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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

References to common stock in 2021 include redeemable common stock.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included. Our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2021 was derived from the audited annual financial statements but does not contain all of the footnote disclosures from the annual financial statements.

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 as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to our judgment include, but are not limited to, the adequacy of allowance for loan losses, the determination of effective yield for recognition of interest income and interest expense and recognition of stock-based compensation expense.

The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic has evolved since its onset during the first quarter of 2020, and while the global economy has begun to recover, uncertainty around future developments remain. The ongoing pandemic state has also affected global supply chains, the labor market, and inflation, which continue to impact many industries, including the collateral underlying certain of our loans. In response, the Federal Reserve has begun raising interest rates in 2022 and has indicated that it foresees further interest rate increases throughout the year. The overall impact to the global economy will depend largely on the recovery of disrupted supply chains and industries, the extent of the labor market interruptions, the result of the Federal Reserves’ policies, and other government interventions. The current and future financial, economic and capital markets environment could remain uneven, and presents uncertainty and risk with respect to the performance of our loans receivable and real estate owned, our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and ability to pay dividends.

Current Expected Credit Losses

The current expected credit loss (“CECL”) reserve required under ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326)” (“ASU 2016-13”), reflects our current estimate of potential credit losses related to our loan portfolio. The initial CECL allowance recorded on January 1, 2021 is reflected as a direct charge to retained earnings on our consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity. Subsequent changes to the CECL allowance are recognized through net income on our consolidated statements of operations. ASU 2016-13 specifies the reserve should be based on relevant information about past events, including historical loss experience, current portfolio and market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts for the duration of each respective loan.

General CECL Allowance

Our loans are typically collateralized by real estate, or in the case of mezzanine loans, by an equity interest in an entity that owns real estate. We consider key credit quality indicators in underwriting loans and estimating credit losses, including, but not limited to: the capitalization of borrowers and sponsors; the expertise of the borrowers and sponsors in a particular real estate sector and geographic market; collateral type; geographic region; use and occupancy of the property; property market value; loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio; loan amount and lien position; debt service coverage ratio; our risk rating for the same and similar loans; and prior experience with the borrower and sponsor. This information is used to assess the financial and operating capability, experience and profitability of the sponsor/borrower. Ultimate repayment of our loans is sensitive to interest rate changes, general economic conditions, liquidity, LTV ratio, existence of a liquid investment sales market for commercial properties, and availability of replacement short-term or long-term financing.

We regularly evaluate on a loan-by-loan basis, the extent and impact of any credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property, the financial and operating capability of the borrower/sponsor, the financial strength of loan guarantors, if any, and the overall economic environment, real estate sector, and geographic sub-market in which the borrower operates, at least quarterly. Such analyses are completed and reviewed by asset management personnel and evaluated by senior management, who utilize various data sources, including, to the extent available (i) periodic financial data such as property occupancy, tenant profile, rental rates, operating expenses, the borrower’s exit plan, and capitalization and discount rates, (ii) site inspections, (iii) sales and financing comparables, (iv) current credit spreads for refinancing and (v) other market data.

Given the length of our loan terms, management’s reasonable and supportable forecast period exceeds the loan terms and as such we do not need to apply a reversion method.

We have classified our loans receivable into the following categories to assess the impact of CECL:

1.
Transitional Loans
2.
Steady & Improving Loans
3.
Stabilized Loans
4.
Construction/Future Funding Loans

For our loan receivable portfolio, we, with assistance from a third-party service provider, performed a quantitative assessment of the impact of CECL using the Expected Loss (“EL”) approach and the Lifetime Loss Rate (“LLR”) method depending on the allocated category. For transitional loans, steady & improving loans and stabilized loans, we have applied an EL approach because of the consistency in assessing credit risks and estimating expected credit losses. Due to the nature of construction loans, where repayment does not depend on the operating performance of the underlying property, we have applied a LLR approach to estimate the CECL impact.

Our allowance for loan losses reflects our estimate of the current and future economic conditions that impact the performance of the commercial real estate assets securing our loans. These estimates include unemployment rates, interest rates, price indices for commercial property, and other macroeconomic factors that may influence the likelihood and magnitude of potential credit losses for

our loans during their anticipated term. We license certain macroeconomic financial forecasts to inform of its view of the potential future impact that broader economic conditions may have on our loan portfolio’s performance. The forecasts are embedded in the licensed model that we use to estimate its allowance for loan losses. Selection of these economic forecasts require significant judgment about future events that, while based on the information available to us as of the balance sheet date, are ultimately unknowable with certainty, and the actual economic conditions impacting our portfolio could vary significantly from the estimates we made for the periods presented.

Additionally, we assess the obligation to extend credit through our unfunded loan commitments over each loan’s contractual period, which is considered in the estimate of the allowance for loan losses.

We evaluate the credit quality of each of our loans receivable on an individual basis and assign a risk rating at least quarterly. We have developed a loan grading system for all of its outstanding loans receivable that are collateralized directly or indirectly by real estate. Grading criteria include as-is or as-stabilized debt yield and debt service coverage ratios, term of loan, property type, loan type and other more subjective variables that include property or collateral location, as-is or as-stabilized collateral value, market conditions, industry conditions and sponsor’s financial stability. We utilize the grading system to determine each loan’s risk of loss and to provide a determination as to whether an individual loan is impaired and whether a special loan loss allowance is necessary. Based on a 5-point scale, the loans are graded “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, which gradings are defined as follows:

 

1.
Very Low Risk
2.
Low Risk
3.
Medium Risk
4.
High Risk/Potential for Loss: A loan that has a risk of realizing a principal loss
5.
Impaired/Loss Likely: A loan that has a very high risk of realizing a principal loss or has otherwise incurred a principal loss

Specific CECL Allowance

In certain circumstances we may determine that a loan is no longer suited for the model-based approach due to its unique risk characteristics, where we have deemed the borrower/sponsor to be experiencing financial difficulty, or because the repayment of the loan’s principal is collateral-dependent. We may instead elect to employ different methods to estimate loan losses that also conform to ASU 2016-13 and related guidance. If the recovery of a loan’s principal balance is entirely collateral-dependent, we may assess such an asset individually and elect to apply a practical expedient in accordance with ASU 2016-13.

For such loan we would measure the specific allowance of each loan separately by using the fair value of the collateral or the net present value of its expected future cash flows. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the carrying value of the loan, an asset-specific allowance is created as a component of our overall allowance for loan losses (following the adoption of CECL, or as a loan loss allowance prior to the adoption of CECL). Specific allowances are equal to the excess of a loan’s carrying value to the present value of its expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate or the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if recovery of our investment is expected solely from the collateral.

If we have determined that a loan or a portion of a loan is uncollectible, we will write-off the loan through a charge to our current expected credit loss reserve based on the present value of expected future cash flows or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Significant judgment is required in determining impairment and in estimating the resulting credit loss reserve, and actual losses, if any, could materially differ from those estimates.

For additional information on our General and Specific CECL Allowance please refer to Footnote 3—"Loans Portfolio—Current Expected Credit Losses”.

Real Estate Owned (and Associated Debt)

We may assume legal title or physical possession of the underlying collateral of a defaulted loan through foreclosure. If we intend to hold, operate or develop the property for a period of at least 12 months, the asset is classified as real estate owned, net. If we intend to market a property for sale in the near subsequent term, the asset is classified as real estate held for sale. Real estate owned is initially recorded at estimated fair value and is subsequently presented net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.

Real estate assets are evaluated for indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis. Factors that we may consider in our impairment analysis include, among others: (1) significant underperformance relative to historical or anticipated operating results; (2) significant negative industry or economic trends; (3) costs necessary to extend the life or improve the real estate asset; (4) significant increase in competition; and (5) ability to hold and dispose of the real estate asset in the ordinary course of business. A real estate asset is considered impaired when the sum of estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the real estate asset over the estimated

remaining holding period is less than the carrying amount of such real estate asset. Cash flows include operating cash flows net of anticipated capital proceeds generated by the real estate asset. If the sum of such estimated cash flows are less than the fair value of the real estate, an impairment charge is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value of the real estate asset over the fair value. When determining the fair value of a real estate asset, we make certain assumptions including, but not limited to, consideration of projected operating cash flows, comparable selling prices and projected cash flows from the eventual disposition of the real estate asset based upon our estimate of a capitalization rate and discount rate.

Debt assumed in an acquisition/foreclosure of real estate is recorded at its estimated fair value at the time of the acquisition. Debt related to real estate owned is non-recourse to us.

Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and may undertake a strategy to limit these risks through the use of derivatives. We use derivatives primarily to reduce the impact that increases in interest rates will have on our floating rate liabilities, which may consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps, collars, and floors.

We recognize all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value within other assets. To determine the fair value of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions as of the balance sheet date, such as discounted cash flows and option-pricing models.

We have not designated derivatives as hedges to qualify for hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes and fluctuations in the fair value of these derivatives have been recognized currently in unrealized gain on interest rate cap in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Other Assets

Other assets include interest receivable, miscellaneous receivables, prepaid expenses, deferred tax asset (net of any valuation allowance), deposits funded relating to unclosed transactions, deferred financing costs, derivative financial instruments and repurchased shares not yet settled.

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities include interest payable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, reserves held for loans receivable and deposits.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income from loans receivable is recorded on the accrual basis based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of the loans. Recognition of fees, premiums, discounts and direct costs associated with these investments is deferred until the loan is advanced and is then amortized or accreted into interest income over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method based on expected cash flows through the expected recovery period. Income accrual may be suspended for loans when we determine that the payment of income and principal is no longer probable. Factors considered when making this determination include our assessment of the underlying collateral value, delinquency in excess of 90 days, and overall market conditions. While on non-accrual status, based on our estimation as to collectability of principal, loans are either accounted for on a cash basis, where interest income is recognized only upon actual receipt of cash, or on a cost-recovery basis, where all cash receipts reduce a loan's carrying value. If and when a loan is brought back into compliance with its contractual terms, and our Manager has determined that the borrower has demonstrated an ability and willingness to continue to make contractually required payments related to the loan, we resume accrual of interest.

Revenue from real estate owned represents revenue associated with the operations of hotel properties classified as real estate owned. Revenue from the operations of the hotel properties is recognized when guestrooms are occupied, services have been rendered or fees have been earned. Revenues are recorded net of any discounts and sales and other taxes collected from customers. Revenues consist of room sales, food and beverage sales and other hotel revenues.

Reportable Segments

We evaluate the operating performance of our investments as a whole. We previously determined that we had two operating segments and one reporting segment as a result of the foreclosure of the hotel portfolio on February 8, 2021. In the first quarter of 2022, we had a change in our Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) who determined that we evaluate the operating performance of our investments as a whole and make operating decisions accordingly. Therefore, we have one operating segment and one reporting

segment, with activities related to investing in income-producing loans collateralized by institutional quality commercial real estate. This change has been applied retrospectively to all periods presented.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the results of operations or financial position for any period presented.

 

Recent Accounting Guidance

On March 31, 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures”, (“ASU 2022-02”). The standard eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) for creditors that have adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, ("CECL"). In addition to eliminating the TDR accounting guidance, ASU 2022-02 changes existing disclosure requirements and introduces new disclosures related to certain modifications of instruments with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. During the second quarter 2022, we adopted this standard effective January 1, 2022 and determined that one modified loan with an unpaid principal balance of $87.8 million qualified for disclosure.

The FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), (“ASU 2019-12”). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. ASU 2019-12 also improves the consistent application of, and simplifies, GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2022 and the adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective upon issuance of ASU 2020-04 for contract modifications and hedging relationships on a prospective basis. We have not adopted any of the optional expedients or exceptions through June 30, 2022, but will continue to evaluate the possible adoption of any such expedients or exceptions during the effective period as circumstances evolve.