Typical supplemental terms and conditions include changes to the margin maintenance requirements, required haircuts or the percentage that is subtracted from the value of RMBS that collateralizes the financing, purchase price maintenance requirements, and requirements that all disputes related to the repurchase agreement be litigated or arbitrated in a particular jurisdiction. These provisions may differ for each of our lenders. 

Based on our current portfolio, leverage ratio and available borrowing arrangements, we believe our assets will be sufficient to enable us to meet anticipated short-term liquidity requirements. However, a decline in the value of our collateral could cause a temporary liquidity shortfall due to the timing of margin calls on the financing arrangements and the actual receipt of the cash related to principal paydowns. If our cash resources are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may have to sell investments, potentially at a loss, issue debt or additional common or preferred equity securities.

To meet our longer term liquidity needs (greater than one year), we expect our principal sources of capital and funds to continue to be provided by earnings, principal paydowns and sales from our investments, borrowings under securitizations and re-securitizations, repurchase agreements and other financing facilities, as well as proceeds from equity or other securities offerings.

In addition to the principal sources of capital described above, we may enter into warehouse facilities and use longer dated structured repurchase agreements. The use of any particular source of capital and funds will depend on market conditions, availability of these facilities, and the investment opportunities available to us.

Current Period

We held cash and cash equivalents of approximately $123 million and $47 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. As a result of our operating, investing and financing activities described below, our cash position increased by $76 million from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

Our operating activities used net cash of approximately $62 million and provided cash of approximately $198 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The cash flows from operations are primarily driven by interest received in excess of interest paid during the period. For the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, interest received net of interest paid was $163 million and $160 million, respectively. The cash used for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 was primarily driven by payments on swap terminations of $108 million and derivative margin of $99 million.

Our investing activities used cash of $881 million and provided cash of $63 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we used cash for investment purchases of $2.0 billion, primarily Agency MBS and Loans held for investments. This cash used was offset in part by cash received for principal repayments on our Agency MBS, Non-Agency RMBS, and Loans held for investments of $669 million and sale of investments of $454 million. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we received cash for principal repayments on our Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS, and Loans held for investments of $650 million. This cash received was offset in part by investments of $4.3 billion, primarily Loans held for investments and Agency MBS. This cash used was offset in part by cash received on principal payments on our Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS and securitized loans of $568 million.

Our financing activities provided cash of $1.0 billion and used cash of $225 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we received cash from net proceeds on our repurchase agreements of $1.3 billion and Series D preferred stock offering of $193 million. These receipts of cash were offset in part by cash used for repayment of principal on our securitized debt of $360 million and common and preferred dividends paid of $108 million. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we used cash for repayment of principal on our securitized debt of $569 million, common and preferred dividends paid of $103 million, net proceeds paid on our repurchase agreements of $46 million,

54



and repurchased common stock of $15 million. These uses of cash were offset in part by cash received of $509 million from debt issuance.

Our recourse leverage was 3.9:1 and 3.8:1 for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2018, respectively. Our recourse leverage excludes the securitized debt which can only be repaid from the proceeds on the assets securing this debt in their respective VIEs. Our recourse leverage is presented as a ratio of our repurchase agreements, which are recourse to our assets and our equity.

We believe that our cash balances and liquid Agency portfolio provides an appropriate level of liquidity. Even though we have unrestricted Agency MBS investments, we expect to meet our future cash needs primarily from principal and interest payments on our portfolio and do not anticipate the need to sell unrestricted Agency MBS investments to meet our liquidity needs. We expect to continue to finance our MBS portfolio largely through repurchase agreements and loans through the securitization market. In addition, we may from time to time sell securities, issue debt, or issue equity as a source of cash to fund new purchases.

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the remaining maturities on our RMBS and loan repurchase agreements were as follows.
 
March 31, 2019
December 31, 2018

 
(dollars in thousands)
Overnight
$
8,504

$

1 to 29 days
6,455,405

6,326,232

30 to 59 days
4,897,931

4,620,656

60 to 89 days
1,507,408

1,504,695

90 to 119 days
683,716

169,244

Greater than or equal to 120 days
1,770,910

1,409,638

Total
$
15,323,874

$
14,030,465

 
 
 
Average remaining maturity of Repurchase agreements secured by:
Agency MBS
34 days

30 days

Non-agency MBS and Loans held for investment
217 days

231 days


We collateralize the repurchase agreements we use to finance our operations with our MBS investments. Our counterparties negotiate a ‘haircut’, which is the difference expressed in percentage terms between the fair value of the collateral and the amount the counterparty will lend to us, when we enter into a financing transaction. The size of the haircut reflects the perceived risk associated with holding the MBS by the lender. The haircut provides lenders with a cushion for daily market value movements that reduce the need for a margin call to be issued or margin to be returned as normal daily increases or decreases in MBS market values occur. At March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the weighted average haircut on our repurchase agreements collateralized by Agency MBS was 4.8%, respectively. At March 31, 2019, the weighted average haircut on our repurchase agreements collateralized by Non-Agency MBS and Loans held for investments was 24.4% compared to 24.7% at December 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019, the weighted average borrowing rates for our repurchase agreements collateralized by Agency MBS was 2.71% and Non-Agency MBS and Loans held for investments was 4.06%. At December 31, 2018, the weighted average borrowing rates for our repurchase agreements collateralized by Agency MBS was 2.55% and Non-Agency MBS and Loans held for investment was 4.04%, respectively.

As the fair value of the Non-Agency MBS is more difficult to determine, as well as more volatile period to period than Agency MBS, the Non-Agency MBS typically requires a larger haircut. In addition, when financing assets using standard form of SIFMA Master Repurchase Agreements, the counterparty to the agreement typically nets its exposure to us on all outstanding repurchase agreements and issues margin calls if movement of the fair values of the assets in the aggregate exceeds their allowable exposure to us. A decline in asset fair values could create a margin call, or may create no margin call depending on the counterparty’s specific policy. In addition, counterparties consider a number of factors, including their aggregate exposure to us as a whole and the number of days remaining before the repurchase transaction closes prior to issuing a margin call. See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on how we determine the fair values of the RMBS collateralizing our repurchase agreements.


55



The table below presents our average daily repurchase balance and the repurchase balance at each period end for the periods presented. Our balance at period-end tends to fluctuate from the average daily balances due to the adjusting of the size of our portfolio by using leverage. We continue to deploy capital for strategic purchases of investments.
Period
Average Repurchase Balance
Repurchase Balance at Period End
 
(dollars in thousands)
Quarter End March 31, 2019
$
14,593,387

$
15,323,874

Quarter End December 31, 2018
$
13,082,260

$
14,030,465

Quarter End September 30, 2018
$
10,235,288

$
11,143,102

Quarter End June 30, 2018
$
8,527,325

$
9,127,048

Quarter End March 31, 2018
$
7,257,048

$
7,202,924


We are not required to maintain any specific leverage ratio. We believe the appropriate leverage for the particular assets we are financing depends on the credit quality and risk of those assets. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the carrying value of our total debt was approximately $23.6 billion and $22.6 billion, respectively, which represented a leverage ratio for both periods of approximately 6.0:1 and 6.1:1. We include our repurchase agreements and securitized debt in the numerator of our leverage ratio and stockholders’ equity as the denominator.

At March 31, 2019, we had repurchase agreements with 31 counterparties. All of our repurchase agreements are secured by Agency, Non-Agency RMBS and Loans held for investments or, in limited circumstances, cash. Under these repurchase agreements we may not be able to reclaim our collateral but still be obligated to pay our repurchase obligations. We mitigate this risk by spreading our exposure to multiple counterparties, as well as ensuring our counterparties are highly rated. Therefore, we believe the risk of loss of our collateral posted is mitigated by the terms of our agreements. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had $17.2 billion and $15.8 billion, respectively, of securities pledged against our repurchase agreement obligations.

At March 31, 2019, our repurchase agreements have original maturities ranging from less than 30 days to 1,708 days and a weighted average original maturity of 125 days. We expect to renew our repurchase agreements at maturity. When we renew our repurchase agreements, there is a risk that we will not be able to obtain as favorable an interest rate as a result of rising rates.

We offset the interest rate risk of our repurchase agreements primarily through the use of interest rate swaps, swaptions and treasury futures. The average remaining maturities on our interest rate swaps at March 31, 2019 range from less than 1 year to 30 years and have a weighted average maturity of approximately 6 years. All of our swaps are cleared by a central clearing house. When our interest rate swaps are in a net loss position (expected cash payments are in excess of expected cash receipts on the swaps), we post collateral as required by the terms of our swap agreements. As of March 31, 2019, we have two swaption counterparties and two futures counterparties.

Exposure to Financial Counterparties

We actively manage the number of repurchase agreement counterparties. The following table summarizes our exposure to our repurchase agreement counterparties at March 31, 2019:

56



March 31, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
Country
Number of Counterparties
Repurchase Agreement Financing
Interest Rate Swaps at Fair Value
Exposure (1)
(dollars in thousands)
United States
14
$
6,718,027

$
(103,195
)
$
772,621

Japan
4
2,740,396


357,170

Canada
4
2,334,539


233,810

United Kingdom
2
924,222


37,352

Switzerland
2
619,102


232,617

France
2
595,080

(73,219
)
91,393

Netherlands
1
515,162


24,284

China
1
495,638


22,527

South Korea
1
381,708


18,528

Total
31
$
15,323,874

$
(176,414
)
$
1,790,302

(1) Represents the amount of securities pledged as collateral to each counterparty less the aggregate of repurchase agreement financing and unrealized loss on swaps for each counterparty.

Over the past several years, several large European financial institutions have experienced financial difficulty and have been either rescued by government assistance or by other large European banks or institutions. Some of these financial institutions or their U.S. subsidiaries have provided us financing under repurchase agreements or we have entered into interest rate swaps with such institutions. We have entered into repurchase agreements or exchange cleared interest rate swaps with 7 counterparties as of March 31, 2019 that are either domiciled in Europe or is a U.S.-based subsidiary of a European-domiciled financial institution.

If the European credit volatility, including countries that may choose to leave the Euro zone as Britain has, continues to impact these major European financial institutions, it is possible that it will also impact the operations of their U.S. subsidiaries. Our financings and operations could be adversely affected by such events. We monitor our exposure to our repurchase agreement and swap counterparties on a regular basis, using various methods, including review of recent rating agency actions, financial relief plans, credit spreads or other developments and by monitoring the amount of cash and securities collateral pledged and the associated loan amount under repurchase agreements or the fair value of swaps with our counterparties. We make reverse margin calls on our counterparties to recover excess collateral as permitted by the agreements governing our financing arrangements or interest rate swaps, or may try to take other actions to reduce the amount of our exposure to a counterparty when necessary.

At March 31, 2019, we did not use credit default swaps or other forms of credit protection to hedge the exposures summarized in the table above.

Stockholders’ Equity

In February 2018, our Board of Directors reauthorized $100 million under our share repurchase program, or the Repurchase Program. Such authorization does not have an expiration date and, at present, there is no intention to modify or otherwise rescind such authorization. Shares of our common stock may be purchased in the open market, including through block purchases, through privately negotiated transactions, or pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined at our discretion and the program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason. Among other factors, we intend to only consider repurchasing shares of our common stock when the purchase price is less than the last publicly reported book value per common share. In addition, we do not intend to repurchase any shares from directors, officers or other affiliates. The program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares, and all repurchases will be made in accordance with Rule 10b-18, which sets certain restrictions on the method, timing, price and volume of stock repurchases.

Pursuant to our Repurchase Program, during the first quarter of 2018, we repurchased approximately 883 thousand shares of our common stock at an average price of $16.81 per share for a total of $15 million. There were no other stock repurchases during the quarter ended March 31, 2019. Other than a de minimis amount issued under our Dividend Reinvestment Plan and as

57



discussed below under “Restricted Stock Grants,” we did not issue any common shares during the years ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

In January 2019, we issued 8,000,000 shares of 8.00% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, or the Series D Preferred Stock, at a public offering price of $25.00 per share and for net proceeds to us of $193 million. The Series D Preferred Stock is redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared) exclusively at our option commencing in March 30, 2024, subject to our right, under limited circumstances, to redeem the Series D Preferred Stock prior to that date. The initial dividend rate for the Series D Preferred Stock, from and including January 23, 2019, to but not including March 30, 2024, will be equal to 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to the fixed annual rate of $2.00 per share). On and after March 30, 2024, dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock will accumulate at a percentage of the $25.00 liquidation preference equal to an annual floating rate of the three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.379% per annum. The Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to receive, when and as declared, a dividend at a rate of 8.00% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference before the common stock is paid any dividends and is senior to the common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

The first dividend on the Series D preferred stock is scheduled to be paid on or about June 28, 2019 (long first dividend period), in the amount of $0.87222 per share.

We declared dividends to Series A preferred stockholders of $3 million, or $0.50 per preferred share, during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We declared dividends to Series B preferred stockholders of $7 million, or $0.50 per preferred share during the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We declared dividends to Series C preferred stock holders of $5 million, or $0.484375 per preferred share during the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Share Unit Grants

Grants of Restricted Stock Units or, RSUs
During the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted RSU awards to senior management. These RSU awards are designed to reward our senior management for services provided to us. Generally, the RSU awards vest equally over a three-year period beginning from the grant date and will fully vest after three years. For employees whose years of service to us plus age is equal to or greater than 65, the service period is considered to be fulfilled and all grants are expensed immediately. The RSU awards are valued at the market price of our common stock on the grant date and generally the employees must be employed by us on the vesting dates to receive the RSU awards. We granted 399 thousand RSU awards during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, with a grant date fair value of $7 million for the 2018 and 2019 performance years. We granted 241 thousand RSU awards during the quarters ended March 31, 2018, with a grant date fair value $4 million for the 2017 performance year.
Grants of Performance Share Units or, PSUs
PSU awards are designed to align compensation with our future performance. The PSU awards granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, include a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2021. The final number of shares awarded will be between 0% and 200% of the PSUs granted based on our Economic Return compared to a peer group. Our three-year Economic Return is equal to our change in book value per common share plus common stock dividends. Compensation expense will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period based on an estimate of our Economic Return in relation to the entities in the peer group and will be adjusted each period based on our best estimate of the actual number of shares which will vest. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we granted 152 thousand PSU awards to senior management with a grant date fair value of $3 million.
The 2018 PSU awards include a three years performance period ending on December 31, 2020. The final number of shares that will vest will be between 0% to 150% of the total PSU awards granted based on our total shareholder return as compared to an index of comparable financial institutions and will cliff vest at the end of the performance period. The PSU awards are measured at fair value on the grant date which will be recognized as compensation expense ratably over the three-year vesting period.  Fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model developed to value the specific features of the PSU awards, including market based conditions. Inputs into the model include our historical volatility, the peer average historical volatility, and the correlation coefficient of the volatility.  In addition, inputs also included the share price at the beginning of the measurement period and an estimated total shareholder return for both us and the peer group of comparable financial institutions. Based on the model results, the 133 thousand PSU awards granted during quarter ended March 31, 2018, had a grant date fair value of $2 million which will cliff vest on December 31, 2020.


58



At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were approximately 1.8 million and 1.2 million unvested shares of restricted stock units issued to our employees, respectively.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following tables summarize our contractual obligations at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. The estimated principal repayment schedule of the securitized debt is based on expected cash flows of the residential mortgage loans or RMBS, as adjusted for expected principal writedowns on the underlying collateral of the debt.
March 31, 2019
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual Obligations
Within One Year
One to Three Years
Three to Five Years
Greater Than or Equal to Five Years
Total
Repurchase agreements
$
14,953,697

$
119,506

$
250,671

$

$
15,323,874

Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
20,863

26,858

6,182

2,862

56,765

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
1,509,970

2,471,069

1,863,415

2,215,326

8,059,780

Interest expense on RMBS repurchase agreements (1)
93,286

431

919


94,636

Interest expense on securitized debt (1)
356,606

504,418

302,178

418,740

1,581,942

Total
$
16,934,422

$
3,122,282

$
2,423,365

$
2,636,928

$
25,116,997

(1) Interest is based on variable rates in effect as of March 31, 2019.
December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)
Contractual Obligations
Within One Year
One to Three Years
Three to Five Years
Greater Than or Equal to Five Years
Total
Repurchase agreements
$
13,521,878

$
257,916

$
250,671

$

$
14,030,465

Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
23,602

30,803

8,047

3,605

66,057

Securitized debt at fair value, collateralized by loans held for investment
1,608,381

2,587,635

1,949,060

2,237,259

8,382,335

Interest expense on RMBS repurchase agreements (1)
85,434

584

1,434


87,452

Interest expense on securitized debt (1)
372,841

536,560

320,566

422,531

1,652,498

Total
$
15,612,136

$
3,413,498

$
2,529,778

$
2,663,395

$
24,218,807

(1) Interest is based on variable rates in effect as of December 31, 2018.

Not included in the table above are the unfunded construction loan commitments of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, which will primarily be paid within one year of reported periods and are reported under Payables for investments purchased in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

We have made a $25 thousand investment to acquire 24.9% ownership interest in KAH Capital through one of our taxable REIT subsidiary. In addition to the investment in KAH Capital, we have made a $150 million capital commitment to Hains Point, LLC (Hains Point), which is KAH Capital’s initial fund for which we are the sole investor. As of March 31, 2019, the Company has funded $48 million towards that commitment. KAH Capital will manage the investments in Hains Point including asset selection, repurchase and other financing arrangements as well as hedging transactions. Capital calls for investments made in Hains Point are subject to our consent and approval. We expect that KAH Capital will earn $6.5 million over approximately 3 years for its investment advisory services.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance

59



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.

Capital Expenditure Requirements

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

Dividends

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must pay annual dividends to our stockholders of at least 90% of our taxable income (subject to certain adjustments). We intend to pay regular quarterly dividends to our stockholders. Before we pay any dividend, we must first meet any operating requirements and scheduled debt service on our financing facilities and other debt payable.

Inflation

A significant portion of our assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance far more so than does inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions will be determined by our Board of Directors consistent with our obligation to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (subject to certain adjustments) on an annual basis in order to maintain our REIT qualification; in each case, our activities and financial condition are measured with reference to historical cost or fair market value without considering inflation.

Other Matters

None.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. Management has discussed and reviewed the development, selection, and disclosure of critical accounting estimates with the Company’s Audit Committee. Management believes that the most critical accounting policies and estimates, since these estimates require significant judgment, are interest income and other-than temporary impairment, or OTTI, on Non-Agency RMBS, the determination of the appropriate accounting model for Non-Agency RMBS, the impact of default and prepayment assumptions on RMBS, fair value measurements, and compensation expense estimates. Financial results could be materially different if other methodologies were used or if management modified its assumptions.

For a discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 2(e) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of accounting guidance recently adopted by the Company or expected to be adopted by the Company in the future.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The primary components of our market risk are related to credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, basis risk and market risk. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe the risk can be quantified from historical experience and we seek to actively manage that risk and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.

Credit Risk

We are subject to credit risk in connection with our investments in Non-Agency RMBS and residential mortgage loans and face more credit risk on assets we own which are rated below ‘‘AAA’’. The credit risk related to these investments pertains to the ability and willingness of the borrowers to pay, which is assessed before credit is granted or renewed and periodically reviewed

60



throughout the loan or security term. We believe that residual loan credit quality, and thus the quality of our assets, is primarily determined by the borrowers’ credit profiles and loan characteristics.

In connection with loan acquisitions, we or a third party performs an independent review of the mortgage file to assess the origination and servicing of the mortgage loan as well as our ability to enforce the contractual rights in the mortgage. Depending on the size of the loans, we may not review all of the loans in a pool, but rather a sample of loans for diligence review based upon specific risk-based criteria such as property location, loan size, effective loan-to-value ratio, borrower’s credit score and other criteria we believe to be important indicators of credit risk. Additionally, we obtain representations and warranties from each seller with respect to the residential mortgage loans, including the origination and servicing of the mortgage loan as well as the enforceability of the lien on the mortgaged property.  A seller who breaches these representations and warranties in making a loan that we purchase may be obligated to repurchase the loan from us. Our resources include a portfolio management system, as well as third party software systems. We utilize third party due diligence firms to perform an independent mortgage loan file review to ensure compliance with existing guidelines. In addition to statistical sampling techniques, we create adverse credit and valuation samples, which we individually review.

Additionally, the Non-Agency RMBS which we acquire for our portfolio are reviewed by us to ensure that they satisfy our risk based criteria. Our review of Non-Agency RMBS includes utilizing a portfolio management system. Our review of Non-Agency RMBS and other ABS is based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of the risk-adjusted returns on Non-Agency RMBS and other ABS. This analysis includes an evaluation of the collateral characteristics supporting the RMBS such as borrower payment history, credit profiles, geographic concentrations, credit enhancement, seasoning, and other pertinent factors.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental, monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our control. We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our investments and our related debt obligations, which are generally repurchase agreements, warehouse facilities and securitization/re-securitization trusts. Our repurchase agreements and warehouse facilities may be of limited duration that is periodically refinanced at current market rates. We intend to mitigate this risk through utilization of derivative contracts, primarily interest rate swap agreements, swaptions, futures and mortgage options.

Interest Rate Effects on Net Interest Income

Our operating results depend, in large part, on differences between the income from our investments and our borrowing costs. Most of our warehouse facilities and repurchase agreements provide financing based on a floating rate of interest calculated on a fixed spread over LIBOR. The fixed spread varies depending on the type of underlying asset which collateralizes the financing. During periods of rising interest rates, the borrowing costs associated with our investments tend to increase while the income earned on our investments may remain substantially unchanged or decrease. This will result in a narrowing of the net interest spread between the related assets and borrowings and may even result in losses. Further, defaults could increase and result in credit losses to us, which could adversely affect our liquidity and operating results. Such delinquencies or defaults could also have an adverse effect on the spread between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We generally do not hedge against credit losses. Hedging techniques are partly based on assumed levels of prepayments of our fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans and RMBS. If prepayments are slower or faster than assumed, the life of the residential mortgage loans and RMBS will be longer or shorter, which would reduce the effectiveness of any hedging strategies we may use and may cause losses on such transactions.

Interest Rate Effects on Fair Value

Another component of interest rate risk is the effect changes in interest rates will have on the fair value of the assets we acquire. We face the risk that the fair value of our assets will increase or decrease at different rates than that of our liabilities, including our hedging instruments. We primarily assess our interest rate risk by estimating the duration of our assets compared to the duration of our liabilities and hedges. Duration essentially measures the market price volatility of financial instruments as interest rates change. We generally calculate duration using various financial models and empirical data. Different models and methodologies can produce different duration numbers for the same securities.

It is important to note that the impact of changing interest rates on fair value can change significantly when interest rates change beyond 100 basis points from current levels. Therefore, the volatility in the fair value of our assets could increase significantly when interest rates change beyond 100 basis points. In addition, other factors impact the fair value of our interest rate-sensitive investments and hedging instruments, such as the shape of the yield curve, market expectations as to future interest rate changes

61



and other market conditions. Accordingly, in the event of changes in actual interest rates, the change in the fair value of our assets would likely differ from that shown below and such difference might be material and adverse to our stockholders.

Interest Rate Cap Risk

We may also invest in adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans and RMBS. These are mortgages or RMBS in which the underlying mortgages are typically subject to periodic and lifetime interest rate caps and floors, which limit the amount by which the security’s interest yield may change during any given period. However, our borrowing costs pursuant to our financing agreements will not be subject to similar restrictions. Therefore, in a period of increasing interest rates, interest rate costs on our borrowings could increase without limitation by caps, while the interest-rate yields on our adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans and RMBS would effectively be limited. This problem will be magnified to the extent we acquire adjustable-rate RMBS that are not based on mortgages which are fully indexed. In addition, the mortgages or the underlying mortgages in an RMBS may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in some portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. This could result in our receipt of less cash income on our adjustable-rate mortgages or RMBS than we need in order to pay the interest cost on our related borrowings. These factors could lower our net interest income or cause a net loss during periods of rising interest rates, which would harm our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Interest Rate Mismatch Risk

We fund a substantial portion of our acquisitions of RMBS with borrowings that have interest rates based on indices and re-pricing terms similar to, but of somewhat shorter maturities than, the interest rate indices and re-pricing terms of the mortgages and RMBS. In most cases the interest rate indices and re-pricing terms of our mortgage assets and our funding sources will not be identical, thereby creating an interest rate mismatch between assets and liabilities. Our cost of funds would likely rise or fall more quickly than would our earnings rate on assets. During periods of changing interest rates, such interest rate mismatches could negatively impact our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. To mitigate interest rate mismatches, we may utilize the hedging strategies discussed above. Our analysis of risks is based on our experience, estimates, models and assumptions. These analyses rely on models which utilize estimates of fair value and interest rate sensitivity. Actual economic conditions or implementation of investment decisions by our management may produce results that differ significantly from the estimates and assumptions used in our models and the projected results.

Our profitability and the value of our portfolio (including derivatives) may be adversely affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates. The following table quantifies the potential changes in net interest income and portfolio value for our Agency MBS portfolio and related swaptions, Treasury futures and our swap portfolio, if interest rates go up or down 50 and 100 basis points, assuming parallel movements in the yield curves. All changes in income and value are measured as percentage changes from the projected net interest income and portfolio value at the base interest rate scenario. The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates at March 31, 2019 and various estimates regarding prepayment and all activities are made at each level of rate change. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.
 
 
March 31, 2019
Change in Interest Rate
Projected Percentage Change in Net Interest Income (1)
Projected Percentage Change in Portfolio Value with Effect of Interest Rate Swaps and Other Hedging Transactions (2)
-100 Basis Points
23.63
 %
(0.89
)%
-50 Basis Points
11.55
 %
(0.14
)%
Base Interest Rate


+50 Basis Points
(10.64
)%
(0.44
)%
+100 Basis Points
(25.73
)%
(1.39
)%
(1) Change in annual economic net interest income. Includes interest expense on interest rate swaps.
(2) Projected Percentage Change in Portfolio Value is based on instantaneous moves in interest rates.

Prepayment Risk

As we receive prepayments of principal on these investments, premiums and discounts on such investments will be amortized or accreted into interest income. In general, an increase in prepayment rates will accelerate the amortization of purchase premiums, thereby reducing the interest income earned on the investments. Conversely, discounts on such investments are accelerated and accreted into interest income increasing interest income when prepayments increase.

Extension Risk

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Management computes the projected weighted-average life of our investments based on assumptions regarding the rate at which the borrowers will prepay the underlying mortgages. In general, when fixed-rate or hybrid adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans or RMBS are acquired via borrowings, we may, but are not required to, enter into an interest rate swap agreement or other hedging instrument that attempts to fix our borrowing costs for a period close to the anticipated average life of the fixed-rate portion of the related assets. This strategy is designed to protect us from rising interest rates as the borrowing costs are managed to maintain a net interest spread for the duration of the fixed-rate portion of the related assets. However, if prepayment rates decrease in a rising interest rate environment, the life of the fixed-rate portion of the related assets could extend beyond the term of the swap agreement or other hedging instrument. This could have a negative impact on our results from operations, as borrowing costs would no longer be fixed after the end of the hedging instrument while the income earned on the fixed and hybrid adjustable-rate assets would remain fixed. In extreme situations, we may be forced to sell assets to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur losses.


63



Basis Risk

We seek to limit our interest rate risk by hedging portions of our portfolio through interest rate swaps and other types of hedging instruments. Interest rate swaps are generally tied to underlying Treasury benchmark interest rates. Basis risk relates to the risk of the spread between our RMBS and underlying hedges widening. Such a widening may cause a decline in the fair value of our RMBS that is greater than the increase in fair value of our hedges resulting in a net decline in book value. The widening of mortgage-backed securities yields and Treasury benchmark interest rates may result from a variety of factors such as anticipated or actual monetary policy actions or other market factors.

Market Risk

Market Value Risk

Certain of our available-for-sale securities are reflected at their estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income if no OTTI has been recognized in earnings. The estimated fair value of these securities fluctuates primarily due to changes in interest rates, prepayment speeds, market liquidity, credit quality, and other factors. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of these securities would be expected to decrease; conversely, in a decreasing interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of these securities would be expected to increase. As market volatility increases or liquidity decreases, the fair value of our investments may be adversely impacted.

Real Estate Market Risk

We own assets secured by real property and may own real property directly. Residential property values are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions and unemployment (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of housing); changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; natural disasters and other acts of God; and retroactive changes to building or similar codes. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay our loans, which could also cause us to incur losses.

Risk Management

Subject to maintaining our REIT status, we seek to manage risk exposure to protect our portfolio of residential mortgage loans, RMBS, and other assets and related debt against the effects of major interest rate changes. We generally seek to manage risk by:

monitoring and adjusting, if necessary, the reset index and interest rate related to our RMBS and our financings;
attempting to structure our financing agreements to have a range of different maturities, terms, amortizations and interest rate adjustment periods;
using derivatives, financial futures, swaps, options, caps, floors and forward sales to adjust the interest rate sensitivity of our investments and our borrowings;
using securitization financing to receive the benefit of attractive financing terms for an extended period of time in contrast to short term financing and maturity dates of the investments not included in the securitization; and
actively managing, through assets selection, on an aggregate basis, the interest rate indices, interest rate adjustment periods, and gross reset margins of our investments and the interest rate indices and adjustment periods of our financings.

Our efforts to manage our assets and liabilities are focused on the timing and magnitude of the re-pricing of assets and liabilities. We attempt to control risks associated with interest rate movements. Methods for evaluating interest rate risk include an analysis of our interest rate sensitivity “gap,” which is the difference between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or re-pricing within a given time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest-rate sensitive liabilities exceeds interest-rate sensitive assets. During a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap would tend to adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. During a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income, while a positive gap would tend to affect net interest income adversely. Because different types of assets and liabilities with the same or similar maturities may react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions, changes in interest rates may affect net interest income positively or negatively even if an institution were perfectly matched in each maturity category.

The following table sets forth the estimated maturity or re-pricing of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at March 31, 2019. The amounts of assets and liabilities shown within a particular period were determined in accordance with the

64



contractual terms of the assets and liabilities, except adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans, and securities are included in the period in which their interest rates are first scheduled to adjust and not in the period in which they mature and includes the effect of the interest rate swaps. The interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities in the table could vary substantially based on actual prepayments.
March 31, 2019
(dollars in thousands)
 
Within 3 Months
3-12 Months
1 Year to 3 Years
Greater than
3 Years
Total
Rate sensitive assets
$
364,107

$
858,516

$
102,838

$
25,871,228

$
27,196,689

Cash equivalents
122,850




122,850

Total rate sensitive assets
$
486,957

$
858,516

$
102,838

$
25,871,228

$
27,319,539

 
 
 
 
 
 
Rate sensitive liabilities
18,834,279

4,614,355



23,448,634

Interest rate sensitivity gap
$
(18,347,322
)
$
(3,755,839
)
$
102,838

$
25,871,228

$
3,870,905

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative rate sensitivity gap
$
(18,347,322
)
$
(22,103,161
)
$
(22,000,323
)
$
3,870,905

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total rate sensitive assets
(67
)%
(81
)%
(81
)%
14
%
 


Our analysis of risks is based on our management’s experience, estimates, models and assumptions. These analyses rely on models which utilize estimates of fair value and interest rate sensitivity. Actual economic conditions or implementation of investment decisions by our management may produce results that differ significantly from the estimates and assumptions used in our models and the projected results shown in the above tables and in this Form 10-Q. These analyses contain certain forward-looking statements and are subject to the safe harbor statement set forth under the heading, “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the first quarter of 2019.

Part II. Other Information


Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors


65



Under “Part I — Item 1A — Risk Factors” of our 2018 Form 10-K, we set forth risk factors related to (i) risks associated with our investments, (ii) risks related to financing and hedging, (iii) risks associated with our operations, (iv) risks related to regulatory matters and our 1940 act exemption, (v) U.S. federal income tax risks, (vi) risks related to our organization and structure, (vii) risks related to our capital stock and (viii) other business risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in our 2018 Form 10-K. As of the date hereof, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In February 2018, our Board of Directors reauthorized $100 million under our share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”). The Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date.

We did not repurchase any common stock for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Repurchase Program is $85 million as of March 31, 2019.


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

66



3.9
3.10
3.11
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*
This exhibit is being furnished rather than filed, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing, in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K



67



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.


CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Matthew Lambiase
 
 
Matthew Lambiase
 
 
(Chief Executive Officer and President
 
 
and duly authorized officer of the registrant)
Date: May 2, 2019
 
 


 
By:
/s/ Rob Colligan
 
 
Rob Colligan
 
 
(Chief Financial Officer
 
 
and principal financial officer of the registrant)
Date: May 2, 2019
 
 




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