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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
For financial reporting purposes, we follow a fair value hierarchy established under GAAP that is used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. This hierarchy prioritizes relevant market inputs in order to determine an “exit price” at the measurement date, or the price at which an asset could be sold or a liability could be transferred in an orderly process that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale. Level 1 inputs are observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs are observable inputs other than quoted prices for an asset or liability that are obtained through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs (e.g., our own data or assumptions) that are used when there is little, if any, relevant market activity for the asset or liability required to be measured at fair value.
In certain cases, inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level at which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability being measured.















The following table presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded or disclosed at fair value at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, held-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value
 
$
890,623

 
$
890,623

 
$
1,341,032

 
$
1,341,032

At lower of cost or fair value
 
1,458

 
1,655

 
1,488

 
1,669

Residential loans, held-for-investment (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value
 
2,394,399

 
2,394,399

 
581,668

 
581,668

At amortized cost
 

 

 
1,474,386

 
1,381,918

Commercial loans, held-for-sale
 
165,853

 
165,853

 
166,234

 
166,234

Commercial loans, held-for-investment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At fair value
 
69,763

 
69,763

 
71,262

 
71,262

At amortized cost
 
315,715

 
321,038

 
329,431

 
334,876

Trading securities
 
116,141

 
116,141

 
111,606

 
111,606

Available-for-sale securities
 
1,041,458

 
1,041,458

 
1,267,624

 
1,267,624

MSRs
 
168,462

 
168,462

 
139,293

 
139,293

Cash and cash equivalents
 
226,426

 
226,426

 
269,730

 
269,730

Restricted cash
 
2,389

 
2,389

 
628

 
628

Accrued interest receivable
 
16,151

 
16,151

 
18,222

 
18,222

Derivative assets
 
26,252

 
26,252

 
16,417

 
16,417

REO (2)
 
4,410

 
5,081

 
4,391

 
4,703

Margin receivable (2)
 
71,392

 
71,392

 
65,374

 
65,374

FHLBC stock (2)
 
30,001

 
30,001

 
10,688

 
10,688

Guarantee asset (2)
 
6,417

 
6,417

 
7,201

 
7,201

Pledged collateral (2)
 
10,194

 
10,194

 
9,927

 
9,927

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
 
$
1,367,062

 
$
1,367,062

 
$
1,793,825

 
$
1,793,825

Accrued interest payable
 
8,291

 
8,291

 
8,502

 
8,502

Guarantee obligation
 
6,146

 
6,417

 
7,201

 
7,201

Derivative liabilities
 
54,109

 
54,109

 
58,331

 
58,331

ABS issued (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value
 
1,173,336

 
1,173,336

 

 

Amortized cost
 
88,786

 
89,231

 
1,545,119

 
1,446,605

FHLBC borrowings
 
882,122

 
882,122

 
495,860

 
495,860

Commercial secured borrowings
 
65,232

 
65,232

 
66,707

 
66,707

Convertible notes
 
492,500

 
475,700

 
492,500

 
492,188

Other long-term debt
 
139,500

 
101,138

 
139,500

 
101,835

(1)
Upon adoption of ASU 2014-13 on January 1, 2015, loans held-for-investment and ABS issued by consolidated Sequoia entities began to be recorded at fair value. See Note 3 for further discussion.
(2)
These assets are included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we elected the fair value option for $36 million and $59 million of residential subordinate securities, $33 million and $33 million of residential senior securities, $2.78 billion and $5.18 billion of residential loans (principal balance), $258 million and $350 million of commercial loans (principal balance), and $32 million and $51 million of MSRs, respectively. We anticipate electing the fair value option for all future purchases of residential loans and commercial senior loans that we intend to sell to third parties or transfer to securitizations as well as for MSRs purchased or retained from sales of residential loans.
The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are reported at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets on a recurring basis at June 30, 2015, as well as the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs used to measure fair value.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis at June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In Thousands)
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans
 
$
3,285,022

 
$

 
$
248,157

 
$
3,036,865

Commercial loans
 
235,616

 

 

 
235,616

Trading securities
 
116,141

 

 

 
116,141

Available-for-sale securities
 
1,041,458

 

 

 
1,041,458

Derivative assets
 
26,252

 
7,625

 
13,621

 
5,006

MSRs
 
168,462

 

 

 
168,462

Pledged collateral
 
10,194

 
10,194

 

 

FHLBC stock
 
30,001

 
30,001

 

 

Guarantee asset
 
6,417

 

 

 
6,417

 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
 
54,109

 
5,726

 
43,983

 
4,400

Commercial secured borrowings
 
65,232

 

 

 
65,232

ABS issued
 
1,173,336

 

 

 
1,173,336


The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Residential Loans
 
Commercial
Loans
 
Trading Securities
 
AFS
Securities
 
MSRs
 
Guarantee Asset
 
Derivatives(1)
 
Commercial Secured Borrowings
 
ABS
Issued
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance -
   December 31, 2014
$
1,677,984

 
$
237,496

 
$
111,606

 
$
1,267,624

 
$
139,293

 
$
7,201

 
$
1,119

 
$
66,707

 
$

Transfer to FVO (2)
1,370,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,302,216

Principal paydowns
(247,699
)
 
(463
)
 
(827
)
 
(61,265
)
 

 

 

 
(295
)
 
(135,799
)
Gains (losses) in net income, net
(6,661
)
 
5,640

 
(7,187
)
 
29,424

 
(3,842
)
 
(855
)
 
23,321

 
(1,204
)
 
6,498

Unrealized losses in OCI, net

 

 

 
(7,050
)
 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions
2,519,029

 
350,384

 
92,006

 
14,788

 
51,217

 

 

 

 

Sales
(2,273,308
)
 
(357,441
)
 
(79,457
)
 
(202,423
)
 
(18,206
)
 

 

 

 

Other settlements, net
(3,179
)
 

 

 
360

 

 
71

 
(23,834
)
 
24

 
421

Ending balance -
  June 30, 2015
$
3,036,865

 
$
235,616

 
$
116,141

 
$
1,041,458

 
$
168,462

 
$
6,417

 
$
606

 
$
65,232

 
$
1,173,336

(1) For the purpose of this presentation, derivative assets and liabilities, which consist of loan purchase commitments, are presented on a net basis.
(2) Upon adoption of ASU 2014-13 on January 1, 2015, loans held-for-investment in, and ABS issued by, consolidated financial entities are now recorded at fair value. See Note 3 for further discussion.
The following table presents the portion of gains or losses included in our consolidated statements of income that were attributable to Level 3 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and held at June 30, 2015 and 2014. Gains or losses incurred on assets or liabilities sold, matured, called, or fully written down during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are not included in this presentation.
Portion of Net Gains (Losses) Attributable to Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Still Held at June 30, 2015 and 2014 Included in Net Income
 
 
Included in Net Income
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans at Redwood
 
$
(7,508
)
 
$
11,755

 
$
(5,441
)
 
$
11,964

Residential loans at consolidated Sequoia entities
 
2,476

 

 
5,331

 

Commercial loans
 
(1,565
)
 
2,008

 
(56
)
 
2,008

Trading securities
 
4,601

 
(9,257
)
 
(5,254
)
 
(13,688
)
Available-for-sale securities
 

 
(264
)
 

 
(377
)
MSRs
 
21,296

 
(4,974
)
 
10,277

 
(7,236
)
Other assets - Guarantee asset
 
228

 

 
(700
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan purchase commitments
 
(3,810
)
 
1,707

 
(1,826
)
 
1,707

Commercial secured borrowing
 
2,713

 
1,759

 
1,204

 
1,759

ABS issued
 
(3,552
)
 

 
(6,498
)
 


The following table presents information on assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis at June 30, 2015. This table does not include the carrying value and gains or losses associated with the asset types below that were not recorded at fair value on our balance sheet at June 30, 2015.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis at June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (Loss) for
June 30, 2015
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(In Thousands)
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
June 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at lower of cost or fair value
 
$
1,102

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,102

 
$
1

$
1

REO
 
1,017

 

 

 
1,017

 
(170
)
(175
)

The following table presents the net gains and losses recorded in each line item of our consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
Market Valuation Gains and Losses, Net
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(In Thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Mortgage banking and investment activities, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at fair value
 
$
(3,176
)
 
$
13,994

 
$
(1,118
)
 
$
21,119

Consolidated Sequoia entities (1)
 
(684
)
 
(321
)
 
(1,777
)
 
(464
)
Residential loans held-for-investment, at Redwood
 
(5,885
)
 

 
(3,907
)
 

Commercial loans, at fair value
 
987

 
5,714

 
6,845

 
9,340

Trading securities
 
6,927

 
(8,733
)
 
(7,162
)
 
(13,164
)
Risk management derivatives, net
 
4,645

 
(12,300
)
 
(7,311
)
 
(25,108
)
Impairments on AFS securities
 

 
(264
)
 

 
(377
)
Guarantee asset
 
299

 

 
(784
)
 

Loan purchase and forward sale commitments
 
1,054

 
3,582

 
19,309

 
3,590

Other investments
 
(71
)
 

 
83

 

Total mortgage banking and investment activities, net(2)
 
$
4,096

 
$
1,672

 
$
4,178

 
$
(5,064
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSR Income (loss), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     MSRs
 
$
15,675

 
$
(5,553
)
 
$
(3,842
)
 
$
(8,265
)
     Risk management derivatives, net
 
(21,814
)
 

 
(21,814
)
 

Total MSR income (loss), net (3)
 
$
(6,139
)
 
$
(5,553
)
 
$
(25,656
)
 
$
(8,265
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total market valuation gains and losses, net
 
$
(2,043
)
 
$
(3,881
)
 
$
(21,478
)
 
$
(13,329
)

(1)
On January 1, 2015, we adopted ASU 2014-13 and began to record the assets and liabilities of consolidated Sequoia entities at fair value. This amount includes the net change in fair value of the consolidated assets and liabilities of these entities, which include residential loans held-for-investment, REO, and ABS issued. This combined amount represents the estimated change in value of our retained interests in these entities. See Note 3 for further discussion.
(2)
Mortgage banking and investment activities, net presented above does not include fee income or provisions for repurchases that is a component of mortgage banking and investment activities, net presented on our consolidated statements of income, as these amounts do not represent market valuation changes.
(3)
MSR Income (loss), net presented above does not include net fee income or provisions for repurchases that are a component of MSR Income (loss), net on our consolidated statements of income.
At June 30, 2015, our valuation policy and process had not changed from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table provides quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of our Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Fair Value Methodology for Level 3 Financial Instruments
June 30, 2015
 
Fair
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
Average
(Dollars in Thousands, except input values)
 
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jumbo fixed rate loans uncommitted to sell
 
$
1,267,521

 
IO Multiple
 
4.3 - 5.0
x
 
4.4

x
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (Annual CPR)
 
12 - 15
%
 
14

%
 
 
 
 
Senior spread to TBA price
 
$3.50 - $3.50
 
 
$
3.50

 
 
 
 
 
Subordinate spread to swap rate
 
310 - 310
bps
 
310

bps
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
5 - 5
%
 
5

%
 
 
 
 
Whole loan spread to TBA price
 
$2.90 - $4.15
 
 
$
4.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jumbo hybrid loans uncommitted to sell
 
181,279

 
Prepayment rate (Annual CPR)
 
15 - 15
%
 
15

%
 
 
 
Spread to swap rate
 
125 - 160
bps
 
129

bps
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jumbo loans committed to sell
 
350,951

 
Committed Sales Price
 
$101 - $102
 
 
$
102

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans held by consolidated Sequoia entities (1)
 
1,237,114

 
Liability price
 
N/A
 
 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loans, at lower of cost or fair value
 
1,102

 
Loss severity
 
13 - 30
%
 
20

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans, at fair value
 
235,616

 
Spread to swap rate
 
168 - 169
bps
 
168

bps
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
23 - 23
%
 
23

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading and AFS securities
 
1,157,599

 
Discount rate
 
4 - 12
%
 
6

 %
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (Annual CPR)
 
1 - 35
%
 
13

 %
 
 
 
 
Default rate
 
0 - 35
%
 
8

 %
 
 
 
 
Loss severity
 
20 - 65
%
 
34

 %
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
0 - 49
%
 
5

 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MSRs
 
168,462

 
Discount rate
 
8 - 11
%
 
10

 %
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (Annual CPR)
 
4 - 60
%
 
9

 %
 
 
 
 
Per loan annual cost to service
 
$72 - $82
 
 
$
78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Guarantee asset
 
6,417

 
Discount rate
 
11 - 11
%
 
11

%
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (Annual CPR)
 
5 - 27
%
 
12

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REO
 
1,017

 
Loss severity
 
19 - 76
%
 
55

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan purchase commitments, net (2)
 
605

 
MSR Multiple
 
0 - 4
x
 
3.0

x
 
 
 
 
Fallout rate
 
2 - 97
%
 
26

%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABS issued by consolidated Sequoia entities (1)
 
1,173,336

 
Discount rate
 
5 - 8
%
 
5

 %
 
 
 
 
Prepayment rate (Annual CPR)
 
0 - 31
%
 
13

 %
 
 
 
 
Default rate
 
0 - 12
%
 
6

 %
 
 
 
 
Loss severity
 
20 - 32
%
 
26

 %
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
0 - 69
%
 
11

 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial secured financing
 
65,232

 
Spread to swap rate
 
168 - 168
bps
 
168

bps
 
 
 
 
Credit support
 
23 - 23
%
 
23

%
(1)
Upon adoption of ASU 2014-13 on January 1, 2015, loans held-for-investment in, and ABS issued by, consolidated Sequoia entities began to be recorded at fair value. In accordance with this new guidance, the fair value of the loans in these entities were based on the fair value of the liabilities issued by these entities, which we determined were more readily observable. See Note 3 for further discussion.
(2)
For the purpose of this presentation, loan purchase commitment assets and liabilities are presented net.
Determination of Fair Value
A description of the instruments measured at fair value as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 valuation hierarchy is listed herein. We generally use both market comparable information and discounted cash flow modeling techniques to determine the fair value of our Level 3 assets and liabilities. Use of these techniques requires determination of relevant inputs and assumptions, some of which represent significant unobservable inputs as indicated in the preceding table. Accordingly, a significant increase or decrease in any of these inputs – such as anticipated credit losses, prepayment rates, interest rates, or other valuation assumptions – in isolation would likely result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
Residential loans
Estimated fair values for residential loans are determined using models that incorporate various observable inputs, including pricing information from recent securitizations and whole loan sales. Certain significant inputs in these models are considered unobservable and are therefore Level 3 in nature. Pricing inputs obtained from market securitization activity include indicative spreads to indexed TBA prices for senior RMBS and index swap rates, adjusted as necessary for current market conditions (Level 3). Pricing inputs obtained from market whole loan transaction activity include indicative spreads to indexed swap rates, adjusted as necessary for current market conditions (Level 3). Other observable inputs include Agency RMBS transactions, benchmark interest rates, and prepayment rates. These assets would generally decrease in value based upon an increase in the credit spread, prepayment speed, or credit support assumptions.
Estimated fair values for conforming loans are determined based upon quoted market prices (Level 2). Conforming loans are mortgage loans that conform to Agency guidelines. As necessary, these values are adjusted for servicing value, market conditions and liquidity.
Commercial loans
Estimated fair values for senior commercial loans held-for-sale are determined by an exit price to securitization. Certain significant inputs in the valuation analysis are Level 3 in nature. Relevant market indicators that are factored into the analyses include pricing points for current third-party Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) sales, pricing points for secondary sales of CMBS, yields for synthetic instruments that use CMBS bonds as an underlying index, indexed swap yields, credit rating agency guidance on expected credit enhancement levels for newly issued CMBS transactions, and interest rates (Level 3). In certain cases, commercial senior mortgage loans are valued based on third-party offers for the securities for purchase into securitization (Level 2). The estimated fair value of our senior commercial loans would generally decrease based upon an increase in credit spreads or required credit support.
Estimated fair values for mezzanine commercial loans are determined by both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques (Level 3). Our discounted cash flow models utilize certain significant unobservable inputs including the underwritten net operating income and debt coverage ratio assumptions and actual performance relative to those underwritten metrics as well as estimated market discount rates. An increase in market discount rates would reduce the estimated fair value of the commercial loans.
Real estate securities
Real estate securities include residential, commercial, and other asset-backed securities that are generally illiquid in nature and trade infrequently. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3 in nature, due to the lack of readily available market quotes and related inputs. For real estate securities, we utilize both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. Relevant market indicators that are factored into the analyses include bid/ask spreads, the amount and timing of credit losses, interest rates, and collateral prepayment rates. Estimated fair values are based on applying the market indicators to generate discounted cash flows (Level 3). These cash flow models use significant unobservable inputs such as a discount rate, prepayment rate, default rate, loss severity and credit support. The estimated fair value of our securities would generally decrease based upon an increase in default rates, serious delinquencies, or a decrease in prepayment rates or credit support.
As part of our securities valuation process, we request and consider indications of value from third-party securities dealers. For purposes of pricing our securities at June 30, 2015, we received dealer price indications on 81% of our securities, representing 92% of our carrying value. In the aggregate, our internal valuations of the securities for which we received dealer price indications were within 1% of the aggregate average dealer valuations. Once we receive the price indications from dealers, they are compared to other relevant market inputs, such as actual or comparable trades, and the results of our discounted cash flow analysis. In circumstances where relevant market inputs cannot be obtained, increased reliance on discounted cash flow analysis and management judgment are required to estimate fair value.
Derivative assets and liabilities
Our derivative instruments include swaps, swaptions, TBAs, financial futures, CMBX credit default index swaps, loan purchase commitments (LPCs), and forward sale commitments (FSCs). Fair values of derivative instruments are determined using quoted prices from active markets, when available, or from valuation models and are supported by valuations provided by dealers active in derivative markets. TBA and financial futures fair values are generally obtained using quoted prices from active markets (Level 1). Our derivative valuation models for swaps and swaptions require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, prepayment rates, and correlations of certain inputs. Model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment (Level 2). LPC fair values are estimated based on quoted Agency MBS prices, estimates of the fair value of the MSRs we expect to retain in the sale of the loans, and the probability that the mortgage loan will be purchased (Level 3). FSC fair values are obtained using quoted Agency prices. Model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment (Level 2).
For other derivatives, valuations are based on various factors such as liquidity, bid/ask spreads, and credit considerations for which we rely on available market inputs. In the absence of such inputs, management’s best estimate is used (Level 3).
MSRs
MSRs include the rights to service jumbo and conforming residential mortgage loans. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3, due to the nature of these instruments and the lack of readily available market quotes. These inputs include market discount rates, prepayment rates of serviced loans, and the market cost of servicing. Changes in the fair value of MSRs occur primarily due to the collection/realization of expected cash flows, as well as changes in valuation inputs and assumptions. Estimated fair values are based on applying the inputs to generate the net present value of estimated future MSR income, which is what we believe market participants would use to estimate fair value (Level 3). These discounted cash flow models utilize certain significant unobservable inputs including prepayment rate and discount rate assumptions. An increase in these unobservable inputs will reduce the estimated fair value of the MSRs.
As part of our MSR valuation process, we received a valuation estimate from a third-party valuations firm. In the aggregate, our internal valuation of the MSRs was less than 1% higher than the third-party valuation.
FHLBC Stock
Our Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) member subsidiary is required to purchase Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) stock under a borrowing agreement between our FHLBC member subsidiary and the FHLBC. Under this agreement, the stock is redeemable at face value, which represents the carrying value and fair value of the stock (Level 1).
Guarantee Asset
The guarantee asset represents the estimated fair value of cash flows we are contractually entitled to receive related to our risk sharing arrangement with Fannie Mae. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are Level 3, due to the nature of this asset and the lack of market quotes. The fair value of the guarantee asset is determined using a discounted cash flow model, for which significant inputs include prepayment rates and market discount rate (Level 3). An increase in prepayment speed or market discount rate will reduce the estimated fair value of the guarantee asset.
Pledged Collateral
Pledged collateral consists of cash and U.S. Treasury securities held by a custodian in association with certain agreements we have entered into. Treasury securities are carried at their fair value, which is determined using quoted prices in active markets
(Level 1).
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Fair values equal carrying values (Level 1).
Restricted cash
Restricted cash primarily includes interest-earning cash balances at consolidated Sequoia entities and at the Residential Resecuritization and Commercial Securitization entities for the purpose of distribution to investors and reinvestment. Due to the short-term nature of the restrictions, fair values approximate carrying values (Level 1).
Accrued interest receivable and payable
Accrued interest receivable and payable includes interest due on our assets and payable on our liabilities. Due to the short-term nature of when these interest payments will be received or paid, fair values approximate carrying values (Level 1).
REO
REO includes properties owned in satisfaction of foreclosed loans. Fair values are determined using available market quotes, appraisals, broker price opinions, comparable properties, or other indications of value (Level 3).
Margin receivable
Margin receivable reflects cash collateral we have posted with our various derivative and debt counterparties as required to satisfy margin requirements. Fair values approximate carrying values (Level 2).
Short-term debt
Short-term debt includes our credit facilities that mature within one year. As these borrowings are secured and subject to margin calls and as the rates on these borrowings reset frequently to market rates, we believe that carrying values approximate fair values (Level 2).
ABS issued
ABS issued includes asset-backed securities issued through the Sequoia, Residential Resecuritization, and Commercial Securitization entities. These instruments are generally illiquid in nature and trade infrequently. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3, due to the nature of these instruments and the lack of readily available market quotes. For ABS issued, we utilize both market comparable pricing and discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. Relevant market indicators factored into the analyses include bid/ask spreads, the amount and timing of collateral credit losses, interest rates, and collateral prepayment rates. Estimated fair values are based on applying the market indicators to generate discounted cash flows (Level 3). These liabilities would generally decrease in value (become a larger liability) if credit losses decreased or if the prepayment rate or discount rate were to increase.
FHLBC Borrowings
FHLBC borrowings include amounts borrowed from the FHLBC that are secured by residential mortgage loans. As these borrowings are secured and subject to margin calls and as the rates on these borrowings reset frequently to market rates, we believe that carrying values approximate fair values (Level 1).
Commercial secured borrowings
Commercial secured borrowings represent liabilities recognized as a result of transfers of portions of senior commercial mortgage loans to third parties that do not meet the criteria for sale treatment under GAAP and are accounted for as secured borrowings. Fair values for commercial secured borrowings are based on the fair values of the senior commercial loans associated with the borrowings (Level 3).
Convertible notes
Convertible notes include unsecured convertible and exchangeable senior notes. Fair values are determined using quoted prices in active markets (Level 2).
Trust preferred securities and subordinated notes
Estimated fair values of trust preferred securities and subordinated notes are determined using discounted cash flow analysis valuation techniques. Significant inputs in the valuation analysis are predominantly Level 3, due to the nature of these instruments and the lack of readily available market quotes. Estimated fair values are based on applying the market indicators to generate discounted cash flows (Level 3).