0001193125-12-222103.txt : 20120509 0001193125-12-222103.hdr.sgml : 20120509 20120509162039 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-222103 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20120331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20120509 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20120509 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Ellington Financial LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001411342 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE [6500] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-34569 FILM NUMBER: 12826037 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 53 Forest Ave CITY: Greenwich STATE: ct ZIP: 06870 BUSINESS PHONE: 203-698-1200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 53 Forest Ave CITY: Greenwich STATE: ct ZIP: 06870 10-Q 1 d331529d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to         

Commission file number 001-34569

 

 

Ellington Financial LLC

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   26-0489289

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

53 Forest Avenue, Old Greenwich, Connecticut 06870

(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

(203) 698-1200

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

  

Outstanding at May 4, 2012

Common Shares Representing Limited Liability Company Interests, no par value

   16,447,651

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

FORM 10-Q

 

PART I. Financial Information

     2   

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

     2   

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

     37   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     55   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     57   

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

     57   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     57   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     58   

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

     58   

Item 5. Other Information

     58   

Item 6. Exhibits

     58   


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

 

     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands except share amounts)    Expressed in U.S. Dollars  

ASSETS

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,546       $ 62,737   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments, financial derivatives and repurchase agreements:

     

Investments at fair value (Cost – $1,232,162 and $1,234,203)

     1,225,584         1,212,483   

Financial derivatives – assets at fair value (Cost – $105,906 and $118,281)

     94,056         102,871   

Repurchase agreements (Cost – $13,650 and $15,750)

     13,650         15,750   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments, financial derivatives and repurchase agreements

     1,333,290         1,331,104   

Deposits with dealers held as collateral

     32,362         34,163   

Receivable for securities sold

     642,218         533,708   

Interest and principal receivable

     6,138         6,127   

Other assets

     1,024         216   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 2,066,578       $ 1,968,055   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

     

Investments and financial derivatives:

     

Investments sold short at fair value (Proceeds – $579,447 and $459,013)

   $ 579,852       $ 462,394   

Financial derivatives – liabilities at fair value (Proceeds – $21,088 and $9,636)

     27,298         27,040   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments and financial derivatives

     607,150         489,434   

Reverse repurchase agreements

     921,406         896,210   

Due to brokers on margin accounts

     65,497         79,735   

Payable for securities purchased

     70,688         127,517   

Securitized debt (Proceeds – $1,495 and $0)

     1,485         —     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     1,500         1,845   

Base management fee payable

     1,492         1,396   

Interest and dividends payable

     1,096         1,002   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     1,670,314         1,597,139   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     396,264         370,916   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 2,066,578       $ 1,968,055   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

ANALYSIS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

     

Common shares, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized;

     

(16,447,651 and 16,447,651 shares issued and outstanding)

   $ 387,367       $ 362,047   

Additional paid-in capital – LTIP units

     8,897         8,869   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 396,264       $ 370,916   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

PER SHARE INFORMATION:

     

Common shares

   $ 24.09       $ 22.55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT MARCH 31, 2012

(UNAUDITED)

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

  

Description

   Rate   Maturity    Fair Value  
(In thousands)                  Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

North America

       

Long Investments (309.28%) (a) (b) (o)

       

Mortgage-Backed Securities (308.14%)

       

Agency Securities (202.05%)

       

Fixed Rate Agency Securities (195.93%)

       

Principal and Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (190.11%)

       
$          153,574   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   1/42    $ 161,433   
35,021   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   11/41      36,778   
31,190   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   1/42      32,730   
24,071   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   12/41      25,759   
22,680   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   1/42      23,800   
19,718   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   8/41      21,398   
19,743   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   4/42      20,755   
18,458   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   5.00%   7/41      20,020   
18,361   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   9/41      19,649   
18,045   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   10/41      19,305   
16,768   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   3/41      18,259   
16,716   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   9/41      17,820   
13,480   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   11/41      14,150   
13,443   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   1/42      14,123   
13,099   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   9/41      13,965   
12,546   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   7/41      13,646   
12,655   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   10/41      13,300   
11,054   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   9/41      12,051   
11,147   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   4/26      11,976   
11,075   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   1/42      11,618   
10,305   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   4.00%   1/41      10,812   
9,471   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   4.00%   12/41      9,924   
9,133   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   4.50%   2/41      9,765   
9,114   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   4.50%   10/41      9,705   
9,080   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   7/26      9,643   
8,194   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.50%   10/39      8,974   
8,259   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   4.00%   3/41      8,675   
7,234   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.50%   5/40      7,922   
7,491   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   3.50%   12/41      7,710   
6,627   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   6/41      7,192   
6,597   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   7/41      7,159   
6,462   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   11/39      6,988   
6,129   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   6/26      6,509   
5,816   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   10/41      6,311   
5,664   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   10/41      5,953   
5,631   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.00%   2/42      5,911   
5,333   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   6.00%   4/39      5,899   
5,114   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   11/40      5,550   
5,189   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   8/41      5,532   
4,869   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   8/41      5,308   
4,909   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   12/41      5,235   
4,817   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   4/41      5,165   
4,684   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   9/41      5,107   
4,532   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

   4.00%   2/42      4,755   
4,250   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   5.00%   6/40      4,612   
4,085   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

   4.50%   11/41      4,355   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT MARCH 31, 2012 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

    

Description

  Rate   Maturity   Fair Value  
(In thousands)                  Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

 

Principal and Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (190.11%) (continued)

   
$ 4,026      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.00%   9/41   $ 4,231   
  4,022      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.00%   2/42     4,226   
  3,853      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.00%   10/41     4,181   
  3,946      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

  4.00%   1/41     4,147   
  3,887      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.00%   1/42     4,084   
  3,870      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.00%   4/42     4,082   
  3,707      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

  4.50%   9/41     3,947   
  3,263      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.50%   10/41     3,494   
  3,034      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

  3.50%   1/42     3,113   
  2,708      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.50%   10/41     2,889   
  2,267      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  4.50%   4/42     2,433   
  1,974      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.00%   7/41     2,147   
  4,553      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools

  6.00%   9/39 - 2/40     5,034   
  1,193      

Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

  6.00%   5/40     1,320   
  731      

Other Government National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.50%   3/41     819   
        

 

 

 
           753,353   
        

 

 

 

 

Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (1.47%)

     
  30,340      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association

  4.00% - 5.50%   1/36 - 10/40     3,638   
  13,128      

Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

  5.00% - 5.50%   6/33 - 1/39     1,704   
  8,171      

Other Government National Mortgage Association

  5.50%   3/36     475   
        

 

 

 
           5,817   
        

 

 

 

 

TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (4.35%)

     
  16,500      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool (30 Year)

  4.00%   4/12     17,249   
        

 

 

 
           17,249   
        

 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Rate Agency Securities (Cost $772,522)

        776,419   
        

 

 

 

 

Floating Rate Agency Securities (6.12%)

     

 

Principal and Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities (6.07%)

     
  8,567      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.15%   5/38     9,033   
  6,350      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.27%   12/35     6,687   
  3,243      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.51%   7/37     3,481   
  3,245      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.69%   4/36     3,441   
  1,336      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

  5.27%   9/37     1,423   
        

 

 

 
           24,065   
        

 

 

 

 

Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities (0.05%)

     
  1,371      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association

  5.50%   8/36     199   
        

 

 

 
           199   
        

 

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Agency Securities (Cost $23,744)

        24,264   
        

 

 

 

 

Total Agency Securities (Cost $796,266)

        800,683   
        

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT MARCH 31, 2012 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

    

Description

   Rate   Maturity    Fair Value  
(In thousands)                    Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

 

Private Label Securities (106.09%)

       

 

Principal and Interest - Private Label Securities (105.83%)

       
$ 733,520      

Various

   0.30% - 9.35%   5/19 - 12/47    $ 419,368   
          

 

 

 

 

Total Principal and Interest - Private Label Securities (Cost $429,977)

          419,368   
          

 

 

 

 

Interest Only - Private Label Securities (0.26%)

       
  68,860      

Various

   0.50% - 0.65%   9/47      1,033   
          

 

 

 

 

Total Interest Only - Private Label Securities (Cost $572)

          1,033   
          

 

 

 

 

Other Private Label Securities (0.00%)

       
  195,518      

Various

   —     6/37      —     
          

 

 

 

 

Total Other Private Label Securities (Cost $530)

          —     
          

 

 

 

 

Total Private Label Securities (Cost $431,079)

          420,401   
          

 

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $1,227,345)

          1,221,084   
          

 

 

 

 

Commercial Mortgage Loans (1.14%) (n)

       
  5,000      

Various

   6.25%   11/12      4,500   
          

 

 

 

 

Total Commercial Mortgage Loans (Cost $4,817)

          4,500   
          

 

 

 

 

Total Long Investments (Cost $1,232,162)

        $ 1,225,584   
          

 

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreements (3.43%) (c)

       
$ 13,650      

Bank of America Securities

   0.04%   4/12    $ 13,650   
  

Collateralized by Par Value $13,000 U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 1.75%, Maturity Date 5/16

       
          

 

 

 

 

Total Repurchase Agreements (Cost $13,650)

        $ 13,650   
          

 

 

 

 

Investments Sold Short (-146.33%)

       

 

TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short (-142.93%) (d)

       
$ (169,000)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   4.00%   5/12    $ (176,816
  (154,370)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   4.00%   4/12      (161,847
  (75,000)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   5.00%   4/12      (81,015
  (28,610)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   4.50%   4/12      (30,430
  (26,000)      

Government National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   5.00%   4/12      (28,726
  (16,500)      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool (30 Year)

   5.00%   4/12      (17,772
  (16,300)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (15 Year)

   4.00%   4/12      (17,270
  (14,700)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   4.50%   5/12      (15,612
  (13,500)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   5.50%   4/12      (14,709
  (11,000)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (15 Year)

   4.50%   4/12      (11,777
  (3,800)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   3.50%   4/12      (3,903
  (2,500)      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool (30 Year)

   6.00%   4/12      (2,755
  (1,900)      

Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pools
(30 Year)

   4.50% - 6.00%   4/12      (2,057
  (1,500)      

Other Government National Mortgage Association Pool
(30 Year)

   5.50%   4/12      (1,677
          

 

 

 

 

Total TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short (Proceeds -$566,348)

          (566,366
          

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury Securities Sold Short (-3.40%)

       
  (13,000)      

U.S. Treasury Note

   1.75%   5/16      (13,486
          

 

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Securities Sold Short (Proceeds -$13,099)

          (13,486
          

 

 

 

 

Total Investments Sold Short (Proceeds -$579,447)

        $ (579,852
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5


Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT MARCH 31, 2012 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Primary Risk
Exposure
   Notional
Value
    Range of
Expiration
Dates
   Fair Value  
(In thousands)                    Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

Financial Derivatives - Assets (23.74%)

          

Swaps (23.74%) (e)

          

Long Swaps:

          

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Indices
(Cost - $464) (f)

   Credit    $ 12,198      6/36 - 7/36    $ 538   

Interest Rate Swaps (g)

   Interest Rates      4,500      10/16      82   

Short Swaps:

          

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Securities (h)

   Credit      (57,875   9/34 - 12/36      48,746   

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Indices: (i)

   Credit        

ABX.HE AAA 2006-2 Index

        (61,791   5/46      31,178   

Other

        (51,846   8/37 - 10/52      13,507   

Interest Rate Swaps (j)

   Interest Rates      (600   12/21      5   
          

 

 

 

Total Swaps (Cost $105,906)

             94,056   
          

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivatives - Assets (Cost $105,906)

           $ 94,056   
          

 

 

 

Financial Derivatives - Liabilities (-6.89%)

          

Swaps (-6.88%)

          

Long Swaps:

          

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Indices
(Proceeds - $20,178) (f)

   Credit    $ 46,618      8/37 - 2/51    $ (19,998

Interest Rate Swaps (g)

   Interest Rates      12,900      1/17 - 3/17      (94

Short Swaps:

          

Credit Default Swaps on Corporate Bond Indices (k)

   Credit      (78,250   6/17      (364

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Indices (i)

   Credit      (12,198   6/36 - 7/36      (538

Interest Rate Swaps (j)

   Interest Rates      (222,500   4/14 - 3/22      (6,003

Total Return Swaps (l)

   Equity Market      (22,446   9/12 - 9/13      (249
          

 

 

 

Total Swaps (Proceeds -$21,088)

             (27,246
          

 

 

 

Futures (-0.01%)

          

Short Futures:

          

Eurodollar Futures (m)

   Interest Rates      (126,000   6/12 - 9/13      (52
          

 

 

 

Total Futures

             (52
          

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivatives - Liabilities (Proceeds -$21,088)

           $ (27,298
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT MARCH 31, 2012 (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

(a) See Note 2 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) At March 31, 2012, the Company’s long investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National Mortgage Association represented 173.71%, 28.02%, and 0.32% of shareholders’ equity, respectively.
(c) In general, securities received pursuant to repurchase agreements were delivered to counterparties in short sale transactions.
(d) At March 31, 2012, the Company’s short investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation represented 130.25%, 7.67%, and 5.01% of shareholders’ equity, respectively.
(e) The following table shows the Company’s swap assets by dealer as a percentage of shareholders’ equity:

 

Dealer/Parent Company

   Percent of
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Affiliates of Morgan Stanley

     6.69

 

(f) For long credit default swaps on asset-backed indices, the Company sold protection.
(g) For long interest rate swap contracts, a floating rate is being paid and a fixed rate is being received.
(h) For short credit default swaps on asset-backed securities, the Company purchased protection.
(i) For short credit default swaps on asset-backed indices, the Company purchased protection.
(j) For short interest rate swap contracts, a fixed rate is being paid and a floating rate is being received.
(k) For short credit default swaps on corporate bond indices, the Company purchased protection.
(l) Notional amount represents number of underlying shares or par value times the closing price of the underlying security.
(m) Every $1,000,000 notional value represents one contract.
(n) Maturity date may be extended through November 4, 2015.
(o) The table below shows the Company’s long investment ratings from Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch, as well as the Company’s long investments that were unrated but affiliated with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. Ratings tend to be a lagging credit indicator; as a result, the credit quality of the Company’s long investment holdings may be lower than the credit quality implied based on the ratings listed below. In situations where an investment has a split rating, the lowest provided rating is used. The ratings descriptions include ratings qualified with a “+”, “-”, “1”, “2”, or “3”.

 

Rating Description

   Percentage of
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Unrated but Agency-Guaranteed

     202.05

Aaa/AAA/AAA

     0.98

Aa/AA/AA

     0.59

A/A/A

     3.64

Baa/BBB/BBB

     1.49

Ba/BB/BB or below

     99.39

Unrated

     1.14

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2011

(UNAUDITED)

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

  

Description

   Rate     Maturity    Fair Value  
(In thousands)                    Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

North America

       

  Long Investments (326.89%) (a) (b) (o)

       

  Mortgage-Backed Securities (322.98%)

       

  Agency Securities (206.07%)

       

  Fixed Rate Agency Securities (195.78%)

       

  Principal and Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (185.76%)

       
$            85,000   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.50   10/41    $ 90,611   
25,882   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   7/41      28,107   
25,456   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.00   11/40      26,824   
24,164   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   12/41      25,874   
20,212   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   8/41      21,937   
18,867   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     5.00   7/41      20,417   
18,434   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   9/41      19,738   
18,120   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   10/41      19,397   
17,391   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   3/41      18,941   
17,182   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   9/41      18,328   
15,465   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     5.00   9/39      16,620   
15,243   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   9/41      16,260   
14,964   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   11/41      15,991   
13,451   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   9/41      14,348   
13,554   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00   11/41      14,252   
13,033   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   9/41      13,927   
13,125   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00   10/41      13,818   
12,593   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   7/41      13,699   
11,361   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50   4/26      12,154   
11,095   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   9/41      12,098   
10,358   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.00   1/41      10,902   
9,995   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     5.00   10/41      10,791   
9,468   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00   7/26      10,011   
9,176   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.50   2/41      9,805   
9,149   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.50   10/41      9,736   
9,152   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00   5/26      9,657   
9,027   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00   9/41      9,498   
8,468   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.50   10/39      9,269   
8,400   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.00   3/41      8,851   
8,123   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   9/41      8,836   
7,437   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   9/41      8,072   
7,261   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.50   5/40      7,947   
6,955   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   6/41      7,553   
6,878   

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00   7/41      7,465   

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2011 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

    

Description

   Rate     Maturity    Fair Value  
(In thousands)                      Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

 

  Principal and Interest - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (185.76%) (continued)

  

  $6,852      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      5/41    $ 7,437   
  6,823      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      6/41      7,406   
  6,759      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00%      6/26      7,147   
  5,836      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      10/41      6,334   
  5,531      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     6.00%      4/39      6,095   
  5,687      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00%      10/41      5,987   
  5,514      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      11/40      5,985   
  5,711      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     3.50%      11/41      5,883   
  5,549      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.00%      5/41      5,833   
  5,209      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50%      8/41      5,557   
  4,888      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      8/41      5,330   
  4,799      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      6/40      5,209   
  4,837      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50%      4/41      5,190   
  4,702      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      9/41      5,127   
  4,398      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     3.50%      10/41      4,522   
  4,150      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      10/41      4,504   
  4,230      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.00%      9/41      4,454   
  4,158      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.00%      1/41      4,384   
  4,100      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     4.50%      11/41      4,374   
  3,724      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     4.50%      9/41      3,963   
  3,751      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     3.50%      11/41      3,859   
  2,565      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      7/41      2,791   
  2,391      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.00%      11/41      2,595   
  4,609      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pools

     6.00%      9/39 - 2/40      5,092   
  1,197      

Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     6.00%      5/40      1,319   
  806      

Other Government National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.50%      3/41      907   
          

 

 

 
             689,018   
          

 

 

 

 

  Interest Only - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (1.38%)

  

  24,381      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association

     5.00% - 5.50%      1/36 - 10/40      2,734   
  13,937      

Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

     5.00% - 5.50%      6/33 - 1/39      1,772   
  9,281      

Other Government National Mortgage Association

     5.50%      3/36      603   
          

 

 

 
             5,109   
          

 

 

 

 

  TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities (8.64%)

  

  30,500      

Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     4.00%      1/12      32,033   
          

 

 

 
             32,033   
          

 

 

 

 

Total Fixed Rate Agency Securities (Cost $718,177)

     726,160   
          

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

9


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2011 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

    

Description

   Rate      Maturity    Fair Value  
(In thousands)                       Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

 

  Floating Rate Agency Securities (10.29%)

  

 

  Principal and Interest - Floating Rate Agency Securities (10.23%)

  

  $  9,464      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.10%       5/38    $ 9,969   
  6,675      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.28%       12/35      7,027   
  6,627      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.29%       2/38      6,954   
  3,364      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Pool

     2.71%       7/34      3,524   
  3,261      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.52%       7/37      3,493   
  3,247      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.69%       4/36      3,441   
  1,906      

Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.44%       9/37      2,023   
  1,444      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.01%       10/33      1,525   
           

 

 

 
              37,956   
           

 

 

 

 

  Interest Only - Floating Rate Agency Securities (0.06%)

  

  1,476      

Other Federal National Mortgage Association Pool

     5.50%       8/36      228   
           

 

 

 
              228   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Floating Rate Agency Securities (Cost $37,594)

           38,184   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Agency Securities (Cost $755,771)

           764,344   
           

 

 

 

 

      Private Label Securities (116.91%)

  

 

  Principal and Interest - Private Label Securities (114.91%)

  

      762,480      

Various

     0.35% - 9.35%       5/19 - 12/47      426,202   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Principal and Interest - Private Label Securities (Cost $456,170)

           426,202   
           

 

 

 

 

  Interest Only - Private Label Securities (0.48%)

  

  76,167      

Various

     0.50% - 6.91%       7/35 - 9/47      1,774   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Interest Only - Private Label Securities (Cost $1,471)

           1,774   
           

 

 

 

 

  Other Private Label Securities (1.52%)

  

      201,831      

Various

     —         6/37 - 9/46      5,650   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Other Private Label Securities (Cost $6,011)

           5,650   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Private Label Securities (Cost $463,652)

           433,626   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $1,219,423)

           1,197,970   
           

 

 

 

 

  Commercial Mortgage Loans (1.19%) (n)

  

  5,000      

Various

     6.25%       11/12      4,400   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Commercial Mortgage Loans (Cost $4,789)

           4,400   
           

 

 

 

 

  U.S. Treasury Securities (2.72%)

  

  10,000      

U.S. Treasury Note

     2.00%       11/21      10,113   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total U.S. Treasury Securities (Cost $9,991)

           10,113   
           

 

 

 

 

  Total Long Investments (Cost $1,234,203)

         $ 1,212,483   
           

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

10


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2011 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

Current Principal/
Notional Value

    

Description

   Rate     Maturity    Fair Value  
(In thousands)                      Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

 

  Repurchase Agreements (4.24% ) (c)

       
  $  15,750       Bank of America Securities
Collateralized by Par Value $15,000
U.S. Treasury Note, Coupon 1.75%,
Maturity Date 5/16
     0.01%      1/12    $ 15,750   
          

 

 

 

 

  Total Repurchase Agreements (Cost $15,750)

        $ 15,750   
          

 

 

 

 

  Investments Sold Short (-124.66%)

       

 

  TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short (-120.43%) (d)

       
  $(147,700)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     4.50   1/12    $ (157,185
  (114,200)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     5.00   1/12      (123,376
  (31,000)      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year)

     5.00   1/12      (33,316
  (30,400)      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year)

     4.50   1/12      (32,217
  (26,000)      

Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     5.00   1/12      (28,805
  (25,300)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year)

     4.00   1/12      (26,688
  (13,500)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     5.50   1/12      (14,700
  (11,000)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (15 Year)

     4.50   1/12      (11,727
  (8,400)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     3.50   1/12      (8,640
  (4,400)      

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year)

     3.50   1/12      (4,517
  (2,500)      

Federal National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     6.00   1/12      (2,753
  (1,500)      

Other Government National Mortgage Association (30 Year)

     5.50   1/12      (1,685
  (1,000)      

Other Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (30 Year)

     6.00   1/12      (1,098
          

 

 

 

 

  Total TBA - Fixed Rate Agency Securities Sold Short (Proceeds -$443,893)

          (446,707
          

 

 

 

 

  U.S. Treasury Securities Sold Short (-4.23%)

       
  (15,000)      

U.S. Treasury Note

     1.75   5/16      (15,687
          

 

 

 

 

  Total U.S. Treasury Securities Sold Short (Proceeds -$15,120)

          (15,687
          

 

 

 

 

  Total Investments Sold Short (Proceeds -$459,013)

        $ (462,394
          

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

11


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2011 (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

      Primary Risk
Exposure
   Notional
Value
    Range of
Expiration
Dates
   Fair Value  
(In thousands)                    Expressed in U.S.
Dollars
 

Financial Derivatives - Assets (27.73%)

          

Swaps (27.73%) (e)

          

Long Swaps:

          

Interest Rate Swaps (g)

   Interest Rates    $ 4,500      10/16    $ 68   

Short Swaps:

          

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Securities (h)

   Credit      (74,787   9/34 - 12/36      61,498   

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Indices: (i)

   Credit        

ABX.HE AAA 2006-2 Index

        (62,842   5/46      35,542   

Other

        (19,800   3/49 - 10/52      4,761   

Credit Default Swaps on Corporate Bond Indices (k)

   Credit      (106,500   12/16      963   

Interest Rate Swaps (j)

   Interest Rates      (25,000   12/14      27   
          

 

 

 

Total Swaps (Cost $118,281)

             102,859   
          

 

 

 

Futures (-0.00%)

          

Short Futures:

          

Eurodollar Futures (m)

   Interest Rates      (147,000   3/12 - 9/13      12   
          

 

 

 

Total Futures

             12   
          

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivatives - Assets (Cost $118,281)

           $ 102,871   
          

 

 

 

Financial Derivatives - Liabilities (-7.29%)

          

Swaps (-7.29%)

          

Long Swaps:

          

Credit Default Swaps on Asset-Backed Indices

    (Proceeds - $9,636) (f)

   Credit    $ 22,615      6/36 - 2/51    $ (9,548

Short Swaps:

          

Interest Rate Swaps (j)

   Interest Rates      (280,400   4/14 - 12/21      (17,218

Total Return Swaps (l)

   Equity Market      (20,571   9/12 - 9/13      (274
          

 

 

 

Total Swaps (Proceeds -$9,636)

             (27,040
          

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivatives - Liabilities (Proceeds -$9,636)

           $ (27,040
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

12


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

AT DECEMBER 31, 2011 (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

(a) See Note 2 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) At December 31, 2011, the Company’s long investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association represented 142.04%, 63.62%, and 0.41% of shareholders’ equity, respectively.
(c) In general, securities received pursuant to repurchase agreements were delivered to counterparties in short sale transactions.
(d) At December 31, 2011, the Company’s short investments guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and the Government National Mortgage Association represented 93.03%, 19.18%, and 8.22% of shareholders’ equity, respectively.
(e) The following table shows the Company’s swap assets by dealer as a percentage of shareholders’ equity:

 

Dealer/Parent Company

   Percent of
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Affiliates of Morgan Stanley

     8.15

Affiliates of Credit Suisse

     7.27

Affiliates of Deutsche Bank

     5.65

 

(f) For long credit default swaps on asset backed indices, the Company sold protection.
(g) For long interest rate swap contracts, a floating rate is being paid and a fixed rate is being received.
(h) For short credit default swaps on asset backed securities, the Company purchased protection.
(i) For short credit default swaps on asset backed indices, the Company purchased protection.
(j) For short interest rate swap contracts, a fixed rate is being paid and a floating rate is being received.
(k) For short credit default swaps on corporate bond indices, the Company purchased protection.
(l) Notional value represents number of underlying shares or par value times the closing price of the underlying security.
(m) Every $1,000,000 in notional value represents one contract.
(n) Maturity date may be extended through November 4, 2015.
(o) The table below shows the Company’s long investment ratings from Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch, as well as the Company’s long investments that were unrated but affiliated with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae. Ratings tend to be a lagging credit indicator; as a result, the credit quality of the Company’s long investment holdings may be lower than the credit quality implied based on the ratings listed below. In situations where an investment has a split rating, the lowest provided

rating is used. The ratings descriptions include ratings qualified with a “+”, “-”, “1”, “2”, or “3”.

 

Rating Description

   Percentage of
Shareholders’
Equity
 

U.S. Treasury Securities

     2.72

Unrated but Agency-Guaranteed

     206.07

Aaa/AAA/AAA

     1.25

Aa/AA/AA

     1.88

A/A/A

     5.44

Baa/BBB/BBB

     3.46

Ba/BB/BB or below

     103.36

Unrated

     2.71

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

13


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31, 2012
    Three Month
Period Ended
March 31, 2011
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)    Expressed in U.S. Dollars  

INVESTMENT INCOME

    

Interest income

   $ 15,733      $ 15,849   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES

    

Base management fee

     1,492        1,481   

Incentive fee

     —          612   

Share-based LTIP expense

     28        38   

Interest expense

     1,832        1,543   

Professional fees

     278        553   

Compensation expense

     375        248   

Insurance expense

     177        167   

Agency and administration fees

     213        240   

Custody and other fees

     304        295   

Directors’ fees and expenses

     74        74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     4,773        5,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME

     10,960        10,598   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES

    

Net realized gain (loss) on:

    

Investments

     8,147        8,236   

Swaps

     (19,928     3,739   

Futures

     (8     (371
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (11,789     11,604   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on:

    

Investments

     18,130        (9,251

Swaps

     14,817        (2,163

Futures

     (63     319   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     32,884        (11,095
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES

     21,095        509   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 32,055      $ 11,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS PER SHARE:

    

Basic and Diluted

   $ 1.90      $ 0.66   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

14


Table of Contents

ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31, 2012
    Three Month
Period Ended
March 31, 2011
 
(In thousands)    Expressed in U.S. Dollars  

CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    

Net investment income

   $ 10,960      $ 10,598   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and financial derivatives

     (11,789     11,604   

Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on investments and financial derivatives

     32,884        (11,095
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations

     32,055        11,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY RESULTING FROM SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS

    

Shares issued in connection with incentive fee payment

     —          142   

Dividends paid(1)

     (6,735     (22,126

Share-based LTIP awards

     28        38   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in shareholders’ equity from shareholder transactions

     (6,707     (21,946
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in shareholders’ equity

     25,348        (10,839

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     370,916        403,672   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, END OF PERIOD

   $ 396,264      $ 392,833   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

For the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, dividends totaling $0.40 and $1.31, respectively, per common share and LTIP unit outstanding were declared and paid.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31, 2012
    Three Month
Period Ended
March 31, 2011
 
(In thousands)    Expressed in U.S. Dollars  

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

    

NET INCREASE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

   $ 32,055      $ 11,107   

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Reconciliation of the net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Change in net unrealized (gain) loss on investments and financial derivatives

     (32,884     11,095   

Net realized (gain) loss on investments and financial derivatives

     11,789        (11,604

Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts (net)

     (2,346     (2,721

Purchase of investments

     (827,052     (966,316

Proceeds from disposition of investments

     814,756        879,456   

Proceeds from principal payments of investments

     29,722        23,898   

Proceeds from investments sold short

     566,348        983,292   

Repurchase of investments sold short

     (450,793     (1,016,337

Payments made to open financial derivatives

     (40,628     (29,424

Proceeds received to close financial derivatives

     41,907        66,611   

Proceeds received to open financial derivatives

     21,564        7,963   

Payments made to close financial derivatives

     (18,952     (14,134

Shares issued in connection with incentive fee payment

     —          142   

Share-based LTIP expense

     28        38   

(Increase) decrease in assets:

    

(Increase) decrease in repurchase agreements

     2,100        (14,441

Increase in receivable for securities sold

     (108,510     (158,678

(Increase) decrease in deposits with dealers held as collateral

     1,801        (1,477

(Increase) decrease in interest and principal receivable

     (11     450   

Increase in other assets

     (828     (489

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

    

Decrease in due to brokers on margin accounts

     (14,238     (31,821

Increase (decrease) in payable for securities purchased

     (56,829     166,776   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (323     570   

Increase (decrease) in incentive fee payable

     —          470   

Increase in interest and dividends payable

     94        260   

Increase in base management fee payable

     96        1,481   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

     (31,134     (93,833
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

    

Offering costs paid

     —          (134

Dividends paid

     (6,735     (22,126

Proceeds from issuance of securitized debt

     1,522        —     

Principal payments on securitized debt

     (40     —     

Reverse repurchase agreements, net of repayments

     25,196        121,742   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     19,943        99,482   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (11,191     5,649   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     62,737        35,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   $ 51,546      $ 41,440   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Interest paid

   $ 1,727      $ 1,283   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares issued in connection with incentive fee payment (non-cash)

   $ —        $ 142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share-based LTIP awards (non-cash)

   $ 28      $ 38   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Aggregate TBA trade activity (buys + sells) (non-cash)

   $ 4,179,427      $ 5,633,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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ELLINGTON FINANCIAL LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(UNAUDITED)

1. Organization and Investment Objective

Ellington Financial LLC was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on July 9, 2007 and commenced operations on August 17, 2007. EF Securities LLC, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of Ellington Financial LLC, was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on October 12, 2007 and commenced operations on November 30, 2007. EF Mortgage LLC, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of Ellington Financial LLC, was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on June 3, 2008 and commenced operations on July 8, 2008. EF CMO LLC, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of EF Mortgage LLC, was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on June 3, 2008 and commenced operations on July 8, 2008. EF Special Transactions LLC, a wholly owned consolidated subsidiary of EF CMO LLC, was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on December 14, 2011 and commenced operations on January 31, 2012. Ellington Financial LLC, EF Securities LLC, EF Mortgage LLC, EF CMO LLC and EF Special Transactions LLC are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Company.” All inter-company accounts are eliminated in consolidation.

On October 14, 2010, the Company closed its initial public offering of its common shares representing limited liability company interests, or common shares, pursuant to which it sold 4,500,000 common shares to the public at a public offering price of $22.50. The Company raised approximately $101.3 million in gross proceeds, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $94.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering costs. The Company’s common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFC.”

The Company is a specialty finance company that acquires and manages mortgage-related assets, including residential mortgage-backed securities, or “RMBS,” backed by prime jumbo, Alt-A, manufactured housing and subprime residential mortgage loans, RMBS for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government-sponsored enterprise, mortgage-related derivatives, commercial mortgage-backed securities, or “CMBS,” commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate debt, as well as corporate debt and equity securities and derivatives. The Company may also opportunistically acquire and manage other types of mortgage-related and financial asset classes, such as residential whole mortgage loans, asset-backed securities, or “ABS,” backed by consumer and commercial assets and non-mortgage-related derivatives.

Ellington Financial Management LLC (“EFM” or the “Manager”) is a registered investment advisor that serves as the Manager to the Company pursuant to the terms of the Third Amended and Restated Management Agreement effective August 2, 2011 (the “Management Agreement”). EFM is an affiliate of Ellington Management Group, L.L.C., an investment management firm and also a registered investment advisor. In accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager implements the investment strategy and manages the business and operations on a day-to-day basis for the Company and performs certain services for the Company, subject to oversight by the Board of Directors.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

(A) Basis of Presentation: The Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for investment companies, ASC 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC 946”), for interim financial information. ASC 946 requires, among other things, that investments be reported at fair value in the financial statements. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year.

 

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(B) Valuation: The Company applies ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820-10”), to its holdings of financial instruments. ASC 820-10 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

   

Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are observable and reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets,

 

   

Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology other than quoted prices included in Level 1 are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, and

 

   

Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities.

(C) Securities Transactions and Investment Income: Securities transactions are generally recorded on trade date. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are calculated based on identified cost. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on mortgage-backed securities, or “MBS,” commercial mortgage loans, U.S. Treasury securities and securitized debt, is recognized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. For purposes of determining the effective interest rate, management estimates the future expected cash flows of its investment holdings based on assumptions including, but not limited to, prepayment and default rate assumptions. These assumptions are re-evaluated not less than quarterly and require the use of a significant amount of judgment. Principal write-offs are generally treated as realized losses.

(D) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include amounts held in an interest bearing overnight account and money market funds. As of March 31, 2012, 49% and 51% of cash and cash equivalents were held in the JP Morgan U.S. Treasury Plus Premier Fund and an interest bearing account at the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, all cash was held in an interest bearing account at the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.

(E) Financial Derivatives: The Company enters into various types of financial derivatives. The two major types utilized are swaps and futures.

Swaps: The Company may enter into various types of swaps, including interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and total return swaps. The primary risk associated with the Company’s interest rate swap activity is interest rate risk. The primary risk associated with the Company’s total return swap activity has been equity market risk. The primary risk associated with the Company’s credit default swaps is credit risk.

The Company is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. To help mitigate interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements whereby one party pays a floating rate of interest on a notional principal amount and receives a fixed rate on the same notional principal, or vice versa, for a fixed period of time. Interest rate swaps change in value with movements in interest rates.

The Company enters into credit default swaps. A credit default swap is a contract under which one party agrees to compensate another party for the financial loss associated with the occurrence of a “credit event” in relation to a “reference amount” or notional value of a credit obligation (usually a bond, loan or basket of bonds or loans). The definition of a credit event often varies from contract to contract. A credit event may occur (i) when the underlying reference asset(s) fails to make scheduled principal or interest payments to its holders, (ii) with respect to credit default swaps referencing mortgage/asset-backed securities and indices, when the underlying reference obligation is downgraded below a certain rating level or (iii) with respect to credit default swaps referencing corporate entities and indices, upon the bankruptcy of the underlying reference obligor. The Company typically writes (sells) protection to take a “long” position or purchases (buys) protection to take a “short” position with respect to underlying reference assets or to hedge exposure to other investment holdings.

 

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The Company enters into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Company is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market-linked return based on a notional value. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Company will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

Swaps change in value with movements in interest rates or total return of the referenced securities. During the term of swap contracts, changes in value are recognized as unrealized gains or losses. When the contracts are terminated, the Company will realize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Company’s basis in the contract, if any. Periodic payments or receipts required by swap agreements are recorded as unrealized gains or losses when accrued and realized gains or losses when received or paid. Upfront payments paid/received by the Company to open swap contracts are recorded as an asset and/or liability on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity and are recorded as a realized gain or loss on the termination date. The Company may be required to deliver or receive cash or securities as collateral upon entering into swap transactions.

The Company’s swap contracts are generally governed by International Swaps and Derivatives Association, or “ISDA,” trading agreements, which are separately negotiated agreements with dealer counterparties. Changes in the relative value of the swap transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive additional collateral. Typically, a collateral payment or receipt is triggered based on the net change in the value of all contracts governed by a particular ISDA trading agreement. Collateral received from counterparties is included in Due to brokers on margin accounts on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. Collateral paid to counterparties is included in Deposits with dealers held as collateral on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. Entering into swap contracts involves market risk in excess of amounts recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity.

Futures Contracts: A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a financial instrument for a set price on a future date. The Company enters into Eurodollar futures contracts to hedge its interest rate risk. Initial margin deposits are made upon entering into futures contracts and can be either cash or securities. During the period the futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by marking to market on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the contract at the end of each day’s trading. Variation margin payments are made or received periodically, depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the contract is closed, the Company records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the closing transaction and the Company’s basis in the contract.

Derivative instruments disclosed on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments include: credit default swaps on asset-backed securities, credit default swaps on asset-backed indices, credit default swaps on corporate bond indices, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and Eurodollar futures contracts.

Swap assets are included in Financial derivatives—assets at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. Swap liabilities are included in Financial derivatives—liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. In addition, swap contracts are summarized by type on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments. Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts is in Financial derivatives—assets at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts is included in Financial derivatives—liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. For total return swaps, credit default swaps, interest rate swaps and futures, notional values reflected on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments represent approximately 105%, 102%, 90% and 89%, respectively, of average monthly notional values of each such category outstanding during the three month period ended March 31, 2012. For total return swaps, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and futures, notional values reflected on the Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments represent approximately 354%, 111%, 92% and 65%, respectively, of average monthly notional values of each such category outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company uses average monthly notional values outstanding to indicate the volume of activity with respect to these instruments.

(F) Investments Sold Short: When the Company sells securities short, it typically satisfies its security delivery settlement obligation by obtaining the security sold from the same or a different counterparty via repurchase agreement. The Company generally is required to deliver cash or securities as collateral to the repurchase agreement counterparty. The amount by which the market value of the obligation falls short of or exceeds the proceeds from the short sale is treated as an unrealized gain or loss, respectively. A realized gain or loss will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale if the market price is less or greater than the proceeds originally received.

 

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(G) Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Repurchase Agreements: The Company enters into reverse repurchase agreements with third-party broker-dealers whereby it sells securities under agreements to be repurchased at an agreed-upon price and date. Interest on the value of repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements issued and outstanding is based upon competitive market rates at the time of issuance. The Company accounts for reverse repurchase agreements as collateralized borrowings. When the Company enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the lender establishes and maintains an account containing cash and securities having a value not less than the repurchase price, including accrued interest, of the reverse repurchase agreement. The Company enters into repurchase agreement transactions with third-party broker-dealers whereby it purchases securities under agreements to resell at an agreed-upon price and date. In general, securities received pursuant to repurchase agreements are delivered to counterparties of short sale transactions. Assets held pursuant to repurchase agreements are reflected as assets on the Consolidated Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements that are conducted with the same counterparty may be reported on a net basis if they meet the requirements of ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet Offsetting. There are no repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements netted in the consolidated financial statements.

Reverse repurchase agreements are carried at their contractual amounts, which the Company believes is the best estimate of fair value. At March 31, 2012, the Company’s open reverse repurchase agreements had remaining terms that averaged 43 days and ranged from 2 to 180 days and had interest rates that averaged 0.79% and ranged from 0.32% to 2.60%. At March 31, 2012, approximately 38% of open reverse repurchase agreements were with two counterparties. At December 31, 2011, the Company’s open reverse repurchase agreements had remaining terms that averaged 33 days and ranged from 3 to 180 days and had interest rates that averaged 0.82% and ranged from 0.08% to 2.56%. At December 31, 2011, approximately 73% of open reverse repurchase agreements were with four counterparties.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 860-20, Sales of Financial Assets, which requires an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing that was entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of the initial transfer to be evaluated as a linked transaction unless certain criteria are met, including that the transferred asset must be readily obtainable in the marketplace. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company did not have any material seller financing. No transactions are accounted for as linked transactions at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

(H) Securitized Debt: The Company entered into a resecuritization transaction which is accounted for as a collateralized borrowing. The asset contributed to the securitization was not derecognized but rather, the liability issued by the securitization was recorded to reflect the term financing of the re-securitized asset. Under ASC 820-10, the Company has elected to carry securitized debt at fair value.

(I) Purchased Options: The Company has entered into options primarily to help mitigate overall market risk. When the Company purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid is recorded as an asset and is subsequently marked-to-market. Premiums paid for purchasing options that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized losses. If an option is exercised, the premium paid is subtracted from the proceeds of the sale or added to the cost of the purchase to determine whether the Company has realized a gain or loss on the related investment transaction. When the Company enters into a closing transaction, the Company will realize a gain or loss depending upon whether the amount from the closing transaction is greater or less than the premiums paid. The Company had no purchased options outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

(J) When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities: The Company may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued basis are traded for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price or yield, and no income accrues to the purchaser prior to settlement. Purchasing or selling securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis involves the risk that the market price or yield at the time of settlement may be lower or higher than the agreed-upon price or yield, in which case a realized loss may be incurred.

The Company transacts in the forward settling To Be Announced MBS (“TBA”) market. The Company typically does not take delivery of TBAs, but rather settles with its trading counterparties on a net basis. The market value of the securities that the Company is required to purchase pursuant to a TBA transaction may decline below the agreed-upon purchase price. Conversely, the market value of the securities that the Company is required to sell pursuant to a TBA transaction may increase above the agreed upon sale

 

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price. As part of its TBA activities, the Company may “roll” its TBA positions, whereby the Company may sell (buy) securities for delivery (receipt) in an earlier month and simultaneously contract to repurchase (sell) similar, but not identical, securities at an agreed-upon price on a fixed date in a later month (with the later-month price typically lower than the earlier-month price). The Company accounts for its TBA transactions (including those related to TBA rolls) as purchases and sales. As of March 31, 2012, total assets included $17.2 million of TBAs as well as $566.8 million of receivable for securities sold relating to unsettled TBA sales. As of December 31, 2011, total assets included $32.0 million of TBAs as well as $443.7 million of receivable for securities sold relating to unsettled TBA sales.

As of March 31, 2012, total liabilities included $566.4 million of TBAs sold short as well as $17.4 million of payable for securities purchased relating to unsettled TBA purchases. As of December 31, 2011, total liabilities included $446.7 million of TBAs sold short as well as $32.5 million of payable for securities purchased relating to unsettled TBA purchases. On a net basis, as of March 31, 2012, the Company held a net short position in TBAs of $549.1 million while at December 31, 2011, the Company held a net short position in TBAs of $414.7 million.

(K) Offering Costs/Placement Fees: Offering costs and placement fees are charged against shareholders’ equity.

(L) LTIP Units: Long term incentive plan units (“LTIP units”) have been issued to the Company’s dedicated personnel, independent directors as well as the Manager. Costs associated with LTIP units issued to dedicated personnel and independent directors are amortized over the vesting period in accordance with ASC 718-10, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Costs associated with LTIP units issued to the Manager are amortized over the vesting period in accordance with ASC 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. The vesting period for units issued to dedicated personnel and independent directors under the Ellington Incentive Plan for Individuals (the “Individual LTIP”) is typically one year. The vesting period for units issued to the Manager under the Ellington Incentive Plan for Entities (the “Manager LTIP”) occurred over a three year period that ended in August 2010. The cost of the Manager LTIP units fluctuated with the price per share until the vesting date, whereas the cost of the Individual LTIP units is based on the price per share at the initial grant date.

(M) Dividends: Dividends payable are recorded in the consolidated financial statements on the ex-dividend date.

(N) Shares Repurchased: Common shares that are repurchased by the Company subsequent to issuance decrease total number of shares outstanding and issued.

(O) Earnings Per Share (“EPS”): Basic EPS is computed using the two class method by dividing net increase (decrease) in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations after adjusting for the impact of long term incentive plan units deemed to be participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding calculated excluding long term incentive units. Because the Company’s long term incentive plan units are deemed to be participating securities and the Company has no other equity securities outstanding, basic and diluted EPS are the same. See Note 8 for EPS computations.

(P) Income Taxes: The Company intends to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, partnerships are not subject to entity-level tax on their income, but the income of a partnership is taxable to its owners on a flow-through basis.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC 740-10, Income Taxes (“ASC 740-10”), which requires management to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement which could result in the Company recording a tax liability that would reduce shareholders’ equity. The Company did not have any additions to its unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions related either to the current period or to 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 or 2007 (its open tax years), and no reductions resulting from tax positions of prior years or due to settlements, and thus had no unrecognized tax benefits since inception. The Company does not expect any change in unrecognized tax benefits within the next fiscal year.

The Company may take positions with respect to certain tax issues which depend on legal interpretation of facts or applicable tax regulations. Should the relevant tax regulators successfully challenge any such positions, the Company might be found to have a tax liability that has not been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Also, management’s conclusions regarding ASC 740-10 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and ongoing analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.

 

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(Q) Subsequent Events: The Company applies the provisions of ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events, in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. This standard establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued.

(R) Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”). This amends ASU 210-20, Balance Sheet Offsetting, to require new disclosures about balance sheet offsetting for derivative and financial instruments which are offset on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. The update requires disclosure of gross asset and liability amounts for financial instruments shown net on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and is to be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

On May 12, 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) (“ASU 2011-04”). The amendments are of two types: (i) those that clarify the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurement. The amendments that change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements relate to (i) measuring the fair value of the financial instruments that are managed within a portfolio; (ii) application of premium and discount in a fair value measurement; and (iii) additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. As a result of the adoption of this update, the Company has added disclosure to Note 3 about the significant unobservable inputs underlying its Level 3 assets and liabilities.

On April 29, 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860), Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements (“ASU 2011-03”). This modifies the criteria for determining when repurchase agreements and other similar transactions would be accounted for as financings (secured borrowings/lending agreements) as opposed to sales (purchases) with commitments to repurchase (resell). ASU 2011-03 is effective prospectively for new transfers and existing transactions that are modified in the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-03 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Valuation

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments.

Level 1 valuation methodologies include the observation of quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets, often received from widely recognized data providers.

Level 2 valuation methodologies include the observation of (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (ii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves) in active markets and (iii) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3 valuation methodologies include (i) the use of proprietary models that require the use of a significant amount of judgment and the application of various assumptions including, but not limited to, prepayment and default rate assumptions and (ii) the solicitation of valuations from third parties (typically, broker-dealers). Third-party valuation providers often utilize proprietary models that are highly subjective and also require the use of a significant amount of judgment and the application of various assumptions including, but not limited to, prepayment and default rate assumptions. The Manager utilizes such information to assign a good faith valuation (the estimated price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction at the valuation date) to such financial instruments. The Manager has been able to obtain third-party valuations on the vast majority of the Company’s financial instruments and expects to continue to solicit third-party valuations on substantially all of the Company’s financial instruments in the future to the extent practical.

 

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The Manager uses its judgment based on its own models, the assessments of its portfolio managers and third-party valuations it obtains, to determine and assign fair values to the Company’s Level 3 financial instruments. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the financial instruments existed and the differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.

The table below reflects the value of the Company’s Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 financial instruments at March 31, 2012:

 

(In thousands)                         

Description

   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,546      $ —        $ —        $ 51,546   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments at fair value-

        

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ —        $ 794,667      $ 6,016      $ 800,683   

Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

     —          —          408,230        408,230   

Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —          —          12,171        12,171   

Commercial mortgage loans

     —          —          4,500        4,500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments at fair value

     —          794,667        430,917        1,225,584   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial derivatives-assets at fair value-

        

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

     —          —          48,746        48,746   

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

     —          45,223        —          45,223   

Interest rate swaps

     —          87        —          87   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financial derivatives-assets at fair value

     —          45,310        48,746        94,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Repurchase agreements

     —          13,650        —          13,650   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments, financial derivatives-assets at fair value and repurchase agreements

   $ —        $ 853,627      $ 479,663      $ 1,333,290   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Investments sold short at fair value-

        

U.S. Treasury and Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ —        $ (579,852   $ —        $ (579,852
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial derivatives-liabilities at fair value-

        

Credit default swaps on corporate indices

     —          (364     —          (364

Credit default swaps on asset backed indices

     —          (20,536     —          (20,536

Total return swaps

     —          (249     —          (249

Interest rate swaps

     —          (6,097     —          (6,097

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

     (52     —          —          (52
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financial derivatives-liabilities at fair value

     (52     (27,246     —          (27,298
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Securitized debt

     —          —          (1,485     (1,485
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments sold short, financial derivatives-liabilities at fair value and securitized debt

   $ (52   $ (607,098   $ (1,485   $ (608,635
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments under the Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Level 3 category are investments in Agency interest only RMBS securities. There were no transfers of financial instruments between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three month period ended March 31, 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table identifies the significant unobservable inputs that affect the valuation of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2012:

 

    Fair Value as of
March 31, 2012
    

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

  Range     Weighted
Average
 

Description

         Min     Max    
    (In thousands)                             

Private label residential mortgage-backed securities (1)

  $ 406,745       Discounted Cash Flows   Yield     4.7     22.7     9.5
       Projected Collateral Prepayments     0.6     38.8     16.4
       Projected Collateral Losses     4.2     88.4     36.7
       Projected Collateral Recoveries     0.0     42.6     20.7
       Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization     3.0     89.4     26.2
            

 

 

 
               100.0
            

 

 

 

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

    48,746       Net Discounted Cash Flows        
       Projected Collateral Prepayments     5.3     36.2     13.1
       Projected Collateral Losses     25.2     62.1     49.1
       Projected Collateral Recoveries     11.7     34.0     20.3
       Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization     7.7     37.0     17.5
            

 

 

 
               100.0
            

 

 

 

Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities and Commercial mortgage loans

    16,671       Discounted Cash Flows   Yield     7.9     10.9     9.7
       Projected Collateral Losses     0.0     30.5     4.6
       Projected Collateral Recoveries     0.0     46.4     14.9
       Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization     47.8     100.0     80.5
            

 

 

 
               100.0
            

 

 

 

Agency interest only residential mortgage-backed securities

    6,016       Option Adjusted Spread (“OAS”)   LIBOR OAS(2)     741        2,754        1,107   
       Projected Collateral Prepayments     74.3     93.0     81.8
       Projected Collateral Scheduled Amortization     7.0     25.7     18.2
            

 

 

 
               100.0
            

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes securitized debt with a fair value of $1.5 million as of March 31, 2012.

(2) 

Shown in basis points.

Collateral prepayments, losses, recoveries and scheduled amortization are projected over the remaining life of the collateral and expressed as a percentage of the collateral’s current principal balance.

The Company uses a LIBOR Option Adjusted Spread (“OAS”) valuation methodology to value its Agency interest only RMBS assets. In the LIBOR OAS methodology, cash flows are projected using Ellington’s models over multiple interest rate scenarios, and these projected cash flows are then discounted using the LIBOR rates implied by each interest rate scenario. The LIBOR OAS of an asset is then computed as the unique constant yield spread that, when added to all LIBOR rates in each interest rate scenario generated by the model, will equate (a) the expected present value of the projected asset cash flows over all model scenarios to (b) the actual current market price of the asset. LIBOR OAS is therefore model-dependent. Generally speaking, LIBOR OAS measures the additional yield spread over LIBOR that an asset provides at its current market price after taking into account any interest rate options embedded in the asset.

Material changes in any of the inputs above in isolation could result in a significant change to reported fair value measurements. Additionally, fair value measurements are impacted by the interrelationships of these inputs. For example, a higher expectation of collateral prepayments will generally result in a lower expectation of collateral losses. Conversely, higher losses will generally result in lower prepayments. Because the Company’s credit default swaps on asset-backed security holdings represent credit default swap contracts whereby the Company has purchased credit protection, such default swaps on asset-backed securities generally have the directionally opposite sensitivity to prepayments, losses and recoveries as compared to the Company’s long securities holdings. Prepayments do not represent a significant input for the Company’s commercial mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage loans. Losses and recoveries do not represent a significant input for the Company’s Agency RMBS interest only securities, given the guarantee of the issuing government agency or government-sponsored enterprise.

The Company’s reverse repurchase agreements are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. These liabilities are classified as Level 2 liabilities based on the adequacy of the collateral and their short term nature.

 

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Table of Contents

The table below reflects the value of the Company’s Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 financial instruments at December 31, 2011:

 

(In thousands)                           

Description

   Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 62,737       $ —        $ —         $ 62,737   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments at fair value-

          

U.S. Treasury and Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ —         $ 769,120      $ 5,337       $ 774,457   

Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

     —           —          417,533         417,533   

Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities

     —           —          16,093         16,093   

Commercial mortgage loans

     —           —          4,400         4,400   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments at value

     —           769,120        443,363         1,212,483   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial derivatives-assets at fair value-

          

Credit default swaps on corporate indices

     —           963        —           963   

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

     —           —          61,498         61,498   

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

     —           40,303        —           40,303   

Interest rate swaps

     —           95        —           95   

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

     12         —          —           12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial derivatives-assets at fair value

     12         41,361        61,498         102,871   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Repurchase agreements

     —           15,750        —           15,750   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments, financial derivatives-assets at fair value and repurchase agreements

   $ 12       $ 826,231      $ 504,861       $ 1,331,104   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

          

Investments sold short at fair value-

          

U.S. Treasury and Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ —         $ (462,394   $ —         $ (462,394
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial derivatives-liabilities at fair value-

          

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

     —           (9,548     —           (9,548

Total return swaps

     —           (274     —           (274

Interest rate swaps

     —           (17,218     —           (17,218
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial derivatives-liabilities at fair value

     —           (27,040     —           (27,040
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments sold short and financial derivatives-liabilities at fair value

   $ —         $ (489,434   $ —         $ (489,434
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments under the U.S. Treasury and Agency residential mortgage-backed securities Level 3 category are investments in Agency interest only RMBS securities. There were no transfers of financial instruments between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

The tables below include a roll-forward of the Company’s financial instruments for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Level 3—Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs:

Three Month Period Ended March 31, 2012

 

(In thousands)    Beginning
Balance as of
December 31,
2011
     Accreted
Discounts /
Amortized
Premiums
    Realized
Gain/
(Loss)
    Change in Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
     Purchases      Sales     Transfers In
and/or Out
of Level 3
     Ending Balance
as of March
31, 2012
 

Assets:

                    

Investments at fair value-

                    

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ 5,337       $ (624   $ —        $ 431       $ 872       $ —        $ —         $ 6,016   

Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

     417,533         4,374        6,201        17,660         98,678         (136,216     —           408,230   

Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities

     16,093         117        344        1,688         1,308         (7,379     —           12,171   

Commercial mortgage loans

     4,400         28        —          72         —           —          —           4,500   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments at fair value

     443,363         3,895        6,545        19,851         100,858         (143,595     —           430,917   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial derivatives- assets at fair value

                    

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

     61,498         —          (4,744     6,799         123         (14,930     —           48,746   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial derivatives- assets at fair value

     61,498         —          (4,744     6,799         123         (14,930     —           48,746   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments and financial derivatives-assets at fair value

   $ 504,861       $ 3,895      $ 1,801      $ 26,650       $ 100,981       $ (158,525   $ —         $ 479,663   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

                    

Securitized debt

   $ —         $ (13   $ —        $ 10       $ —         $ (1,482   $ —         $ (1,485
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total securitized debt

   $ —         $ (13   $ —        $ 10       $ —         $ (1,482   $ —         $ (1,485
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2012, as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the three month period ended March 31, 2012. For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2012, change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $12.7 million, $(4.5) million and $0.01 million, for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 relate to investments, financial derivative-assets and securitized debt, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Level 3—Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs:

Three Month Period Ended March 31, 2011

 

(In thousands)    Beginning
Balance as of
December 31,
2010
     Accreted
Discounts /
Amortized
Premiums
    Realized
Gain/(Loss)
     Change in Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
    Purchases      Sales     Transfers In
and/or Out of
Level 3
     Ending Balance
as of March
31, 2011
 

Assets:

                    

Investments at fair value-

                    

Agency residential mortgage-backed securities

   $ —         $ (93   $ —         $ 8      $ 4,383       $ —        $ —         $ 4,298   

Private label residential mortgage-backed securities

     338,839         3,649        11,177         (6,637     96,427         (88,773     —           354,682   

Private label commercial mortgage-backed securities

     1,850         83        772         (248     15,345         (4,719     —           13,083   

Commercial mortgage loans

     —           15        —           (15     4,675         —          —           4,675   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments at value

     340,689         3,654        11,949         (6,892     120,830         (93,492     —           376,738   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial derivatives- assets at fair value

                    

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

     102,850         —          2,681         (3,251     376         (12,274     —           90,382   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total financial derivatives- assets at fair value

     102,850         —          2,681         (3,251     376         (12,274     —           90,382   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments and financial derivatives-assets at fair value

   $ 443,539       $ 3,654      $ 14,630       $ (10,143   $ 121,206       $ (105,766   $ —         $ 467,120   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

All amounts of net realized and change in net unrealized gain (loss) in the table above are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The table above incorporates changes in net unrealized gain (loss) for both Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2011, as well as Level 3 financial instruments disposed of by the Company during the three month period ended March 31, 2011. For Level 3 financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, 2011, change in net unrealized gain (loss) of $(1.5) million and $(3.4) million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 relate to investments and financial derivative-assets, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

4. Financial Derivatives

Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative contracts for the three month period ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized in the tables below:

March 31, 2012:

 

Derivative Type

   Primary Risk
Exposure
   Net Realized
Gain/(Loss) for the
Three Month Period
Ended March 31,
2012
    Change in Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) for the
Three Month  Period
Ended March 31,
2012
 
(In thousands)                  

Financial derivatives - assets

       

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

   Credit    $ (4,744   $ 6,799   

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

   Credit      (5,493     (3,790

Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices

   Credit      (1,548     570   

Interest rate swaps

   Interest Rates      —          (8

Eurodollar futures

   Interest Rates      (8     (11
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (11,793     3,560   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial derivatives - liabilities

       

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

   Credit      4,309        34   

Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices

   Credit      3        66   

Total return swaps

   Equity Market      (2,056     25   

Interest rate swaps

   Interest Rates      (10,399     11,121   

Eurodollar futures

   Interest Rates      —          (52
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (8,143     11,194   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ (19,936   $ 14,754   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

March 31, 2011:

 

Derivative Type

   Primary Risk
Exposure
   Net Realized
Gain/(Loss)  for the
Three Month Period
Ended March 31,
2011
    Change in Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) for the
Three Month  Period
Ended March 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)                  

Financial derivatives - assets

       

Credit default swaps on asset-backed securities

   Credit    $ 2,681      $ (3,251

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

   Credit      (5,046     879   

Interest rate swaps

   Interest Rates      (267     802   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        (2,632     (1,570
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial derivatives - liabilities

       

Credit default swaps on asset-backed indices

   Credit      6,421        (9

Credit default swaps on corporate bond indices

   Credit      (50     (35

Interest rate swaps

   Interest Rates      —          (549

Eurodollar futures

   Interest Rates      (371     319   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        6,000        (274
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 3,368      $ (1,844
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company is party to credit derivatives contracts in the form of credit default swaps on mortgage/asset-backed indices (ABS index or ABS indices). As a seller of credit protection via ABS indices, the Company receives periodic payments from protection buyers, and is obligated to make payments to the protection buyer upon the occurrence of a “credit event” with respect to underlying reference assets. Written credit derivatives held by the Company at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, are summarized below:

 

Credit Default Swaps on Asset Backed Indices

   Amount at
March 31,
2012
    Amount at
December 31,
2011
 
(In thousands)             

Fair Value of Written Credit Derivatives, Net

   $ (19,460   $ (9,548

Fair Value of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties(1)

   $ 7,952      $ —     

Notional Amount of Written Credit Derivatives(2)

   $ (58,816   $ (22,615

Notional Amount of Purchased Credit Derivatives Offsetting Written Credit Derivatives with Third Parties(1)

   $ 39,016      $ —     

 

(1) 

Offsetting transactions with third parties include purchased credit derivatives which have the same reference obligation.

(2) 

The notional value is the maximum amount that a seller of ABS indices would be obligated to pay, and a buyer of credit protection would receive upon occurrence of a “credit event.” Movements in the value of credit default swap transactions may require the Company or the counterparty to post or receive collateral. Amounts due or owed under an ABS index contract may be offset against amounts due or owed on another ABS index contract with the same ISDA counterparty.

Unless terminated by mutual agreement by both the buyer and seller, ABS index contracts typically terminate at the earlier of the (i) date the buyer of protection delivers the reference asset to the seller in exchange for payment of the notional balance following the occurrence of a credit event or (ii) date the reference asset is paid off in full, retired, or otherwise ceases to exist. Implied credit spreads may be used to determine the market value of swap contracts and are reflective of the cost of buying/selling protection. Higher spreads would indicate a greater likelihood that a seller will be obligated to perform (i.e., make payment) under the swap contract. In situations where the credit quality of an underlying reference asset has deteriorated, credit spreads combined with a percentage of notional values paid up front (points up front) are frequently used as an indication of ABS index risk. ABS index credit protection sellers entering the market would expect to be paid a percentage of the current notional balance up front (points up front) approximately equal to the fair value of the contract in order to write protection on the reference assets underlying the Company’s

 

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Table of Contents

ABS index contracts. Stated spreads at March 31, 2012 on ABS index contracts where the Company wrote protection range between 9 and 458 basis points on contracts that were outstanding at this date. Stated spreads at December 31, 2011 on ABS index contracts where the Company wrote protection range between 350 and 442 basis points on contracts that were outstanding at this date. However, participants entering the market at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 would likely transact on similar contracts with material points upfront given these spreads. Total net up-front payments received relating to ABS index contracts outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $19.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively.

5. Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee

The Company has engaged the Manager to manage the assets, operations and affairs of the Company and pays various management fees associated with that arrangement. Effective August 2, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a Third Amended and Restated Management Agreement between the Company and the Manager. The Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees payable under the agreement are detailed below.

Base Management Fees

The Manager receives an annual base management fee in an amount equal to 1.50% per annum of the Company’s shareholders’ equity as of the end of each fiscal quarter (before deductions for base management fees and incentive fees payable with respect to such fiscal quarter). The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears.

Summary information—For both three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the total base management fees incurred by the Company were $1.5 million.

Incentive Fees

The Manager is entitled to receive a quarterly incentive fee equal to the positive excess of (i) the product of (A) 25% and (B) the excess of (1) Adjusted Net Income (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period (which means such fiscal quarter and the immediately preceding three fiscal quarters) over (2) the sum of the Hurdle Amounts (described below) for the Incentive Calculation Period, over (ii) the sum of the incentive fees already paid or payable for each fiscal quarter in the Incentive Calculation Period preceding such fiscal quarter.

For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, “Adjusted Net Income,” for the Incentive Calculation Period means the net increase in shareholders’ equity from operations, after all base management fees but before any incentive fees for such period, and excluding non-cash equity compensation expenses for such period as reduced by any Loss Carryforward (as described below) as of the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the Incentive Calculation Period.

For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the “Loss Carryforward” as of the end of any fiscal quarter is calculated by determining the excess, if any, of (1) the Loss Carryforward as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter over (2) the net increase in shareholders’ equity from operations (expressed as a positive number) or net decrease in shareholders’ equity from operations (expressed as a negative number) for such fiscal quarter. As of March 31, 2012, there was no Loss Carryforward.

For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the “Hurdle Amount” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the product of (i) one-fourth of the greater of (A) 9% and (B) 3% plus the ten-year U.S. Treasury rate for such fiscal quarter, (ii) the sum of (A) the weighted average gross proceeds per share of all our common share issuances up to the end of such fiscal quarter, with each issuance weighted by both the number of shares issued in such issuance and the number of days that such issued shares were outstanding during such fiscal quarter, using a first-in first-out basis of accounting (i.e., attributing any share repurchases to the earliest issuances first) and (B) the result obtained by dividing (I) retained earnings attributable to common shares at the beginning of such fiscal quarter by (II) the average number of common shares outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter, and (iii) the average number of common shares and LTIP units outstanding for each day during such fiscal quarter. For purposes of determining the Hurdle Amount, issuances of common shares (a) as equity incentive awards, (b) to the Manager as part of its base management fee or incentive fee and (c) to the Manager or any of its affiliates in privately negotiated transactions, are excluded from the calculation. The payment of the incentive fee will be in a combination of common shares and cash, provided that at least 10% of any quarterly payment will be made in common shares.

 

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Summary information— No incentive fee was incurred for the three month period ended March 31, 2012. Total incentive fee incurred for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was $0.6 million.

6. Long-Term Incentive Plan Units

In connection with its initial offering in 2007, the Company established the Manager Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Manager LTIP”) and the Individual Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Individual LTIP”). Pursuant to the terms of the Manager LTIP, the Company issued 375,000 long-term incentive plan units to its Manager. Pursuant to the terms of the Individual LTIP, each year since inception the Company has issued annual awards to its independent directors and, beginning in 2010, issued awards to certain of its dedicated personnel.

As of August 17, 2010, LTIP units awarded to the Manager were fully vested and expensed. LTIP units held pursuant to the Manager LTIP are generally exercisable by the holder at any time after vesting. Each LTIP unit is convertible into one common share. There is no cash flow effect from the issuance of the Manager LTIP units. Since inception, the aggregate expense associated with the Manager LTIP was $8.6 million.

Individual LTIP units in the amount of 3,750 units were granted to the Company’s independent directors on each of August 17, 2007, December 31, 2008, October 1, 2009, October 1, 2010 and September 15, 2011. Excluding the September 15, 2011 award, these grants have fully vested. The vesting period for awards issued to directors under the Individual LTIP has generally been one year from the date of grant. In addition, on December 12, 2011 and December 15, 2010, the Company issued a total of 3,000 LTIP units and 2,500 LTIP units, respectively, to certain of its dedicated personnel. Excluding the December 12, 2011 award, these grants have fully vested. The grant awarded on December 12, 2011 will vest on December 31, 2012. Units held pursuant to the Individual LTIP are generally exercisable by the holder at any time after vesting. Each unit is convertible into one common share. Costs associated with the Individual LTIP are measured as of the grant date and expensed ratably over the vesting period. The total expense associated with the Individual LTIP units awarded to the independent directors for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, was $0.02 million and $0.03 million, respectively. The total expense associated with the Individual LTIP units awarded to the Company’s dedicated personnel for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $0.01 million and $0.01 million. Unrecognized expense related to unvested Individual LTIP units awarded to independent directors was $0.03 million at March 31, 2012 and $0.05 million at December 31, 2011. Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested Individual LTIP units awarded to certain of the Company’s dedicated personnel was $0.04 million at March 31, 2012 and $0.05 million at December 31, 2011. Since inception, 8,750 common shares were issued in connection with the conversion of Individual LTIP units awarded to independent directors at the direction of the three award holders and $0.02 million was transferred from the share-based LTIP awards to common shares in shareholders’ equity.

If all of the LTIP units that have previously been issued were to be fully vested and exchanged for common shares as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares would increase to 16,838,151 shares, resulting in shareholders’ equity per share of $23.53 and $22.03 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

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Detailed below is a roll-forward of the Company’s LTIP units outstanding for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Three Month Periods Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011:

 

     Three Month Period Ended      Three Month Period Ended  
     March 31, 2012      March 31, 2011  
            Director/                    Director/         
     Manager      Employee      Total      Manager      Employee      Total  

LTIP Units Outstanding
(12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010, respectively)

     375,000         15,500         390,500         375,000         10,000         385,000   

Granted

     —           —           —           —           —           —     

Exercised

     —           —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LTIP Units Outstanding
(3/31/2012 and 3/31/2011, respectively)

     375,000         15,500         390,500         375,000         10,000         385,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LTIP Units Vested and Outstanding
(3/31/2012 and 3/31/2011, respectively)

     375,000         8,750         383,750         375,000         3,750         378,750   

7. Common Share Capitalization

On August 17, 2007, in connection with the initial offering of common shares of the Company, 12,500,000 shares were issued with no par value. In addition, 50 shares were issued to the Manager for the initial formation of the Company. On October 14, 2010, in connection with the closing of the initial public offering of common shares of the Company, 4,500,000 common shares were issued at a price of $22.50 per share.

The following tables set forth the dividend distributions authorized by the Board of Directors payable to shareholders and LTIP holders for the periods indicated below:

Three Month Period Ended March 31, 2012:

 

      Dividend Per Share      Dividend Amount     Record Date      Payment Date  
(In thousands except for per share amounts)                           

First Quarter

   $  0.70       $  11,787     June 1, 2012         June 15, 2012   

 

*  Estimated

 

Three Month Period Ended March 31, 2011:

 

     

  

     Dividend Per Share      Dividend Amount     Record Date      Payment Date  
(In thousands except for per share amounts)                           

First Quarter

   $ 0.40       $ 6,757        June 1, 2011         June 15, 2011   

Dividends are declared and paid on a quarterly basis in arrears.

Detailed below is a roll-forward of the Company’s common shares outstanding for the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     Three Month Period      Three Month Period  
     Ended March 31,
2012
     Ended March 31,
2011
 

Common Shares Outstanding
(12/31/2011 and 12/31/2010, respectively)

     16,447,651         16,498,342   

Share Activity:

     

Shares issued in connection with incentive fee payment

     —           6,400   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common Shares Outstanding
(3/31/2012 and 3/31/2011, respectively)

     16,447,651         16,504,742   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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On August 4, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of a $10 million share repurchase program. The program, which is open-ended in duration, allows the Company to make repurchases from time to time on the open market or in negotiated transactions. Repurchases are at the Company’s discretion, subject to applicable law, share availability, price and the Company’s financial performance, among other considerations. As of March 31, 2012, the Company repurchased 60,980 shares at an aggregate cost of $1.1 million, or at an average per share price of $17.22.

8. Earnings Per Share

The components of the computation of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:

 

     Three Month Period Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  
(In thousands except share amounts)             

Net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations

   $ 32,055      $ 11,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations available to common share and LTIP holders:

     32,055        11,107   

Net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations - common shares

     31,312        10,854   

Net increase in shareholders’ equity resulting from operations - LTIPs

     743        253   

Dividends Paid:

    

Common Shares

     (6,579     (21,621

LTIPs

     (156     (505
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends paid to common share and LTIP holders

     (6,735     (22,126

Undistributed earnings:

    

Common Shares

     24,733        (10,768

LTIPs

     587        (251
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total undistributed earnings attributable to common share and LTIP holders

   $ 25,320      $ (11,019

Weighted average shares outstanding (basic and diluted):

    

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     16,447,651        16,501,400   

Weighted average participating LTIPs

     390,500        385,000   

Basic earnings per common share:

    

Distributed

   $ 0.40      $ 1.31   

Undistributed

     1.50        (0.65
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1.90      $ 0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

    

Distributed

   $ 0.40      $ 1.31   

Undistributed

     1.50        (0.65
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1.90      $ 0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company pays quarterly dividends in arrears. Dividends paid in the table above relate to the respective period’s prior period earnings.

 

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9. Counterparty Risk

As of March 31, 2012, investments with an aggregate value of approximately $1.1 billion were held with dealers as collateral for various reverse repurchase agreements. The investments held as collateral include securities in the amount of $52.5 million that were sold prior to period end but for which such sale had not settled as of March 31, 2012.

The following table details the percentage of such collateral held by counterparties who hold greater than 15% of the aggregate $1.1 billion in collateral for various reverse repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2012. In addition to the below, unencumbered investments, on a settlement date basis, of approximately $138.7 million were held in custody at the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation.

 

Dealer

   % of Total Collateral  on
Reverse Repurchase
Agreements

CS First Boston

   21%

Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc

   15%

The following table details the percentage of collateral amounts held by dealers who hold greater than 15% of the Company’s Deposits with dealers held as collateral account as of March 31, 2012:

 

Dealer

   % of Total Deposits with
Dealers Held as
Collateral

Bank of America

   44%

Citigroup

   39%

The following table details the percentage of amounts held by dealers who hold greater than 15% of the Company’s Receivable for securities sold as of March 31, 2012:

 

Dealer

   % of Total Receivable
for Securities Sold

CS First Boston

   37%

Wells Fargo Securities

   21%

Citigroup

   17%

10. Contingencies and Commitments

The Company provides current directors and officers with a limited indemnification against liabilities arising in connection with the performance of their duties to the Company.

In the normal course of business the Company may also enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations, warranties and general indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements, including future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred, is unknown. The Company has not incurred any costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. The Company has no liabilities recorded for these agreements as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

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11. Financial Highlights

Results of Operations for a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods:

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2012
    Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2011
 

Beginning Shareholders’ Equity Per Share
(12/31/11 and 12/31/10, respectively)

   $ 22.55      $ 24.47   

Net Investment Income

     0.67        0.64   

Net Realized/Unrealized Gains

     1.28        0.03   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Results of Operations (1)

     1.95        0.67   

Dividends Paid (2)

     (0.41     (1.34

Ending Shareholders’ Equity Per Share
(3/31/12 and 3/31/11, respectively)
(3)

   $ 24.09      $ 23.80   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding, end of period

     16,447,651        16,504,742   

 

 

(1) Calculated based on average common shares outstanding and can differ from the calculation for EPS (See Note 8).
(2) Dividends paid include dividends paid on common shares and LTIP units. For the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, dividends totaling $0.40 and $1.31, respectively, per common share and LTIP unit outstanding were declared and paid. Dividends paid of $0.41 and $1.34 per share for the three month periods ending March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, above reflect the impact of dividing the total dividend payment, inclusive of LTIP units, by average common shares outstanding, exclusive of LTIP units.
(3) If all LTIP units previously issued were vested and exchanged for common shares as of March 31, 2012 and 2011, shareholders’ equity per share would be $23.53 and $23.26, respectively.

Total Return:

The Company calculates its total return two ways, one based on its reported net asset value and the other based on its publicly-traded share price. This latter return is considered a market based return, and is only computed for periods following the completion of the Company’s October 2010 initial public offering, since the Company’s shares were not publicly traded before such time. The following table illustrates the Company’s total return for the periods presented based on net asset value:

Net Asset Based Total Return for a Shareholder: (1)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2012
  Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2011

Total Return before Incentive Fee

   8.66%   2.80%

Incentive Fee

   0.00%   (0.16)%
  

 

 

 

Total Return after Incentive Fee

   8.66%   2.64%
  

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Total return is calculated for all shareholders’ equity accounts, excluding the Managers’ shareholder equity, taken as a whole for each period. Total Return is calculated assuming reinvestment of all distributions at shareholders’ equity per share during the period.

 

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Supplemental Information—Net Asset Based Total Return for a Shareholder assuming conversion of all LTIP units: (1)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2012

Total Return before Incentive Fee

   6.14%

Incentive Fee

   0.00%
  

 

Total Return after Incentive Fee

   6.14%
  

 

 

 

(1) Total return is calculated assuming all LTIP units had been converted into common shares at March 31, 2012. Total return represents all shareholders’ equity accounts, excluding Manager shares, outstanding for the entire period. LTIP units outstanding at March 31, 2012 totaled 390,500 and represent 2.32% of total shares and LTIP units outstanding as of that date.

Market Based Total Return for a Shareholder:

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company’s market based total return based on the closing price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange was 16.21% and 9.55%, respectively. Calculation of market based total return assumes the reinvestment of dividends.

Net Investment Income Ratio to Average Shareholders’ Equity: (1)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2012
  Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2011

Net Investment Income (2)

   11.51%   11.22%
  

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Average shareholders’ equity is calculated using month end values.
(2) Includes all items of income and expenses on an annualized basis except for incentive fee expense which is included on a non-annualized basis.

Expense Ratios to Average Shareholders’ Equity: (1)(2)

 

     Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2012
  Three Month
Period Ended
March 31,
2011

Operating expenses before incentive fee and interest expense

   (3.09)%   (3.14)%