Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our financial statements, our wholly owned subsidiaries, and partnerships or other joint ventures in which we own a voting interest of greater than 50 percent, and variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which we are the primary beneficiary. VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. A VIE is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is the party that (i) has the power to control the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Current accounting guidance requires us to present a) assets of a consolidated VIE that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE, and b) liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. As a result of this guidance, we have separately disclosed parenthetically the assets and liabilities of our CLO and CDO subsidiaries on our consolidated balance sheets. Entities in which we have a significant influence are accounted for primarily under the equity method. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally acceptable in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could materially affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Further, in connection with preparation of the consolidated financial statements, we evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date of December 31, 2015 through the issuance of the consolidated financial statements. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we early adopted accounting guidance which reclassifies deferred debt issuance costs from other assets to the related liabilities. As a result of adopting this new guidance, we reclassified deferred financing costs totaling $17.4 million and $13.9 million from other assets to our debt facilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In past years, we repurchased shares of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. These repurchased shares are subject to state corporate laws that establish the legal status of redeemed shares and prevent them from being reported as treasury shares within the consolidated financial statements. We previously misclassified the repurchased shares as treasury stock. These share repurchases should have been classified as reductions of common stock and additional paid-in capital. The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of changes in equity have been restated for all periods presented to correct the misclassification. The correction results in reductions in common stock and additional paid-in capital of $26,507 and $17.1 million, respectively, for all periods presented. The reclassification has no impact on any other amounts included in our previously reported consolidated financial statements. Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We place our cash and cash equivalents in high quality financial institutions. The consolidated account balances at each institution periodically exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance coverage and we believe that this risk is not significant. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily represents proceeds from loan repayments on deposit with the trustees for our CLOs which will be used for principal repayments, unfunded loan commitments and interest payments received from loans. See Note 7—"Debt Obligations." Restricted cash is also held by our real estate owned assets due to escrow requirements. Loans, Investments and Securities Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, loan purchase discounts, and net of the allowance for loan losses when such loan or investment is deemed to be impaired. We invest in preferred equity interests that, in some cases, allow us to participate in a percentage of the underlying property's cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing. At the inception of each such investment, management must determine whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, equity interest or as real estate. To date, management has determined that all such investments are properly accounted for and reported as loans. From time to time, we may enter into an agreement to sell a loan. These loans are considered held-for-sale and are valued at the lower of the loan's carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. For the sale of loans, recognition occurs when ownership passes to the buyer. At the time of purchase, we designate a security as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, or trading depending on our ability and intent to hold it to maturity. We do not have any securities designated as held-to-maturity or trading as of December 31, 2015. Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings up to their credit component. The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process requiring judgments and assumptions and is not necessarily intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. The process may include, but is not limited to, assessment of recent market events and prospects for near-term recovery, assessment of cash flows, internal review of the underlying assets securing the investments, credit of the issuer and the rating of the security, as well as our ability and intent to hold the investment to maturity. Management closely monitors market conditions on which it bases such decisions. Impaired Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Charge-offs We consider a loan impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We evaluate each loan in our portfolio on a quarterly basis. Our loans are individually specific and unique as it relates to product type, geographic location, and collateral type, as well as to the rights and remedies and the position in the capital structure our loans and investments have in relation to the underlying collateral. We evaluate all of this information as well as general market trends related to specific classes of assets, collateral type and geographic locations, when determining the appropriate assumptions such as capitalization and market discount rates, as well as the borrower's operating income and cash flows, in estimating the value of the underlying collateral when determining if a loan is impaired. We utilize internally developed valuation models and techniques primarily consisting of discounted cash flow and direct capitalization models in determining the fair value of the underlying collateral on an individual loan. We may also obtain a third party appraisal, which may value the collateral through an "as-is" or "stabilized value" methodology. Such appraisals may be used as an additional source of valuation information only and no adjustments are made to appraisals. If upon completion of the valuation, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, an allowance is created with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. The allowance for each loan is maintained at a level that we believe to be adequate to absorb probable losses. Loan terms may be modified if we determine that based on the individual circumstances of a loan and the underlying collateral, a modification would more likely increase the total recovery of the combined principal and interest from the loan. Any loan modification is predicated upon a goal of maximizing the collection of the loan. Typical triggers for a modification would include situations where the projected cash flow is insufficient to cover required debt service, when asset performance is lagging the initial projections, where there is a requirement for rebalancing, where there is an impending maturity of the loan, and where there is an actual loan default. Loan terms that have been modified have included, but are not limited to interest rate, maturity date and in certain cases, principal amount. Length and amounts of each modification have varied based on individual circumstances and are determined on a case by case basis. If the loan modification constitutes a concession whereas we do not receive ample consideration in return for the modification, and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and cannot repay the loan under the current terms, then the modification is considered by us to be a troubled debt restructuring. If we receive a benefit, either monetary or strategic, and the above criteria are not met, the modification is not considered to be a troubled debt restructuring. We record interest on modified loans on an accrual basis to the extent that the modified loan is contractually current. Charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses occur when losses are confirmed through the receipt of cash or other consideration from the completion of a sale; when a modification or restructuring takes place in which we grant a concession to a borrower or agree to a discount in full or partial satisfaction of the loan; when we take ownership and control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of the loan; when loans are reclassified as other investments; or when significant collection efforts have ceased and it is highly likely that a loss has been realized. Loss on restructured loans is recorded when we have granted a concession to the borrower in the form of principal forgiveness related to the payoff or the substitution or addition of a new debtor for the original borrower or when we incur costs on behalf of the borrower related to the modification, payoff or the substitution or addition of a new debtor for the original borrower. When a loan is restructured, we record our investment at net realizable value, taking into account the cost of all concessions at the date of restructuring. The reduction in the recorded investment is recorded as a separate line on the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the loan is restructured. In addition, a gain or loss may be recorded upon the sale of a loan to a third party in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the loan was sold. Real Estate Owned and Held-For-Sale Real estate owned, shown net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges, is comprised of real property acquired by foreclosure or through partial or full settlement of mortgage debt. Real estate acquired is recorded at its estimated fair value at the time of acquisition. Costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure of the properties collateralizing the real estate loans are expensed as incurred and costs subsequently incurred to extend the life or improve the assets subsequent to foreclosure are capitalized. We allocate the purchase price of our operating properties to land, building, tenant improvements, deferred lease costs for the origination of the in-place leases, intangibles for the value of the above or below market leases at fair value and to any other identified intangible assets or liabilities. We finalize our purchase price allocation on these assets within one year of the acquisition date. We amortize the value allocated to the in-place leases over the remaining lease term, which is reported in depreciation and amortization expense on our consolidated statements of income. The value allocated to the above or below market leases are amortized over the remaining lease term as an adjustment to rental income. Real estate assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Ordinary repairs and maintenance which are not reimbursed by the tenants are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life. Our properties are individually reviewed for impairment each quarter, if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. We recognize impairment if the undiscounted estimated cash flows to be generated by the assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. Measurement of impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of the asset. In the evaluation of a property for impairment, many factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flows from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate owned in the ordinary course of business. Impairment charges may be necessary in the event discount rates, capitalization rates, lease-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property. Real estate is classified as held-for-sale when management commits to a plan of sale, the asset is available for immediate sale, there is an active program to locate a buyer, and it is probable the sale will be completed within one year. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued, on an individual asset basis, at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell. We recognize sales of real estate properties upon closing. Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits. Gain on real estate sold is recognized using the full accrual method when the collectability of the sale price is reasonably assured and we are not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale. A gain may be deferred in whole or in part until collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the earnings process is complete. Revenue Recognition Interest income—Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis as it is earned from loans, investments and securities. In certain instances, the borrower pays an additional amount of interest at the time the loan is closed, an origination fee, a prepayment fee and/or deferred interest upon maturity. In some cases, interest income may also include the amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts arising from the purchase or origination of the loan or security. This additional income, net of any direct loan origination costs incurred, is deferred and accreted into interest income on an effective yield or "interest" method adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the life of the related loan or security as a yield adjustment. Income recognition is suspended for loans when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of all contractual principal is not probable. Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is resumed. We record interest income on certain impaired loans to the extent cash is received, as the borrower continues to make interest payments. We record loan loss reserves related to these loans when it is deemed that full recovery of principal and accrued interest is not probable. Several of our loans provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the asset. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt. Given the transitional nature of some of our real estate loans, we may require funds to be placed into an interest reserve, based on contractual requirements, to cover debt service costs. We will analyze these interest reserves on a periodic basis and determine if any additional interest reserves are needed. Recognition of income on loans with funded interest reserves are accounted for in the same manner as loans without funded interest reserves. We will not recognize any interest income on loans in which the borrower has failed to make the contractual interest payment due or has not replenished the interest reserve account. Income from non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis only to the extent it is received. Full income recognition will resume when the loan becomes contractually current and performance has recommenced. Additionally, interest income is recorded when earned from equity participation interests, referred to as equity kickers. These equity kickers have the potential to generate additional revenues to us as a result of excess cash flow distributions and/or as appreciated properties are sold or refinanced. Property operating income—Property operating income represents income associated with the operations of commercial real estate properties classified as real estate owned. We recognize revenue for these activities when the fees are fixed or determinable, or are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided. Other income, net—Other income, net represents loan structuring, modification, defeasance, and miscellaneous asset management fees associated with our loan and investment portfolio as well as net interest income and gains and losses recorded on linked transactions. We recognize these forms of income when the fees are fixed or determinable, are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided. Investments in Equity Affiliates We invest in joint ventures that are formed to acquire, develop and/or sell real estate assets. These joint ventures are not majority owned or controlled by us, or are VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary, and are not consolidated in our financial statements. These investments are recorded under either the equity or cost method of accounting as deemed appropriate. We record our share of the net income and losses from the underlying properties of our equity method investments and any other-than-temporary impairment on these investments on a single line item in the consolidated statements of income as income or losses from equity affiliates. Stock-Based Compensation We have granted certain of our employees, directors, and employees of our Manager, stock awards consisting of shares of our common stock that vest immediately or annually over a multi-year period, subject to the recipient's continued service to us. We record stock-based compensation expense at the grant date fair value of the related stock-based award with subsequent remeasurement for any unvested shares granted to non-employees with such amounts expensed against earnings, at the grant date (for the portion that vests immediately) or ratably over the respective vesting periods. Dividends are paid on restricted stock as dividends are paid on shares of our common stock whether or not they are vested. Stock-based compensation is disclosed in our consolidated statements of income under "employee compensation and benefits" for employees and under "selling and administrative" expense for non-employees. Income Taxes We organize and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect thereto. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on its REIT-taxable income that it distributes to its stockholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of its REIT-taxable income and meets certain other requirements. Certain REIT income may be subject to state and local income taxes. Certain of our assets or operations that would not otherwise comply with the REIT requirements are owned or conducted by our taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS"), the income of which is subject to federal and state income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current tax rates. The deferred tax assets and liabilities of the TRSs relate primarily to expenses not currently deductible and net operating and capital loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of certain deferred tax assets is dependent on the TRSs generating sufficient taxable income in future periods or employing certain tax planning strategies to realize such deferred tax assets. We periodically evaluate tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not that such positions would be sustained upon examination by a tax authority for all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, based on their technical merits. We report interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as a component of the income tax provision. Other Comprehensive Income We divide comprehensive income or loss into net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. In addition, to the extent our derivative instruments qualify as hedges, net unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Earnings Per Share We present both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS amount. Hedging Activities and Derivatives We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities at fair value and these amounts are recorded in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the fair value adjustments will affect either accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, or net income depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. We use derivatives for hedging purposes rather than speculation. Fair values are approximated based on current market data received from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of our risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings. In connection with our interest rate risk management, we periodically hedge a portion of our interest rate risk by entering into derivative financial instrument contracts. Specifically, our derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our expected cash receipts and our expected cash payments principally related to our investments and borrowings. Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. We have entered into various interest rate swap agreements in the past to hedge our exposure to interest rate risk on (i) variable rate borrowings as it relates to fixed rate loans; (ii) the difference between the CDO investor return being based on the three-month LIBOR index while the supporting assets of the CDO are based on the one-month LIBOR index; and (iii) use of LIBOR rate caps in loan agreements. In the normal course of business, we may use a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. These derivative financial instruments must be effective in reducing our interest rate risk exposure in order to qualify for hedge accounting. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income for each period until the derivative instrument matures or is settled. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market with the changes in value included in net income. In cases where a derivative financial instrument is terminated early, any gain or loss is generally amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item. In certain circumstances, we have financed the purchase of Residential Mortgage Backed Securities ("RMBS") investments through a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which qualified as a linked transaction. If both transactions were entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of each other, the transactions were presumed to be linked transactions unless certain criteria were met, and we accounted for the purchase of such securities and the repurchase agreement on a combined basis as a forward contract derivative at fair value which was reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Linked transactions were not designated as hedging instruments and, as a result, the change in the fair value and net interest income from linked transactions was reported in other income on the consolidated statements of income. The analysis of transactions under these rules required management's judgment and experience. The fair value of linked transactions reflected the value of the underlying RMBS, linked repurchase agreement borrowings and accrued interest receivable/payable on such instruments. We have no master netting or similar arrangements and do not offset derivatives. Variable Interest Entities We have evaluated our loans and investments, mortgage related securities, investments in equity affiliates, junior subordinated notes and CLOs, in order to determine if they qualify as VIEs or as variable interests in VIEs. This evaluation resulted in our determining that our bridge loans, junior participation loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, investments in equity affiliates, junior subordinated notes, CLOs, and investments in debt securities were potential VIEs or variable interests in VIEs. See Note 9—"Variable Interest Entities" for our evaluation. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended its guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and liabilities. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2018 and we are currently evaluating the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB amended its guidance on measurement-period adjustments arising from business combinations. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016 and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB amended its guidance on the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016. We early adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2015 and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB amended its guidance on the consolidation analysis of variable interest entities. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016 and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2015, the FASB eliminated the concept of extraordinary items and thus the requirement to assess whether an event or transaction requires extraordinary classification on the financial statements. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016. We early adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2015 and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. As a result of this new guidance, future dispositions of real estate owned assets may no longer meet the criteria to be considered as discontinued operations. The guidance was effective prospectively as of the first quarter of 2015, with early adoption permitted for new disposals or new classifications as held-for-sale. We early adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2014.

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our financial statements, our wholly owned subsidiaries, and partnerships or other joint ventures in which we own a voting interest of greater than 50 percent, and variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which we are the primary beneficiary. VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. A VIE is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is the party that (i) has the power to control the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Current accounting guidance requires us to present a) assets of a consolidated VIE that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE, and b) liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. As a result of this guidance, we have separately disclosed parenthetically the assets and liabilities of our CLO and CDO subsidiaries on our consolidated balance sheets. Entities in which we have a significant influence are accounted for primarily under the equity method. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally acceptable in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that could materially affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Further, in connection with preparation of the consolidated financial statements, we evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date of December 31, 2015 through the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we early adopted accounting guidance which reclassifies deferred debt issuance costs from other assets to the related liabilities. As a result of adopting this new guidance, we reclassified deferred financing costs totaling $17.4 million and $13.9 million from other assets to our debt facilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In past years, we repurchased shares of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. These repurchased shares are subject to state corporate laws that establish the legal status of redeemed shares and prevent them from being reported as treasury shares within the consolidated financial statements. We previously misclassified the repurchased shares as treasury stock. These share repurchases should have been classified as reductions of common stock and additional paid-in capital. The accompanying consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of changes in equity have been restated for all periods presented to correct the misclassification. The correction results in reductions in common stock and additional paid-in capital of $26,507 and $17.1 million, respectively, for all periods presented. The reclassification has no impact on any other amounts included in our previously reported consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. We place our cash and cash equivalents in high quality financial institutions. The consolidated account balances at each institution periodically exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance coverage and we believe that this risk is not significant.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily represents proceeds from loan repayments on deposit with the trustees for our CLOs which will be used for principal repayments, unfunded loan commitments and interest payments received from loans. See Note 7—"Debt Obligations." Restricted cash is also held by our real estate owned assets due to escrow requirements.

Loans, Investments and Securities

Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, loan purchase discounts, and net of the allowance for loan losses when such loan or investment is deemed to be impaired. We invest in preferred equity interests that, in some cases, allow us to participate in a percentage of the underlying property's cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing. At the inception of each such investment, management must determine whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, equity interest or as real estate. To date, management has determined that all such investments are properly accounted for and reported as loans.

From time to time, we may enter into an agreement to sell a loan. These loans are considered held-for-sale and are valued at the lower of the loan's carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. For the sale of loans, recognition occurs when ownership passes to the buyer.

At the time of purchase, we designate a security as available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, or trading depending on our ability and intent to hold it to maturity. We do not have any securities designated as held-to-maturity or trading as of December 31, 2015. Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings up to their credit component. The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process requiring judgments and assumptions and is not necessarily intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. The process may include, but is not limited to, assessment of recent market events and prospects for near-term recovery, assessment of cash flows, internal review of the underlying assets securing the investments, credit of the issuer and the rating of the security, as well as our ability and intent to hold the investment to maturity. Management closely monitors market conditions on which it bases such decisions.

Impaired Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Charge-offs

We consider a loan impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We evaluate each loan in our portfolio on a quarterly basis. Our loans are individually specific and unique as it relates to product type, geographic location, and collateral type, as well as to the rights and remedies and the position in the capital structure our loans and investments have in relation to the underlying collateral. We evaluate all of this information as well as general market trends related to specific classes of assets, collateral type and geographic locations, when determining the appropriate assumptions such as capitalization and market discount rates, as well as the borrower's operating income and cash flows, in estimating the value of the underlying collateral when determining if a loan is impaired. We utilize internally developed valuation models and techniques primarily consisting of discounted cash flow and direct capitalization models in determining the fair value of the underlying collateral on an individual loan. We may also obtain a third party appraisal, which may value the collateral through an "as-is" or "stabilized value" methodology. Such appraisals may be used as an additional source of valuation information only and no adjustments are made to appraisals.

If upon completion of the valuation, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, an allowance is created with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. The allowance for each loan is maintained at a level that we believe to be adequate to absorb probable losses.

Loan terms may be modified if we determine that based on the individual circumstances of a loan and the underlying collateral, a modification would more likely increase the total recovery of the combined principal and interest from the loan. Any loan modification is predicated upon a goal of maximizing the collection of the loan. Typical triggers for a modification would include situations where the projected cash flow is insufficient to cover required debt service, when asset performance is lagging the initial projections, where there is a requirement for rebalancing, where there is an impending maturity of the loan, and where there is an actual loan default. Loan terms that have been modified have included, but are not limited to interest rate, maturity date and in certain cases, principal amount. Length and amounts of each modification have varied based on individual circumstances and are determined on a case by case basis. If the loan modification constitutes a concession whereas we do not receive ample consideration in return for the modification, and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and cannot repay the loan under the current terms, then the modification is considered by us to be a troubled debt restructuring. If we receive a benefit, either monetary or strategic, and the above criteria are not met, the modification is not considered to be a troubled debt restructuring. We record interest on modified loans on an accrual basis to the extent that the modified loan is contractually current.

Charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses occur when losses are confirmed through the receipt of cash or other consideration from the completion of a sale; when a modification or restructuring takes place in which we grant a concession to a borrower or agree to a discount in full or partial satisfaction of the loan; when we take ownership and control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of the loan; when loans are reclassified as other investments; or when significant collection efforts have ceased and it is highly likely that a loss has been realized.

Loss on restructured loans is recorded when we have granted a concession to the borrower in the form of principal forgiveness related to the payoff or the substitution or addition of a new debtor for the original borrower or when we incur costs on behalf of the borrower related to the modification, payoff or the substitution or addition of a new debtor for the original borrower. When a loan is restructured, we record our investment at net realizable value, taking into account the cost of all concessions at the date of restructuring. The reduction in the recorded investment is recorded as a separate line on the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the loan is restructured. In addition, a gain or loss may be recorded upon the sale of a loan to a third party in the consolidated statements of income in the period in which the loan was sold.

Real Estate Owned and Held-For-Sale

Real estate owned, shown net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges, is comprised of real property acquired by foreclosure or through partial or full settlement of mortgage debt. Real estate acquired is recorded at its estimated fair value at the time of acquisition.

Costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure of the properties collateralizing the real estate loans are expensed as incurred and costs subsequently incurred to extend the life or improve the assets subsequent to foreclosure are capitalized.

We allocate the purchase price of our operating properties to land, building, tenant improvements, deferred lease costs for the origination of the in-place leases, intangibles for the value of the above or below market leases at fair value and to any other identified intangible assets or liabilities. We finalize our purchase price allocation on these assets within one year of the acquisition date. We amortize the value allocated to the in-place leases over the remaining lease term, which is reported in depreciation and amortization expense on our consolidated statements of income. The value allocated to the above or below market leases are amortized over the remaining lease term as an adjustment to rental income.

Real estate assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Ordinary repairs and maintenance which are not reimbursed by the tenants are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.

Our properties are individually reviewed for impairment each quarter, if events or circumstances change indicating that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. We recognize impairment if the undiscounted estimated cash flows to be generated by the assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. Measurement of impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of the asset. In the evaluation of a property for impairment, many factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flows from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate owned in the ordinary course of business. Impairment charges may be necessary in the event discount rates, capitalization rates, lease-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property.

Real estate is classified as held-for-sale when management commits to a plan of sale, the asset is available for immediate sale, there is an active program to locate a buyer, and it is probable the sale will be completed within one year. Real estate assets that are expected to be disposed of are valued, on an individual asset basis, at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell.

We recognize sales of real estate properties upon closing. Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits. Gain on real estate sold is recognized using the full accrual method when the collectability of the sale price is reasonably assured and we are not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale. A gain may be deferred in whole or in part until collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the earnings process is complete.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income—Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis as it is earned from loans, investments and securities. In certain instances, the borrower pays an additional amount of interest at the time the loan is closed, an origination fee, a prepayment fee and/or deferred interest upon maturity. In some cases, interest income may also include the amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts arising from the purchase or origination of the loan or security. This additional income, net of any direct loan origination costs incurred, is deferred and accreted into interest income on an effective yield or "interest" method adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the life of the related loan or security as a yield adjustment. Income recognition is suspended for loans when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of all contractual principal is not probable. Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is resumed. We record interest income on certain impaired loans to the extent cash is received, as the borrower continues to make interest payments. We record loan loss reserves related to these loans when it is deemed that full recovery of principal and accrued interest is not probable.

Several of our loans provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the asset. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt.

Given the transitional nature of some of our real estate loans, we may require funds to be placed into an interest reserve, based on contractual requirements, to cover debt service costs. We will analyze these interest reserves on a periodic basis and determine if any additional interest reserves are needed. Recognition of income on loans with funded interest reserves are accounted for in the same manner as loans without funded interest reserves. We will not recognize any interest income on loans in which the borrower has failed to make the contractual interest payment due or has not replenished the interest reserve account. Income from non-performing loans is generally recognized on a cash basis only to the extent it is received. Full income recognition will resume when the loan becomes contractually current and performance has recommenced.

Additionally, interest income is recorded when earned from equity participation interests, referred to as equity kickers. These equity kickers have the potential to generate additional revenues to us as a result of excess cash flow distributions and/or as appreciated properties are sold or refinanced.

Property operating income—Property operating income represents income associated with the operations of commercial real estate properties classified as real estate owned. We recognize revenue for these activities when the fees are fixed or determinable, or are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided.

Other income, net—Other income, net represents loan structuring, modification, defeasance, and miscellaneous asset management fees associated with our loan and investment portfolio as well as net interest income and gains and losses recorded on linked transactions. We recognize these forms of income when the fees are fixed or determinable, are evidenced by an arrangement, collection is reasonably assured and the services under the arrangement have been provided.

Investments in Equity Affiliates

We invest in joint ventures that are formed to acquire, develop and/or sell real estate assets. These joint ventures are not majority owned or controlled by us, or are VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary, and are not consolidated in our financial statements. These investments are recorded under either the equity or cost method of accounting as deemed appropriate. We record our share of the net income and losses from the underlying properties of our equity method investments and any other-than-temporary impairment on these investments on a single line item in the consolidated statements of income as income or losses from equity affiliates.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have granted certain of our employees, directors, and employees of our Manager, stock awards consisting of shares of our common stock that vest immediately or annually over a multi-year period, subject to the recipient's continued service to us. We record stock-based compensation expense at the grant date fair value of the related stock-based award with subsequent remeasurement for any unvested shares granted to non-employees with such amounts expensed against earnings, at the grant date (for the portion that vests immediately) or ratably over the respective vesting periods. Dividends are paid on restricted stock as dividends are paid on shares of our common stock whether or not they are vested. Stock-based compensation is disclosed in our consolidated statements of income under "employee compensation and benefits" for employees and under "selling and administrative" expense for non-employees.

Income Taxes

We organize and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect thereto. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on its REIT-taxable income that it distributes to its stockholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of its REIT-taxable income and meets certain other requirements. Certain REIT income may be subject to state and local income taxes. Certain of our assets or operations that would not otherwise comply with the REIT requirements are owned or conducted by our taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS"), the income of which is subject to federal and state income taxes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current tax rates. The deferred tax assets and liabilities of the TRSs relate primarily to expenses not currently deductible and net operating and capital loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of certain deferred tax assets is dependent on the TRSs generating sufficient taxable income in future periods or employing certain tax planning strategies to realize such deferred tax assets.

We periodically evaluate tax positions to determine whether it is more likely than not that such positions would be sustained upon examination by a tax authority for all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations, based on their technical merits. We report interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties as a component of the income tax provision.

Other Comprehensive Income

We divide comprehensive income or loss into net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. In addition, to the extent our derivative instruments qualify as hedges, net unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Earnings Per Share

We present both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS amount.

Hedging Activities and Derivatives

We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities at fair value and these amounts are recorded in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the fair value adjustments will affect either accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings, or net income depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. We use derivatives for hedging purposes rather than speculation. Fair values are approximated based on current market data received from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions.

The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of our risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings.

In connection with our interest rate risk management, we periodically hedge a portion of our interest rate risk by entering into derivative financial instrument contracts. Specifically, our derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our expected cash receipts and our expected cash payments principally related to our investments and borrowings. Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. We have entered into various interest rate swap agreements in the past to hedge our exposure to interest rate risk on (i) variable rate borrowings as it relates to fixed rate loans; (ii) the difference between the CDO investor return being based on the three-month LIBOR index while the supporting assets of the CDO are based on the one-month LIBOR index; and (iii) use of LIBOR rate caps in loan agreements.

In the normal course of business, we may use a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. These derivative financial instruments must be effective in reducing our interest rate risk exposure in order to qualify for hedge accounting. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income for each period until the derivative instrument matures or is settled. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market with the changes in value included in net income. In cases where a derivative financial instrument is terminated early, any gain or loss is generally amortized over the remaining life of the hedged item.

In certain circumstances, we have financed the purchase of Residential Mortgage Backed Securities ("RMBS") investments through a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which qualified as a linked transaction. If both transactions were entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of each other, the transactions were presumed to be linked transactions unless certain criteria were met, and we accounted for the purchase of such securities and the repurchase agreement on a combined basis as a forward contract derivative at fair value which was reported in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Linked transactions were not designated as hedging instruments and, as a result, the change in the fair value and net interest income from linked transactions was reported in other income on the consolidated statements of income. The analysis of transactions under these rules required management's judgment and experience. The fair value of linked transactions reflected the value of the underlying RMBS, linked repurchase agreement borrowings and accrued interest receivable/payable on such instruments.

We have no master netting or similar arrangements and do not offset derivatives.

Variable Interest Entities

We have evaluated our loans and investments, mortgage related securities, investments in equity affiliates, junior subordinated notes and CLOs, in order to determine if they qualify as VIEs or as variable interests in VIEs. This evaluation resulted in our determining that our bridge loans, junior participation loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, investments in equity affiliates, junior subordinated notes, CLOs, and investments in debt securities were potential VIEs or variable interests in VIEs. See Note 9—"Variable Interest Entities" for our evaluation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") amended its guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and liabilities. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2018 and we are currently evaluating the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB amended its guidance on measurement-period adjustments arising from business combinations. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016 and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB amended its guidance on the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016. We early adopted this guidance in the fourth quarter of 2015 and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB amended its guidance on the consolidation analysis of variable interest entities. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016 and we do not expect it to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB eliminated the concept of extraordinary items and thus the requirement to assess whether an event or transaction requires extraordinary classification on the financial statements. The guidance is effective for the first quarter of 2016. We early adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2015 and it did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance that changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. As a result of this new guidance, future dispositions of real estate owned assets may no longer meet the criteria to be considered as discontinued operations. The guidance was effective prospectively as of the first quarter of 2015, with early adoption permitted for new disposals or new classifications as held-for-sale. We early adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2014.