Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Balance Sheet Presentation of the Investing and Servicing Segment’s Variable Interest Entities

As noted above, the Investing and Servicing Segment operates an investment business that acquires unrated, investment grade and non‑investment grade rated CMBS. These securities represent interests in securitization structures (commonly referred to as special purpose entities, or “SPEs”). These SPEs are structured as pass through entities that receive principal and interest on the underlying collateral and distribute those payments to the certificate holders. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), SPEs typically qualify as VIEs. These are entities that, by design, either (1) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or (2) have equity investors that do not have the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights, or do not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or do not have the right to receive the residual returns of the entity.

Because the Investing and Servicing Segment often serves as the special servicer of the trusts in which it invests, consolidation of these structures is required pursuant to GAAP as outlined in detail below. This results in a consolidated balance sheet which presents the gross assets and liabilities of the VIEs. The assets and other instruments held by these VIEs are restricted and can only be used to fulfill the obligations of the entity. Additionally, the obligations of the VIEs do not have any recourse to the general credit of any other consolidated entities, nor to us as the consolidator of these VIEs.

The VIE liabilities initially represent investment securities on our balance sheet (pre‑consolidation). Upon consolidation of these VIEs, our associated investment securities are eliminated, as is the interest income related to those securities. Similarly, the fees we earn in our roles as special servicer of the bonds issued by the consolidated VIEs or as collateral administrator of the consolidated VIEs are also eliminated. Finally, an allocable portion of the identified servicing intangible associated with the eliminated fee streams is eliminated in consolidation.

Refer to the segment data in Note 23 for a presentation of the Investing and Servicing Segment without consolidation of these VIEs.

Basis of Accounting and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs. Intercompany amounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Entities not deemed to be VIEs are consolidated if we own a majority of the voting securities or interests or hold the general partnership interest, except in those instances in which the minority voting interest owner or limited partner effectively participates through substantive participative rights. Substantive participative rights include the ability to select, terminate and set compensation of the investee’s management, if applicable, and the ability to participate in capital and operating decisions of the investee, including budgets, in the ordinary course of business.

We invest in entities with varying structures, many of which do not have voting securities or interests, such as general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. In many of these structures, control of the entity rests with the general partners or managing members, while other members hold passive interests. The general partner or managing member may hold anywhere from a relatively small percentage of the total financial interests to a majority of the financial interests. For entities not deemed to be VIEs, where we serve as the sole general partner or managing member, we are considered to have the controlling financial interest and therefore the entity is consolidated, regardless of our financial interest percentage, unless there are other limited partners or investing members that effectively participate through substantive participative rights. In those circumstances where we, as majority controlling interest owner, cannot cause the entity to take actions that are significant in the ordinary course of business, because such actions could be vetoed by the minority controlling interest owner, we do not consolidate the entity.

When we consolidate entities other than VIEs, the ownership interests of any minority parties are reflected as non‑controlling interests. A non‑controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as “the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent.” Non‑controlling interests are presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the presentation of net income attributes earnings to controlling and non‑controlling interests. When we consolidate VIEs, beneficial interests payable to third parties are reflected as liabilities when the interests are legally issued in the form of debt.

Variable Interest Entities

We evaluate all of our interests in VIEs for consolidation. When our interests are determined to be variable interests, we assess whether we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation, defines the primary beneficiary as the party that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from the VIE which could be potentially significant. We consider our variable interests as well as any variable interests of our related parties in making this determination. Where both of these factors are present, we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary and we consolidate the VIE. Where either one of these factors is not present, we are not the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate the VIE.

To assess whether we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, we consider all facts and circumstances, including our role in establishing the VIE and our ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes first, identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and second, identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. In general, the parties that make the most significant decisions affecting the VIE or have the right to unilaterally remove those decision makers are deemed to have the power to direct the activities of a VIE.

Effective January 1, 2016, we implemented Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which specifies that the right to remove the decision maker in a VIE must be exercisable without cause for the decision maker to not be deemed the party that has the power to direct the activities of a VIE.  In connection with the implementation of this ASU, we consolidated VIE assets and VIE liabilities from CMBS trusts as of March 31, 2016 where the right to remove the Company as special servicer was not exercisable without cause.

Our implementation of the ASU also resulted in the determination that certain entities in which we hold interests, which prior to the implementation of the ASU were not considered VIEs, are now considered VIEs as the limited partners of these entities do not collectively possess (i) the right to remove the general partner without cause or (ii) the right to participate in significant decisions made by the partnership.  The application of the ASU to these particular entities did not change our respective conclusions as to whether or not they should be consolidated.  We applied the provisions of this ASU using a modified retrospective approach which does not require the restatement of prior period financial statements.  There was no cumulative-effect adjustment to equity upon adoption.  Refer to Note 15 for further discussion of the impact of our implementation of ASU 2015-02.

To assess whether we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, we consider all of our economic interests, including debt and equity investments, servicing fees, and other arrangements deemed to be variable interests in the VIE. This assessment requires that we apply judgment in determining whether these interests, in the aggregate, are considered potentially significant to the VIE. Factors considered in assessing significance include: the design of the VIE, including its capitalization structure; subordination of interests; payment priority; relative share of interests held across various classes within the VIE’s capital structure; and the reasons why the interests are held by us.

Our purchased investment securities include CMBS which are unrated and non‑investment grade rated securities issued by CMBS trusts. In certain cases, we may contract to provide special servicing activities for these CMBS trusts, or, as holder of the controlling class, we may have the right to name and remove the special servicer for these trusts. In our role as special servicer, we provide services on defaulted loans within the trusts, such as foreclosure or work‑out procedures, as permitted by the underlying contractual agreements. In exchange for these services, we receive a fee. These rights give us the ability to direct activities that could significantly impact the trust’s economic performance. However, in those instances where an unrelated third party has the right to unilaterally remove us as special servicer without cause, we do not have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the trust’s economic performance. We evaluated all of our positions in such investments for consolidation.

For securitization VIEs in which we are determined to be the primary beneficiary, all of the underlying assets, liabilities and equity of the structures are recorded on our books, and the initial investment, along with any associated unrealized holding gains and losses, are eliminated in consolidation. Similarly, the interest income earned from these structures, as well as the fees paid by these trusts to us in our capacity as special servicer, are eliminated in consolidation. Further, an allocable portion of the identified servicing intangible asset associated with the servicing fee streams, and the corresponding allocable amortization or change in fair value of the servicing intangible asset, are also eliminated in consolidation.

We perform ongoing reassessments of: (1) whether any entities previously evaluated under the majority voting interest framework have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore subject to the VIE consolidation framework, and (2) whether changes in the facts and circumstances regarding our involvement with a VIE causes our consolidation conclusion regarding the VIE to change.

We elect the fair value option for initial and subsequent recognition of the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs.  Interest income and interest expense associated with these VIEs are no longer relevant on a standalone basis because these amounts are already reflected in the fair value changes.  We have elected to present these items in a single line on our consolidated statements of operations.  The residual difference shown on our consolidated statements of operations in the line item “Change in net assets related to consolidated VIEs” represents our beneficial interest in the VIEs.

We separately present the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs as individual line items on our consolidated balance sheets.  The liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs consist solely of obligations to the bondholders of the related CMBS trusts, and are thus presented as a single line item entitled “VIE liabilities.” The assets of our consolidated securitization VIEs consist principally of loans, but at times, also include foreclosed loans which have been temporarily converted into real estate owned (“REO”).  These assets in the aggregate are likewise presented as a single line item entitled “VIE assets.”

Loans comprise the vast majority of our securitization VIE assets and are carried at fair value due to the election of the fair value option.  When an asset becomes REO, it is due to nonperformance of the loan.  Because the loan is already at fair value, the carrying value of an REO asset is also initially at fair value.  Furthermore, when we consolidate a CMBS trust, any existing REO would be consolidated at fair value.  Once an asset becomes REO, its disposition time is relatively short. As a result, the carrying value of an REO generally approximates fair value under GAAP.

In addition to sharing a similar measurement method as the loans in a CMBS trust, the securitization VIE assets as a whole can only be used to settle the obligations of the consolidated VIE.  The assets of our securitization VIEs are not individually accessible by the bondholders, which creates inherent limitations from a valuation perspective.  Also creating limitations from a valuation perspective is our role as special servicer, which provides us very limited visibility, if any, into the performing loans of a CMBS trust.

REO assets generally represent a very small percentage of the overall asset pool of a CMBS trust.  In a new issue CMBS trust there are no REO assets.  We estimate that REO assets constitute approximately 4% of our consolidated securitization VIE assets, with the remaining 96% representing loans.  However, it is important to note that the fair value of our securitization VIE assets is determined by reference to our securitization VIE liabilities as permitted under ASU 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810): Measuring the Financial Assets and the Financial Liabilities of a Consolidated Collateralized Financing Entity.  In other words, our VIE liabilities are more reliably measurable than the VIE assets, resulting in our current measurement methodology which utilizes this value to determine the fair value of our securitization VIE assets as a whole. As a result, these percentages are not necessarily indicative of the relative fair values of each of these asset categories if the assets were to be valued individually. 

Due to our accounting policy election under ASU 2014-13, separately presenting two different asset categories would result in an arbitrary assignment of value to each, with one asset category representing a residual amount, as opposed to its fair value.  However, as a pool, the fair value of the assets in total is equal to the fair value of the liabilities. 

For these reasons, the assets of our securitization VIEs are presented in the aggregate.

Fair Value Option

The guidance in ASC 825, Financial Instruments, provides a fair value option election that allows entities to make an irrevocable election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain eligible financial assets and liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is determined on an instrument by instrument basis and must be applied to an entire instrument and is irrevocable once elected. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to this guidance are required to be reported separately in our consolidated balance sheets from those instruments using another accounting method.

We have elected the fair value option for eligible financial assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization VIEs, loans held‑for‑sale originated by the Investing and Servicing Segment’s conduit platform, purchased CMBS issued by VIEs we could consolidate in the future and certain investments in marketable equity securities. The fair value elections for VIE and securitization related items were made in order to mitigate accounting mismatches between the carrying value of the instruments and the related assets and liabilities that we consolidate at fair value. The fair value elections for mortgage loans held‑for‑sale originated by the Investing and Servicing Segment’s conduit platform were made due to the short‑term nature of these instruments. The fair value elections for investments in marketable equity securities were made because the shares are listed on an exchange, which allows us to determine the fair value using a quoted price from an active market.

Fair Value Measurements

We measure our mortgage‑backed securities, derivative assets and liabilities, domestic servicing rights intangible asset and any assets or liabilities where we have elected the fair value option at fair value. When actively quoted observable prices are not available, we either use implied pricing from similar assets and liabilities or valuation models based on net present values of estimated future cash flows, adjusted as appropriate for liquidity, credit, market and/or other risk factors.

As discussed above, we measure the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization VIEs at fair value pursuant to our election of the fair value option. The securitization VIEs in which we invest are “static”; that is, no reinvestment is permitted, and there is no active management of the underlying assets. In determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the securitization VIE, we maximize the use of observable inputs over unobservable inputs. We also acknowledge that our principal market for selling CMBS assets is the securitization market where the market participant is considered to be a CMBS trust or a collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”). This methodology results in the fair value of the assets of a static CMBS trust being equal to the fair value of its liabilities. Refer to Note 20 for further discussion regarding our fair value measurements.

Business Combinations

Under ASC 805, Business Combinations, the acquirer in a business combination must recognize, with certain exceptions, the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non‑controlling interests when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. As goodwill is calculated as a residual, all goodwill of the acquired business, not just the acquirer’s share, is recognized under this “full goodwill” approach.

We apply the provisions of ASC 805 in accounting for acquisitions of real estate assets.  In doing so, we record provisional amounts for certain items as of the date of acquisition.  During the measurement period, a period which shall not exceed one year, we prospectively adjust the provisional amounts recognized to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized. 

We also apply the provisions of ASC 805 in accounting for the acquisition of a controlling interest in a previously unconsolidated entity. Such transactions are treated as a business combination achieved in stages, whereby the acquirer remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at its acquisition date fair value and recognizes the resulting gain or loss in earnings.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in banks and short‑term investments. Short‑term investments are comprised of highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in multiple financial institutions and at times these balances exceed federally insurable limits.

Loans Held‑for‑Investment and Provision for Loan Losses

Loans that are held for investment are carried at cost, net of unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts, loan fees, and origination costs as applicable, unless the loans are deemed impaired. We evaluate each loan classified as held‑for‑investment for impairment at least quarterly. In connection with this evaluation, we assess the performance of each loan and assign a risk rating based on several factors, including risk of loss, loan-to-collateral value ratio (“LTV”), collateral performance, structure, exit plan, and sponsorship. Loans are rated “1” through “5”, from less risk to greater risk, in connection with this review.

Impairment occurs when it is deemed probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. If a loan is considered to be impaired, we record an allowance through the provision for loan losses to reduce the carrying value of the loan to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s contractual effective rate or the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.

Our loans are typically collateralized by real estate. As a result, we regularly evaluate the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property, as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower. Specifically, a property’s operating results and any cash reserves are analyzed and used to assess (i) whether cash from operations is sufficient to cover the debt service requirements currently and into the future, (ii) the ability of the borrower to refinance the loan, and/or (iii) the property’s liquidation value. We also evaluate the financial wherewithal of any loan guarantors as well as the borrower’s competency in managing and operating the properties. In addition, we consider the overall economic environment, real estate sector, and geographic sub‑market in which the borrower operates. Such impairment analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management and finance personnel, who utilize various data sources, including (i) periodic financial data such as property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrower’s exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, and (iii) current credit spreads and discussions with market participants.

Loans Held‑For‑Sale

Our loans that we intend to sell or liquidate in the short‑term are classified as held‑for‑sale and are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value, unless we have elected to apply the fair value option at origination or purchase. The Investing and Servicing Segment’s conduit business originates fixed rate commercial mortgage loans for future sale to multi‑seller securitization trusts. We periodically enter into derivative financial instruments to hedge unpredictable changes in fair value of this loan portfolio, including changes resulting from both interest rates and credit quality. Because these derivatives are not designated, changes in their fair value are recorded in earnings. In order to best reflect the results of the hedged loan portfolio in earnings, we have elected the fair value option for these loans. As a result, changes in the fair value of the loans are also recorded in earnings.

Investment Securities

We designate investment securities as held‑to‑maturity, available‑for‑sale, or trading depending on our investment strategy and ability to hold such securities to maturity. Held‑to‑maturity securities where we have not elected to apply the fair value option are stated at cost plus any premiums or discounts, which are amortized or accreted through the consolidated statements of operations using the effective interest method. Securities we (i) do not hold for the purpose of selling in the near‑term, or (ii) may dispose of prior to maturity, are classified as available‑for‑sale and are carried at fair value in the accompanying financial statements. Unrealized gains or losses on available‑for‑sale securities where we have not elected the fair value option are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) in stockholders’ equity.

When the estimated fair value of a security for which we have not elected the fair value option is less than its amortized cost, we consider whether there is OTTI in the value of the security. An impairment is deemed an OTTI if (i) we intend to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis, or (iii) we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security even if we do not intend to sell the security or do not believe it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis. If the impairment is deemed to be an OTTI, the resulting accounting treatment depends on the factors causing the OTTI. If the OTTI has resulted from (i) our intention to sell the security, or (ii) our judgment that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis, an impairment loss is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between our amortized cost basis and fair value. Whereas, if the OTTI has resulted from our conclusion that we will not recover our cost basis even if we do not intend to sell the security or do not believe it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovering our cost basis, only the credit loss portion of the impairment is recorded in earnings, and the portion of the loss related to other factors, such as changes in interest rates, continues to be recognized in AOCI. Following the recognition of an OTTI through earnings, a new cost basis is established for the security. Determining whether there is an OTTI may require us to exercise significant judgment and make significant assumptions, including, but not limited to, estimated cash flows, estimated prepayments, loss assumptions, and assumptions regarding changes in interest rates.

Properties

Our properties consist of commercial real estate properties held-for-investment and are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairments, if any.  Properties consist primarily of land, buildings and improvements.  Land is not depreciated, and buildings and improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.  Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.  We review properties for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is determined by comparing the carrying amount of the property to the undiscounted future net cash flows it is expected to generate. If such carrying amount exceeds the expected undiscounted future net cash flows, we adjust the carrying amount of the property to its estimated fair value. 

Servicing Rights Intangibles

Our identifiable intangible assets include U.S. special servicing rights and, as of December 31, 2015, also included European servicing rights.  For the U.S. special servicing rights, we have elected to apply the fair value measurement method, which is necessary to conform to our election of the fair value option for measuring the assets and liabilities of the VIEs consolidated pursuant to ASC 810. For the European servicing rights, the amortization method was elected and the asset was amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income.

Lease Intangibles

In connection with our acquisition of properties, we recognized intangible lease assets and liabilities associated with certain noncancelable operating leases of the acquired properties. These intangible lease assets and liabilities include in-place lease intangible assets, favorable lease intangible assets and unfavorable lease liabilities.  In-place lease intangible assets reflect the acquired benefit of purchasing properties with in-place leases and are measured based on estimates of direct costs associated with leasing the property and lost rental income during projected lease-up and free rent periods, both of which are avoided due to the presence of in-place leases at the acquisition date. Favorable and unfavorable lease intangible assets and liabilities reflect the terms of in-place tenant leases being either favorable or unfavorable relative to market terms at the acquisition date.  The estimated fair values of our favorable and unfavorable lease assets and liabilities at the respective acquisition dates represent the discounted cash flow differential between the contractual cash flows of such leases and the estimated cash flows that comparable leases at market terms would generate. Our intangible lease assets and liabilities are recognized within intangible assets and other liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheet.  Our in-place lease intangible assets are amortized to amortization expense while our favorable and unfavorable lease intangible assets and liabilities where we are the lessor are amortized to rental income.  Favorable and unfavorable lease intangible assets and liabilities where we are the lessee are amortized to costs of rental operations, except in the case of our unfavorable lease liability associated with office space occupied by the Company, which is amortized to general and administrative expense.  Both our favorable and unfavorable lease intangible assets and liabilities are amortized over the remaining noncancelable term of the respective leases on a straight-line basis. 

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities

We own non‑controlling equity interests in various privately‑held partnerships and limited liability companies. Unless we elect the fair value option under ASC 825, we use the cost method to account for investments in which our interest is so minor that we have virtually no influence over the underlying investees. We use the equity method to account for all other non‑controlling interests in partnerships and limited liability companies. Cost method investments are initially recorded at cost and income is generally recorded when distributions are received. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of income or loss, as well as contributions made or distributions received.

Investments in unconsolidated entities are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on current plans, intended holding periods and available information at the time the analyses are prepared.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment. Goodwill at December 31, 2016 and 2015 represents the excess of the consideration paid in connection with the acquisition of LNR Property LLC (“LNR”) in April 2013 over the fair value of net assets acquired.

In testing goodwill for impairment, we follow ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, which permits a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value including goodwill. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value including goodwill, then no impairment is determined to exist for the reporting unit. However, if the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value including goodwill, we compare the fair value of that reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired with the impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We record all derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and have satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting under GAAP. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We regularly enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of our risks, even though the transactions may not qualify for, or we may not elect to pursue, hedge accounting. In such cases, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in earnings.

Generally, our derivatives are subject to master netting arrangements, though we elect to present all derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis within our consolidated balance sheets.

Convertible Senior Notes

ASC 470, Debt, requires the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion to be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. ASC 470-20 requires that the initial proceeds from the sale of these notes be allocated between a liability component and an equity component in a manner that reflects interest expense at the interest rate of similar nonconvertible debt that could have been issued by the Company at such time. The equity components of the convertible senior notes have been reflected within additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets. The resulting debt discount is being amortized over the period during which the convertible senior notes are expected to be outstanding (the maturity date) as additional non-cash interest expense.

Upon repurchase of convertible debt instruments, ASC 470-20 requires the issuer to allocate total settlement consideration, inclusive of transaction costs, amongst the liability and equity components of the instrument based on the fair value of the liability component immediately prior to repurchase.  The difference between the settlement consideration allocated to the liability component and the net carrying value of the liability component, including unamortized debt issuance costs, is recognized as gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt in our consolidated statements of operations.  The remaining settlement consideration allocated to the equity component is recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets. 

Revenue Recognition

Interest Income

Interest income on performing loans and financial instruments is accrued based on the outstanding principal amount and contractual terms of the instrument. For loans where we do not elect the fair value option, origination fees and direct loan origination costs are also recognized in interest income over the loan term as a yield adjustment using the effective interest method. When we elect the fair value option, origination fees and direct loan costs are recorded directly in income and are not deferred. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of non‑performing loans and investment securities are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method, based on expected cash flows through the expected maturity date of the investment. On at least a quarterly basis, we review and, if appropriate, make adjustments to our cash flow projections. 

We cease accruing interest on non-performing loans at the earlier of (i) the loan becoming significantly past due or (ii) management concluding that a full recovery of all interest and principal is doubtful.  Interest income on non-accrual loans in which management expects a full recovery of the loan’s outstanding principal balance is only recognized when received in cash.  If a full recovery of principal is doubtful, the cost recovery method is applied whereby any cash received is applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan.  A non-accrual loan is returned to accrual status at such time as the loan becomes contractually current and management believes all future principal and interest will be received according to the contractual loan terms.

For the majority of our RMBS, which have been purchased at a discount to par value, we do not expect to collect all amounts contractually due at the time we acquired the securities. Accordingly, we expect that a portion of the purchase discount will not be recognized as interest income, which is referred to as non‑accretable yield. This amount of non‑accretable yield may change over time based on the actual performance of these securities, their underlying collateral, actual and projected cash flow from such collateral, economic conditions and other factors. If the performance of a credit deteriorated security is more favorable than forecasted, we will generally accrete more credit discount into interest income than initially or previously expected. These adjustments are made prospectively beginning in the period subsequent to the determination that a favorable change in performance is projected. Conversely, if the performance of a credit deteriorated security is less favorable than forecasted, an other‑than‑temporary impairment may be taken, and the amount of discount accreted into income will generally be less than previously expected.

Upon the sale of loans or securities which are not accounted for pursuant to the fair value option, the excess (or deficiency) of net proceeds over the net carrying value of such loans or securities is recognized as a realized gain (loss).

Servicing Fees

We typically seek to be the special servicer on CMBS transactions in which we invest. When we are appointed to serve in this capacity, we earn special servicing fees from the related activities performed, which consist primarily of overseeing the workout of under‑performing and non‑performing loans underlying the CMBS transactions. These fees are recognized in income in the period in which the services are performed and the revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Rental Income

Rental income is recognized when earned from tenants. For leases that provide rent concessions or fixed escalations over the lease term, rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the noncancelable term of the lease.  In net lease arrangements, costs reimbursable from tenants are recognized in rental income in the period in which the related expenses are incurred as we are generally the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services for property operations.    In instances where the tenant is responsible for property maintenance and repairs and contracts and settles such costs directly with third party service providers, we do not reflect those expenses in our consolidated statement of operations as the tenant is the primary obligor.

Securitizations, Sales and Financing Arrangements

We periodically sell our financial assets, such as commercial mortgage loans, CMBS, RMBS and other assets. In connection with these transactions, we may retain or acquire senior or subordinated interests in the related assets. Gains and losses on such transactions are recognized in accordance with ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, which is based on a financial components approach that focuses on control. Under this approach, after a transfer of financial assets that meets the criteria for treatment as a sale—legal isolation, ability of transferee to pledge or exchange the transferred assets without constraint, and transferred control—an entity recognizes the financial assets it retains and any liabilities it has incurred, derecognizes the financial assets it has sold, and derecognizes liabilities when extinguished. We determine the gain or loss on sale of the assets by allocating the carrying value of the sold asset between the sold asset and the interests retained based on their relative fair values, as applicable. The gain or loss on sale is the difference between the cash proceeds from the sale and the amount allocated to the sold asset. If the sold asset is being accounted for pursuant to the fair value option, there is no gain or loss.

Deferred Financing Costs

Costs incurred in connection with debt issuance are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the respective debt agreements. In accordance with ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), effective January 1, 2016 we modified our presentation of deferred financing costs in our consolidated balance sheets to present such costs as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, rather than as a separate deferred asset as the previous guidance required. As required by this ASU, we applied this change retrospectively to our prior period consolidated balance sheet presentation.

Acquisition and Investment Pursuit Costs

Costs incurred in connection with acquiring properties, investments, loans and businesses, as well as in pursuing unsuccessful acquisitions and investments, are recorded within acquisition and investment pursuit costs in our consolidated statements of operations when incurred.  These costs reflect services performed by third parties and principally include due diligence and legal services.

Share‑based Payments

The fair value of the restricted stock (“RSAs”) or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted is recorded as expense on a straight‑line basis over the vesting period for the award, with an offsetting increase in stockholders’ equity. For grants to employees and directors, the fair value is determined based upon the stock price on the grant date. For non‑employee grants, the fair value is based on the stock price when the shares vest, which requires the amount to be adjusted in each subsequent reporting period based on the fair value of the award at the end of the reporting period until the award has vested.

Foreign Currency Translation

Our assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using foreign currency exchange rates at the end of the reporting period. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for each reporting period. The effects of translating the assets, liabilities and income of our foreign investments held by entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency are included in foreign currency gain (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations or other comprehensive income (“OCI”) for securities available-for-sale for which the fair value option has not been elected. The effects of translating the assets, liabilities and income of our foreign investments held by entities with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are included in OCI. Realized foreign currency gains and losses and changes in the value of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the determination of net income and are reported as foreign currency gain (loss) in our consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be qualified and taxed as a REIT under the Code. The Company is subject to federal income taxation at corporate rates on its REIT taxable income, however, the Company is allowed a deduction for the amount of dividends paid to its stockholders, thereby subjecting the distributed net income of the Company to taxation at the stockholder level only. The Company intends to continue to operate in a manner consistent with and to elect to be treated as a REIT for tax purposes.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, both positive and negative, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers, among other matters, estimates of expected future taxable income, nature of current and cumulative losses, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available, and the general and industry specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general economic environment in future periods.

We recognize tax positions in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination of the relevant taxing authority, based on the technical merits of the tax position. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized upon settlement. A liability is established for the differences between positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized in the financial statements and no portion of the benefit is recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. We report interest and penalties, if any, related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.

Discontinued Operations

On January 31, 2014, we completed the spin-off of our former SFR segment to our stockholders as discussed in Note 3.  In accordance with ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements, the results of the SFR segment are presented within discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Earnings Per Share

We present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts in our financial statements.  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the maximum potential dilution that could occur from (i) our share-based compensation, consisting of unvested RSUs and RSAs, (ii) shares contingently issuable to our Manager, and (iii) the “in-the-money” conversion options associated with our outstanding convertible senior notes (see further discussion in Note 18). Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation if they have an anti-dilutive effect in the period.

Nearly all of the Company’s unvested RSUs and RSAs contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends and thus are participating securities.  Due to the existence of these participating securities, the two-class method of computing EPS is required, unless another method is determined to be more dilutive. Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings are reallocated between shares of common stock and participating securities.  For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the two-class method resulted in the most dilutive EPS calculation.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, CMBS, RMBS, loan investments and interest receivable. We may place cash investments in excess of insured amounts with high quality financial institutions. We perform an ongoing analysis of credit risk concentrations in our investment portfolio by evaluating exposure to various counterparties, markets, underlying property types, contract terms, tenant mix and other credit metrics.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant and subjective estimate that we make is the projection of cash flows we expect to receive on our loans, investment securities and intangible assets, which has a significant impact on the amounts of interest income, credit losses (if any), and fair values that we record and/or disclose. In addition, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are estimated using a discounted cash flows method is significantly impacted by the rates at which we estimate market participants would discount the expected cash flows.

Reclassifications

In connection with our implementation of ASU 2015-03 discussed above, we reclassified deferred financing costs of $38.3 million and $1.4 million previously reported in other assets to secured financing agreements, net and unsecured senior notes, net, respectively, within our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.

Recent Accounting Developments

On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes key principles by which an entity determines the amount and timing of revenue recognized from customer contracts.  At issuance, the ASU was effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2016. On August 12, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date, which delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, resulting in the ASU becoming effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early application, which was not permissible under the initial effectiveness timeline, is now permissible though no earlier than as of the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2016.  Though we have not completed our assessment of this ASU, we expect to identify similar performance obligations as currently identified, therefore, we do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10) – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which impacts the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and disclosure requirements for financial instruments.  The ASU shall be applied prospectively and is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early application is not permitted. We are in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on the Company. 

On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which establishes a right-of-use model for lessee accounting which results in the recognition of most leased assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet of the lessee.  Lessor accounting was not significantly changed.  The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018 by applying a modified retrospective approach. Early application is permitted. We are in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on the Company. 

On March 14, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships, which clarifies that the change in counterparty to a derivative designated in a hedging relationship, in and of itself, would not require that the hedging relationship be de-designated for hedge accounting purposes. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) – Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, which amends existing guidance to require that in instances where an investee is transitioning from the cost method of accounting to the equity method of accounting due to an increase in ownership level or degree of influence, the investee applies the equity method of accounting prospectively from the date significant influence is obtained, whereas existing guidance requires an investee to retrospectively apply the equity method of accounting for all previous periods in which the investment was held. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On March 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in the FASB’s revenue recognition standard issued in ASU 2014-09. The ASU provides further guidance to assist an entity in the determination of whether the nature of its promise to its customer is to provide the underlying goods or services, meaning the entity is a principal, or to arrange for a third party to provide the underlying goods or services, meaning the entity is an agent.  The ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early application is permissible though no earlier than the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2016.  We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which seeks to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for associated income taxes and forfeitures. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted in any interim or annual period.  We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On April 14, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which amends guidance and illustrations in the FASB’s revenue recognition standard issued in ASU 2014-09 regarding the identification of performance obligations and the implementation guidance on licensing arrangements. The ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early application is permissible though no earlier than the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2016.  We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On June 16, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which mandates use of an “expected loss” credit model for estimating future credit losses of certain financial instruments instead of the “incurred loss” credit model that existing GAAP currently mandates.  The “expected loss” model requires the consideration of possible credit losses over the life of an instrument compared to only estimating credit losses upon the occurrence of a discrete loss event in accordance with the current “incurred loss” methodology.  The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application is permissible though no earlier than the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2018. Though we have not completed our assessment of this ASU, we expect the ASU to result in our recognition of higher levels of allowances for loan losses.  Our assessment of the estimated amount of such increases in our allowances for loan losses as a result of the ASU remains in process.

On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which seeks to reduce diversity in practice regarding how various cash receipts and payments are reported within the statement of cash flows.  The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted in any interim or annual period. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On October 24, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires that an entity recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory at the time of the transfer instead of deferring the tax consequences until the asset has been sold to an outside party, as current GAAP requires. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted in any interim or annual period. We are in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on the Company.

On October 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810) – Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control, which requires when assessing which party is the primary beneficiary in a VIE, the decision maker considers interests held by entities under common control on a proportionate basis instead of treating those interests as if they were that of the decision maker itself, as current GAAP requires.  The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted in any interim or annual period. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On November 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash, which requires that restricted cash be included as a component of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted in any interim or annual period. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On January 5, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends the definition of a business to exclude acquisitions of groups of assets where substantially all of the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets.  This ASU results in most real estate acquisitions no longer being considered business combinations and instead being accounted for as asset acquisitions.  The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017 and is applied prospectively.  Early application is permitted.  We are in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on the Company.

On January 26, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the method applied for measuring impairment in cases where goodwill is impaired.  The ASU specifies that goodwill impairment will be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying value (inclusive of goodwill) over its fair value, eliminating the requirement that all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit be remeasured individually in connection with measurement of goodwill impairment.  The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2019 and is applied prospectively.  Early application is permitted though no earlier than January 1, 2017.  We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.

On February 22, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20), which requires that all entities account for the derecognition of a business in accordance with ASC 810, including instances in which the business is considered in substance real estate.  The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early application is permitted.  We are in the process of assessing the impact this ASU will have on the Company.