TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021  

OR

For the transition period from       to       

Commission file number 001-38156

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

888 Seventh Avenue, 35^th Floor

New York, New York 10106

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(212) 601-4700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes ☒  No ☐

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

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 ☒

As of April 30, 2021, there were 76,897,102 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “believe,” “expect,” “potential,” “continue,” “may,” “should,” “seek,” “approximately,” “predict,” “intend,” “will,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” the negative version of these words, other comparable words or other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or factual matters. By their nature, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are not statements of historical fact or guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions or changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will occur or be achieved, and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others, the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 24, 2021, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

There may be other risks, uncertainties or factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including risks, uncertainties, and factors disclosed under the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We caution you that the risks, uncertainties and other factors referenced above may not contain all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results, benefits or developments that we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our business in the way expected. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q apply only as of the date made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this Form 10-Q and in other filings we make with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its subsidiaries; the term “Manager” refers to our external manager, TPG RE Finance Trust Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership; and the term “TPG” refers to TPG Global, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its affiliates.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of

Changes in Equity (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

(1) Business and Organization

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) is organized as a holding company and conducts its operations primarily through TPG RE Finance Trust Holdco, LLC (“Holdco”), a Delaware limited liability company that is wholly owned by the Company, and Holdco’s direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Company conducts its operations as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its REIT taxable income to the extent that it annually distributes all of its REIT taxable income to stockholders and maintain its qualification as a REIT. The Company also operates its business in a manner that permits it to maintain an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

The Company’s principal business activity is to directly originate and acquire a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate related assets, consisting primarily of first mortgage loans and senior participation interests in first mortgage loans secured by institutional-quality properties in primary and select secondary markets in the United States. The Company has in the past invested in commercial real estate debt securities (“CRE debt securities”), primarily investment-grade commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and commercial real estate collateralized loan obligation securities (“CRE CLOs”).

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The interim consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The interim consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts, consolidated variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company believes it has made all necessary adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, so that the consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2021.

Risks and Uncertainties

The coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) resulted in broad challenges globally, has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets and continues to adversely impact global commercial activity. The impact of the outbreak has evolved rapidly around the globe, with many countries taking drastic measures to limit the spread of the virus by instituting quarantines or lockdowns and imposing travel restrictions. Such actions have created significant disruptions to global supply chains, and adversely impacted several industries, including but not limited to, airlines, hospitality, retail and the broader real estate industry.

COVID-19 has had a continued and prolonged adverse impact on economic and market conditions and triggered a period of global economic slowdown which has and could continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results and financial condition. Many jurisdictions have re-opened with social distancing measures implemented to curtail the spread of COVID-19, and multiple vaccines have been approved for use in the United States. Although the Company has observed preliminary signs of economic recovery, the Company cannot predict the time required for a meaningful economic recovery to take place. Additional surges in new cases of COVID-19 and mutated strains of the virus have caused additional quarantines and lockdowns, which could delay any economic recovery. The nationwide vaccination program is ongoing and its effectiveness remains uncertain. These factors could further materially and adversely affect the Company’s results and financial condition.

The full impact of COVID-19 on the real estate industry, the credit markets and consequently on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is uncertain and cannot be predicted currently since it depends on several factors beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to (i) the uncertainty surrounding the severity and duration of the outbreak, including possible recurrences and differing economic and social impacts of the outbreak in various regions of the United States, (ii) the effectiveness of the United States public health response, (iii) the pandemic’s impact on the United States and global economies, (iv) the timing, scope and effectiveness of additional governmental responses to the pandemic, (v) the timing and speed of economic recovery, including the availability of a treatment and effectiveness of vaccines approved for COVID-19, (vi) changes in how certain

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types of commercial property are used while maintaining social distancing and other techniques intended to control the impact of COVID-19, and (vii) the negative impact on the Company’s borrowers, real estate values and cost of capital.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the Company’s prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the Company’s current period consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on the Company’s previously reported net income. Amounts related to Collateralized Loan Obligation Proceeds Held at Trustee were reclassified from Accounts Receivable from Servicer/Trustee balance in prior period balance sheet to conform to current period presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires estimates of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates, and such differences could be material. Significant estimates made in the interim consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses and the valuation inputs related thereto and the valuation of financial instruments. Actual amounts and values as of the balance sheet dates may be materially different than the amounts and values reported due to the inherent uncertainty in the estimation process and the limited availability of observable pricing inputs due to market dislocation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, future amounts and values could differ materially from those estimates due to changes in values and circumstances after the balance sheet date and the limited availability of observable prices.

Principles of Consolidation

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810—Consolidation (“ASC 810”) provides guidance on the identification of a variable interest entity (“VIE”), for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights, and the determination of which business enterprise, if any, should consolidate the VIE. An entity is considered a VIE if any of the following applies: (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest; (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support; or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest. The Company consolidates VIEs in which the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the entity having both of the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that, when taken together, most significantly impact the VIE’s performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and right to receive the returns from the VIE that would be significant to the VIE. The Company determined that TRTX 2021-FL4, a collateralized loan obligation issued on March 31, 2021, is a VIE and is consolidated in accordance with GAAP. See Note 6 for details regarding issuance of TRTX 2021-FL4.

At each reporting date, the Company reconsiders its primary beneficiary conclusions for all its VIEs to determine if its obligation to absorb losses of, or its rights to receive benefits from, the VIE could potentially be more than insignificant, and will consolidate or not consolidate in accordance with GAAP. See Note 6 for details.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income on loans is accrued using the interest method based on the contractual terms of the loan, adjusted for expected or realized credit losses, if any. The objective of the interest method is to arrive at periodic interest income, including recognition of fees and costs, at a constant effective yield. Premiums, discounts, and origination fees are amortized or accreted into interest income over the lives of the loans using the interest method, or on a straight-line basis when it approximates the interest method. Extension and modification fees are accreted into income on a straight-line basis, when it approximates the interest method, over the related extension or modification period. Exit fees are accreted into interest income on a straight-line basis, when it approximates the interest method, over the lives of the loans to which they relate unless they can be waived by the Company or a co-lender in connection with a loan refinancing, or if timely collection of principal and interest is doubtful. Prepayment penalties from borrowers are recognized as interest income when received. Certain of the Company’s loan investments have in the past, and may in the future, provide for additional interest based on the borrower’s operating cash flow or appreciation of the underlying collateral. Such amounts are considered contingent interest and are reflected as interest income only upon certainty of collection. Certain of the Company’s loan investments have in the past, and may in the future, provide for the accrual of interest (in part, or in whole) instead of its current payment in cash, with the accrued interest (“PIK interest”) added to the unpaid principal balance of the loan. Such PIK interest is recognized currently as interest income unless the Company concludes eventual collection is unlikely, in which case the PIK interest is written off.

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All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual status is subtracted from interest income at the time the loan is placed on non-accrual status. Based on the Company’s judgment as to the collectability of principal, a loan on non-accrual status is either accounted for on a cash basis, where interest income is recognized only upon receipt of cash for interest payments, or on a cost-recovery basis, where all cash receipts reduce the loan’s carrying value, and interest income is only recorded when such carrying value has been fully recovered.

Loans Held for Investment

Loans that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or repayment, are reported at their outstanding principal balances net of cumulative charge-offs, interest applied to principal (for loans accounted for using the cost recovery method), unamortized premiums, discounts, loan origination fees and costs. Loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income over the estimated life of the loans using the interest method, or on a straight-line basis when it approximates the interest method, adjusted for actual prepayments. Accrued but not yet collected interest is separately reported as accrued interest and fees receivable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

When loans are designated as held for investment, the Company’s intent is to hold the loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity or repayment. If subsequent changes in real estate or capital markets occur, the Company may change its intent or its assessment of its ability to hold these loans. Once a determination has been made to sell such loans, they are immediately transferred to loans held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value in accordance with GAAP.

Non-Accrual Loans

Loans are placed on non-accrual status when the full and timely collection of principal and interest is doubtful, generally when: management determines that the borrower is incapable of, or has ceased efforts toward, curing the cause of a default; the loan becomes 90 days or more past due for principal and interest; or the loan experiences a maturity default. The Company considers an account past due when an obligor fails to pay substantially all (defined as 90%) of the scheduled contractual payments by the due date. In each case, the period of delinquency is based on the number of days payments are contractually past due. A loan may be returned to accrual status if all delinquent principal and interest payments are brought current, and collectability of the remaining principal and interest payments in accordance with the loan agreement is reasonably assured. Loans that in the judgment of the Company’s external manager, TPG RE Finance Trust Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Manager”), are adequately secured and in the process of collection are maintained on accrual status, even if they are 90 days or more past due.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

A loan is accounted for and reported as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when, for economic or legal reasons, the Company grants a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty that the Company would not otherwise consider. The Company does not consider a restructuring that includes an insignificant delay in payment as a concession. A delay may be considered insignificant if the payments subject to the delay are insignificant relative to the unpaid principal balance of the loan or collateral value, and the contractual amount due, or the delay in timing of the restructured payment period, is insignificant relative to the frequency of payments, the debt’s original contractual maturity or original expected duration.

TDRs that are performing and on accrual status as of the date of the modification remain on accrual status. TDRs that are non-performing as of the date of modification usually remain on non-accrual status until the prospect of future payments in accordance with the modified loan agreement is reasonably assured, which is generally demonstrated when the borrower maintains compliance with the restructured terms for a predetermined period. TDRs with temporary below-market concessions remain designated as a TDR regardless of the accrual or performance status until the loan is paid off. However, if the TDR loan has been modified in a subsequent restructure with market terms and the borrower is not currently experiencing financial difficulty, then the loan may be de-designated as a TDR.

Credit Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans Held for Investment

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, and subsequent amendments, which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model. The initial CECL reserve recorded on January 1, 2020 is reflected as a direct charge to retained earnings on the Company’s consolidated statements of changes in equity. Subsequent changes to the CECL reserve are recognized through net income on the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). The

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allowance for credit losses measured under the CECL accounting framework represents an estimate of current expected losses for the Company’s existing portfolio of loans held for investment, and is presented as a valuation reserve on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Expected credit losses inherent in non-cancelable unfunded loan commitments are accounted for as separate liabilities included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment, as reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, is adjusted by a credit loss benefit (expense), which is reported in earnings in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) and reduced by the charge-off of loan amounts, net of recoveries and additions related to purchased credit-deteriorated (“PCD”) assets, if relevant. The allowance for credit losses includes a modeled component and an individually-assessed component. The Company has elected to not measure an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivables related to all of its loans held for investment because it writes off uncollectable accrued interest receivable in a timely manner pursuant to its non-accrual policy, described above.

The Company considers key credit quality indicators in underwriting loans and estimating credit losses, including but not limited to: the capitalization of borrowers and sponsors; the expertise of the borrowers and sponsors in a particular real estate sector and geographic market; collateral type; geographic region; use and occupancy of the property; property market value; loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio; loan amount and lien position; debt service and coverage ratio; the Company’s risk rating for the same and similar loans; and prior experience with the borrower and sponsor. This information is used to assess the financial and operating capability, experience and profitability of the sponsor/borrower. Ultimate repayment of the Company’s loans is sensitive to interest rate changes, general economic conditions, liquidity, LTV ratio, existence of a liquid investment sales market for commercial properties, and availability of replacement short-term or long-term financing. The loans in the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio are secured by collateral in the following property types: office; multifamily; hotel; mixed-use; condominium; and retail.

The Company’s loans are typically collateralized by real estate, or in the case of mezzanine loans, by a partnership interest or similar equity interest in an entity that owns real estate. As a result, the Company regularly evaluates on a loan-by-loan basis, typically no less frequently than quarterly, the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property, and the financial and operating capability of the borrower/sponsor. The Company also evaluates the financial strength of loan guarantors, if any, and the borrower’s competency in managing and operating the property or properties. In addition, the Company considers the overall economic environment, real estate sector, and geographic sub-market in which the borrower operates. Such analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management personnel and evaluated by senior management, who utilize various data sources, including, to the extent available (i) periodic financial data such as property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrower’s exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, (iii) sales and financing comparables, (iv) current credit spreads for refinancing and (v) other market data.

Quarterly, the Company evaluates the risk of all loans and assigns a risk rating based on a variety of factors, grouped as follows: (i) loan and credit structure, including the as-is LTV structural features; (ii) quality and stability of real estate value and operating cash flow, including debt yield, property type, dynamics of the geography, property type and local market, physical condition, stability of cash flow, leasing velocity and quality and diversity of tenancy; (iii) performance against underwritten business plan; and (iv) quality, experience and financial condition of sponsor, borrower and guarantor(s). Based on a 5-point scale, the Company’s loans are rated “1” through “5,” from least risk to greatest risk, respectively, which ratings are defined as follows:

The Company generally assigns a risk rating of “3” to all loan investments originated during the most recent quarter, except in the case of specific circumstances warranting an exception.

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The Company’s CECL reserve reflects its estimation of the current and future economic conditions that impact the performance of the commercial real estate assets securing the Company’s loans. These estimations include unemployment rates, interest rates, price indices for commercial property, and other macroeconomic factors that may influence the likelihood and magnitude of potential credit losses for the Company’s loans during their anticipated term. The Company licenses certain macroeconomic financial forecasts to inform its view of the potential future impact that broader economic conditions may have on its loan portfolio’s performance. The forecasts are embedded in the licensed model that the Company uses to estimate its CECL reserve as discussed below. Selection of these economic forecasts requires significant judgment about future events that, while based on the information available to the Company as of the balance sheet date, are ultimately unknowable with certainty, and the actual economic conditions impacting the Company’s portfolio could vary significantly from the estimates the Company made for the periods presented.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the dislocation it has caused to the national economy, the commercial real estate markets, and the capital markets, the Company’s ability to estimate key inputs for estimating the allowance for credit losses has been materially and adversely impacted. Key inputs to the estimate include, but are not limited to, LTV, debt service coverage ratio, current and future operating cash flow and performance of collateral properties, the financial strength and liquidity of borrowers and sponsors, capitalization rates and discount rates used to value commercial real estate properties, and market liquidity based on market indices or observable transactions involving the sale or financing of commercial properties. Estimates made by management are necessarily subject to change due to the lack or sharply limited number of observable inputs and uncertainty regarding the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftereffects.

Credit Loss Measurement

The amount of allowance for credit losses is influenced by the size of the Company’s loan portfolio, loan asset quality, risk rating, delinquency status, historic loss experience and other conditions influencing loss expectations, such as reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions. The Company employs two methods to estimate credit losses in its loan portfolio: a loss-given-default (“LGD”) model-based approach utilized for substantially all of its loans; and an individually-assessed approach for loans that the Company concludes are ill-suited for use in the model-based approach, or are individually-assessed based on accounting guidance contained in the CECL framework.

Once the expected credit loss amount is determined, an allowance for credit losses equal to the calculated expected credit loss is established. Consistent with ASC 326, a loan will be charged off through the allowance for credit losses when it is deemed non-recoverable upon a realization event. This is generally at the time the loan receivable is settled, transferred or exchanged, but non-recoverability may also be concluded by the Company if, in its determination, it is nearly certain that all amounts due will not be collected. This loss shall equal the difference between the cash received, or expected to be received, and the book value of the asset. Factors considered by management in determining if the expected credit loss is permanent or not recoverable include whether management judges the loan to be uncollectible; that is, repayment is deemed to be delayed beyond reasonable time frames, or the loss becomes evident due to the borrower’s lack of assets and liquidity, or the borrower’s sponsor is unwilling or unable to support the loan. This policy is reflective of the investor’s economics as it relates to the ultimate realization of the loan.

Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans Held for Investment – Model-Based Approach

The model-based approach to measure the allowance for credit losses relates to loans which are not individually-assessed.

The Company licenses from Trepp, LLC historical loss information, incorporating loan performance data for over 100,000 commercial real estate loans dating back to 1998, in an analytical model to compute statistical credit loss factors (i.e., probability-of-default and loss-given-default). These statistical credit loss factors are utilized together with individual loan information to estimate the allowance for credit losses. This methodology considers the unique characteristics of the Company’s commercial mortgage loan portfolio and individual assets within the portfolio by considering individual loan risk ratings, delinquency statuses and other credit trends and risk characteristics. Further, the Company incorporates its expectations about the impact of current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts on expected future credit losses in deriving its estimate. For the period beyond which the Company is able to make reasonable and supportable forecasts, the Company reverts to unadjusted historical loan loss information based on systematic methodology determined at the input level. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. In future periods, evaluations of the overall loan portfolio, in light of the factors and forecasts then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the allowance and credit loss expense.

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Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans Held for Investment – Individually-Assessed Approach

In instances where the unique attributes of a loan investment render it ill-suited for the model-based approach because it no longer shares risk characteristics with other loans, or because the Company concludes repayment of the loan is entirely collateral-dependent, or when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan, the Company separately evaluates the amount of expected credit loss using other real estate valuation techniques, considering substantially the same credit factors as utilized in the model-dependent method. In these cases, expected credit loss is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral, as determined by management using valuation techniques, frequently discounted cash flow. The fair value of the collateral is adjusted for the estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of a loan is dependent on the sale (rather than the operation) of the collateral.

Unfunded Loan Commitments

The Company’s first mortgage loans often contain provisions for future funding conditioned upon the borrower’s execution of its business plan with respect to the underlying collateral property securing the loan. These deferred fundings are typically for base building work, tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions, and occasionally to fund forecasted operating deficits during lease-up, or for interest reserves. These deferred funding commitments may be for specific periods, often require satisfaction by the borrower of conditions precedent, and may contain termination clauses at the option of the borrower or, more rarely, at the Company’s option. The total amount of unfunded commitments does not necessarily represent actual amounts that may be funded in cash in the future, since commitments may expire without being drawn, may be cancelled if certain conditions are not satisfied by the borrower, or borrowers may elect not to borrow some or all of the unused commitment. The Company does not recognize these unfunded loan commitments in its consolidated financial statements.

The Company applies its expected credit loss estimates to all future funding commitments that cannot be contractually terminated at the Company’s option. The Company maintains a separate allowance for credit losses from unfunded loan commitments, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimates the amount of expected losses by calculating a commitment usage factor over the contractual period for exposures that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company and applies the loss factors used in the allowance for credit loss methodology described above to the results of the usage calculation to estimate the liability for credit losses related to unfunded commitments for each loan.

CRE Debt Securities

In the past, the Company acquired CRE debt securities for investment purposes. The Company designated CRE debt securities as available-for-sale (“AFS”) on the acquisition date. CRE debt securities that were classified as AFS were recorded at fair value through other comprehensive income or loss in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company recognized interest income on its CRE debt securities using the interest method, or on a straight-line basis when it approximated the effective interest method, with any premium or discount amortized or accreted into interest income based on the respective outstanding principal balance and corresponding contractual term of the CRE debt security. Accrued but not yet collected interest was separately reported as accrued interest receivable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company used a specific identification method when determining the cost of a CRE debt security sold and the amount of unrealized gain or loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss into earnings on the trade date.

AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions were evaluated for impairment related to credit losses at least quarterly. For the purpose of identifying and measuring impairment, any applicable accrued interest was excluded from both the fair value and the amortized cost basis. The Company had elected to write off accrued interest by reversing interest income in the event the accrued interest is deemed uncollectible, generally when the security became 90 days or more past due for principal and interest.

The Company first assessed whether it intended to sell the debt security or more likely than not was required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either criterion regarding intent or requirement to sell was met, the debt security’s amortized cost basis was written down to its fair value and the write down was charged against the allowance for credit losses, with any incremental impairment reported in earnings as a loss in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

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Any AFS debt security in an unrealized loss position which the Company did not intend to sell or was not more likely than not required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis was assessed for expected credit losses. The performance indicators considered for CRE debt securities related to the underlying assets and included default rates, delinquency rates, percentage of nonperforming assets, debt-to-collateral ratios, third-party guarantees, current levels of subordination, vintage, geographic concentration, analyst reports and forecasts, credit ratings and other market data. In assessing whether a credit loss exists, the Company compared the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected was less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss existed and an allowance for credit losses was recorded, limited by the amount the fair value was less than amortized cost basis.

Declines in fair value of AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position that were not due to credit losses, such as declines due to changes in market interest rates, were recorded through other comprehensive income. Any impairment that had not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses was recognized in other comprehensive income. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS debt securities presented in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) included the reversal of unrealized gains and losses at the time gains or losses were realized.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned (REO) held for investment until the Company makes a determination to sell. The Company's cost basis in REO is equal to the estimated fair value of the collateral at the date of acquisition, less estimated costs to sell. The estimated fair value of the REO is determined using a discounted cash flow model using inputs that include the highest and best use for each asset, estimated future values based on extensive discussions with local brokers, investors and other market participants, the estimated holding period for the asset, and discount rates that reflect estimated investor return requirements for the risks associated with the expected use of each asset. If the fair value of the REO is lower than the carrying value of the loan, the difference, along with any previously recorded specific CECL reserve, is recorded as a realized loss in the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Thereafter, events or circumstances may occur that result in a material and sustained decrease in the cash flows generated from the assets, potentially leading to impairment. REO is not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. Any impairment loss, revenue and expenses from operations of the properties and resulting gains or losses on sale are included within the consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) in Other Income, net.

Portfolio Financing Arrangements

The Company finances its portfolio of loans, or participation interests therein, and REO using secured credit agreements, including secured credit facilities, mortgage loans payable, and collateralized loan obligations. The related borrowings are recorded as separate liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Interest income earned on the investments and interest expense incurred on the related borrowings are reported separately on the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).

In certain instances, the Company creates structural leverage through the co-origination or non-recourse syndication of a senior loan interest to a third party. For all such syndications the Company has completed through March 31, 2021, the Company transferred, on a non-recourse basis, 100% of the senior mortgage loan that the Company originated to a third-party lender, and retained as a loan investment a separate mezzanine loan investment secured by a pledge of the equity in the mortgage borrower. With respect to the senior mortgage loan so transferred, the Company retains: no control over the mortgage loan; no economic interest in the mortgage loan; and no recourse to the purchaser or the borrower. Consequently, based on these circumstances and because the Company does not have any continuing involvement with the transferred senior mortgage loan, these syndications are accounted for as sales under GAAP and are removed from the Company’s consolidated financial statements at the time of transfer. The Company’s consolidated balance sheets only include the separate mezzanine loan remaining after the transfer.

For more information regarding the Company’s portfolio financing arrangements, see Note 7.

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Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”), for its holdings of financial instruments. ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820-10 determines fair value to be the price that would be received for a financial instrument in a current sale, which assumes an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company determines the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities using the three-tier fair value hierarchy established by GAAP, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. GAAP establishes market-based or observable inputs as the preferred source of values followed by valuation models using management assumptions in the absence of market inputs. The financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level I—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.

Level II—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level III—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

For certain financial instruments, the various inputs that management uses to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for such financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument. The Company may use valuation techniques consistent with the market and income approaches to measure the fair value of its assets and liabilities. The market approach uses third-party valuations and information obtained from market transactions involving identical or similar assets or liabilities. The income approach uses projections of the future economic benefits of an instrument to determine its fair value, such as in the discounted cash flow methodology. The inputs or methodology used for valuing financial instruments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these financial instruments. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period.

The following methods and assumptions are used by our Manager to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

As discussed above, market-based or observable inputs are generally the preferred source of values for purposes of measuring the fair value of the Company’s assets under GAAP. The commercial property investment sales and commercial mortgage loan markets have and continue to experience extreme volatility, sharply reduced transaction volume, reduced liquidity, and disruption as a result of COVID-19, which has made it more difficult to rely on market-based inputs in connection with the valuation of the Company’s assets under GAAP. Key valuation inputs include, but are not limited to, future operating cash flow and performance of collateral properties, the financial strength and liquidity of borrowers and sponsors, capitalization rates and discount rates used to value commercial real estate properties, and observable transactions involving the sale or financing of commercial properties. In the

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absence of market inputs, GAAP permits the use of management assumptions to measure fair value. However, the considerable market volatility and disruption caused by COVID-19 and the considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate impact and duration of the pandemic have made it more difficult for the Company’s management to formulate assumptions to measure the fair value of the Company’s assets.

Income Taxes

The Company qualifies and has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, commencing with its initial taxable year ended December 31, 2014. To the extent that it annually distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to stockholders and complies with various other requirements as a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its distributed REIT taxable income. In 2017, the Internal Revenue Service issued a revenue procedure permitting “publicly offered” REITs to make elective stock dividends (i.e. dividends paid in a mixture of stock and cash), with at least 20% of the total distribution being paid in cash, to satisfy their REIT distribution requirements. Pursuant to this revenue procedure, the Company may elect to make future distributions of its taxable income in a mixture of stock and cash. If the Company fails to continue to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, the Company will be subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes at regular corporate rates beginning with the year in which it fails to qualify and may be precluded from being able to elect to be treated as a REIT for the Company’s four subsequent taxable years. Even though the Company currently qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes on the Company’s income and property and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on the Company’s undistributed REIT taxable income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period in which the enactment date occurs. Under ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), a valuation allowance is established when management believes it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company intends to continue to operate in a manner consistent with, and to continue to meet the requirements to be treated as, a REIT for tax purposes and to distribute all of its REIT taxable income. Accordingly, the Company does not expect to pay corporate level federal taxes.

Earnings per Common Share

The Company utilizes the two-class method when assessing participating securities to calculate earnings per common share. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders (i.e., holders of common stock and, when it was outstanding, Class A common stock), by the weighted-average number of common shares (both common stock and, when it was outstanding, Class A common stock) outstanding during the period. The preferences, rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the Class A common stock were identical to the common stock, except (1) the Class A common stock was not a “margin security” as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System (and rulings and interpretations thereunder) and could not be listed on a national securities exchange or a national market system and (2) each share of Class A common stock was convertible at any time or from time to time, at the option of the holder, for one fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock. See Note 13 for details regarding the conversion of Class A common stock.

Diluted earnings per share is computed under the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The computation of diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of participating securities outstanding plus the incremental shares that would be outstanding assuming exercise of warrants (the “Warrants”, see Note 13) issued in connection with the Company’s Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred”), which are exercisable only on a net-share settlement basis. The number of incremental shares is calculated utilizing the treasury stock method. The Company accounts for unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable dividend rights or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) as participating securities, which are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company excludes participating securities and warrants from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding in periods of net losses since their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation consists of awards issued by the Company to certain employees of affiliates of the Manager and certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors. These share-based awards generally vest in installments over a fixed period of time. Deferred stock units granted to the Company’s Board of Directors fully vest on the grant date and accrue dividends that are paid-

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in kind through additional deferred stock units on a quarterly basis. Compensation expense is recognized in net income on a straight-line basis over the applicable award’s vesting period. Forfeitures of share-based awards are recognized as they occur.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are reflected net of the collateralized loan obligations, secured credit arrangements, and mortgage loan payable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. These costs are amortized in interest expense using the interest method, or on a straight-line basis when it approximates the interest method, as follows: (a) for secured credit arrangements other than our CRE CLOs, the initial term of the financing arrangement, or in case of costs directly associated with the loan, over the life of the facility or the loan, whichever is shorter; (b) for deferred financing costs related to mortgage loan payable, the initial maturities of the underlying loan(s) pledged to support the specific borrowing; and (c) for CRE CLOs issued by the Company’s subsidiaries, over the estimated life of the liabilities issued based on the initial maturity dates of the underlying loans currently held by each trust based upon the expected repayment behavior of the loans collateralizing the notes after giving effect to the reinvestment period, all as of the closing date.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in banks or invested in money market funds with original maturities of less than 90 days. The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality institutions to minimize credit risk exposure. The Company maintains cash accounts at several financial institutions, which are insured up to a maximum of $250,000 per account as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019. The balances in these accounts may exceed the insured limits.

Pursuant to financial covenants applicable to Holdco, which is the guarantor of the Company’s recourse indebtedness, the Company is required to maintain minimum cash equal to the greater of (i) $10 million or (ii) the product of 5% and the aggregate recourse indebtedness of the Company. To comply with this covenant, the Company held as part of its total cash balances $10.8 million and $19.1 million, respectively, at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily represents deposit proceeds from potential borrowers which may be returned to borrowers, after deducting transaction costs paid by the Company for the benefit of the borrowers, upon the closing of a loan transaction.

Collateralized Loan Obligation Proceeds Held at Trustee

Collateralized Loan Obligation Proceeds Held at Trustee represent the TRTX 2021-FL4 Ramp-Up Account in an amount of approximately $308.9 million available to purchase eligible collateral interests from the Company during a ramp-up period of approximately six months following the FL4 Closing Date. See Note 6 for details of the TRTX 2021-FL4 issuance. Also included is cash held by the Company’s CRE CLOs pending reinvestment in eligible collateral.

Accounts Receivable from Servicer/Trustee

Accounts receivable from Servicer/Trustee represents cash proceeds from loan activities that have not been remitted to the Company based on established servicing and borrowing procedures. Such amounts are generally held by the Servicer/Trustee for less than 30 days before being remitted to the Company.

Temporary Equity

Equity instruments that are redeemable for cash or other assets are classified as temporary equity if the instrument is redeemable, at the option of the holder, at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date or upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. Redeemable equity instruments are initially carried at the relative fair value of the equity instrument at the issuance date, which is subsequently adjusted at each balance sheet date if the instrument is currently redeemable or probable of becoming redeemable. The Series B Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Investment Agreement described in Note 13 is classified as temporary equity in the accompanying financial statements. The Company elected the accreted redemption value method under which it accretes changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock to the earliest costless redemption date (the fourth anniversary) using the effective interest method, as described in Note 13. Such adjustments are included in Accretion of Discount on Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity and treated similarly to a dividend on preferred stock for GAAP purposes.

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Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP requirements for modifications to debt agreements, leases, derivatives, and other contracts, related to the expected market transition from LIBOR, and certain other floating rate benchmark indices, or collectively, IBORs, to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 generally considers contract modifications related to reference rate reform to be an event that does not require contract remeasurement at the modification date nor a reassessment of a previous accounting determination. In January 2021, the FASB clarified the scope of that guidance with the issuance of ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform: Scope.” This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This would apply to companies meeting certain criteria that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This standard is effective for the Company immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. The Company continues to evaluate the documentation and control processes associated with its assets and liabilities to manage the transition away from LIBOR to an alternative rate endorsed by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve System, and continues to utilize required resources to revise its control and risk management systems to ensure there is no disruption to our day-to-day operations from the transition, when it does occur. The Company will continue to employ prudent risk management as it relates to the potential financial, operational and legal risks associated with the expected cessation of LIBOR, and to ensure that its assets and liabilities generally remain match-indexed following this event. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 – 40) (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in GAAP. The ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-06 on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, Codification Improvements, which updates various codification topics by clarifying or improving disclosure requirements to align with the SEC’s regulations. The ASU’s amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 on its consolidated financial statements.

(3) Loans Held for Investment and the Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company originates and acquires first mortgage and mezzanine loans secured by commercial properties. The Company considers these loans to belong to a single portfolio of mortgage loans, and the Company has developed its systematic methodology to determine the allowance for credit losses based on a single portfolio. For purposes of certain disclosures herein, the Company disaggregates this portfolio segment into the following classes of finance receivables: Senior loans; and Subordinated and Mezzanine loans. These loans can potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk as measured by various metrics, including, without limitation, property type collateralizing the loan, loan size, loans to a single sponsor and loans in a single geographic area. The Company’s loans held for investment are accounted for at amortized cost. Interest accrued but not yet collected is separately reported as accrued interest and fees receivable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Amounts within that caption relating to loans held for investment were $14.3 million and $14.0 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company originated one mortgage loan, with a total commitment of $45.4 million, an initial unpaid principal balance of $37.5 million, and unfunded commitment at closing of $7.9 million.

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The following table details overall statistics for the Company’s loan portfolio as of March 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

The following tables present an overview of the mortgage loan investment portfolio by loan seniority as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):

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For the three months ended March 31, 2021, loan portfolio activity was as follows (dollars in thousands):

At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were no unamortized loan purchase discounts or premiums included in loans held for investment at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets.

At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there was $7.2 million and $8.3 million, respectively, of unamortized loan fees and discounts included in loans held for investment, net in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not recognize any accelerated fee component of prepayment fees during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and recognized $0 million and $0.3 million of such payments, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Loan Risk Rating

As discussed in Note 2, the Company evaluates all of its loans to assign risk ratings on a quarterly basis. Based on a 5-point scale, the Company’s loans are rated “1” through “5,” from least risk to greatest risk, respectively, which ratings are described in Note 2. The Company generally assigns a risk rating of “3” to all loan investments originated during the most recent quarter, except in the case of specific circumstances warranting an exception.

The following tables present amortized cost basis by origination year, grouped by risk rating, as of March 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):

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