SPINE
STARWOODPROPERTYTRUST.COM
STARWOOD
PROPERTY
TRUST
2017
ANNUAL
REPORT
1 CLINTON STREET, BROOKLYN, NY
$280M First Mortgage
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SPINE
215 Chrystie Street (rendering), New York, NY
Woodbury Portfolio - 88 Froehlich Farm Blvd, Woodbury, NY
The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley (rendering), AZ
Atlantic Building, Philadelphia, PA
Makena Golf and Beach Club (rendering), Wailea, HI
Element Boston Seaport, (rendering) MA
Hilton Atlanta, GA
Flushing Point Plaza (rendering), NY
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Renton, WA
Paseo de la Riviera (rendering), Coral Gables, FL
BB&T Center, Charlotte, NC
Automation Parkway, San Jose, CA
Aloft Boston Seaport, MA
700 Louisiana, Houston, TX
American Dream (rendering), Bergen County, New Jersey
The Beacon at Garvies Point (rendering), Glen Cove, NY
Five Point Gateway Campus, Irvine, CA
700/800 K Street (rendering), Washington, D.C.
Project Star - Woodland Manor, Gerrards Cross, UK
Thirlestaine Park, Cheltenham, UK
The Drever, (rendering) 1401 Elm St., Dallas, TX
Tysons Metro Center, Tysons, VA
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
591 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
In the almost nine years since our inception, we are proud to have executed on what we have set out to do:
build one of the premier global diversified real estate finance companies in the world. The only certainty in
financial markets is that cycles will happen and opportunities will change. We have therefore created multiple
business lines, or ‘‘investment cylinders,’’ at Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: STWD) to enable us to deploy
capital in multiple ways to achieve our targeted investments returns at any time. If returns drop in one business
line, we can strategically redeploy capital to our other business lines and avoid being forced into investments at the
wrong time.
We believe we provide an attractive total return in an increasingly volatile world. Since over 90% of our loan
book is floating-rate, we expect to outperform as interest rates rise. Our credit-first culture is represented in the
low loan-to-value of our loan book, just 62.1% today. We have a diversified, best-in-class balance sheet, continue
to increase the duration of our asset base and believe we maintain the lowest leverage in our peer group. In 2017,
we deployed $7.3 billion in capital and significantly outperformed the Bloomberg Mortgage REIT index. Since
inception, our common stock has earned a nearly 11.5% annual total return, or a 131% cumulative total return,
and paid out over $3.7 billion in dividends to our shareholders.
Starwood Property Trust’s Evolving Strategy
Figures as of December 31, 2017, unless otherwise noted.
Size Matters:
We are the largest commercial mortgage REIT, and that affords us significant benefits of scale. We have
invested over $40 billion and taken $0 in realized loan losses since inception. That is not an accident. We use our
scale, relationships, structuring capabilities and best in class financing techniques to create double digit annual
returns for our shareholders while taking appropriate risks.
In addition to our almost 350 dedicated employees, our manager’s parent, Starwood Capital Group, has over
3,000 additional employees in 11 offices globally. Combined, we have the scale to underwrite almost any
opportunity globally, and by design do not allocate opportunities between vehicles with overlapping investment
objectives. STWD is a beneficiary of the best risk-reward loans sourced globally that meet our target return
hurdles and new businesses such as the residential mortgage finance business we incubated in 2017.
Starwood Capital Group currently has $56 billion of assets under management and, in addition to helping
STWD source investments, the most senior members of Starwood Capital Group serve on our Investment
Committee. This structure provides far more than ‘‘checks-and-balances.’’ It provides an opportunity for the
highest level of collaboration between management teams to share information, data, structuring ideas and
global market trends. Starwood Capital Group’s long term track record was recently recognized by the leading
global private real estate publication PERE by presenting the firm with numerous honors, including: Global Firm
of the Year, Global Capital Raise of the Year, North American Firm of the Year, Industry Figure of the Year and
Deal of the Year. This followed PERE’s 2016 awards in which Barry Sternlicht received the inaugural Lifetime
Achievement Award.
We consider our shareholders to be our partners, and as partners we are proud to offer you the best
disclosure in our business, both in this annual report and other communications and filings and in day-to-day
interactions. The management team at Starwood Property Trust is proud to have earned NAREIT’s Gold award
for communications and reporting excellence for the fourth straight year in 2017.
The ‘‘Right-Side’’ of our Balance Sheet:
Making the best possible credit decisions will always be the foundation of our business, but our cost of
capital will determine our ability to keep our leverage significantly below our peers while earning outsized relative
returns. Three years ago, we discussed the importance of our corporate bond rating, and stated our goal to
become an investment grade bond issuer. We have made significant progress toward that end by increasing the
size of our property segment and rotating from secured to unsecured debt.
Since the start of 2017, we have issued $1.7 billion of unsecured bonds in three separate transactions. The
bond markets, in fact, are treating us more like an investment grade company and recognize the resilience of our
diversified business model and capital structure. As an example, our February 2018 unsecured bond issuance
priced at the tightest spread for a non-investment grade unsecured bond issuance since the great financial crisis
and, more importantly, is the cheapest, most flexible debt on our balance sheet. The cost of our secured financing
lines has also declined significantly, allowing us to offset tighter loan spreads in today’s competitive lending
environment without forcing us to either increase our leverage or deviate from our credit-first culture. Being able
to offer tighter loan spreads also adds to the duration of our investment portfolio, which is important to our cash
management strategy as borrowers are less incentivized to quickly repay their loans.
Market Conditions:
As we head into a likely higher interest rate paradigm, we expect to realize the benefits from our floating rate
loan book as well as the embedded value in the long duration fixed rate debt we utilized throughout our portfolio.
Additionally, our special servicer (with nearly $10 billion of assets in special servicing today and an additional
$73 billion on which we are named special servicer) will outperform if rates rise or credit spreads deteriorate. It
is a common misperception that all REITs underperform as interest rates rise. Although agency mortgage REITs
and property REITs will face their own challenges, STWD’s business should outperform in a higher rate
environment.
Commercial real estate values were generally flat in 2017, but performance varied widely between subsectors
as is illustrated in the chart below. Understanding the drivers of value and opportunity across sectors is more
important than ever as we enter the ninth year of this economic recovery. We believe our scale, information
advantage and global footprint across all investing sectors will continue to drive relative outperformance. We
continue to favor the multi-family sector (in which we added exposure in 2017) and the office sector (which
continues to be our largest lending exposure), as we expect to see job and wage growth continue, fueled in part
by the historic tax cuts enacted at the end of 2017.
Commercial Property Price Sector Indices
Source: Green Street Advisors. Property sector indices are indexed to 100 at their ’07 peaks.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was signed into law on December 22, 2017 is likely to create significant value
for our taxable U.S. shareholders because U.S. shareholders who are individuals are generally expected to benefit
from the 20% deduction applicable to our ordinary dividends, resulting in a reduced ordinary income tax rate for
them on interest income we generate. Shareholders in the highest tax bracket will take home just under 12% more
in after-tax income than they did under prior law and that same percentage more than they will from a comparable
non-REIT investment.
The Lending Segment:
We have not veered from our mandate at inception as we continue to lend on quality properties in solid
locations with great sponsors capable of executing their business plans. By choosing the right partners and
properties and financing them in the most efficient ways, we have been able to create sustainable outsized risk
adjusted returns.
We continue to invest in the business with an eye on long-term value creation. To that point, we doubled the
size of our originations team over the last 18 months to propel us to future growth and outperformance.
Relationships and creating the best possible borrower experience matter. Ultimately, we increased our loan
volume in this, our largest business or ‘‘cylinder,’’ by 47% to nearly $5 billion in 2017. We are also proud of the
progress we made incubating our residential lending strategy over the last year, acquiring $680 million of loans.
The loans feature high coupons, high FICO scores, low LTVs and accretive levered yields and, during the
financial crisis, loans with these credit characteristics had virtually no losses. We are able to lever these loans more
efficiently than our peers to create outsized returns for our shareholders.
We view the residential lending opportunity similar to residential market we entered in 2011 and ultimately
created significant shareholder value. Those assets were ultimately spun-off to shareholders as Starwood
Waypoint Residential Trust in 2014 and merged into industry leader Invitation Homes, Inc. (NYSE: INVH). We
built STWD to opportunistically invest in underserved segments of the real estate financing markets to create
long term shareholder value and will continue to pursue these endeavors.
Figures as of December 31, 2017, unless otherwise noted. Statistics in pie chart exclude Cash & Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Other
Corporate Assets and VIE assets. Accumulated depreciation and amortization are included.
The Property Segment:
We added to our property segment in the past year and it now comprises approximately 25% of our total
assets. We expect to continue to grow and diversify this cylinder on an opportunistic basis with properties we want
to own for the long term. In addition to adding attractive yield and duration to our overall investment portfolio,
we now have significant gains in our property portfolio that are not marked on our balance sheet. Our property
portfolio also provides depreciation which may be used to reduce tax burdens and lower our required payout
ratios. Importantly, our high cash returns remaining stable for relatively long periods of time (financed with long
fixed rate debt) helps improve our bond rating, which directly correlates to our ability to borrow as cheaply as
possible.
Real Estate Investing and Servicing:
2017 was the first full year that the commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) market operated under
the risk retention rules that are mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
that went into effect in late 2016. Our CMBS portfolio continues to perform very well, and the quality of the
loans going into CMBS transactions continues to improve post-risk retention, with more investment grade loans
and lower LTVs than ever before. Additionally, our conduit originations business continues to be a steady
contributor to our bottom line, and is one of a small number of non-bank beneficiaries of risk retention rules due
to our scale and standing as a pre-eminent investor and servicer in the CMBS market.
Our servicing business remains profitable, and we have communicated for years that its contribution would
diminish over the next few years. We have worked hard to add investment cylinders to replace these earnings. We
have significant unrealized gains in the property assets we have purchased out of our servicing trusts and we
expect to continue to harvest these gains over the coming years until expected servicing revenues return.
Looking ahead:
Our scale and diversification benefit us now more than ever and we will continue to take advantage of
opportunities emerging from the increased complexity of the global real estate and financial markets. We are
poised to benefit from changing market cycles, and are proud to have earned your trust to find the best risk
adjusted investment opportunities in the global markets. While there are many new entrants in our space we
expect the market to ultimately reward STWD for our diversified business model and experienced leadership.
While the work, investments and proven results are not yet fully reflected in our valuation, we remain committed
to forging ahead to build upon our leadership position in the sector and to helping the investment community
better appreciate the value being created.
We would like to again thank our shareholders for their support, our Board of Directors for its leadership,
and all of the dedicated employees at Starwood Property Trust and Starwood Capital Group for their hard work
and expertise. We are proud of the company we have created together, and we will not rest on our laurels. We are
very excited about the opportunities in front of us in 2018 and beyond.
Yours very truly,
Barry S. Sternlicht
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Jeffrey F. DiModica, CFA
President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & EXECUTIVE TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Barry S. Sternlicht
Chairman & CEO
Starwood Capital Group & Starwood Property Trust
Barry S. Sternlicht
Chairman & CEO
Starwood Capital Group & Starwood Property Trust
Jeffrey F. DiModica, CFA
President & Managing Director
Starwood Property Trust
Rina Paniry
Chief Financial Officer
Starwood Property Trust
Andrew J. Sossen
Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel
Starwood Property Trust
Camille J. Douglas
Senior Managing Director, Acquisitions &
Capital Markets
LeFrak
Jeffrey G. Dishner
Senior Managing Director & Global Head of
Real Estate Acquisitions
Starwood Capital Group
Richard D. Bronson
Chairman
Solomon J. Kumin
Chief Executive Officer
Folger Hill Asset Management
Strauss Zelnick
Founding Partner
ZMC, L.P.
HEADQUARTERS OFFICE
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Starwood Property Trust
591 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: (203) 422-7700
www. starwoodpropertytrust.com
Zachary Tanenbaum
Starwood Property Trust
Phone: (203) 422-7788
ztanenbaum@starwood.com
TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
PO Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
Within USA, US territories & Canada - Phone: (877) 373 6374
Outside USA, US territories & Canada - Phone: (781) 575 3100
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-34436
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
591 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, Connecticut
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
27-0247747
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
06830
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (203) 422-7700
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No
As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates was $5,688,136,019 based on the reported last
sale price of our common stock on June 30, 2017. Shares of our common stock held by affiliates, which includes officers and directors of the
registrant, have been excluded from this calculation. This calculation does not reflect a determination that persons are affiliates for any other
purposes.
The number of shares of the issuer’s common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of February 21, 2018 was 261,382,135.
Documents Incorporated By Reference: The information required by Part III of this Form 10-K, to the extent not set forth herein or by
amendment, is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A on or prior to April 30, 2018.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I
Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 6. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . .
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . .
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signatures
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2
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements, including without limitation,
statements concerning our operations, economic performance and financial condition. These forward-looking statements
are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-
looking statements are developed by combining currently available information with our beliefs and assumptions and are
generally identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate” and other similar expressions. Forward-looking
statements do not guarantee future performance, which may be materially different from that expressed in, or implied by,
any such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of their respective dates.
These forward-looking statements are based largely on our current beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our
future performance taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and
expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or within our
control, and which could materially affect actual results, performance or achievements. Factors that may cause actual
results to vary from our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
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factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those set forth under the captions
“Risk Factors” and “Business”;
defaults by borrowers in paying debt service on outstanding indebtedness;
impairment in the value of real estate property securing our loans or in which we invest;
availability of mortgage origination and acquisition opportunities acceptable to us;
potential mismatches in the timing of asset repayments and the maturity of the associated financing
agreements;
national and local economic and business conditions;
general and local commercial and residential real estate property conditions;
changes in federal government policies;
changes in federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations;
increased competition from entities engaged in mortgage lending and securities investing activities;
changes in interest rates; and
the availability of, and costs associated with, sources of liquidity.
In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the results referred to in the forward-
looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K will in fact occur. Except to the extent required by
applicable law or regulation, we undertake no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any such obligation to, update or
revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated
events, changes to future results over time or otherwise.
3
Item 1. Business.
PART I
The following description of our business should be read in conjunction with the information included
elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. This discussion contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ significantly from the results
discussed in the forward-looking statements due to the factors set forth in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company” refer
to Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
General
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (“STWD” and, together with its subsidiaries, “we” or the “Company”) is a
Maryland corporation that commenced operations in August 2009, upon the completion of our initial public offering
(“IPO”). We are focused primarily on originating, acquiring, financing and managing commercial mortgage loans and
other commercial real estate debt investments, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other
commercial real estate investments in both the U.S. and Europe. We refer to the following as our target assets:
commercial real estate mortgage loans, preferred equity interests, CMBS and other commercial real estate-related debt
investments. Our target assets may also include residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), certain residential
mortgage loans, distressed or non-performing commercial loans, commercial properties subject to net leases and equity
interests in commercial real estate. As market conditions change over time, we may adjust our strategy to take advantage
of changes in interest rates and credit spreads as well as economic and credit conditions.
We have three reportable business segments as of December 31, 2017:
• Real estate lending (the “Lending Segment”)—engages primarily in originating, acquiring, financing and
managing commercial first mortgages, subordinated mortgages, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, CMBS,
RMBS, certain residential mortgage loans, and other real estate and real estate-related debt investments in
both the U.S. and Europe.
• Real estate property (the “Property Segment”)—engages primarily in acquiring and managing equity
interests in stabilized commercial real estate properties, including multi-family properties, that are held for
investment.
• Real estate investing and servicing (the “Investing and Servicing Segment”)—includes (i) a servicing
business in the U.S. that manages and works out problem assets, (ii) an investment business that selectively
acquires and manages unrated, investment grade and non-investment grade rated CMBS, including
subordinated interests of securitization and resecuritization transactions, (iii) a mortgage loan business
which originates conduit loans for the primary purpose of selling these loans into securitization
transactions, and (iv) an investment business that selectively acquires commercial real estate assets,
including properties acquired from CMBS trusts. This segment excludes the consolidation of securitization
variable interest entities (“VIEs”).
On January 31, 2014, we completed the spin-off of our former single family residential (“SFR”) segment to our
stockholders.
On April 19, 2013, we acquired the equity of LNR Property LLC (“LNR”) and certain of its subsidiaries for
$730.5 million. LNR represents our Investing and Servicing Segment.
4
We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal
corporate income tax on that portion of our net income that is distributed to stockholders if we distribute at least 90% of
our taxable income to our stockholders by prescribed dates and comply with various other requirements. We also operate
our business in a manner that will permit us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 as amended (the “Investment Company Act” or “1940 Act”).
We are organized as a holding company and conduct our business primarily through our various wholly-owned
subsidiaries. We are externally managed and advised by SPT Management, LLC (our “Manager”) pursuant to the terms
of a management agreement. Our Manager is controlled by Barry Sternlicht, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Our Manager is an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, a privately-held private equity firm founded and controlled by
Mr. Sternlicht.
Our corporate headquarters office is located at 591 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830, and
our telephone number is (203) 422-7700.
Investment Strategy
We seek to attain attractive risk-adjusted returns for our investors over the long term by sourcing and managing
a diversified portfolio of target assets, financed in a manner that is designed to deliver attractive returns across a variety
of market conditions and economic cycles. Our investment strategy focuses on a few fundamental themes:
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origination and acquisition of real estate debt assets with an implied basis sufficiently low to weather
declines in asset values;
acquisition of equity interests in commercial real estate properties that generate stable current returns,
increase the duration of our investment portfolio and provide potential for capital appreciation;
focus on real estate markets and asset classes with strong supply and demand fundamentals and/or
barriers to entry;
structuring and financing each transaction in a manner that reflects the risk of the underlying asset’s
cash flow stream and credit risk profile, and efficiently managing and maintaining the transaction’s
interest rate and currency exposures at levels consistent with management’s risk objectives;
seeking situations where our size, scale, speed, and sophistication allow us to position ourselves as a
“one-stop” lending solution for real estate owner/operators;
utilizing the skills, expertise, and contacts developed by our Manager over the past 20 plus years as
one of the premier global real estate investment managers to (i) correctly anticipate trends and identify
attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunities in U.S. and European real estate markets; and (ii)
expand and diversify our presence in various asset classes, including:
•
•
origination and acquisition of residential mortgage loans, including residential mortgage loans
sometimes referred to as “non-qualified mortgages” or “non-QMs”; and
origination and acquisition of corporate and asset-backed loans; and
5
•
utilizing the skills, expertise, and infrastructure we acquired through our acquisition of LNR, a market
leading diversified real estate investment management and loan servicing company, to expand and
diversify our presence in various segments of real estate, including:
•
•
•
•
origination of small and medium sized loan transactions ($10 million to $50 million) for both
investment and securitization/gain-on-sale;
investment in CMBS;
investment in commercial real estate; and
special servicing of commercial real estate loans in commercial real estate securitization
transactions.
In order to capitalize on the changing sets of investment opportunities that may be present in the various points
of an economic cycle, we may expand or refocus our investment strategy by emphasizing investments in different parts
of the capital structure and different sectors of real estate. Our investment strategy may be amended from time to time, if
recommended by our Manager and approved by our board of directors, without the approval of our stockholders. In
addition to our Manager making direct investments on our behalf, we may enter into joint venture, management or other
agreements with persons that have special expertise or sourcing capabilities.
Financing Strategy
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exemption
from registering under the 1940 Act, we may finance the acquisition of our target assets, to the extent available to us,
through the following methods:
•
•
•
sources of private and government sponsored financing, including long and short-term repurchase
agreements, warehouse and bank credit facilities, and mortgage loans on equity interests in commercial real
estate properties;
loan sales, syndications, and/or securitizations; and
public or private offerings of our equity and/or debt securities.
We may also utilize other sources of financing to the extent available to us.
Our Target Assets
We invest in target assets secured primarily by U.S. or European collateral. We focus primarily on originating
or opportunistically acquiring commercial mortgage whole loans, B-Notes, mezzanine loans, preferred equity and
mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”). We may invest in performing and non-performing mortgage loans and other real
estate-related loans and debt investments. We may acquire target assets through portfolio or other acquisitions. Our
Manager targets desirable markets where it has expertise in the real estate collateral underlying the assets being acquired.
Our target assets include the following types of loans and other investments with respect to commercial real estate:
• Whole mortgage loans: loans secured by a first mortgage lien on a commercial property that provide
mortgage financing to commercial property developers or owners generally having maturity dates ranging
from three to ten years;
• B-Notes: typically a privately negotiated loan that is secured by a first mortgage on a single large
commercial property or group of related properties and subordinated to an A Note secured by the same first
mortgage on the same property or group;
6
• Mezzanine loans: loans made to commercial property owners that are secured by pledges of the borrower’s
ownership interests in the property and/or the property owner, subordinate to whole mortgage loans secured
by first or second mortgage liens on the property and senior to the borrower’s equity in the property;
• Construction or rehabilitation loans: mortgage loans and mezzanine loans to finance the cost of
construction or rehabilitation of a commercial property;
• CMBS: securities that are collateralized by commercial mortgage loans, including:
•
•
•
senior and subordinated investment grade CMBS,
below investment grade CMBS, and
unrated CMBS;
• Corporate bank debt: term loans and revolving credit facilities of commercial real estate operating or
finance companies, each of which are generally secured by such companies’ assets;
• Equity: equity interests in commercial real estate properties, including commercial properties purchased
from CMBS trusts; and
• Corporate bonds: debt securities issued by commercial real estate operating or finance companies that
may or may not be secured by such companies’ assets, including:
•
•
•
investment grade corporate bonds,
below investment grade corporate bonds, and
unrated corporate bonds.
We have also invested in the following types of loans and other debt investments relating to residential real
estate:
• Non-Agency RMBS: securities collateralized by residential mortgage loans that are not guaranteed by any
U.S. Government agency or federally chartered corporation; and
• Residential mortgage loans: loans secured by a first mortgage lien on residential property.
We have also invested in the following real estate-related investments:
• Net leases: commercial properties subject to net leases, which leases typically have longer terms than
gross leases, require tenants to pay substantially all of the operating costs associated with the properties and
often have contractually specified rent increases throughout their terms
In addition, we may invest in the following real estate-related investments:
• Agency RMBS: RMBS for which a U.S. government agency or a federally chartered corporation
guarantees payments of principal and interest on the securities.
7
Business Segments
We currently operate our business in three reportable segments: the Lending Segment, the Investing and
Servicing Segment and the Property Segment. Refer to Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for our results
of operations and financial position by business segment.
Lending Segment
The following table sets forth the amount of each category of investments we owned across various property
types within our Lending Segment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Face
Amount
Carrying
Value
Asset Specific
Financing
Net
Investment
Vintage
Unlevered
Return on
Asset
177,386
545,355
29,320
177,115
545,299
25,607
December 31, 2017
First mortgages (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,839,827 $ 5,815,008 $ 2,636,881 $ 3,178,127 1989-2017
177,115 1998-2014
Subordinated mortgages . . . . . . . . .
545,299 2005-2017
Mezzanine loans (1) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25,607 1999-2017
Loans held-for-sale, fair value
option, residential . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans transferred as secured
borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance . . . . . . . . . . . .
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HTM securities (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in unconsolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
129,487 2003-2007
165,935 2013-2017
13,523
74,185
—
117,534
267,533
—
74,403
(4,330)
247,021
433,468
13,523
75,000
—
366,711
437,531
12,350
168,748 2013-2017
218
(4,330)
—
—
—
N/A
N/A
444,539
613,287
594,105
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
45,028
$ 8,077,585 $ 7,985,429 $ 3,540,672 $ 4,444,757
45,028
293,925
714,608
December 31, 2016
First mortgages (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,861,214 $ 4,845,552 $ 1,910,078 $ 2,935,474 1989-2016
274,011 1998-2015
Subordinated mortgages . . . . . . . . .
Mezzanine loans (1) . . . . . . . . . . . .
713,757 2006-2016
Loans transferred as secured
borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance . . . . . . . . . . . .
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HTM securities (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in unconsolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
215,083 2003-2007
204,449 2013-2015
12,177
35,000
—
38,832
305,531
—
35,000
(9,788)
253,915
509,980
12,177
35,000
—
399,883
515,027
11,275
278,032
713,757
—
(9,788)
4,021
—
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
30,874
$ 6,830,932 $ 6,669,499 $ 2,293,462 $ 4,376,037
30,874
N/A
6.7 %
11.8 %
11.5 %
12.5 %
6.0 %
10.0 %
5.8 %
6.4 %
11.5 %
10.7 %
10.3 %
6.0 %
(1) First mortgages include first mortgage loans and any contiguous mezzanine loan components because as a whole,
the expected credit quality of these loans is more similar to that of a first mortgage loan. The application of this
methodology resulted in mezzanine loans with carrying values of $851.1 million and $964.1 million being classified
as first mortgages as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2) CMBS held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and mandatorily redeemable preferred equity interests in commercial real estate
entities.
8
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our Lending Segment’s investment portfolio, excluding loans held-for-
sale, RMBS and other investments, had the following characteristics based on carrying values:
Collateral Property Type
Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geographic Location
North East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Midwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mid Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of December 31,
2017
2016
37.0 %
20.9 %
19.1 %
11.6 %
7.3 %
2.5 %
1.6 %
100.0 %
35.8 %
15.1 %
22.9 %
15.3 %
7.0 %
1.9 %
2.0 %
100.0 %
As of December 31,
2017
2016
31.5 %
21.6 %
12.1 %
12.6 %
12.4 %
5.1 %
4.7 %
100.0 %
37.7 %
21.5 %
8.9 %
11.6 %
9.5 %
7.3 %
3.5 %
100.0 %
Our investment process includes sourcing and screening of investment opportunities, assessing investment
suitability, conducting interest rate and prepayment analysis, evaluating cash flow and collateral performance, and
reviewing legal structure and servicer and originator information and investment structuring, as appropriate, to seek an
attractive return commensurate with the risk we are bearing. Upon identification of an investment opportunity, the
investment will be screened and monitored by us to determine its impact on maintaining our REIT qualification and our
exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. We will seek to make investments in sectors where we have strong core
competencies and believe market risk and expected performance can be reasonably quantified.
We evaluate each one of our investment opportunities based on its expected risk-adjusted return relative to the
returns available from other, comparable investments. In addition, we evaluate new opportunities based on their relative
expected returns compared to comparable positions held in our portfolio. The terms of any leverage available to us for
use in funding an investment purchase are also taken into consideration, as are any risks posed by illiquidity or
correlations with other securities in the portfolio. We also develop a macro outlook with respect to each target asset class
by examining factors in the broader economy such as gross domestic product, interest rates, unemployment rates and
availability of credit, among other things. We also analyze fundamental trends in the relevant target asset class sector to
adjust/maintain our outlook for that particular target asset class.
Our primary focus has been to build a portfolio of commercial mortgage and mezzanine loans with attractive
risk-adjusted returns by focusing on the underlying real estate fundamentals and credit analysis of the borrowers. We
continually monitor borrower performance and complete a detailed, loan-by-loan formal credit review on a quarterly
basis. The results of this review are incorporated into our quarterly assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan
losses.
9
The weighted average coupon for first mortgages and mezzanine loans held-for-investment originated and
acquired by the Lending Segment during the year ended December 31, 2017 was 6.4% and 13.7%, respectively. The
following table summarizes the activity in the Lending Segment’s loan portfolio and the associated changes in future
funding commitments associated with these loans during the year ended December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands):
Carrying
Value
Future Funding
Commitments
Balance at January 1, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,862,553 $ 1,359,443
1,430,090
Acquisitions/originations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(742,476)
Additional funding and expired commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Capitalized interest (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(318,002)
Basis of loans sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(163,676)
Loan maturities/principal repayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Discount accretion/premium amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Change in fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13,309
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Change in loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer to/from other asset classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Balance at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,246,389 $ 1,578,688
3,197,024
716,413
74,339
(52,667)
(2,641,338)
39,084
2,324
42,356
5,458
843
(1) Represents accrued interest income on loans whose terms do not require current payment of interest.
As of December 31, 2017, the Lending Segment’s loans held-for-investment and HTM securities had a
weighted-average maturity of 1.9 years, inclusive of extension options that management believes are probable of
exercise. The table below shows the carrying value expected to mature annually for our loans held-for-investment and
HTM securities (amounts in thousands, except number of investments maturing).
Number of
Investments
Maturing (1)
Carrying
Value (1)
Year of Maturity
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2027 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
115 $ 2,094,620
1,710,005
2,179,743
661,598
29,450
54,580
225,179
41,322
—
—
289 $ 6,996,497
62
69
18
3
4
17
1
—
—
% of Total
29.9 %
24.4 %
31.2 %
9.5 %
0.4 %
0.8 %
3.2 %
0.6 %
— %
— %
100.0 %
(1) Excludes loans held-for-sale, loans transferred as secured borrowings, RMBS, equity security and investments in
unconsolidated entities. Carrying value also excludes loan loss allowance.
10
Property Segment
The following table sets forth the amount of each category of investments, which are comprised of properties,
intangible lease assets and liabilities and our equity investment in four regional shopping malls (the “Retail Fund”) held
within our Property Segment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,364,806 $ 1,667,108
122,124
Lease intangibles, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
124,977
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 2,587,141 $ 1,914,209
111,631
110,704
The following table sets forth our net investment and other information regarding the Property Segment’s
properties and intangible lease assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31,
2017
2016
Office—Medical Office Portfolio . . . . . . $
Office—Ireland Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-family residential—Ireland
Carrying
Value
759,912 $
524,654
Asset
Specific
Financing
Net
Investment
488,595 $ 271,317
189,859
334,795
Weighted Average
Occupancy
Rate
93.6 %
99.4 %
Remaining
Lease Term
6.1 years
10.6 years
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18,935
12,213
6,722
100.0 %
0.3 years
Multi-family residential—Woodstar
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
616,609
409,139
207,470
98.5 %
0.5 years
Multi-family residential—DownREIT
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail—Master Lease Portfolio . . . . . . . .
Industrial—Master Lease Portfolio . . . . .
Subtotal—undepreciated carrying
value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
146,379
425,108
128,109
115,343
191,686
70,114
31,036
233,422
57,995
99.4 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
0.6 years
24.3 years
24.3 years
2,619,706
1,621,885
997,821
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(143,269)
Net carrying value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,476,437 $ 1,621,885 $ 854,552
(143,269)
—
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our Property Segment’s investment portfolio had the following geographic
characteristics based on carrying values:
Geographic Location
Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. Regions:
South East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Midwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mid-Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of December 31,
2017
2016
20.1 %
25.2 %
38.4 %
12.2 %
9.4 %
9.2 %
8.8 %
1.9 %
100.0 %
39.7 %
6.2 %
8.7 %
7.2 %
13.0 %
— %
100.0 %
Refer to Schedule III included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a detailed listing of the
properties held by the Company, including their respective geographic locations.
11
Investing and Servicing Segment
The following table sets forth the amount of each category of investments we owned within our Investing and
Servicing Segment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Face
Amount
Carrying
Value
Asset
Specific
Financing
Net
Investment
December 31, 2017
CMBS, fair value option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,131,687 $ 1,024,143 (1) $ 145,456 $
Intangible assets - servicing rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lease intangibles, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option, commercial . . . . . . . .
Loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59,005 (2)
31,000
132,456
3,796
50,759
282,675
$ 4,267,876 $ 1,583,834
878,687
59,005
—
31,000
—
66,079
66,377
3,796
—
50,759
—
199,693
82,982
$ 411,526 $ 1,172,308
N/A
N/A
132,393
3,796
N/A
N/A
December 31, 2016
CMBS, fair value option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,459,655 $
Intangible assets - servicing rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lease intangibles, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
N/A
63,065
20,442
N/A
N/A
990,570 (1) $ 206,651 $
89,320 (2)
29,676
63,279
20,442
56,376
277,612
$ 4,543,162 $ 1,527,275
783,919
89,320
—
29,676
—
30,148
33,131
20,442
—
56,376
—
186,901
90,711
$ 426,683 $ 1,100,592
(1) Includes $1.0 billion and $959.0 million of CMBS reflected in “VIE liabilities” in accordance with Accounting
Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2) Includes $28.2 million and $34.2 million of servicing rights intangibles reflected in “VIE assets” in accordance with
ASC 810 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, the Investing and Servicing Segment’s CMBS had a weighted-average expected
maturity of 6.7 years. The table below shows the CMBS carrying value expected to mature annually (amounts in
thousands, except number of investments maturing).
Year of Maturity
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2027 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of
Investments
Maturing
Carrying
Value
72,036
117 $
37,054
24
25,930
6
10,652
5
4,865
2
129,472
27
125,151
31
148,444
52
202,881
80
267,658
101
445 $ 1,024,143
% of Total
7.1 %
3.6 %
2.5 %
1.1 %
0.5 %
12.6 %
12.2 %
14.5 %
19.8 %
26.1 %
100.0 %
12
Our REIS Equity Portfolio, as defined in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, had the following
characteristics based on carrying values of $292.8 million and $283.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively:
Property Type
Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geographic Location
South East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mid Atlantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Midwest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of December 31,
2017
2016
38.5 %
37.5 %
12.5 %
7.0 %
4.5 %
100.0 %
23.9 %
45.8 %
18.1 %
7.5 %
4.7 %
100.0 %
As of December 31,
2017
2016
46.3 %
14.0 %
12.5 %
10.8 %
8.9 %
7.5 %
100.0 %
51.0 %
17.3 %
7.0 %
7.3 %
9.4 %
8.0 %
100.0 %
Regulation
Our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by state and federal governmental
authorities and may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements
and restrictions, which, among other things: (1) regulate credit granting activities; (2) establish maximum interest rates,
finance charges and other charges; (3) require disclosures to customers; (4) govern secured transactions; (5) set
collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling procedures and other trade practices; and (6) regulate
affordable housing rental activities. Although most states do not regulate commercial finance, certain states impose
limitations on interest rates and other charges and on certain collection practices and creditor remedies, and require
licensing of lenders and financiers and adequate disclosure of certain contract terms. We are also required to comply
with certain provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act that are applicable to commercial loans and the Fair Housing
Act. We intend to conduct our business so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an
investment company under the 1940 Act.
Competition
We are engaged in a competitive business. In our investment activities, we compete for opportunities with
numerous public and private investment vehicles, including financial institutions, specialty finance companies, mortgage
banks, pension funds, opportunity funds, hedge funds, insurance companies, REITs and other institutional investors, as
well as individuals. Many competitors are significantly larger than we are, have well established operating histories and
may have greater access to capital, more resources and other advantages over us. These competitors may be willing to
accept lower returns on their investments or to compromise underwriting standards and, as a result, our origination
volume and profit margins could be adversely affected.
Our Manager
We are externally managed and advised by our Manager and benefit from the personnel, relationships and
experience of our Manager’s executive team and other personnel of Starwood Capital Group. Pursuant to the terms of a
management agreement between our Manager and us, our Manager provides us with our management team and
appropriate support personnel. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between our Manager and Starwood
13
Capital Group Management, LLC, our Manager has access to the personnel and resources of Starwood Capital Group
necessary for the implementation and execution of our business strategy.
Our Manager is an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, a privately-held private equity firm founded and
controlled by Mr. Sternlicht. Starwood Capital Group has invested in most major classes of real estate, directly and
indirectly, through operating companies, portfolios of properties and single assets, including multifamily, office, retail,
hotel, residential entitled land and communities, senior housing, mixed-use and golf courses. Starwood Capital Group
invests at different levels of the capital structure, including equity, preferred equity, mezzanine debt and senior debt,
depending on the asset risk profile and return expectation.
Our Manager draws upon the experience and expertise of Starwood Capital Group’s team of professionals and
support personnel operating in eleven cities across five countries. Our Manager also benefits from Starwood Capital
Group’s dedicated asset management group operating in offices located in the U.S. and abroad. We also benefit from
Starwood Capital Group’s portfolio management, finance and administration functions, which address legal, compliance,
investor relations and operational matters, asset valuation, risk management and information technologies in connection
with the performance of our Manager’s duties.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had 312 full-time employees, the majority of which are real estate
professionals located throughout the U.S.
Taxation of the Company
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code for federal income tax purposes. We generally must
distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments and excluding any net capital gain,
in order for federal corporate income tax not to apply to our earnings that we distribute. To the extent that we satisfy this
distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate
income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the
actual amount that we pay out to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under
federal tax laws. Our qualification as a REIT also depends on our ability to meet various other requirements imposed by
the Code, which relate to organizational structure, diversity of stock ownership and certain restrictions with regard to
owned assets and categories of income. If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we will generally not be subject to U.S.
federal corporate income tax on our taxable income that is currently distributed to stockholders.
Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal excise taxes and state and local taxes on our
income and property. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income taxes at
regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and will not be able to qualify as a REIT for
four subsequent taxable years. REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements under the
Code.
We utilize taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax and to
avoid penalty for the holding of assets not qualifying as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests. Any
income associated with a TRS is fully taxable because a TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes as a domestic C
corporation based upon its net income.
See Item 1A—“Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Taxation as a REIT” for additional tax status information.
Leverage Policies
Refer to Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—
Leverage Policies.”
14
Investment Guidelines
Our board of directors has adopted the following investment guidelines:
•
•
•
•
•
our investments will be in our target assets unless otherwise approved by our board of directors;
no investment shall be made that would cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax
purposes;
no investment shall be made that would cause us or any of our subsidiaries to be required to be registered
as an investment company under the 1940 Act;
not more than 25% of our equity will be invested in any individual asset without the consent of a majority
of our independent directors; and
(a) any investment that is less than $150 million will require approval of our Chief Executive Officer; (b)
any investment that is equal to or in excess of $150 million but less than $250 million will require approval
of our Manager’s investment committee; (c) any investment that is equal to or in excess of $250 million but
less than $400 million will require approval of each of the investment committee of our board of directors
and our Manager’s investment committee; and (d) any investment that is equal to or in excess of
$400 million will require approval of each of our board of directors and our Manager’s investment
committee.
These investment guidelines may be changed from time to time by our board of directors without the approval
of our stockholders. In addition, both our Manager and our board of directors must approve any change in our
investment guidelines that would modify or expand the types of assets in which we invest.
Available Information
Our website address is www.starwoodpropertytrust.com. We make available free of charge through our website
our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to
those reports and other filings as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or
furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and also make available on our website the charters
for the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of our board of directors and our
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers,
as well as our corporate governance guidelines. Copies in print of these documents are available upon request to our
Corporate Secretary at the address indicated on the cover of this report. The information on our website is not a part of,
nor is it incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We intend to post on our website any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics or Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers that applies to our Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any element of the
code of ethics definition set forth in Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
To communicate with our board of directors electronically, we have established an e-mail address,
BoardofDirectors@stwdreit.com, to which stockholders may send correspondence to our board of directors or any such
individual directors or group or committee of directors.
15
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Risks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager
We are dependent on Starwood Capital Group, including our Manager, and their key personnel, who provide services
to us through the management agreement, and we may not find a suitable replacement for our Manager and
Starwood Capital Group if the management agreement is terminated, or for these key personnel if they leave
Starwood Capital Group or otherwise become unavailable to us.
Our Manager has significant discretion as to the implementation of our investment and operating policies and
strategies. Accordingly, we believe that our success depends to a significant extent upon the efforts, experience,
diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the officers and key personnel of our Manager. The officers and key
personnel of our Manager evaluate, negotiate, close and monitor a substantial portion of our investments; therefore, our
success depends on their continued service. The departure of any of the officers or key personnel of our Manager could
have a material adverse effect on our performance.
We offer no assurance that our Manager will remain our investment manager or that we will continue to have
access to our Manager’s officers and key personnel. The initial term of our management agreement with our Manager,
and the initial term of the investment advisory agreement between our Manager and Starwood Capital Group
Management, LLC, expired on August 17, 2012, with automatic one-year renewals thereafter; provided, however, that
our Manager may terminate the management agreement annually upon 180 days prior notice. If the management
agreement and the investment advisory agreement are terminated and no suitable replacement is found to manage us, we
may not be able to continue to execute our business plan.
There are various conflicts of interest in our relationship with Starwood Capital Group, including our Manager,
which could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders.
We are subject to conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with Starwood Capital Group, including
our Manager. Specifically, Mr. Sternlicht, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey G. Dishner, one of our
directors, and certain of our executive officers are executives of Starwood Capital Group.
Our Manager and executive officers may have conflicts between their duties to us and their duties to, and
interests in, Starwood Capital Group and its other investment funds. From time to time, one or more private investment
funds sponsored by Starwood Capital Group (collectively, “Starwood Private Real Estate Funds”) may be subject to
exclusivity provisions that require all or a portion of investment opportunities related to real estate to be allocated to such
Starwood Private Real Estate Funds rather than to us. Subject to the co-investment and allocation agreement as
described in the next paragraph, there can be no assurance that future Starwood Private Real Estate Funds would not be
subject to such exclusivity requirements and, as a result, acquire investment opportunities that would otherwise be
allocated to us. Our independent directors do not approve each co-investment made by the Starwood Private Real Estate
Fund and us unless the amount of capital we invest in the proposed co-investment otherwise requires the review and
approval of our independent directors pursuant to our investment guidelines. Pursuant to the exclusivity provisions of the
Starwood Private Real Estate Fund, our investment strategy may not include either (i) equity interests in real estate or (ii)
“near-to-medium-term loan to own” investments, in each case (of both (i) and (ii)) if such investments are expected, at
the time such investment is made, to produce an internal rate of return (“IRR”) within the target return threshold
specified in the governing documents of one or more Starwood Private Real Estate Funds. Therefore, our board of
directors does not have the flexibility to expand our investment strategy to include equity interests in real estate or “near
term loan to own” investments with such an IRR expectation.
Our Manager, Starwood Capital Group and their respective affiliates may sponsor or manage a U.S. publicly
traded investment vehicle that invests generally in real estate assets but not primarily in our “target assets” (as defined in
our co-investment and allocation agreement) (a “potential competing vehicle”). Our Manager and Starwood Capital
Group have also agreed in our co-investment and allocation agreement that for so long as the management agreement is
in effect and our Manager and Starwood Capital Group are under common control, no entity controlled by Starwood
Capital Group will sponsor or manage a potential competing vehicle or private or foreign competing vehicle unless
16
Starwood Capital Group adopts a policy that either (i) provides for the fair and equitable allocation of investment
opportunities in our “target assets” (as defined in our co-investment and allocation agreement) among all such vehicles
and us or (ii) provides us the right to co-invest with respect to any “target assets” (as defined in our co-investment and
allocation agreement) with such vehicles, in each case subject to the suitability of each investment opportunity for the
particular vehicle and us and each such vehicle’s and our availability of cash for investment. To the extent that there is
overlap between our investment program and that of a Starwood Private Real Estate Fund, a fair and equitable allocation
policy may involve a co-investment between us and such Starwood Private Real Estate Fund or a chronological rotation
between us and such Starwood Private Real Estate Fund.
Although Starwood Capital Group has adopted such an investment allocation policy, Starwood Capital Group
has some discretion as to how investment opportunities are allocated. As a result, we may either not be presented with
the opportunity to participate in these investments or may be limited in our ability to invest.
Our board of directors has adopted a policy with respect to any proposed investments by our directors or
officers or the officers of our Manager, which we refer to as the covered persons, in any of our target asset classes. This
policy provides that any proposed investment by a covered person for his or her own account in any of our target asset
classes will be permitted if the capital required for the investment does not exceed the personal investment limit. To the
extent that a proposed investment exceeds the personal investment limit, we expect that our board of directors will only
permit the covered person to make the investment (i) upon the approval of the disinterested directors or (ii) if the
proposed investment otherwise complies with terms of any other related party transaction policy our board of directors
has adopted. Subject to compliance with all applicable laws, these individuals may make investments for their own
account in our target assets which may present certain conflicts of interest not addressed by our current policies.
We pay our Manager substantial base management fees regardless of the performance of our portfolio. Our
Manager’s entitlement to a base management fee, which is not based upon performance metrics or goals, might reduce
its incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our
portfolio. This in turn could hurt both our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our
common stock.
Excluding our operating subsidiaries, we do not have any employees except for Andrew Sossen, our Chief
Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, and Rina Paniry, our
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer, whom Starwood Capital Group has seconded to us
exclusively. Mr. Sossen and Ms. Paniry are also employees of other entities affiliated with our Manager and, as a result,
are subject to potential conflicts of interest in service as our employees and as employees of such entities.
The management agreement with our Manager was not negotiated on an arm’s-length basis and may not be as
favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party and may be costly and difficult to
terminate.
Certain of our executive officers and two of our six directors are executives of Starwood Capital Group. Our
management agreement with our Manager was negotiated between related parties and its terms, including fees payable,
may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.
Termination of the management agreement with our Manager without cause is difficult and costly. Our
independent directors will review our Manager’s performance and the management fees annually and the management
agreement may be terminated annually upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors based
upon: (i) our Manager’s unsatisfactory performance that is materially detrimental to us, or (ii) a determination that the
management fees payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to our Manager’s right to prevent termination based on
unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of our independent directors.
Our Manager will be provided 180 days prior notice of any such a termination. Additionally, upon such a termination,
the management agreement provides that we will pay our Manager a termination fee equal to three times the sum of the
average annual base management fee and incentive fee received by our Manager during the prior 24-month period before
such termination, calculated as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter. These provisions may increase
the cost to us of terminating the management agreement and adversely affect our ability to terminate our Manager
17
without cause.
The initial term of our management agreement with our Manager, and the initial term of the investment
advisory agreement between our Manager and Starwood Capital Group Management, LLC, expired on August 17, 2012,
with automatic one-year renewals thereafter; provided, however, that our Manager may terminate the management
agreement annually upon 180 days prior notice. If the management agreement is terminated and no suitable replacement
is found to manage us, we may not be able to continue to execute our business plan.
Pursuant to the management agreement, our Manager does not assume any responsibility other than to render
the services called for thereunder and is not responsible for any action of our board of directors in following or declining
to follow its advice or recommendations. Our Manager maintains a contractual as opposed to a fiduciary relationship
with us. Under the terms of the management agreement, our Manager, its officers, members, personnel, any person
controlling or controlled by our Manager and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager will not be
liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for acts or
omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement, except because of acts constituting
bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their duties under the management agreement. In
addition, we have agreed to indemnify our Manager, its officers, stockholders, members, managers, directors, personnel,
any person controlling or controlled by our Manager and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager
with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts or omissions of
our Manager not constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties, performed
in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement.
The incentive fee payable to our Manager under the management agreement is payable quarterly and is based on our
core earnings and, therefore, may cause our Manager to select investments in more risky assets to increase its
incentive compensation.
Our Manager is entitled to receive incentive compensation based upon our achievement of targeted levels of
core earnings. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the opportunity to earn incentive
compensation based on core earnings may lead our Manager to place undue emphasis on the maximization of core
earnings at the expense of other criteria, such as preservation of capital, in order to achieve higher incentive
compensation. Investments with higher yield potential are generally riskier or more speculative. This could result in
increased risk to the value of our investment portfolio.
Core earnings is not a measure calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (“GAAP”) and is defined within Item 7 – Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Our conflicts of interest policy may not adequately address all of the conflicts of interest that may arise with respect to
our investment activities and also may limit the allocation of investments to us.
In order to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest with our Manager, Starwood Capital Group, any
of their affiliates or any investment vehicle sponsored or managed by Starwood Capital Group or any of its affiliates,
which we refer to as the Starwood parties, we have adopted a conflicts of interest policy to specifically address some of
the conflicts relating to our investment opportunities. Although under this policy the approval of a majority of our
independent directors is required to approve (i) any purchase of our assets by any of the Starwood parties and (ii) any
purchase by us of any assets of any of the Starwood parties, there is no assurance that this policy will be adequate to
address all of the conflicts that may arise or will address such conflicts in a manner that results in the allocation of a
particular investment opportunity to us or is otherwise favorable to us. In addition, the Starwood Private Real Estate
Fund currently, and additional competing vehicles may in the future, participate in some of our investments, possibly at a
more senior level in the capital structure of the underlying borrower and related real estate than our investment. Our
interests in such investments may also conflict with the interests of these entities in the event of a default or restructuring
of the investment. Participating investments will not be the result of arm’s length negotiations and will involve potential
conflicts between our interests and those of the other participating entities in obtaining favorable terms. Since certain of
our executives are also executives of Starwood Capital Group, the same personnel may determine the price and terms for
18
the investments for both us and these entities and there can be no assurance that any procedural protections, such as
obtaining market prices or other reliable indicators of fair value, will prevent the consideration we pay for these
investments from exceeding their fair value or ensure that we receive terms for a particular investment opportunity that
are as favorable as those available from an independent third party.
Our board of directors has approved very broad investment guidelines for our Manager and does not approve each
investment and financing decision made by our Manager unless required by our investment guidelines.
Our Manager is authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines which enable our Manager to make
investments on our behalf in a wide array of assets. Our board of directors will periodically review our investment
guidelines and our investment portfolio but will not, and will not be required to, review all of our proposed investments,
except that any investment that is equal to or in excess of $250 million but less than $400 million will require approval
of the investment committee of our board of directors and any investment that is equal to or in excess of $400 million
will require approval of our board of directors. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, our board of directors may
rely and may make investments through affiliates primarily on information provided to them by our Manager.
Furthermore, our Manager may use complex strategies, and transactions entered into by our Manager may be costly,
difficult or impossible to unwind by the time they are reviewed by our board of directors. Our Manager (or such
affiliates) has great latitude within the broad parameters of our investment guidelines in determining the types and
amounts of target assets it decides are attractive investments for us, which could result in investment returns that are
substantially below expectations or that result in losses, which would materially and adversely affect our business
operations and results. Further, decisions made and investments and financing arrangements entered into by our Manager
may not fully reflect the best interests of our stockholders.
New investments may not be profitable (or as profitable as we expect), may increase our exposure to certain
industries, may increase our exposure to interest rate, foreign currency, real estate market or credit market fluctuations,
may divert managerial attention from more profitable opportunities, and may require significant financial resources. A
change in our investment strategy may also increase any guarantee obligations we agree to incur or increase the number
of transactions we enter into with affiliates. Moreover, new investments may present risks that are difficult for us to
adequately assess, given our lack of familiarity with a particular type of investment or other reasons. The risks related to
new investments or the financing risks associated with such investments could adversely affect our results of operations,
financial condition and liquidity, and could impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Risks Related to Our Company
Our board of directors has in the past and may in the future at any time change one or more of our investment
strategy or guidelines, financing strategy or leverage policies without stockholder consent.
Our board of directors has in the past and may in the future at any time change one or more of our investment
strategy or guidelines, financing strategy or leverage policies with respect to investments, acquisitions, growth,
operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions without the consent of our stockholders, which could result in
an investment portfolio with a different risk profile. Any change in our investment strategy may increase our exposure to
interest rate risk, default risk and real estate market fluctuations. These changes could adversely affect our financial
condition, results of operations, the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our
stockholders.
We are highly dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which
may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our
stockholders.
Our business is highly dependent on communications and information systems of Starwood Capital Group. Any
failure or interruption of Starwood Capital Group’s systems could cause delays or other problems, which could have a
material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our
ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
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Terrorist attacks and other acts of violence or war may affect the real estate industry and our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 disrupted the U.S. financial markets, including the real estate
capital markets, and negatively impacted the U.S. economy in general. Any future terrorist attacks, the anticipation of
any such attacks, the consequences of any military or other response by the U.S. and its allies, and other armed conflicts
could cause consumer confidence and spending to decrease or result in increased volatility in the U.S. and worldwide
financial markets and economy. The economic impact of these events could also adversely affect the credit quality of
some of our loans and investments and the properties underlying our interests.
We may suffer losses as a result of the adverse impact of any future attacks and these losses may adversely
impact our performance and may cause the market value of our common stock to decline or be more volatile. A
prolonged economic slowdown, a recession or declining real estate values could impair the performance of our
investments and harm our financial condition and results of operations, increase our funding costs, limit our access to the
capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. We cannot predict the severity of the effect
that potential future terrorist attacks would have on us. Losses resulting from these types of events may not be fully
insurable.
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and no assurance can be given that we will be able to
make distributions to our stockholders in the future at current levels or at all.
We are generally required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our taxable income each year for us
to qualify as a REIT under the Code, which requirement we currently intend to satisfy through quarterly distributions of
all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income in such year, subject to certain adjustments. We have not established a
minimum distribution payment level, and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by a number of
factors, including the risk factors contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we have made, and anticipate
continuing to make, quarterly distributions to our stockholders, our board of directors has the sole discretion to
determine the timing, form and amount of any future distributions to our stockholders, and such determination will
depend on our earnings, our financial condition, debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification and other factors
as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We believe that a change in any one of the following
factors could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to continue to pay distributions to our
stockholders:
•
•
the profitability of the investment of the net proceeds from our equity offerings;
our ability to make profitable investments;
• margin calls or other expenses that reduce our cash flow;
•
•
defaults in our asset portfolio or decreases in the value of our portfolio; and
the fact that anticipated operating expense levels may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from
estimates.
As a result, no assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to make distributions to our stockholders
in the future or that the level of any future distributions we do make to our stockholders will achieve a market yield or
increase or even be maintained over time, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.
In addition, distributions that we make to our stockholders are generally taxable to our stockholders as ordinary
income. However, a portion of our distributions may be designated by us as long-term capital gains to the extent that
they are attributable to capital gain income recognized by us or may constitute a return of capital to the extent that they
exceed our earnings and profits as determined for tax purposes. A return of capital is not taxable, but has the effect of
reducing the basis of a stockholder’s investment in our common stock.
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Changes in accounting rules could occur at any time and could impact us in significantly negative ways that we are
unable to predict or protect against.
As has been widely publicized, the SEC, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other regulatory bodies
that establish the accounting rules applicable to us have proposed or enacted a wide array of changes to accounting rules
over the last several years. Moreover, in the future these regulators may propose additional changes that we do not
currently anticipate. Changes to accounting rules that apply to us could significantly impact our business or our reported
financial performance in negative ways that we cannot predict or protect against. We cannot predict whether any
changes to current accounting rules will occur or what impact any codified changes will have on our business, results of
operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
As a public company, we are required to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in
accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Internal control over financial reporting is complex and
may be revised over time to adapt to changes in our business or changes in applicable accounting rules. We cannot
assure you that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in the future or that a material weakness will
not be discovered with respect to a prior period for which we believe that internal controls were effective. If we are not
able to maintain or document effective internal control over financial reporting, our independent registered public
accounting firm may not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the
required dates. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a
timely basis, or may cause us to restate previously issued financial information, and thereby subject us to adverse
regulatory consequences, including sanctions or investigations by the SEC, or violations of applicable stock exchange
listing rules. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us
and the reliability of our financial statements. Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements is also likely to
suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm reports a material weakness in our internal control over
financial reporting. This could materially and adversely affect us by, for example, leading to a decline in our stock price
and impairing our ability to raise capital.
Risks Related to Sources of Financing
Our access to sources of financing may be limited and thus our ability to maximize our returns may be adversely
affected.
Our financing sources currently include our credit agreements, our master repurchase agreements, our
convertible senior notes, our senior notes, our mortgage debt on certain investment properties and common stock and
debt offerings. Subject to market conditions and availability, we may seek additional sources of financing in the form of
bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities), repurchase agreements, warehouse facilities,
structured financing arrangements, public and private equity and debt issuances and derivative instruments, in addition to
transaction or asset specific funding arrangements.
Our access to additional sources of financing will depend upon a number of factors, over which we have little
or no control, including:
•
•
•
•
•
general market conditions;
the market’s view of the quality of our assets;
the market’s perception of our growth potential;
our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions; and
the market price of the shares of our common stock.
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A dislocation and/or weakness in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect one or more private
lenders and could cause one or more of our private lenders to be unwilling or unable to provide us with financing or to
increase the costs of that financing. In addition, if regulatory capital requirements imposed on our private lenders
change, they may be required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they provide to us. In general, this could
potentially increase our financing costs and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or
price.
To the extent structured financing arrangements are unavailable, we may have to rely more heavily on
additional equity issuances, which may be dilutive to our stockholders, or on less efficient forms of debt financing that
require a larger portion of our cash flow from operations, thereby reducing funds available for our operations, future
business opportunities, cash distributions to our stockholders and other purposes. We cannot assure you that we will
have access to such equity or debt capital on favorable terms (including, without limitation, cost and term) at the desired
times, or at all, which may cause us to curtail our asset acquisition activities and/or dispose of assets, which could
negatively affect our results of operations.
Our significant indebtedness subjects us to increased risk of loss and may reduce cash available for distributions to
our stockholders.
We currently have a significant amount of indebtedness outstanding. As of December 31, 2017, our total
consolidated indebtedness was approximately $8.0 billion (excluding accounts payable, accrued expenses, other
liabilities, VIE liabilities and unfunded commitments). Our outstanding indebtedness currently includes our credit
agreements, our repurchase agreements, our convertible senior notes, our senior notes and mortgage debt on certain
investment properties. Subject to market conditions and availability, we may incur additional debt through bank credit
facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities), repurchase agreements, warehouse facilities, structured
financing arrangements, public and private debt issuances and derivative instruments, in addition to transaction or asset
specific funding arrangements. The percentage of leverage we employ will vary depending on our available capital, our
ability to obtain and access financing arrangements with lenders and the lenders’ and rating agencies’ estimate of the
stability of our investment portfolio’s cash flow. Our governing documents contain no limitation on the amount of debt
we may incur. We may significantly increase the amount of leverage we utilize at any time without approval of our
board of directors. However, under our current repurchase agreements and bank credit facilities, our total leverage may
not exceed 75% of total assets (as defined therein), as adjusted to remove the impact of bona-fide loan sales that are
accounted for as financings and the consolidation of VIEs pursuant to GAAP. Moreover, the respective indentures
governing our senior notes contain covenants that, subject to a number of exceptions and adjustments, among other
things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and require that we maintain total unencumbered assets (as
defined therein) of not less than 120% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding unsecured indebtedness (as
defined therein). In addition, we may leverage individual assets at substantially higher levels. Incurring substantial debt
subjects us to many risks that, if realized, would materially and adversely affect us, including the risk that:
•
our cash flow from operations may be insufficient to make required payments of principal of and interest on the
debt or we may fail to comply with all of the other covenants contained in the debt, which is likely to result in
(i) acceleration of such debt (and any other debt containing a cross-default or cross-acceleration provision) that
we may be unable to repay from internal funds or to refinance on favorable terms, or at all, (ii) our inability to
borrow unused amounts under our financing arrangements, even if we are current in payments on borrowings
under those arrangements, and/or (iii) the loss of some or all of our assets to foreclosure or sale;
•
our debt may increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions with no assurance that
investment yields will increase with higher financing costs;
• we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt,
thereby reducing funds available for operations, future business opportunities, stockholder distributions or other
purposes; and
• we may not be able to refinance debt that matures prior to the investment it was used to finance on favorable
terms, or at all.
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We are subject to margin calls from our lenders under our credit facilities.
Subject to certain conditions, the lenders under our credit facilities retain the sole discretion over the market
value of loans and/or securities that serve as collateral for the borrowings under our credit facilities for purposes of
determining whether we are required to pay margin to such lenders.
Interest rate fluctuations could significantly decrease our results of operations and cash flows and the market value
of our investments.
Our primary interest rate exposures relate to the following:
•
•
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•
•
•
changes in interest rates may affect the yield on our investments and the financing cost of our debt, as well as
the performance of our interest rate swaps that we utilize for hedging purposes, which could result in operating
losses for us should interest expense exceed interest income;
declines in interest rates may reduce the yield on existing floating rate assets and/or the yield on prospective
investments;
changes in the level of interest rates may affect our ability to source investments;
increases in the level of interest rates may negatively impact the value of our investments and our ability to
realize gains from the disposition of assets;
increases in the level of interest rates may (x) increase the credit risk of our assets by negatively impacting the
ability of our borrowers to pay debt service on our floating rate loan assets or our ability to refinance our assets
upon maturity, and (y) negatively impact the value of the real estate supporting our investments (or that we own
directly) through the impact such increases can have on property valuation capitalization rates; and
changes in interest rates and/or the differential between U.S. dollar interest rates and those of non-dollar
currencies in which we invest can adversely affect the value of our non-dollar assets and/or associated currency
hedging transactions.
Our warehouse facilities may limit our ability to acquire assets, and we may incur losses if the collateral is liquidated.
We utilize warehouse facilities pursuant to which we accumulate mortgage loans in anticipation of a
securitization financing, which assets are pledged as collateral for such facilities until the securitization transaction is
consummated. In order to borrow funds to acquire assets under any additional warehouse facilities, we expect that our
lenders thereunder would have the right to review the potential assets for which we are seeking financing. We may be
unable to obtain the consent of a lender to acquire assets that we believe would be beneficial to us and we may be unable
to obtain alternate financing for such assets. In addition, no assurance can be given that a securitization transaction
would be consummated with respect to the assets being warehoused. If the securitization is not consummated, the lender
could liquidate the warehoused collateral and we would then have to pay any amount by which the original purchase
price of the collateral assets exceeds its sale price, subject to negotiated caps, if any, on our exposure. In addition,
regardless of whether the securitization is consummated, if any of the warehoused collateral is sold before the
consummation, we would have to bear any resulting loss on the sale. No assurance can be given that we will be able to
obtain additional warehouse facilities on favorable terms, or at all.
The utilization of any of our repurchase agreements is subject to the pre-approval of the lender.
We utilize repurchase agreements to finance the purchase of certain investments. In order for us to borrow
funds under a repurchase agreement, our lender must have the right to review the potential assets for which we are
seeking financing and approve such assets in its sole discretion. Accordingly, we may be unable to obtain the consent of
a lender to finance an investment and alternate sources of financing for such asset may not exist.
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A failure to comply with restrictive covenants in our financing arrangements would have a material adverse effect on
us, and any future financings may require us to provide additional collateral or pay down debt.
We are subject to various restrictive covenants contained in our existing financing arrangements and may
become subject to additional covenants in connection with future financings. Our credit agreements contain covenants
that restrict our ability to incur additional debt or liens, make certain investments or acquisitions, merge, consolidate or
transfer or dispose of substantially all of our assets or otherwise dispose of property and assets, pay dividends and make
certain other restricted payments, change the nature of our business, or enter into transactions with affiliates. Our credit
agreements, as well as our master repurchase agreements, each requires us to maintain compliance with various financial
covenants, including a minimum tangible net worth and cash liquidity, and specified financial ratios, such as total debt to
total assets and EBITDA to fixed charges. In addition, the respective indentures governing our respective senior notes
contain covenants that, subject to a number of exceptions, adjustments and, in certain circumstances, termination
provisions, among other things: limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness; require that we maintain total
unencumbered assets (as defined therein) of not less than 120% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding
unsecured indebtedness (as defined therein); and impose certain requirements in order for us to merge or consolidate
with another person.
These covenants may limit our flexibility to pursue certain investments or incur additional debt. If we fail to
meet or satisfy any of these covenants, we would be in default under these agreements and our indebtedness could be
declared due and payable. In addition, our lenders could terminate their commitments, require the posting of additional
collateral and enforce their interests against existing collateral. We may also be subject to cross-default and acceleration
rights and, with respect to collateralized debt, the posting of additional collateral and foreclosure rights upon default.
Further, this could also make it difficult for us to satisfy the distribution requirements necessary to maintain our status as
a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Our credit agreements and master repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the loans
pledged or sold by us to the repurchase agreement counterparty or provider of the bank credit facility may decline in
value, in which case the lender may require us to provide additional collateral or to repay all or a portion of the funds
advanced. We may not have the funds available to repay our debt at that time, which would likely result in defaults
unless we are able to raise the funds from alternative sources, which we may not be able to achieve on favorable terms or
at all. Posting additional collateral would reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets. If we cannot
meet these requirements, the lender could accelerate our indebtedness, increase the interest rate on advanced funds and
terminate our ability to borrow funds from them, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and
ability to continue to implement our business plan. In addition, in the event that the lender files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, our loans may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, thus depriving us, at least
temporarily, of the benefit of these assets. Such an event could restrict our access to bank credit facilities and increase
our cost of capital.
If one or more of our Manager’s executive officers are no longer employed by our Manager, the financial institutions
providing us financing may not provide future financing to us, which could materially and adversely affect us.
If financial institutions with whom we seek to finance our investments require that one or more of our
Manager’s executives continue to serve in such capacity and if one or more of our Manager’s executives are no longer
employed by our Manager, it may constitute an event of default and the financial institution providing the arrangement
may have acceleration rights with respect to outstanding borrowings and termination rights with respect to our ability to
finance our future investments with that institution. If we are unable to obtain financing for our accelerated borrowings
and for our future investments under such circumstances, we could be materially and adversely affected.
We directly or indirectly utilize non-recourse securitizations, and such structures expose us to risks that could result
in losses to us.
We utilize non-recourse securitizations of our investments in mortgage loans to the extent consistent with the
maintenance of our REIT qualification and exemption from the Investment Company Act in order to generate cash for
funding new investments and/or to leverage existing assets. In most instances, this involves us transferring our loans to a
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special purpose securitization entity in exchange for cash. In some sale transactions, we also retain a subordinated
interest in the loans sold. The securitization of our portfolio investments might magnify our exposure to losses on those
portfolio investments because the subordinated interest we retain in the loans sold would be subordinate to the senior
interest in the loans sold, and we would, therefore, absorb all of the losses sustained with respect to a loan sold before the
owners of the senior interest experience any losses. Moreover, we cannot be assured that we will be able to access the
securitization market in the future, or be able to do so at favorable rates. The inability to consummate securitizations of
our portfolio investments to finance our investments on a long-term basis could require us to seek other forms of
potentially less attractive financing or to liquidate assets at an inopportune time or price, which could adversely affect
our performance and our ability to continue to grow our business.
We may not have the ability to raise funds on acceptable terms necessary to settle conversions of our outstanding
convertible senior notes or to purchase our outstanding convertible senior notes upon a fundamental change.
As of December 31, 2017, we had $1.0 billion in principal amount of convertible senior notes outstanding. If a
fundamental change within the meaning of our outstanding convertible senior notes occurs, holders of those notes will
have the right to require us to purchase for cash any or all of their notes. The fundamental change purchase price will
equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. In addition,
upon conversion of the convertible senior notes, we will be required to make cash payments in respect of the notes being
converted, unless we elect to settle the conversion entirely in shares of our common stock. However, we may not have
sufficient funds at the time we are required to purchase the notes surrendered therefor or to make cash payments on the
notes being converted, and we may not be able to arrange necessary financing on acceptable terms. If we were unable to
raise necessary funding on acceptable terms, our operating results and financial position could be negatively impacted if
we were required to repurchase the notes or to pay cash upon conversion.
Amendments to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) membership regulations could adversely affect us.
In July 2017, we acquired a captive insurance company that is a member of the FHLB of Chicago (the
“FHLBC”). Our subsidiary’s membership in the FHLBC provides us with access to attractive long-term collateralized
financing for residential mortgage loans. In January 2016, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) amended its
regulations governing FHLB membership, providing that captive insurance companies will no longer be eligible for
membership in the FHLB system. Our subsidiary was admitted as a member of the FHLBC prior to September 2014
and, as a result, is eligible under the amended regulations to remain a member through February 2021. There can be no
assurance that, following the termination of our subsidiary’s membership in the FHLBC in February 2021, we will be
able to replace the borrowing capacity provided by the FHLBC on terms as favorable as those received from such
institution or at all, which could adversely affect us.
Risks Related to Hedging
We enter into hedging transactions that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, part of our investment strategy involves entering into
hedging transactions that require us to fund cash payments in certain circumstances (such as the early termination of the
hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to
request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the hedging instrument). The amount due would be
equal to the unrealized loss of the open swap positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees
and charges. These economic losses will be reflected in our results of operations, and our ability to fund these
obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these
obligations could adversely impact our financial condition.
Hedging may adversely affect our earnings, which could reduce our cash available for distribution to our
stockholders.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we pursue various hedging strategies to seek to reduce our
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exposure to adverse changes in interest rates. Our hedging activity varies in scope based on the level and volatility of
interest rates, exchange rates, the types of assets held and other changing market conditions. Hedging may fail to protect
or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
interest rate, currency and/or credit hedging can be expensive and may result in us receiving less interest
income;
available interest rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is
sought;
due to a credit loss, prepayment or asset sale, the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the
related asset or liability;
the amount of income that a REIT may earn from hedging transactions (other than hedging transactions that
satisfy certain requirements of the Code or that are done through a TRS) to offset losses is limited by U.S.
federal tax provisions governing REITs;
the credit quality of the hedging counterparty owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent
that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction; and
•
the hedging counterparty owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay.
In addition, we may fail to recalculate, readjust or execute hedges in an efficient manner.
Any hedging activity in which we engage may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash
flows. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions seeking to reduce risks, unanticipated changes in interest
rates, credit spreads or currencies may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any
such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a
hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged may vary materially.
Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments
and the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the
intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.
Hedging instruments often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house,
or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities and involve risks and costs that could result in material
losses.
The cost of using hedging instruments increases as the period covered by the instrument increases and during
periods of rising and volatile interest rates. In addition, some hedging instruments involve risk because they often are not
traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign
governmental authorities. Consequently, in many cases, there are no requirements with respect to record keeping,
financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements
underlying hedging transactions may depend on compliance with applicable securities, commodity and other regulatory
requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. The business
failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction that is not cleared on a regulated
centralized clearing house will most likely result in its default. Default by a party with whom we enter into a hedging
transaction may result in the loss of unrealized profits and force us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current
market price. Although generally we will seek to reserve the right to terminate our hedging positions, it may not always
be possible to dispose of or close out a hedging position without the consent of the hedging counterparty and we may not
be able to enter into an offsetting contract in order to cover our risk. We cannot assure you that a liquid secondary
market will exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise
or expiration, which could result in significant losses.
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We may fail to qualify for, or choose not to elect, hedge accounting treatment.
We record derivative and hedging transactions in accordance with GAAP. Under these standards, we may fail
to qualify for, or choose not to elect, hedge accounting treatment for a number of reasons, including if we use
instruments that do not meet the definition of a derivative (such as short sales), we fail to satisfy hedge documentation
and hedge effectiveness assessment requirements or our instruments are not highly effective. If we fail to qualify for, or
choose not to elect, hedge accounting treatment, our operating results may be volatile because changes in the fair value
of the derivatives that we enter into may not be offset by a change in the fair value of the related hedged transaction or
item.
We enter into derivative contracts that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we enter into derivative contracts that could require us to
fund cash payments in the future under certain circumstances (e.g., the early termination of the derivative agreement
caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin
securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the derivative contract). The amount due would be equal to the
unrealized loss of the open swap positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees and
charges. These economic losses may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Our Investments
We may not be able to identify additional assets that meet our investment objective.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify additional assets that meet our investment objective, that
we will be successful in consummating any investment opportunities we identify or that one or more investments we
may make will yield attractive risk-adjusted returns. Our inability to do any of the foregoing likely would materially and
adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.
The lack of liquidity of our investments in real estate loans and investments, other than certain of our
investments in mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need or
desire arises. Many of the securities we purchase are not registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in a
prohibition against their transfer, sale, pledge or their disposition except in a transaction that is exempt from the
registration requirements of, or otherwise in accordance with, those laws. In addition, certain investments such as
B-Notes, mezzanine loans and bridge and other loans are also particularly illiquid investments due to their short life,
their potential unsuitability for securitization and/or the greater difficulty of recovery in the event of a borrower default.
As a result, many of our current investments are, and our future investments will be, illiquid and if we are required to
liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have
previously recorded our investments. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in
a business entity to the extent that we or our Manager has or could be attributed with material non-public information
regarding such business entity. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other
conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our investments may be concentrated and are subject to risk of default.
While we seek to diversify our portfolio of investments, we are not required to observe specific diversification
criteria, except as may be set forth in the investment guidelines adopted by our board of directors. Therefore, our
investments in our target assets may at times be concentrated in certain property types that are subject to higher risk of
foreclosure, or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations. To the extent that our
portfolio is concentrated in any one region or type of asset, downturns relating generally to such region or type of asset
may result in defaults on a number of our investments within a short time period, which may reduce our net income and
the value of our common stock and accordingly reduce our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
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Difficult conditions in the mortgage, commercial and residential real estate markets may cause us to experience
market losses related to our holdings.
Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the real estate markets, the financial markets
and the economy generally. Concerns about the real estate market, as well as inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues
and the availability and cost of credit, have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the
economy and markets going forward. The residential mortgage market has been affected by changes in the lending
landscape and there is no assurance that these conditions have stabilized or that they will not worsen. The disruption in
the residential mortgage market has an impact on new demand for homes, which weigh on future home price
performance. There is a strong correlation between home price growth rates and mortgage loan delinquencies.
Deterioration in the real estate market may cause us to experience losses related to our assets and to sell assets at a loss.
Declines in the market values of our investments may adversely affect our results of operations and credit availability,
which may reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Our preferred equity investments involve a greater risk of loss than conventional debt financing.
We make preferred equity investments. These investments involve a higher degree of risk than conventional
debt financing due to a variety of factors, including their non-collateralized nature and subordinated ranking to other
loans and liabilities of the entity in which such preferred equity is held. Accordingly, if the issuer defaults on our
investment, we would only be able to proceed against such entity in accordance with the terms of the preferred security,
and not against any property owned by such entity. Furthermore, in the event of bankruptcy or foreclosure, we would
only be able to recoup our investment after all lenders to, and other creditors of, such entity are paid in full. As a result,
we may lose all or a significant part of our investment, which could result in significant losses.
Our commercial construction lending may expose us to increased lending risks.
Our commercial construction lending may expose us to increased lending risks. At December 31, 2017, our
loan portfolio consisted of $1.0 billion of commercial real estate construction loans. Construction loans generally expose
a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than permanent commercial mortgage loans because repayment of the
loans often depends on the borrower’s ability to secure permanent “take-out” financing, which requires the successful
completion of construction and stabilization of the project, or operation of the property with an income stream sufficient
to meet operating expenses, including debt service on such replacement financing. For construction loans, increased
risks include the accuracy of the estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the estimated cost of
construction—all of which may be affected by unanticipated construction delays and cost over-runs. Such loans typically
involve an expectation that the borrower’s sponsors will contribute sufficient equity funds in order to keep the loan “in
balance,” and the sponsors’ failure or inability to meet this obligation could result in delays in construction or an
inability to complete construction. Commercial construction loans also expose the lender to additional risks of contractor
non-performance, or borrower disputes with contractors resulting in mechanic’s or materialmen’s liens on the property
and possible further delay in construction. In addition, since such loans generally entail greater risk than mortgage loans
on income producing property, we may need to increase our allowance for loan losses in the future to account for the
likely increase in probable incurred credit losses associated with such loans. Further, as the lender under a construction
loan, we may be obligated to fund all or a significant portion of the loan at one or more future dates. We may not have
the funds available at such future date(s) to meet our funding obligations under the loan. In that event, we would likely
be in breach of the loan unless we are able to raise the funds from alternative sources, which we may not be able to
achieve on favorable terms or at all. In addition, many of our construction loans have multiple lenders and if another
lender fails to fund we could be faced with the choice of either funding for that defaulting lender or suffering a delay or
protracted interruption in the progress of construction.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities and competition may limit our ability to
acquire desirable investments in our target assets and could also affect the pricing of these investment opportunities.
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities. Our profitability depends, in large part,
on our ability to acquire our target assets at attractive prices. In acquiring our target assets, we compete with a variety of
institutional investors, including other REITs, commercial and investment banks, specialty finance companies, public
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and private funds (including other funds managed by Starwood Capital Group), commercial finance and insurance
companies and other financial institutions. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably
greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Several other REITs have raised significant
amounts of capital and may have investment objectives that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition
for investment opportunities. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may
not be available to us, such as funding from the U.S. government, if we are not eligible to participate in programs
established by the U.S. government. Many of our competitors are not subject to the operating constraints associated with
REIT tax compliance or maintenance of an exemption from the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our
competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider
variety of investments and establish more relationships than we do. Furthermore, competition for investments in our
target assets may lead to the price of such assets increasing, which may further limit our ability to generate desired
returns. We cannot assure you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of this competition, desirable investments in our
target assets may be limited in the future and we may not be able to continue to take advantage of attractive investment
opportunities from time to time, as we can provide no assurance that we will be able to identify and make additional
investments that are consistent with our investment objectives.
The commercial mortgage loans we originate or acquire and the mortgage loans underlying our CMBS investments
are subject to the ability of the commercial property owner to generate net income from operating the property as well
as the risks of delinquency and foreclosure.
Commercial mortgage loans are secured by multifamily or commercial property and are subject to risks of
delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss that may be greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the
security of single-family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing
property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of such property rather than upon the existence
of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower’s
ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income-producing property can be adversely
affected by, among other things,
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tenant mix;
success of tenant businesses;
property management decisions;
property location, condition and design;
competition from comparable types of properties;
changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;
changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, including the
credit and securitization markets;
declines in regional or local real estate values;
declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates;
increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses;
costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions;
the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses;
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changes in governmental laws and regulations, including fiscal policies, zoning ordinances and environmental
legislation and the related costs of compliance; and
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acts of God, terrorist attacks, social unrest and civil disturbances.
In the event of any default under a mortgage loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss of principal to
the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the mortgage
loan, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations and limit amounts available for
distribution to our stockholders. In the event of the bankruptcy of a mortgage loan borrower, the mortgage loan to such
borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of
bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the mortgage loan will be subject to the
avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state
law. Foreclosure of a mortgage loan can be an expensive and lengthy process, which could have a substantial negative
effect on our anticipated return on the foreclosed mortgage loan.
Our investments in CMBS are generally subject to losses.
Our investments in CMBS are subject to losses. In general, losses on a mortgaged property securing a mortgage
loan included in a securitization will be borne first by the equity holder of the property, then by a cash reserve fund or
letter of credit, if any, then by the holder of a mezzanine loan or B-Note, if any, then by the “first loss” subordinated
security holder (generally, the “B-Piece” buyer) and then by the holder of a higher-rated security. In the event of default
and the exhaustion of any equity support, reserve fund, letter of credit, mezzanine loans or B-Notes, and any classes of
securities junior to those in which we invest, we will not be able to recover all of our investment in the securities we
purchase. In addition, if the underlying mortgage portfolio has been overvalued by the originator, or if the values
subsequently decline and, as a result, less collateral is available to satisfy interest and principal payments due on the
related CMBS, there would be an increased risk of loss. The prices of lower credit quality securities are generally less
sensitive to interest rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic downturns
or individual issuer developments.
Dislocations, illiquidity and volatility in the market for commercial real estate as well as the broader financial
markets could adversely affect the performance and value of commercial mortgage loans, the demand for CMBS and
the value of CMBS investments.
In recent years, the real estate and securitization markets, including the market for CMBS, as well as global
financial markets and the economy generally, experienced significant dislocations, illiquidity and volatility. We cannot
assure you that dislocations in the commercial mortgage loan market will not occur in the future.
Challenging economic conditions have affected the financial strength of many commercial, multi-family and
other tenants and have resulted in increased rent delinquencies and decreased occupancy. Economic challenges may lead
to decreased occupancy, decreased rents or other declines in income from, or the value of, commercial, multi-family and
manufactured housing community real estate.
In past years, declining commercial real estate values, coupled with tighter underwriting standards for
commercial real estate loans, prevented many commercial borrowers from refinancing their mortgages, which resulted in
increased delinquencies and defaults on commercial, multi-family and other mortgage loans. Past declines in commercial
real estate values also resulted in reduced borrower equity, further hindering borrowers’ ability to refinance in an
environment of increasingly restrictive lending standards and giving them less incentive to cure delinquencies and avoid
foreclosure. The lack of refinancing opportunities in past years has impacted and could impact in the future, in particular,
mortgage loans that do not fully amortize and on which there is a substantial balloon payment due at maturity, because
borrowers generally expect to refinance these types of loans on or prior to their maturity date. Finally, declining
commercial real estate values and the associated increases in loan-to-value ratios would result in lower recoveries on
foreclosure and an increase in losses above those that would have been realized had commercial property values
remained the same or increased. Continuing defaults, delinquencies and losses would further decrease property values,
thereby resulting in additional defaults by commercial mortgage borrowers, further credit constraints and further declines
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in property values.
If our Manager overestimates the yields or incorrectly prices the risks of our investments, we may experience losses.
Our Manager values our potential investments based on yields and risks, taking into account estimated future
losses on the mortgage loans and the underlying collateral included in the securitization’s pools, and the estimated
impact of these losses on expected future cash flows and returns. Our Manager’s loss estimates may not prove accurate,
as actual results may vary from estimates. In the event that our Manager underestimates the asset level losses relative to
the price we pay for a particular investment, we may experience losses with respect to such investment.
Real estate valuation is inherently subjective and uncertain.
The valuation of real estate and therefore the valuation of any underlying security relating to loans made by us
is inherently subjective due to, among other factors, the individual nature of each property, its location, the expected
future rental revenues from that particular property and the valuation methodology adopted. In addition, where we invest
in construction loans, initial valuations will assume completion of the project. As a result, the valuations of the real
estate assets against which we will make loans are subject to a degree of uncertainty and are made on the basis of
assumptions and methodologies that may not prove to be accurate, particularly in periods of volatility, low transaction
flow or restricted debt availability in the commercial or residential real estate markets.
Any investments in corporate bank debt and debt securities of commercial real estate operating or finance companies
are subject to the specific risks relating to the particular companies and to the general risks of investing in real
estate-related loans and securities, which may result in significant losses.
We may invest in corporate bank debt and in debt securities of commercial real estate operating or finance
companies. These investments involve special risks relating to the particular company, including its financial condition,
liquidity, results of operations, business and prospects. In particular, the debt securities are often non-collateralized and
may also be subordinated to its other obligations. We also invest in debt securities of companies that are not rated or are
rated non-investment grade by one or more rating agencies. Investments that are not rated or are rated non-investment
grade have a higher risk of default than investment grade rated assets and therefore may result in losses to us. We have
not adopted any limit on such investments.
These investments also subject us to the risks inherent with real estate-related investments, including:
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risks of delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss in the event thereof;
the dependence upon the successful operation of, and net income from, real property;
risks generally incident to interests in real property; and
risks specific to the type and use of a particular property.
These risks may adversely affect the value of our investments in commercial real estate operating and finance
companies and the ability of the issuers thereof to make principal and interest payments in a timely manner, or at all, and
could result in significant losses.
Investments in non-conforming and non-investment grade rated loans or securities involve increased risk of loss.
Many of our investments do not conform to conventional loan standards applied by traditional lenders and
either are not rated or rated as non-investment grade by the rating agencies. The non-investment grade credit ratings for
these assets typically result from the overall leverage of the loans, the lack of a strong operating history for the properties
underlying the loans, the borrowers’ credit history, the properties’ underlying cash flow or other factors. As a result,
these investments have a higher risk of default and loss than investment grade rated assets. Any loss we incur may be
significant and may reduce distributions to our stockholders and adversely affect the market value of our common stock.
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There are no limits on the percentage of unrated or non-investment grade rated assets we may hold in our investment
portfolio.
Any credit ratings assigned to our investments are subject to ongoing evaluations and revisions and we cannot assure
you that those ratings will not be downgraded.
Some of our investments are rated by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Fitch Ratings, Inc., Standard & Poor’s
Ratings Services, DBRS, Inc., Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc. or Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC. Any credit ratings
on our investments are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies, and we cannot assure you that any such
ratings will not be changed or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. If
rating agencies assign a lower-than-expected rating or reduce or withdraw, or indicate that they may reduce or withdraw,
their ratings of our investments in the future, the value of these investments could significantly decline, which would
adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio and could result in losses upon disposition or the failure of
borrowers to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.
The B-Notes that we acquire may be subject to additional risks related to the privately negotiated structure and terms
of the transaction, which may result in losses to us.
We invest in B-Notes. A B-Note is a mortgage loan typically (i) secured by a first mortgage on a single large
commercial property or group of related properties and (ii) subordinated to an A-Note secured by the same first
mortgage on the same collateral. As a result, if a borrower defaults, there may not be sufficient funds remaining for a
B-Note holder after payment to the A-Note holder. However, because each transaction is privately negotiated, B-Notes
can vary in their structural characteristics and risks. For example, the rights of holders of B-Notes to control the process
following a borrower default may vary from transaction to transaction. Further, B-Notes typically are secured by a single
property and so reflect the risks associated with significant concentration. Significant losses related to our B-Notes
would result in operating losses for us and may limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Our mezzanine loans involve greater risks of loss than senior loans secured by income-producing properties.
We invest in mezzanine loans, which sometimes take the form of subordinated loans secured by second
mortgages on the underlying property or more commonly take the form of loans secured by a pledge of the ownership
interests of either the entity owning the property or a pledge of the ownership interests of the entity that owns the interest
in the entity owning the property. These types of assets involve a higher degree of risk than long-term senior mortgage
lending secured by income-producing real property because the loan may become unsecured as a result of foreclosure by
the senior lender. In the event of a bankruptcy of the entity providing the pledge of its ownership interests as security, we
may not have full recourse to the assets of such entity, or the assets of the entity may not be sufficient to satisfy our
mezzanine loan. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower
bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt. As a result, we may not recover some or all
of our investment. In addition, mezzanine loans may have higher loan-to-value ratios than conventional mortgage loans,
resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal. Significant losses related to our
mezzanine loans would result in operating losses for us and may limit our ability to make distributions to our
stockholders.
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Bridge loans involve a greater risk of loss than traditional investment-grade mortgage loans with fully insured
borrowers.
We may acquire bridge loans secured by first lien mortgages on a property to borrowers who are typically
seeking short-term capital to be used in an acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of a property, or other short-term
liquidity needs. The typical borrower under a bridge loan has usually identified an undervalued asset that has been
under-managed and/or is located in a recovering market. If the market in which the asset is located fails to recover
according to the borrower’s projections, or if the borrower fails to improve the quality of the asset’s management and/or
the value of the asset, the borrower may not receive a sufficient return on the asset to satisfy the bridge loan, and we bear
the risk that we may not recover some or all of our initial expenditure.
In addition, borrowers usually use the proceeds of a conventional mortgage to repay a bridge loan. A bridge
loan therefore is subject to the risk of a borrower’s inability to obtain permanent financing to repay the bridge loan.
Bridge loans are also subject to risks of borrower defaults, bankruptcies, fraud, losses and special hazard losses that are
not covered by standard hazard insurance. In the event of any default under bridge loans held by us, we bear the risk of
loss of principal and non-payment of interest and fees to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the mortgage
collateral and the principal amount and unpaid interest of the bridge loan. To the extent we suffer such losses with
respect to our bridge loans, the value of our company and the price of our shares of common stock may be adversely
affected.
We purchase securities backed by subprime or alternative documentation residential mortgage loans, which are
subject to increased risks.
We own non-agency RMBS backed by collateral pools of mortgage loans that have been originated using
underwriting standards that are less restrictive than those used in underwriting “prime” mortgage loans. These lower
standards include mortgage loans made to borrowers having imperfect or impaired credit histories, mortgage loans
where the amount of the loan at origination is 80% or more of the value of the mortgaged property, mortgage loans made
to borrowers with low credit scores, mortgage loans made to borrowers who have other debt that represents a large
portion of their income and mortgage loans made to borrowers whose income is not required to be disclosed or verified.
Due to economic conditions, including increased interest rates and lower home prices, as well as aggressive lending
practices, subprime mortgage loans have in recent periods experienced increased rates of delinquency, foreclosure,
bankruptcy and loss, and they are likely to continue to experience delinquency, foreclosure, bankruptcy and loss rates
that are higher, and that may be substantially higher, than those experienced by mortgage loans underwritten in a more
traditional manner. Thus, because of the higher delinquency rates and losses associated with subprime mortgage loans
and alternative documentation (“Alt-A”) mortgage loans, the performance of non-agency RMBS backed by subprime
mortgage loans and Alt-A mortgage loans that we acquire could be correspondingly adversely affected, which could
adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and business.
We may acquire and sell from time to time residential mortgage loans, including “non-QM” loans, which may subject
us to legal, regulatory and other risks, which could adversely impact our business and financial results.
We may from time to time acquire residential mortgage loans, including residential mortgage loans sometimes
referred to as “non-qualified mortgages” or “non-QMs” that will not have the benefit of enhanced legal protections
otherwise available in connection with the origination of residential mortgage loans to a more restrictive credit standard
than just determining a borrower’s ability to repay, as further described below.
The ownership of residential mortgage loans, including non-QMs, will subject us to legal, regulatory and other
risks, including those arising under federal consumer protection laws and regulations designed to regulate residential
mortgage loan underwriting and originators’ lending processes, standards, and disclosures to borrowers. These laws and
regulations include the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (“CFPB”) TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule
(also referred to as “TRID”), the “ability-to-repay” rules (“ATR Rules”) under the Truth-in-Lending Act and “qualified
mortgage” regulations, in addition to various federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to discourage
predatory lending practices by residential mortgage loan originators. The ATR Rules specify the characteristics of a
“qualified mortgage” and two levels of presumption of compliance with the ATR Rules: a safe harbor and a rebuttable
presumption for higher priced loans. The “safe harbor” under the ATR Rules applies to a covered transaction that meets
the definition of “qualified mortgage” and is not a “higher-priced covered transaction.” For any covered transaction that
meets the definition of a “qualified mortgage” and is not a “higher-priced covered transaction,” the creditor or assignee
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will be deemed to have complied with the ability-to-repay requirement and, accordingly, will be conclusively presumed
to have made a good faith and reasonable determination of the consumer’s ability to repay. Creditors or assignees will
have the benefit of a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the applicable ATR Rules if they have complied with
the qualified mortgage characteristics of the ATR Rules other than the residential mortgage loan being higher-priced in
excess of certain thresholds. Non-QMs, such as residential mortgage loans with a debt-to-income ratio exceeding 43%,
are among the loan products that we may acquire that do not constitute qualified mortgages and, accordingly, do not
have the benefit of either a safe harbor from liability under the ATR Rules or a rebuttable presumption of compliance
with the ATR Rules. Application of certain standards set forth in the ATR Rules is highly subjective and subject to
interpretive uncertainties. As a result, a court may determine that a residential mortgage loan did not meet the standard
or test even if the originator reasonably believed such standard or test had been satisfied. Failure of residential mortgage
loan originators or servicers to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us, as an assignee or purchaser of
these loans (or as an investor in securities backed by these loans), to monetary penalties assessed by the CFPB through
its administrative enforcement authority and by mortgagors through a private right of action against lenders or as a
defense to foreclosure, including by recoupment or setoff of finance charges and fees collected, and could result in
rescission of the affected residential mortgage loans, which could adversely impact our business and financial results.
Such risks may be higher in connection with the acquisition of non-QMs. Borrowers under Non-QMs may be more
likely to challenge the analysis conducted under the ATR Rules by lenders. Even if a borrower does not succeed in the
challenge, additional costs may be incurred in connection with challenging and defending such claims, which may be
more costly in judicial foreclosure jurisdictions than in non-judicial foreclosure jurisdictions, and there may be more of a
likelihood such claims are made since the borrower is already exposed to the judicial system to process the foreclosure.
In addition, when certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries sell, finance or sponsor securitizations of residential
mortgage loans, such subsidiaries may make representations and warranties to the purchaser, the financing provider or to
other third parties regarding, among other things, certain characteristics of those assets, including characteristics sought
to be verified through underwriting and due diligence efforts. In the event of breaches of representations and warranties
with respect to any asset, such subsidiaries may be obligated to repurchase that asset or pay damages or remove that
asset from the borrowing base, as applicable, which may result in a loss. Even if representations and warranties are made
by counterparties from whom we acquired the loans, they may not parallel the representations and warranties our
subsidiaries make or may otherwise not protect us from losses, including, for example, due to the fact that the
counterparty may be insolvent or otherwise unable to make a payment at the time of a claim against such counterparty
for damages for a breach of representation or warranty.
The residential mortgage loans that we may acquire, and that underlie the RMBS we acquire, are subject to risks
particular to investments secured by mortgage loans on residential property. These risks are heightened because we
may purchase non-performing loans.
Residential mortgage loans are secured by single family residential property and are subject to risks of
delinquency and foreclosure and risks of loss. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by a residential property
typically is dependent upon the income and/or assets of the borrower. A number of factors may impair borrowers’
abilities to repay their loans, including:
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changes in the borrowers’ income or assets;
acts of God, which may result in uninsured losses;
acts of war or terrorism, including the consequences of such events;
adverse changes in national and local economic and market conditions;
changes in governmental laws and regulations, including fiscal policies, zoning ordinances and environmental
legislation and the related costs of compliance;
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costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions; and
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the potential for uninsured or under-insured property losses.
In the event of any default under a residential mortgage loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss of
principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the price we paid for the loan and any
accrued interest of the mortgage loan plus advances made, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow
from operations. In the event of the bankruptcy of a mortgage loan borrower, the mortgage loan to such borrower will
be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as
determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the mortgage loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of
the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law. Additionally,
foreclosure on a mortgage loan could subject us to greater concentration of the risks of the residential real estate markets
and risks related to the ownership and management of real property.
We may acquire non-agency RMBS, which are backed by residential property but, in contrast to agency RMBS,
their principal and interest are not guaranteed by federally chartered entities such as the Federal National Mortgage
Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and, in the case of the Government National Mortgage
Association, the U.S. government. Our investments in RMBS are subject to the risks of defaults, foreclosure timeline
extension, fraud, home price depreciation and unfavorable modification of loan principal amount, interest rate and
amortization of principal accompanying the underlying residential mortgage loans. To the extent that assets underlying
our investments are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, we may be subject to
certain of the foregoing risks to a greater extent. In the event of defaults on the residential mortgage loans that underlie
our investments in agency RMBS and the exhaustion of any underlying or any additional credit support, we may not
realize our anticipated return on our investments and we may incur a loss on these investments.
Our inability to promptly foreclose upon defaulted residential mortgage loans could increase our cost of doing
business and/or diminish our expected return on investments.
Our ability to promptly foreclose upon defaulted residential mortgage loans and liquidate the underlying real
property plays a critical role in our valuation of, and expected return on, those investments. There are a variety of factors
that may inhibit our ability to foreclose upon a residential mortgage loan and liquidate the real property within the time
frames we model as part of our valuation process. These factors include, without limitation: federal, state or local
legislative action or initiatives designed to provide homeowners with assistance in avoiding residential mortgage loan
foreclosures and that serve to delay the foreclosure process; Home Affordable Modification Program and other programs
that require specific procedures to be followed to explore the refinancing of a mortgage loan prior to the commencement
of a foreclosure proceeding; and continued declines in real estate values and sustained high levels of unemployment that
increase the number of foreclosures and place additional pressure on the already overburdened judicial and
administrative systems.
Prepayment rates may adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio.
The value of our investment portfolio is affected by prepayment rates on our mortgage assets. In many cases,
borrowers are not prohibited from making prepayments on their mortgage loans. Prepayment rates are influenced by
changes in interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic and other factors beyond our control, including, without
limitation, housing and financial markets and relative interest rates on fixed rate mortgage loans, and adjustable rate
mortgage loans (“ARMs”) and consequently prepayment rates cannot be predicted.
We generally receive principal payments that are made on our mortgage assets, including residential mortgage
loans underlying the agency RMBS or the non-agency RMBS that we acquire. When borrowers prepay their mortgage
loans faster than expected, it results in prepayments that are faster than expected. Faster than expected prepayments
could adversely affect our profitability and our ability to recoup our cost of certain investments purchased at a premium
over par value, including in the following ways:
• We may purchase RMBS that have a higher interest rate than the prevailing market interest rate at the time. In
exchange for this higher interest rate, we may pay a premium over the par value to acquire our mortgage asset.
In accordance with GAAP, we may amortize this premium over the estimated term of our mortgage asset. If our
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mortgage asset is prepaid in whole or in part prior to its maturity date, however, we may be required to expense
the allocable portion of the premium at the time of the prepayment.
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Prepayment rates generally increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise, making it
unlikely that we would be able to reinvest the proceeds of any prepayment in mortgage assets of similar quality
and terms (including yield). If we are unable to invest in similar mortgage assets, we would be adversely
affected.
While we seek to minimize prepayment risk to the extent practical, in selecting investments we must balance
prepayment risk against other risks and the potential returns of each investment. No strategy can completely insulate us
from prepayment risk.
Interest rate mismatches between our agency RMBS backed by ARMs and our borrowings used to fund our
purchases of these assets may reduce our net interest income and cause us to suffer a loss during periods of rising
interest rates.
To the extent that we invest in agency RMBS backed by ARMs, we may finance these investments with
borrowings that have interest rates that adjust more frequently than the interest rates of those agency RMBS or the
ARMs that back those RMBS. Accordingly, if short-term interest rates increase, our borrowing costs may increase faster
than the interest rates on agency RMBS backed by ARMs adjust. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, we could
experience a decrease in net income or a net loss. In most cases, the interest rates on our agency RMBS and on our
borrowings will not be identical, thereby potentially creating an interest rate mismatch between our investments and our
borrowings. While the historical spread between relevant short-term interest rate indices has been relatively stable, there
have been periods when the spread between these indices was volatile. During periods of changing interest rates, these
interest rate index mismatches could reduce our net income or produce a net loss, and adversely affect our ability to
make distributions and the market price of our common stock.
In addition, agency RMBS backed by ARMs are typically subject to lifetime interest rate caps which limit the
amount that interest rates can increase through the maturity of the agency RMBS. However, our borrowings under
repurchase agreements typically are not subject to similar restrictions. Accordingly, in a period of rapidly increasing
interest rates, the interest rates paid on our borrowings could increase without limitation while caps could limit the
interest rates on these types of agency RMBS. This problem is magnified for agency RMBS backed by ARMs that are
not fully indexed. Further, some agency RMBS backed by ARMs may be subject to periodic payment caps that result in
a portion of the interest being deferred and added to the principal outstanding. As a result, we may receive less cash
income on these types of agency RMBS than we need to pay interest on our related borrowings. These factors could
reduce our net interest income and cause us to suffer a loss during periods of rising interest rates.
Risks of cost overruns and noncompletion of renovation of the properties underlying rehabilitation loans may result
in significant losses.
The renovation, refurbishment or expansion by a borrower under a mortgaged property involves risks of cost
overruns and noncompletion. Estimates of the costs of improvements to bring an acquired property up to standards
established for the market position intended for that property may prove inaccurate. Other risks may include
rehabilitation costs exceeding original estimates, possibly making a project uneconomical, environmental risks and
rehabilitation and subsequent leasing of the property not being completed on schedule. If such renovation is not
completed in a timely manner, or if it costs more than expected, the borrower may experience a prolonged impairment of
net operating income and may not be able to make payments on our investment, which could result in significant losses.
Interest rate fluctuations could reduce our ability to generate income on our investments and may cause losses.
Changes in interest rates affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we
earn on our interest-earning investments and the interest expense we incur in financing these investments. Changes in the
level of interest rates also may affect our ability to originate and acquire assets, the value of our assets and our ability to
realize gains from the disposition of assets. Changes in interest rates may also affect borrower default rates. In a period
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of rising interest rates, our interest expense could increase, while the interest we earn on our fixed-rate debt investments
would not change, adversely affecting our profitability. Our operating results depend in large part on differences
between the income from our assets, net of credit losses, and our financing costs. We anticipate that for any period
during which our assets are not match-funded, the income from such assets will respond more slowly to interest rate
fluctuations than the cost of our borrowings. Consequently, changes in interest rates may significantly influence our net
income. Interest rate fluctuations resulting in our interest expense exceeding interest income would result in operating
losses for us.
We may invest in distressed and non-performing commercial loans which could subject us to increased risks relative
to performing loans, which may result in losses to us.
We may invest in distressed and non-performing commercial mortgage loans, which are subject to increased
risks of loss. Such loans may be or become non-performing for a variety of reasons, including, without limitation,
because the underlying property is too highly leveraged or the borrower falls upon financial distress, in either case,
resulting in the borrower being unable to meet its debt service obligations. Such loans may require a substantial amount
of workout negotiations and/or restructuring, which may divert the attention of our Manager from other activities and
may entail, among other things, a substantial reduction in the interest rate and a substantial write-down of the principal
of the loan. Moreover, the ability to implement a successful restructuring entails a high degree of uncertainty, and there
can be no assurance that our Manager would be able to implement any such restructuring on favorable terms or at all.
The financial or operating difficulties relating to the distressed or non-performing loan may never be overcome
and may cause the borrower to become subject to bankruptcy or other similar administrative proceedings. In connection
with any such proceeding, we may incur substantial or total losses on our investments and may become subject to certain
additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of our original investment therein. For example, under certain
circumstances, a lender that has inappropriately exercised control over the management and policies of a debtor may
have its claims subordinated or disallowed or may be found liable for damages suffered by parties as a result of such
actions. In addition, under certain circumstances, payments to us may be reclaimed if any such payment is later
determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance, preferential payment, or similar transaction under applicable
bankruptcy and insolvency laws.
Alternatively, we may find it necessary or desirable to foreclose on one of these loans, and the foreclosure
process may be lengthy and expensive. Borrowers or junior lenders may resist mortgage foreclosure actions by asserting
numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses against us. Any costs or delays involved in the effectuation of a
foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property, or defending challenges brought after the completion
of a foreclosure, will further reduce the proceeds and thus increase our loss.
We may experience a decline in the fair value of our assets.
A decline in the fair value of our assets may require us to recognize an “other-than-temporary” impairment
against such assets under GAAP if we were to determine that, with respect to any assets in unrealized loss positions, we
do not have the ability and intent to hold such assets to maturity or for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery to
the amortized cost of such assets. If such a determination were to be made, we would recognize unrealized losses
through earnings and write down the amortized cost of such assets to a new cost basis, based on the fair value of such
assets on the date they are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Such impairment charges reflect non-cash
losses at the time of recognition; subsequent disposition or sale of such assets could further affect our future losses or
gains, as they are based on the difference between the sale price received and adjusted amortized cost of such assets at
the time of sale.
Some of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of
these investments.
Some of our portfolio investments are in the form of positions or securities that are not publicly traded. The fair
value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We value these
investments quarterly at fair value, as determined in accordance with GAAP, which include consideration of
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unobservable inputs. Because such valuations are subjective, the fair value of certain of our assets may fluctuate over
short periods of time and our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been
used if a ready market for these securities existed. The value of our common stock could be adversely affected if our
determinations regarding the fair value of these investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately
realize upon their disposal.
Liability relating to environmental matters may impact the value of properties that we may purchase or acquire.
We may be subject to environmental liabilities arising from properties we own. Under various U.S. federal,
state and local laws, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal of certain
hazardous substances released on its property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or
operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances.
The presence of hazardous substances may adversely affect an owner’s ability to sell real estate or borrow using
real estate as collateral. To the extent that an owner of a property underlying one of our debt investments becomes liable
for removal costs, the ability of the owner to make payments to us may be reduced, which in turn may adversely affect
the value of the relevant mortgage asset held by us and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
The presence of hazardous substances on a property we own may adversely affect our ability to sell the property
and we may incur substantial remediation costs, thus harming our financial condition. The discovery of material
environmental liabilities attached to such properties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We invest in commercial properties subject to net leases, which could subject us to losses.
We invest in commercial properties subject to net leases. Typically, net leases require the tenants to pay
substantially all of the operating costs associated with the properties. As a result, the value of, and income from,
investments in commercial properties subject to net leases will depend, in part, upon the ability of the applicable tenant
to meet its obligations to maintain the property under the terms of the net lease. If a tenant fails or becomes unable to so
maintain a property, we will be subject to all risks associated with owning the underlying real estate. Under many net
leases, however, the owner of the property retains certain obligations with respect to the property, including, among
other things, the responsibility for maintenance and repair of the property, to provide adequate parking, maintenance of
common areas and compliance with other affirmative covenants in the lease. If we were to fail to meet any such
obligations, the applicable tenant could abate rent or terminate the applicable lease, which could result in a loss of our
capital invested in, and anticipated profits from, the property.
We expect that some commercial properties subject to net leases in which we invest generally will be occupied
by a single tenant and, therefore, the success of these investments will be materially dependent on the financial stability
of each such tenant. A default of any such tenant on its lease payments to us would cause us to lose the revenue from the
property and cause us to have to find an alternative source of revenue to meet any mortgage payment and prevent a
foreclosure if the property is subject to a mortgage. In the event of a default, we may experience delays in enforcing our
rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting our property. If a lease is
terminated, we may also incur significant losses to make the leased premises ready for another tenant and experience
difficulty or a significant delay in re-leasing such property.
In addition, net leases typically have longer lease terms and, thus, there is an increased risk that contractual
rental increases in future years will fail to result in fair market rental rates during those years.
We may acquire these investments through sale-leaseback transactions, which involve the purchase of a
property and the leasing of such property back to the seller thereof. If we enter into a sale-leaseback transaction, our
Manager will seek to structure any such sale-leaseback transaction such that the lease will be characterized as a “true
lease” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, thereby allowing us to be treated as the owner of the property for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. However, we cannot assure you that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not
challenge such characterization. In the event that any such sale-leaseback transaction is challenged and recharacterized
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as a financing transaction or loan for U.S. federal income tax purposes, deductions for depreciation and cost recovery
relating to such property would be disallowed. If a sale-leaseback transaction were so recharacterized, we might fail to
satisfy the REIT qualification “asset tests” or “income tests” and, consequently, lose our REIT status effective with the
year of recharacterization. Alternatively, the amount of our REIT taxable income could be recalculated, which might
also cause us to fail to meet the REIT distribution requirement for a taxable year.
Investments outside the U.S. that are denominated in foreign currencies subject us to foreign currency risks and to
the uncertainty of foreign laws and markets, which may adversely affect our distributions and our REIT status.
Our investments outside the U.S. denominated in foreign currencies subject us to foreign currency risk due to
potential fluctuations in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. As a result, changes in exchange
rates of any such foreign currency to U.S. dollars may affect our income and distributions and may also affect the book
value of our assets and the amount of stockholders’ equity. In addition, these investments subject us to risks of multiple
and conflicting tax laws and regulations, and other laws and regulations that may make foreclosure and the exercise of
other remedies in the case of default more difficult or costly compared to U.S. assets, and political and economic
instability abroad, any of which factors could adversely affect our receipt of returns on and distributions from these
investments.
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates used to value a REIT’s foreign assets may be considered changes in
the value of the REIT’s assets. These changes may adversely affect our status as a REIT. Further, bank accounts in
foreign currency which are not considered cash or cash equivalents may adversely affect our status as a REIT.
Conditions in Europe and the pending departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the exit of any
other member state or the break-up of the European Union entirely, would create uncertainty and could affect our
investments directly.
We currently hold, and may acquire additional, investments that are denominated in Pounds Sterling (“GBP”)
and EURs (including loans secured by assets located in the United Kingdom or Europe), as well as equity interests in
real estate properties located in Europe. European financial markets have experienced volatility and have been adversely
affected by concerns about rising government debt levels, credit rating downgrades, and possible default on or
restructuring of government debt. These events have caused bond yield spreads (the cost of borrowing debt in the capital
markets) and credit default spreads (the cost of purchasing credit protection) to increase, most notably in relation to
certain Eurozone countries. The governments of several member countries of the European Union have experienced
large public budget deficits, which have adversely affected the sovereign debt issued by those countries and may
ultimately lead to declines in the value of the Euro.
In addition, following a national referendum in June 2016, the United Kingdom formally notified the European
Council in March 2017 of its intention to withdraw from the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”).
Negotiations have commenced to determine the future terms of the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European
Union, including, among other things, the terms of trade between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
However, the terms of any agreement governing the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European
Union, as well as the legal and economic consequences of those terms, remain unclear. This continues to create
significant volatility in the global financial markets and has adversely affected markets in the United Kingdom in
particular. Brexit is likely to continue to adversely affect the United Kingdom, European and worldwide economic and
market conditions and could contribute to greater instability in global financial and foreign exchange markets before and
after the terms of the United Kingdom’s future relationships with the European Union are settled. Further, financial and
other markets may suffer losses as a result of other countries determining to withdraw from the European Union or from
any future significant changes to the European Union’s structure and/or regulations or the break-up of the European
Union entirely. In addition, Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations
as the United Kingdom determines which European Union laws to replace or replicate.
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Any further deterioration in the global or Eurozone economy, or the effects of Brexit or of the exit of any other
member state or the break-up of the European Union entirely, could have a material adverse effect on our business, the
value of our properties and investments and our potential growth in Europe, and could amplify the currency risks faced
by us.
We invest in equity interests in commercial real estate assets, which subjects us to the general risks of owning
commercial real estate.
We acquire and manage equity interests in commercial real estate assets. The economic performance and value
of these investments can be adversely affected by many factors that are generally applicable to most real estate,
including the following:
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changes in the national, regional, local and international economic climate;
local conditions, such as oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in the areas in
which they are located;
competition from other available space;
the attractiveness of the real estate to tenants;
increases in operating costs if these costs cannot be passed through to tenants;
the financial condition of tenants and the ability to collect rent from tenants;
vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need to periodically renovate, repair and re-let space;
changes in interest rates and the availability of financing;
changes in zoning laws and taxation, government regulation and potential liability under
environmental or other laws or regulations;
acts of God, including, without limitation, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters, or acts
of war or terrorism, in each case which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses; and
decreases in the underlying value of real estate.
Certain significant expenditures associated with an investment in commercial real estate assets (such as
mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) generally do not decline when circumstances cause a
reduction in income from the asset. Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to vary any
investments in commercial real estate assets promptly in response to economic or other conditions would be limited.
This relative illiquidity could impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of such investments.
No assurances can be given that the value of our equity investments in commercial real estate assets will not decrease in
the future.
We face risks associated with acquisitions of commercial real estate assets.
Our acquisition of equity interests in commercial real estate assets is subject to, and the success of those assets
may be adversely affected by, various risks, including those described below:
• we and our Manager may be unable to meet required closing conditions;
• we may be unable to finance acquisitions on favorable terms or at all;
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acquired assets may fail to perform as expected;
our Manager’s estimates of the costs of repositioning or renovating acquired commercial real estate
assets may be inaccurate;
• we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for acquired commercial real estate assets;
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acquisitions may be located in markets where we and our Manager have a lack of market knowledge or
understanding of the local economy, lack of business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with
local governmental and permitting procedures;
our Manager may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions of commercial real
estate assets into our existing operations and, therefore, our results of operations and financial
condition could be adversely affected; and
• we may acquire equity interests in commercial real estate assets through a joint venture, and such
investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority and reliance
upon a co-venturer’s financial condition. In addition, if we co-invest with affiliates of our Manager,
we may be obligated to pay fees to such affiliates and would be subject to a variety of conflicts of
interest with such affiliates, including conflicts similar to those described under the section captioned
“—Risks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager.”
We make equity investments in commercial real estate assets subject to both known and unknown liabilities and
without any recourse, or with only limited recourse to the seller thereof. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us
arising from our ownership of those assets, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely
affect us. Unknown liabilities with respect to commercial real estate assets may include:
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claims by tenants, vendors or other persons arising from dealing with the former owners of the assets;
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business;
claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former
owners of the assets; and
liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination.
Government housing regulations may limit the opportunities at the affordable housing communities in which we
invest, and failure to comply with resident qualification requirements may result in financial penalties or loss of
benefits.
We own, and may acquire additional, equity interests in affordable housing communities and other properties
that benefit from governmental programs intended to provide housing to individuals with low or moderate incomes.
These programs, which are typically administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
(“HUD”) or state housing finance agencies, typically provide mortgage insurance, favorable financing terms, tax credits
or rental assistance payments to property owners. As a condition of the receipt of assistance under these programs, the
properties must comply with various requirements, which typically limit rents to pre-approved amounts and impose
restrictions on resident incomes. Failure to comply with these requirements and restrictions may result in financial
penalties or loss of benefits. In addition, we will typically need to obtain the approval of HUD in order to acquire or
dispose of a significant interest in or manage a HUD-assisted property. We may not always receive such approval.
We are subject to the general risks of owning properties relating to the healthcare industry.
We own, and may acquire additional, equity interests in properties relating to the healthcare industry. The
economic performance and value of these properties and of some or all of the tenants/operators of such properties could
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be adversely affected by many factors that are generally applicable to properties relating to the healthcare industry,
including the following:
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adverse trends in healthcare provider operations, such as changes in the demand for and methods of
delivering healthcare services, changes in third-party reimbursement policies, significant unused
capacity in certain areas, which has created substantial competition for patients among healthcare
providers in those areas, increased expense for uninsured patients, increased competition among
healthcare providers, increased liability insurance expense, continued pressure by private and
governmental payors to reduce payments to providers of services and increased scrutiny of billing,
referral and other practices by federal and state authorities and private insurers;
extensive healthcare regulation, changes in enforcement policies with respect to such regulation and
potential changes in the regulatory framework of the healthcare industry; and
significant legal actions brought against tenants/operators that could subject them to increased
operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities.
Joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on
joint venture partners’ financial condition and liquidity and disputes between us and our joint venture partners.
We may make investments through joint ventures. Such joint venture investments may involve risks not otherwise
present when we make investments without partners, including the following:
• we may not have exclusive control over the investment or the joint venture, which may prevent us
from taking actions that are in our best interest and could create the potential risk of creating impasses
on decisions, such as with respect to acquisitions or dispositions;
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joint venture agreements often restrict the transfer of a partner’s interest or may otherwise restrict our
ability to sell the interest when we desire and/or on advantageous terms;
joint venture agreements may contain buy-sell provisions pursuant to which one partner may initiate
procedures requiring the other partner to choose between buying the other partner’s interest or selling
its interest to that partner;
a partner may, at any time, have economic or business interests or goals that are, or that may become,
inconsistent with our business interests or goals;
a partner may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions, requests, policies or
objectives, including our policy with respect to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our
exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act;
a partner may fail to fund its share of required capital contributions or may become bankrupt, which
may mean that we and any other remaining partners generally would remain liable for the joint
venture’s liabilities;
our relationships with our partners are contractual in nature and may be terminated or dissolved under
the terms of the applicable joint venture agreements and, in such event, we may not continue to own or
operate the interests or investments underlying such relationship or may need to purchase such
interests or investments at a premium to the market price to continue ownership;
disputes between us and a partner may result in litigation or arbitration that could increase our
expenses and prevent our Manager and our officers and directors from focusing their time and efforts
on our business and could result in subjecting the investments owned by the joint venture to additional
risk; or
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• we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of a partner, and the activities of a partner
could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or maintain our exclusion from registration
under the Investment Company Act, even though we do not control the joint venture.
Any of the above may subject us to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and adversely affect the value of
our joint venture investments.
Risks Related to Our Investing and Servicing Segment
The business activities of our Investing and Servicing Segment, particularly our special servicing business, expose us
to certain risks.
In our Investing and Servicing Segment, we derive a substantial portion of our cash flows from the special
servicing of pools of commercial mortgage loans. As special servicer, we typically receive fees based upon the
outstanding balance of the loans that are being specially serviced by us. The balance of loans in special servicing where
we act as special servicer could decline significantly and as such our servicing fees could likewise decline materially.
The special servicing industry is highly competitive, and our inability to compete successfully with other firms to
maintain our existing servicing portfolio and obtain future servicing opportunities could have a material and adverse
impact on our future cash flows and results of operations. Because the right to appoint the special servicer for securitized
mortgage loans generally resides with the holder of the “controlling class” position in the relevant trust and may migrate
to holders of different classes of securities as additional losses are realized, our ability to maintain our existing servicing
rights and obtain future servicing opportunities may require, in many cases, the acquisition of additional CMBS.
Accordingly, our ability to compete effectively may depend, in part, on the availability of additional debt or equity
capital to fund these purchases. Additionally, our existing servicing portfolio is subject to “run off,” meaning that
mortgage loans serviced by us may be prepaid prior to maturity, refinanced with a mortgage not serviced by us, or
liquidated through foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or other liquidation processes, or repaid through standard
amortization of principal, resulting in lower servicing fees and/or lower returns on the subordinated securities owned by
us. Improving economic conditions and property prices and declines in interest rates and greater availability of mortgage
financing could reduce the incidence of assets going into special servicing and reduce our revenues from special
servicing, including as a result of lower fees under new arrangements. The fair value of our servicing rights may
decrease under the foregoing circumstances, resulting in losses.
The conduit operations in our Investing and Servicing Segment are subject to volatile market conditions and
significant competition. In addition, the conduit business may suffer losses as a result of ineffective or inadequate hedges
and credit issues.
We operate a special servicing business, which has certain unique risks.
In connection with the special servicing of mortgage loans, a special servicer may, at the direction of the
directing certificateholder, generally take actions with respect to the specially serviced mortgage loans that could
adversely affect the holders of some or all of the more senior classes of CMBS. We may hold subordinated CMBS and
we may or may not be the directing holder in any CMBS transaction in which we also act as special servicer. We may
have conflicts of interest in exercising our rights as holder of subordinated classes of CMBS and in owning the entity
that also acts as the special servicer for such transactions. It is possible that we, acting as the directing certificateholder
for a CMBS transaction, may direct special servicer actions that conflict with the interests of certain other classes of the
CMBS issued in that transaction. The special servicer is not permitted to take actions that are prohibited by law or that
violate the applicable servicing standard or the terms of the applicable CMBS documentation or the applicable mortgage
loan documentation, and we are subject to the risk of claims asserted by mortgage loan borrowers and the holders of
other classes of CMBS that we have violated applicable law or, if applicable, the servicing standard and our other
obligations under such CMBS documentation or mortgage loan documentation, as a result of actions we may take.
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The business activities in our Investing and Servicing Segment are subject to an evolving regulatory environment that
may affect certain aspects of these activities.
In our Investing and Servicing Segment, we acquire subordinated securities issued by and act as special servicer
for securitizations. As a result of the dislocation of the credit markets, the securitization industry has become subject to
additional regulation. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the
“Dodd-Frank Act”), various federal agencies have promulgated a rule that generally requires issuers in securitizations to
retain 5% of the risk associated with the securities. While the rule as adopted generally allows the purchase of the CMBS
“B-Piece” by a party not affiliated with the issuer to satisfy the risk retention requirement, current CMBS B-Pieces are
generally not large enough to fully satisfy the 5% requirement. Accordingly, buyers of B-Pieces such as us may be
required to purchase larger B-Pieces, potentially reducing returns on such investments. Furthermore, any such B-Pieces
purchased by a party (such as us) unaffiliated with the issuer generally cannot be transferred for a period of five years
following the closing date of the securitization or hedged against credit risk. These restrictions would reduce our
liquidity and could potentially reduce our returns on such investments.
One of the business activities in our Investing and Servicing Segment is investment in subordinated CMBS. The risks
of investment in CMBS are magnified in the case of our Investing and Servicing Segment, where the principal
payments received by the CMBS trust are made in priority to the higher rated securities.
CMBS are subject to the various risks that relate to the pool of underlying commercial mortgage loans and any
other assets in which the CMBS represents an interest. In addition, CMBS are subject to additional risks arising from the
geographic, property type and other types of concentrations in the pool of underlying commercial mortgage loans, which
risks are magnified by the subordinated nature of the CMBS in which we invest in our Investing and Servicing Segment.
In the event of defaults on the mortgage loans in the CMBS trusts, we bear a risk of loss on our related subordinated
CMBS to the extent of deficiencies between the value of the collateral and the principal, accrued interest and unpaid fees
and expenses on the mortgage loans, which may be offset to some extent by the special servicing fees received by us on
those mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on the CMBS depends largely upon the price paid for the CMBS, which are
generally sold at a discount at issuance and trade at even steeper discounts in the secondary markets. Further, the yield to
maturity on CMBS depends, in significant part, upon the rate and timing of principal payments on the underlying
mortgage loans, including both voluntary prepayments, if permitted, and involuntary prepayments, such as prepayments
resulting from casualty or condemnation, defaults and liquidations or repurchases upon breaches of representations and
warranties or document defects. Any changes in the weighted average lives of CMBS may adversely affect yield on the
CMBS. Prepayments resulting in a shortening of weighted average lives of CMBS may be made at a time of low interest
rates when we may be unable to reinvest the resulting payment of principal on the CMBS at a rate comparable to that
being earned on the CMBS, while delays and extensions resulting in a lengthening of those weighted average lives may
occur at a time of high interest rates when we may have been able to reinvest scheduled principal payments at higher
rates.
The exercise of remedies and successful realization of liquidation proceeds relating to commercial mortgage
loans underlying CMBS may be highly dependent on our performance as special servicer. We attempt to underwrite
investments on a “loss-adjusted” basis, which projects a certain level of performance. However, there can be no
assurance that this underwriting accurately predicts the timing or magnitude of such losses. To the extent that this
underwriting has incorrectly anticipated the timing or magnitude of losses, our business may be adversely affected.
Some of the mortgage loans underlying the CMBS are already in default and additional loans may default in the future.
In the case of such defaults, cash flows of CMBS investments held by us may be adversely affected as any reduction in
the mortgage payments or principal losses on liquidation of any mortgage loan may be applied to the class of CMBS
securities relating to such defaulted loans that we hold.
The market value of CMBS could fluctuate materially as a result of various risks that are out of our control and may
result in significant losses.
The market value of CMBS investments could fluctuate materially over time as the result of changes in
mortgage spreads, treasury bond interest rates, capital market supply and demand factors, and many other factors that
affect high-yield fixed income products. These factors are out of our control and could impair our ability to obtain
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short-term financing on the CMBS. CMBS investments, especially subordinated classes of CMBS, may have no, or only
a limited, trading market. The financial markets in the past have experienced and could in the future experience a period
of volatility and reduced liquidity, which may reoccur or continue and reduce the market value of CMBS. Some or all of
the CMBS, especially subordinated classes of CMBS, may be subject to restrictions on transfer and may be considered
illiquid.
Mortgage loan servicing is an increasingly regulated business.
The mortgage loan servicing activities of our Investing and Servicing Segment are subject to a still evolving set
of regulations, including regulations being promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Act. In addition, various governmental
authorities have increased their investigative focus on the activities of mortgage loan servicers. As a result, we may have
to spend additional resources and devote additional management time to address any regulatory concerns, which may
reduce the resources available to grow our business. In addition, if we fail to operate the servicing activities of our
Investing and Servicing Segment in compliance with existing and future regulations, our business, reputation, financial
condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Most of the assets in our Investing and Servicing Segment are held through, or are ownership interests in, entities
subject to entity level or foreign taxes, which cannot be passed through to, or used by, our stockholders to reduce
taxes they owe.
Most of the assets in our Investing and Servicing Segment are held through a TRS, which is subject to entity
level taxes on income that it earns. Such taxes have materially increased the taxes paid by our TRSs. In addition, certain
of the assets in our Investing and Servicing Segment include entities organized or assets located in foreign jurisdictions.
Taxes that we or such entities pay in foreign jurisdictions may not be passed through to, or used by, our stockholders as a
foreign tax credit or otherwise.
Our consolidated financial statements changed materially following our acquisition of LNR, as we became required
to consolidate the assets and liabilities of CMBS pools in which we own the controlling class of subordinated
securities and are considered the “primary beneficiary.”
Following our acquisition of LNR, we became required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of certain CMBS
pools in which we own the controlling class of subordinated securities into our financial statements, even though the
value of the subordinated securities may represent a small interest relative to the size of the pool. Under GAAP,
companies are required to consolidate VIEs in which they are determined to be the primary beneficiary. A VIE must be
consolidated only by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who, along with its affiliates and agents, has a
potentially significant interest in the entity and controls the entity’s significant decisions. As a result of the foregoing,
our financial statements are more complex and may be more difficult to understand than if we did not consolidate the
CMBS pools.
Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes in control.
Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) may have the effect of deterring a
third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change in control under circumstances that otherwise
could provide the holders of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing
market price of our common stock. We are subject to the “business combination” provisions of the MGCL that, subject
to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in
circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between us
and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of our then
outstanding voting capital stock or an affiliate or associate of ours who, at any time within the two-year period prior to
the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of our then outstanding voting capital stock) or an affiliate
thereof for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. After the
five-year prohibition, any business combination between us and an interested stockholder generally must be
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recommended by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (i) 80% of the votes entitled to
be cast by holders of outstanding shares of our voting capital stock and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by
holders of voting capital stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with
whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested
stockholder. These super-majority voting requirements do not apply if our common stockholders receive a minimum
price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as
previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. These provisions of the MGCL also do not apply to business
combinations that are approved or exempted by a board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder
becomes an interested stockholder. Pursuant to the statute, our board of directors has by resolution exempted business
combinations between us and any other person, provided that such business combination is first approved by our board
of directors (including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person).
The “control share” provisions of the MGCL provide that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation (defined
as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder (except solely by virtue of a revocable
proxy), entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired
in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”)
have no voting rights except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of
all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding votes entitled to be cast by the acquirer of control shares, our
officers and our personnel who are also our directors. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share
acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. There can be no assurance that this
provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
The “unsolicited takeover” provisions of the MGCL permit our board of directors, without stockholder approval
and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement takeover defenses, some of which
(for example, a classified board) we do not yet have. These provisions may have the effect of inhibiting a third party
from making an acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us under the
circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of common stock with the opportunity to realize a
premium over the then current market price.
Our authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock may prevent a change in control.
Our charter authorizes us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock. In
addition, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our charter to increase the aggregate number
of our shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue and classify
or reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred stock and set the preferences, rights and other terms of the
classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our board of directors may establish a series of shares of common or
preferred stock that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for
our shares of common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Maintenance of our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act imposes significant limits on
our operations.
We intend to continue to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to
register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Because we are a holding company that
conducts our businesses primarily through wholly-owned subsidiaries, the securities issued by these subsidiaries that are
excepted from the definition of “investment company” under Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment
Company Act, together with any other investment securities we own, may not have a combined value in excess of 40%
of the value of our adjusted total assets on an unconsolidated basis. This requirement limits the types of businesses in
which we may engage through our subsidiaries. In addition, the assets we and our subsidiaries may acquire are limited
by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment
Company Act, which may adversely affect our performance.
If the value of securities issued by our subsidiaries that are excepted from the definition of “investment
company” by Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities
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we own, exceeds 40% of our adjusted total assets on an unconsolidated basis, or if one or more of such subsidiaries fail
to maintain an exception or exemption from the Investment Company Act, we could, among other things, be required
either (i) to substantially change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an
investment company or (ii) to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, either of which
could have an adverse effect on us and the market price of our securities. If we were required to register as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our
capital structure (including our ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as
defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and
industry concentration, and other matters.
In August 2011, the SEC solicited public comment on a wide range of issues relating to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of
the Investment Company Act, including the nature of the assets that qualify for purposes of the exemption and whether
mortgage REITs should be regulated in a manner similar to investment companies. There can be no assurance that the
laws and regulations governing the Investment Company Act status of REITs, including the Division of Investment
Management of the SEC providing more specific or different guidance regarding these exemptions, will not change in a
manner that adversely affects our operations. If we or our subsidiaries fail to maintain an exception or exemption from
the Investment Company Act, we could, among other things, be required to (i) change the manner in which we conduct
our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company, (ii) effect sales of our assets in a manner
that, or at a time when, we would not otherwise choose to do so, or (iii) register as an investment company (which,
among other things, would require us to comply with the leverage constraints applicable to investment companies), any
of which could negatively affect the value of our common stock, the sustainability of our business model, and our ability
to make distributions to our stockholders, which could, in turn, materially and adversely affect us and the market price of
our common stock.
Rapid changes in the values of our real estate-related investments may make it more difficult for us to maintain our
qualification as a REIT or exemption from the Investment Company Act.
If the market value or income potential of real estate-related investments declines as a result of increased
interest rates, prepayment rates or other factors, we may need to increase our real estate investments and income and/or
liquidate our non-qualifying assets in order to maintain our REIT qualification or exemption from the Investment
Company Act. If the decline in real estate asset values and/or income occurs quickly, this may be especially difficult to
accomplish. This difficulty may be exacerbated by the illiquid nature of any non-qualifying assets that we may own. We
may have to make investment decisions that we otherwise would not make absent the REIT and Investment Company
Act considerations.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could
limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interests.
Under Maryland law generally, a director’s actions will be upheld if he or she performs his or her duties in good
faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent
person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In addition, our charter limits the liability of our
directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from:
•
•
actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or
active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was established by a final judgment as being
material to the cause of action adjudicated.
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Our charter authorizes us to indemnify our directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities to
the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Our bylaws require us to indemnify each director or officer, to the
maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened
to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs
incurred by our directors and officers. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our
directors and officers than might otherwise exist absent the current provisions in our charter and bylaws or that might
exist with other companies.
Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which could make it difficult for our
stockholders to effect changes to our management.
Our charter provides that a director may only be removed for cause upon the affirmative vote of holders of
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors. Vacancies may be filled only by a majority of the
remaining directors in office, even if less than a quorum. These requirements make it more difficult to change our
management by removing and replacing directors and may prevent a change in control of our company that is in the best
interests of our stockholders.
Ownership limitations may restrict change of control or business combination opportunities in which our
stockholders might receive a premium for their shares.
In order for us to qualify as a REIT, no more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital stock may be owned,
directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of any calendar year. “Individuals” for this purpose
include natural persons, private foundations, some employee benefit plans and trusts, and some charitable trusts. To
preserve our REIT qualification, our charter generally prohibits any person from directly or indirectly owning more than
9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or
more than 9.8% in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common
stock. This ownership limitation could have the effect of discouraging a takeover or other transaction in which holders of
our common stock might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or which holders
might believe to be otherwise in their best interests.
Risks Related to Our Taxation as a REIT
If we do not qualify as a REIT or fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to tax as a regular corporation
and could face a substantial tax liability, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our
stockholders.
We intend to continue to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. We have not requested nor obtained a ruling from the IRS as to our REIT qualification. Qualification as a
REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only limited judicial and
administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our REIT qualification. Our
qualification as a REIT depends on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder
ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. Our ability to satisfy the asset tests depends upon our analysis
of the characterization and fair values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for
which we will not obtain independent appraisals. Our compliance with the REIT income and quarterly asset
requirements also depends upon our ability to successfully manage the composition of our income and assets on an
ongoing basis. Moreover, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for U.S. federal income tax
purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT qualification
requirements as described below. In addition, our ability to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT depends in part
on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence, including in cases where we own
an equity interest in an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our interests in subsidiaries or in securities of other issuers will not
cause a violation of the REIT requirements.
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If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax and
applicable state and local taxes, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and distributions made to our
stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any resulting corporate tax liability could
be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders, which in turn could
have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code
provisions, we also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which
we failed to qualify as a REIT.
Ordinary dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some corporate dividends.
The maximum tax rate applicable to “qualified dividends” payable by regular United States corporations to
domestic stockholders that are individuals, trusts or estates is currently 20%. Dividends payable by REITs generally are
not eligible for that reduced rate. However, pursuant to the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, such domestic
stockholders may generally be allowed to deduct from their taxable income one-fifth of the ordinary dividends payable
to them by REITs for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. This would amount
to a reduction in the effective tax rate on REIT dividends as compared to prior law.
However, the more favorable rates that will nevertheless continue to apply to regular corporate qualified
dividends could cause investors who are individuals, trusts or estates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively
less attractive as a federal income tax matter than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends,
which could adversely affect the value of the stock of REITs, including ours.
REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to continue to execute our business plan.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments and
excluding any net capital gain, in order for U.S. federal corporate income tax not to apply to earnings that we distribute.
To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will
be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a
4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we pay out to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a
minimum amount specified under U.S. federal tax laws. We intend to continue to make distributions to our stockholders
to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code.
From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our income for financial reporting purposes
prepared in accordance with GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual
receipt of cash may occur. For example, we may be required to accrue income from mortgage loans, MBS, and other
types of debt securities or interests in debt securities before we receive any payments of interest or principal on such
assets. We may also acquire distressed debt investments that are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower.
If the amendments to the outstanding debt are “significant modifications” under the applicable U.S. Treasury
regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to us at a gain in a debt-for-debt exchange with
the borrower, with gain recognized by us to the extent that the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds our cost of
purchasing it prior to modification. In addition, pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we generally will be required to
recognize certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on our financial statements filed
with the SEC. The application of this rule may require the accrual of income with respect to mortgage loans, MBS, and
other types of debt securities or interests in debt securities held by us, such as original issue discount or market discount,
earlier than would be the case under other provisions of the Code, although the precise application of this rule to our
business is unclear at this time in various respects.
We may also be required under the terms of indebtedness that we incur to use cash received from interest
payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness, with the effect of recognizing income but not having a
corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
As a result, we may find it difficult or impossible to meet distribution requirements from our ordinary
operations in certain circumstances. In particular, where we experience differences in timing between the recognition of
taxable income and the actual receipt of cash, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our taxable income
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could cause us to: (i) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (ii) borrow on unfavorable terms, (iii) distribute amounts
that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt or (iv) make a taxable
distribution of our shares, as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive shares (subject to a limit
measured as a percentage of the total distribution), in order to comply with REIT requirements. These alternatives could
increase our costs or reduce our equity. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to grow,
which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
We may choose to make distributions to our stockholders in our own stock, or make a distribution of a subsidiary’s
common stock, in which case our stockholders could be required to pay income taxes in excess of the cash dividends
they receive.
We may in the future distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and shares of our common stock at
the election of each stockholder. We may also determine to distribute a taxable dividend in the stock of a subsidiary in
connection with a spin-off or other transaction, as in the case of our spin-off of our former SFR segment on January 31,
2014. Taxable stockholders receiving such distributions will be required to include the full amount of the distribution as
ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash
dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sale
proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of
that stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to
withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable
in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to
pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.
The stock ownership limit imposed by the Code for REITs and our charter may restrict our business combination
opportunities.
In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% in value of our
outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include
certain entities) at any time during the last half of each taxable year following our first year. Our charter, with certain
exceptions, authorizes our board of directors to take the actions that are necessary and desirable to preserve our
qualification as a REIT. Unless exempted by our board of directors, no person may own more than 9.8% of the aggregate
value of our outstanding capital stock. Our board may grant an exemption in its sole discretion, subject to such
conditions, representations and undertakings as it may determine. The ownership limits imposed by the tax law are based
upon direct or indirect ownership by “individuals,” but only during the last half of a tax year. The ownership limits
contained in our charter key off the ownership at any time by any “person,” which term includes entities. These
ownership limitations in our charter are common in REIT charters and are intended to provide added assurance of
compliance with the tax law requirements, and to minimize administrative burdens. However, these ownership limits
might also delay or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium price for our common
stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Even if we remain qualified as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.
Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local
taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities
conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording
taxes. In addition, in order to continue to meet the REIT qualification requirements, prevent the recognition of certain
types of non-cash income, or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from
dealer property or inventory, we may hold a significant amount of our assets through our TRSs or other subsidiary
corporations that will be subject to corporate-level income tax at regular rates. In addition, if we lend money to a TRS,
the TRS may be unable to deduct all or a portion of the interest paid to us, which could result in an even higher
corporate-level tax liability. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
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Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must satisfy ongoing tests concerning, among
other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts that we distribute to our
stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at
disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, and may be unable to pursue
investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification
requirements for qualifying as a REIT. In addition, in certain cases, the modification of a debt instrument could result in
the conversion of the instrument from a qualifying real estate asset to a wholly or partially non-qualifying asset that must
be contributed to a TRS or disposed of in order for us to maintain our REIT status. Compliance with the
source-of-income requirements may also limit our ability to acquire debt instruments at a discount from their face
amount. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make, and in certain cases to maintain
ownership of, certain attractive investments.
Complying with REIT requirements may force us to liquidate otherwise attractive investments.
To qualify as a REIT, we must ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our
assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified REIT real estate assets, including certain
mortgage loans and certain kinds of MBS. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than government
securities and qualified real estate assets) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general,
no more than 5% of the value of our assets (other than government securities and qualified real estate assets) can consist
of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the value of our total securities can be represented by
securities of one or more TRSs. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must
correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to
avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate
from our portfolio otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and
amounts available for distribution to our stockholders.
The failure of assets subject to repurchase agreements to qualify as real estate assets could adversely affect our ability
to qualify as a REIT.
We have entered into financing arrangements that are structured as sale and repurchase agreements pursuant to
which we would nominally sell certain of our assets to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to
repurchase these assets at a later date in exchange for a purchase price. Economically, these agreements are financings
which are secured by the assets sold pursuant thereto. We believe that we would be treated for REIT asset and income
test purposes as the owner of the assets that are the subject of any such sale and repurchase agreement notwithstanding
that such agreement may transfer record ownership of the assets to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It
is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that we did not own the assets during the term of the sale and repurchase
agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
We may be required to report taxable income for certain investments in excess of the economic income we ultimately
realize from them.
We may acquire debt instruments in the secondary market for less than their face amount. The discount at
which such debt instruments are acquired may reflect doubts about their ultimate collectability rather than current market
interest rates. The amount of such discount will nevertheless generally be treated as “market discount” for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Under the rules applicable in reporting market discount as income, such market discount may have
to be included in income as if the debt instruments were assured of being collected in full. If we ultimately collect less
on the debt instruments than our purchase price plus the market discount we had previously reported as income, we may
not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions. In addition, we may acquire distressed debt investments that
are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are “significant
modifications” under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to
us at a gain in a debt-for-debt exchange with the borrower. In that event, we may be required to recognize taxable gain to
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the extent the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds our adjusted tax basis in the unmodified debt, even if the
value of the debt or the payment expectations have not changed.
Moreover, some of the MBS that we acquire may have been issued with original issue discount. We will be
required to report such original issue discount based on a constant yield method and will be taxed based on the
assumption that all future projected payments due on such MBS will be made. If such MBS turns out not to be fully
collectible, an offsetting loss deduction will become available only in the later year that collectability is provable.
Finally, in the event that any debt instruments or MBS acquired by us are delinquent as to mandatory principal
and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, we
may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income as it accrues, despite doubt as
to its ultimate collectability. Similarly, we may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinate MBS at
its stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received or are ultimately collectible. In each case,
while we would in general ultimately have an offsetting loss deduction available to us when such interest was
determined to be uncollectible, the utility of that deduction could depend on our having taxable income in that later year
or thereafter.
The “taxable mortgage pool” rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders may incur, and may limit the
manner in which we effect future securitizations.
Securitizations could result in the creation of taxable mortgage pools for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a
REIT, so long as we own 100% of the equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool, we generally would not be adversely
affected by the characterization of the securitization as a taxable mortgage pool. Certain categories of stockholders,
however, such as foreign stockholders eligible for treaty or other benefits, stockholders with net operating losses, and
certain tax-exempt stockholders that are subject to unrelated business income tax, could be subject to increased taxes on
a portion of their dividend income from us that is attributable to the taxable mortgage pool. In addition, to the extent that
our stock is owned by tax-exempt “disqualified organizations,” such as certain government-related entities and charitable
remainder trusts that are not subject to tax on unrelated business income, we may incur a corporate level tax on a portion
of our income from the taxable mortgage pool. In that case, we may reduce the amount of our distributions to any
disqualified organization whose stock ownership gave rise to the tax. Moreover, we would be precluded from selling
equity interests in these securitizations to outside investors, or selling any debt securities issued in connection with these
securitizations that might be considered to be equity interests for tax purposes. These limitations may prevent us from
using certain techniques to maximize our returns from securitization transactions.
The tax on prohibited transactions may limit our ability to engage in transactions, including certain methods of
securitizing mortgage loans, which would be treated as sales for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax. In general, prohibited transactions
are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, but including mortgage loans, held primarily
for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We might be subject to this tax if we were to dispose of or
securitize loans in a manner that was treated as a sale of the loans for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, in
order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may choose not to engage in certain sales of loans at the REIT level,
and may limit the structures we utilize for our securitization transactions, even though the sales or structures might
otherwise be beneficial to us.
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Our investments in construction loans require us to make estimates about the fair value of land improvements that
may be challenged by the IRS.
We invest in construction loans, the interest from which is qualifying income for purposes of the REIT income
tests, provided that the loan value of the real property securing the construction loan is equal to or greater than the
highest outstanding principal amount of the construction loan during any taxable year. For purposes of construction
loans, the loan value of the real property is the fair value of the land plus the reasonably estimated cost of the
improvements or developments (other than personal property) that secure the loan and that are to be constructed from the
proceeds of the loan. There can be no assurance that the IRS would not challenge our estimate of the loan value of the
real property.
The failure of a mezzanine loan to qualify as a real estate asset could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We invest in mezzanine loans, for which the IRS has provided a safe harbor but not rules of substantive law.
Pursuant to the safe harbor, if a mezzanine loan meets certain requirements, it will be treated by the IRS as a real estate
asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from the mezzanine loan will be treated as qualifying
mortgage interest for purposes of the REIT 75% income test. We may acquire mezzanine loans that do not meet all of
the requirements of this safe harbor. In the event we own a mezzanine loan that does not meet the safe harbor, the IRS
could challenge such loan’s treatment as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset and income tests and, if such a
challenge were sustained, we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification.
To qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we
are compelled to liquidate our investments to repay obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these
requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant
gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our assets and liabilities. Any income
from a hedging transaction we enter into either (i) to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings
made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets, (ii) to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to
items of income that qualify for purposes of the REIT 75% or 95% gross income tests or assets that generate such
income, or (iii) to hedge another instrument that hedges risks described in clause (i) or (ii) for a period following the
extinguishment of the liability or the disposition of the asset that was previously hedged by the instrument, and, in each
case, such instrument is properly identified under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, does not constitute “gross
income” for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging
transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of
the gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we intend to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or
implement those hedges through a domestic TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS
would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would
otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our TRS will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried
forward against future taxable income in the TRS.
Partnership tax audits could increase the tax liability borne by us in the event of a U.S. federal income tax audit of a
subsidiary partnership.
In connection with U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships (such as certain of our subsidiaries) and the
collection of any tax resulting from any such audits or other tax proceedings, generally for taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2017, the partnership itself may be liable for a hypothetical increase in partner-level taxes (including
interest and penalties) resulting from an adjustment of partnership tax items on audit, regardless of changes in the
composition of the partners (or their relative ownership) between the year under audit and the year of the
adjustment. The rules also include an elective alternative method under which the additional taxes resulting from the
53
adjustment are assessed from the affected partners, subject to a higher rate of interest than otherwise would
apply. Although proposed regulations have been issued and address some aspects of these rules, questions remain as to
how they will apply. However, these rules could increase the U.S. federal income tax, interest, and/or penalties
economically borne by us in the event of a U.S. federal income tax audit of a subsidiary partnership in comparison to
prior law.
Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could materially and adversely affect us and our stockholders.
The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the
legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Changes to the tax laws, with or without
retroactive application, could materially and adversely affect us and our stockholders. We cannot predict how changes in
the tax laws might affect us or our stockholders. New legislation, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative
interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or the U.S.
federal income tax consequences of such qualification.
In addition, the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act makes substantial changes to the Code. Among those
changes are a significant permanent reduction in the generally applicable corporate tax rate, changes in the taxation of
individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers that generally but not universally reduce their taxes on a temporary basis
subject to “sunset” provisions, the elimination or modification of various currently allowed deductions (including
additional limitations on the deductibility of business interest and substantial limitation of the deduction for personal,
state and local taxes imposed on individuals), and preferential taxation of income (including REIT dividends) derived by
non-corporate taxpayers from “pass-through” entities. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also imposes certain additional
limitations on the deduction of net operating losses, which may in the future cause us to make distributions that will be
taxable to our stockholders to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits in order to comply with the
annual REIT distribution requirements. Finally, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also makes significant changes in the
international tax rules, which may require corporations to include in their taxable income, and to distribute, pre-2018
earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, which earnings have previously been deferred from taxation in the United States.
The effect of these, and the many other, changes made in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is highly uncertain, both in terms of
their direct effect on the taxation of an investment in our common stock and their indirect effect on the value of our
assets. Furthermore, many of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will require guidance through the issuance of
U.S. Treasury regulations in order to assess their effect. There may be a substantial delay before such regulations are
promulgated, increasing the uncertainty as to the ultimate effect of the statutory amendments on us. It is also likely that
there will be technical corrections legislation proposed with respect to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the timing and effect
of which cannot be predicted and may be adverse to us or our stockholders.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The market price and trading volume of our common stock could be volatile and the market price of our common
stock could decline, resulting in a substantial or complete loss of your investment.
The stock markets, including the NYSE, which is the exchange on which our common stock is listed, have
experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Overall weakness in the economy and other factors have
contributed to extreme volatility of the equity markets generally, including the market price of our common stock. As a
result, the market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile, and investors in our common
stock may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance
or prospects. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our stock price or result in fluctuations in the price or
trading volume of our common stock include:
•
•
our actual or projected operating results, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity, or changes in business
strategy or prospects;
actual or perceived conflicts of interest with our Manager or Starwood Capital Group and individuals, including
our executives;
54
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
equity issuances by us, or share resales by our stockholders, or the perception that such issuances or resales may
occur;
actual or anticipated accounting problems;
publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry;
changes in market valuations of similar companies;
adverse market reaction to the level of leverage we employ;
additions to or departures of our Manager’s or Starwood Capital Group’s key personnel;
speculation in the press or investment community;
our failure to meet, or the lowering of, our earnings estimates or those of any securities analysts;
increases in market interest rates, which may lead investors to demand a higher distribution yield for our
common stock and would result in increased interest expenses on our debt;
failure to maintain our REIT qualification;
uncertainty regarding our exemption from the Investment Company Act;
price and volume fluctuations in the stock market generally; and
general market and economic conditions, including the current state of the credit and capital markets.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of
volatility in their share price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our Manager’s attention
and resources.
There may be future dilution of our common stock as a result of additional issuances of our securities, which could
adversely impact our stock price.
Our board of directors is authorized under our charter to, among other things, authorize the issuance of
additional shares of our common stock or the issuance of shares of preferred stock or additional securities convertible or
exchangeable into equity securities, without stockholder approval. Future issuances of our common stock or shares of
preferred stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into equity securities may dilute the ownership interest of our
existing stockholders. Because our decision to issue additional equity or convertible or exchangeable securities in any
future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the
amount, timing or nature of our future issuances. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue
may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock. Also, we cannot predict the
effect, if any, of future sales of our common stock, or the availability of shares for future sales, on the market price of
our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock or the perception that such sales could occur may
adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock.
55
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
The Company occupies office space in Greenwich, CT; Miami Beach, FL; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY;
Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles, CA and Charlotte, NC. Our headquarters is located in Greenwich, CT in office space leased
by our Manager. Refer to Schedule III included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a listing of investment
properties owned as of December 31, 2017.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Currently, no material legal proceedings are pending or, to our knowledge, threatened or contemplated against
us that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
56
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
PART II
Securities.
Market Information and Dividends
The Company’s common stock has been listed on the NYSE and is traded under the symbol “STWD” since its
IPO in August 2009. The table below sets forth the quarterly high and low prices for our common stock as reported by
the NYSE, and dividends made by the Company to holders of the Company’s common stock for each quarter for the
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
2017
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High
$
$
$
$
23.00 $
23.01 $
22.67 $
21.98 $
2016
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High
$
$
$
$
20.95 $
21.19 $
23.46 $
22.92 $
Low
21.85
21.46
21.53
21.24
Dividend
0.48
0.48
0.48
0.48
$
$
$
$
Low
16.69
18.27
20.25
21.11
Dividend
0.48
0.48
0.48
0.48
$
$
$
$
On February 28, 2018, our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.48 per share for the first quarter of
2018, which is payable on April 13, 2018 to common stockholders of record as of March 30, 2018.
On February 21, 2018, the closing price of our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, was $19.96 per share.
We intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock and distribution equivalents
to holders of restricted stock units which are settled in shares of common stock. U.S. federal income tax law generally
requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for
dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually
distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income. We generally intend over time to pay quarterly distributions in an
amount at least equal to our taxable income.
Holders
As of February 21, 2018, there were 245 holders of record of the Company’s 261,382,135 shares of common
stock outstanding. One of the holders of record is Cede & Co., which holds shares as nominee for The Depository Trust
Company which itself holds shares on behalf of other beneficial owners of our common stock.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The information required by this item is set forth under Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is
incorporated herein by reference.
57
Stock Performance Graph
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Based upon initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2012(1)
Starwood Property
Trust
S&P © 500
12/31/2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
12/31/2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
12/31/2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
12/31/2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
12/31/2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
12/31/2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
100.00 $
129.34 $
146.04 $
141.05 $
164.91 $
174.89 $
(1) Dividend reinvestment is assumed.
Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
Bloomberg REIT
Mortgage Index
100.00
97.65
116.63
105.09
128.50
154.54
100.00 $
132.39 $
150.51 $
152.59 $
170.84 $
208.14 $
On December 28, 2017, certain third parties (the “Contributors”) contributed properties to SPT Dolphin
Intermediate LLC (“SPT Dolphin”), a newly-formed subsidiary of the Company, as the first phase of its acquisition of
the DownREIT Portfolio, as described further in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Among other
consideration, the Contributors (the “Class A Unitholders”) received 2,779,774 Class A units of SPT Dolphin (the “Class
A Units”) and rights to receive an additional 498,921 Class A Units if certain contingent events occur.
The Class A Unitholders have the right, commencing six months from issuance, to redeem their Class A Units
for cash or, in the sole discretion of the Company, shares of the Company’s common stock on a one-for-one basis,
subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. In connection with the issuance of the Class A Units, the Class A
Unitholders received certain registration rights with respect to the shares of the Company’s common stock, if any, issued
upon the redemption of Class A Units.
58
The Class A Units issued in connection with the closing of the first phase of the transaction were issued in
reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no purchases of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2017.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our Consolidated Financial Statements, including
the notes thereto, included elsewhere herein. All amounts are in thousands, except per share data.
Operating Data:
Revenues (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . .
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to Starwood
Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic earnings per share:
Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted earnings per share:
Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
For the year ended December 31,
879,888 $
735,249
299,650
(31,522)
412,767
784,667 $
651,127 (6)
242,455 (6)
(8,344)
367,651
735,877 $
536,279
269,791
(17,206)
452,183
702,875 $
484,009
307,319
(24,096)
502,089
—
412,767
—
367,651
—
452,183
(1,551)
500,538
549,495
373,166
177,653
(23,858)
330,124
(19,794)
310,330
400,770
365,186
450,697
495,021
305,030
1.53 $
1.53 $
1.52 $
1.52 $
1.52 $
1.52 $
1.50 $
1.50 $
1.92 $
1.92 $
1.91 $
1.91 $
2.29 $
2.28 $
2.25 $
2.24 $
1.94
1.82
1.94
1.82
1.92 $
1.92 $
1.92 $
259,620
Dividends declared per share of
common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Weighted-average basic shares of
common stock outstanding . . . . . . . . . .
Balance Sheet Data:
Investments in loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,382,641 $ 5,946,274 $ 6,263,517 $ 6,300,285 $ 4,750,804
935,107
807,618
Investments in securities (4) . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in properties . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,647,481
749,214
1,944,720
110,746,408
Total assets (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62,941,289 77,256,266
3,412,482
Total financing arrangements . . . . . . . . . 7,972,476 6,200,670
Total liabilities (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58,362,088 72,696,193
106,419,275
Total Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,478,414 4,522,274
4,282,528
Total Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,579,201 $ 4,560,073 $ 4,170,943 $ 3,882,912 $ 4,327,133
998,248
39,854
85,698,354 116,070,557
4,656,512
5,392,494
81,527,411 112,187,645
724,947
919,225
4,140,316
233,419
718,203
3,860,856
1.92 (3) $
166,356
214,945
238,529
1.82
(1) During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, servicing fees and interest income of
$179.4 million, $180.5 million, $230.8 million, $159.3 million and $92.7 million, respectively, are eliminated in
consolidation pursuant to ASC 810.
(2) During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, other income includes $186.1 million,
$181.2 million, $232.0 million, $162.0 million and $93.6 million, respectively, of additive net eliminations in
consolidation pursuant to ASC 810.
59
(3) On January 31, 2014, we completed the spin-off of our SFR segment and our stockholders received one common
share of Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust (“SWAY”) for every five shares of our common stock held at the
close of business on January 24, 2014, effectively a non-cash dividend of $5.77 per share. On the date of the
spin-off, the book value of SWAY’s assets was estimated to be $1.1 billion.
(4) December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 balances exclude $1.0 billion, $959.0 million, $825.2 million,
$519.8 million and $409.3 million, respectively, of CMBS that are eliminated in consolidation pursuant to ASC 810.
(5) December 31, 2017 balances include $51.0 billion of VIE assets and $50.0 billion of VIE liabilities consolidated
pursuant to ASC 810. December 31, 2016 balances include $67.1 billion of VIE assets and $66.1 billion of VIE
liabilities consolidated pursuant to ASC 810. December 31, 2015 balances include $76.7 billion of VIE assets and
$75.8 billion of VIE liabilities consolidated pursuant to ASC 810. December 31, 2014 balances include
$107.8 billion of VIE assets and $107.2 billion of VIE liabilities consolidated pursuant to ASC 810. December 31,
2013 balances include $103.1 billion of VIE assets and $102.6 billion of VIE liabilities consolidated pursuant to
ASC 810.
(6) Reflects amounts reclassified to conform to our current year presentation as discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. Impairment of lease intangible assets of $0.7 million were reclassified from
other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) to other expense in our consolidated statement of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2016.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of the
Company should be read in conjunction with Item 6, “Selected Financial Data,” and our accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Form 10-K”). Certain statements we
make under this Item 7 constitute “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Part I of this Form 10-K. You should
consider our forward-looking statements in light of our Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial
information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC.
Business Objectives and Outlook
Our objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors over the long-term, primarily through
dividends and secondarily through capital appreciation. We intend to achieve our objective by originating and acquiring
target assets to create a diversified investment portfolio that is financed in a manner that is designed to deliver attractive
returns across a variety of market conditions and economic cycles. We are focused on our three core competencies:
transaction access, asset analysis and selection, and identification of attractive relative values within the real estate debt
and equity markets.
Since our IPO in August 2009, we have evolved from a company focused on opportunistic acquisitions of real
estate debt assets from distressed sellers to that of a full-service real estate finance platform that is primarily focused on
the origination and acquisition of commercial real estate debt and equity investments across the capital structure, in both
the U.S. and Europe. With the Starwood brand, market presence, and lending/asset management platform that we have
developed, we are focused primarily on the following opportunities:
(1) Continue to expand our market presence as a leading provider of acquisition, refinance, development and
expansion capital to large real estate projects (greater than $75 million) in infill locations, and other
attractive market niches where our size and scale give us an advantage to provide a “one-stop” lending
solution for real estate developers, owners and operators;
(2) Continue to expand our investment activities in subordinate CMBS and revenues from special servicing;
60
(3) Continue to expand our capabilities in syndication and securitization, which serve as a source of
attractively priced, matched-term financing;
(4) Continue to leverage our Investing and Servicing Segment’s sourcing and credit underwriting capabilities
to expand our overall footprint in the commercial real estate debt markets; and
(5) Expand our investment activities in both (i) targeted real estate equity investments and (ii) residential
mortgage finance.
There can be no assurance that we will continue to find appropriate investment opportunities.
Recent Developments
Developments During the Fourth Quarter of 2017
DownREIT Portfolio Acquisition
On December 21, 2017, we entered into an agreement to acquire a 27-property, 6,109 unit, 99% occupied
affordable housing portfolio located in Central and South Florida for $594.7 million, which includes $40.0 million of
contingent consideration (the “DownREIT Portfolio”). On December 28, 2017, we acquired eight of these affordable
housing communities (the “First Closing”), which include 1,740 units, for $156.2 million, including contingent
consideration of $10.8 million. We financed the First Closing utilizing 10-year mortgage debt totaling $116.7 million
with a fixed 3.81% interest rate.
Other Developments
• The Lending Segment originated or acquired the following loans during the quarter:
o $345.0 million first mortgage loan for the refinancing of a loan originated by the Company in 2014 on
a 57-story Class A+ office and condominium tower located in San Francisco, California, of which the
Company funded $214.5 million. The office portion of the tower is fully leased to a premier global
online social media and networking company.
o £227.6 million first mortgage loan for the acquisition of 14 assisted living facilities located across the
United Kingdom, of which the Company funded £208.1 million.
o $200.0 million first mortgage participation for the development of a 1.2 million square foot residential
tower located in Midtown Manhattan, of which the Company funded $52.2 million.
o $183.0 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the refinancing of a loan originated by the
Company in 2015 on a 1,250-room luxury hotel located in Atlanta, Georgia, which was fully funded
upon origination.
o $125.0 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the development of a mixed-use development,
consisting of a residential tower, hotel, ground floor retail, and parking garage, located in Coral
Gables, Florida. The Company sold the $95.0 million first mortgage and retained the $30.0 million
mezzanine loan, of which $5.4 million was funded.
• Funded $137.3 million of previously originated loan commitments.
• Received proceeds of $914.1 million from maturities, sales and principal repayments on loans held-for-
investment and single-borrower CMBS.
• Originated conduit loans of $518.1 million and received proceeds of $594.0 million from sales.
61
• Named special servicer on eight new issue CMBS deals with a total unpaid principal balance of $5.9 billion at
issuance; in the case of two of these CMBS deals, we retained the related B-piece.
• Acquired commercial real estate from CMBS trusts for a gross purchase price of $12.0 million.
• Sold commercial real estate for total gross proceeds of $11.7 million and recognized net gains of $2.7 million.
•
Issued $500.0 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”).
Developments During 2017
• Acquired eight of the 27 properties comprising our DownREIT Portfolio as discussed above under
“Developments During the Fourth Quarter of 2017.”
• Acquired 20 retail properties and three industrial properties (the “Master Lease Portfolio”) for a purchase price
of $553.3 million in a sale leaseback transaction. These properties, which collectively comprise 5.3 million
square feet, are geographically dispersed throughout the U.S., with more than 50% of the portfolio, by carrying
value, located in Utah, Florida, Texas and Minnesota.
• The Lending Segment originated or acquired $4.2 billion of commercial loans and CMBS during the year,
including:
o $339.2 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the acquisition of a 1.0 million square foot office
campus located in Irvine, California, of which the Company funded $291.5 million.
o $345.0 million first mortgage loan for the refinancing of a loan originated by the Company in 2014 on
a 57-story Class A+ office and condominium tower located in San Francisco, California, of which the
Company funded $214.5 million. The office portion of the tower is fully leased to a premier global
online social media and networking company.
o £227.6 million first mortgage loan for the acquisition of 14 assisted living facilities located across the
United Kingdom, of which the Company funded £208.1 million.
o $280.0 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the refinancing of a 367-room hotel and 11-unit
condominium project located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, of which the Company funded
$269.5 million.
o $280.0 million first mortgage loan to finance the development of a 36-floor residential tower with
parking and ground floor retail space located in Brooklyn, New York, of which the Company funded
$30.0 million and sold the $80.0 million subordinated first mortgage.
o $252.0 million first mortgage loan for the refinancing of a 1.3 million square foot office tower located
in downtown Houston, Texas, of which the Company funded $232.4 million.
o $250.0 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the refinancing and renovation of two adjoined
12-floor office buildings located in Washington, D.C., of which the Company funded $146.7 million
and sold $75.0 million during the year.
o $223.6 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the development of a waterfront residential
community located in Glen Cove, New York. The $160.0 million first mortgage was subsequently
sold during the year and the mezzanine loan was unfunded as of December 31, 2017.
62
o $200.0 million first mortgage participation for the development of a 1.2 million square foot residential
tower located in Midtown Manhattan, of which the Company funded $52.2 million.
o $183.0 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the refinancing of a loan originated by the
Company in 2015 on a 1,250-room luxury hotel located in Atlanta, Georgia, which was fully funded
upon origination.
o $175.0 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the acquisition of a portfolio of four office
buildings located in Tysons Corner, Virginia, of which the Company funded $171.8 million.
o $175.0 million first mortgage loan to finance the completion of a 2.7 million square foot shopping and
entertainment complex located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, of which the Company funded
$30.0 million.
• Funded $571.5 million of previously originated loan commitments.
• Received proceeds of $2.8 billion from maturities, sales and principal repayments on loans held-for-investment
and single-borrower CMBS.
• Acquired $678.5 million of non-agency residential mortgage loans.
• Originated or acquired conduit loans of $1.6 billion and received proceeds of $1.6 billion from sales.
• Purchased $125.8 million of CMBS in the Investing and Servicing Segment.
• Named special servicer on 13 new issue CMBS deals with a total unpaid principal balance of $10.8 billion at
issuance; in the case of four of these CMBS deals, we retained the related B-piece.
• Sold 88% of our equity interest in an online real estate company for cash proceeds of $66.0 million.
• Acquired commercial real estate from CMBS trusts for a gross purchase price of $49.7 million.
• Sold commercial real estate for total gross proceeds of $52.5 million and recognized net gains of $16.6 million.
•
•
Issued $250.0 million of 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) and utilized the
proceeds to repurchase $230.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2018 Notes (as defined in Note 11 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements) for $250.7 million, recognizing a loss on extinguishment of debt of
$5.9 million.
Issued $500.0 million of the 2025 Notes.
Subsequent Events
Refer to Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosure regarding significant transactions that
occurred subsequent to December 31, 2017.
63
Results of Operations
The discussion below is based on GAAP and therefore reflects the elimination of certain key financial
statement line items related to the consolidation of securitization VIEs, particularly within revenues and other income, as
discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of our results of operations excluding the
impact of ASC 810 as it relates to the consolidation of securitization VIEs, refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures
section herein.
The following table compares our summarized results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017,
2016 and 2015 by business segment (amounts in thousands):
Revenues:
Lending Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing Segment . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing VIEs . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs and expenses:
Lending Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing Segment . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing VIEs . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (loss):
Lending Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing Segment . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing VIEs . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Lending Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property Segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing Segment . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing VIEs . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to non-controlling
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to Starwood
Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the Year Ended December 31,
$ Change
2017
2016
2015
2017 vs. 2016
$ Change
2016 vs. 2015
$ 547,913 $ 497,735 $ 529,449 $
199,111
312,237
(179,373)
879,888
114,599
352,836
(180,503)
784,667
25,445
411,806
(230,823)
735,877
50,178 $ (31,714)
89,154
84,512
(58,970)
(40,599)
50,320
1,130
48,790
95,221
127,078
197,517
157,606
253,499
(451)
735,249
113,770
131,878
173,791
231,249
439
651,127
106,331
36,199
157,055
235,749
945
536,279
4,085
(59,920)
175,968
(6,610)
186,127
299,650
9,164
52,276
4,364
(4,505)
181,156
242,455
2,901
16,711
24,043
(5,904)
232,040
269,791
424,920
(58,326)
330,599
(260,109)
7,205
444,289
(31,522)
393,129
34,997
183,409
(235,754)
214
375,995
(8,344)
426,019
5,957
278,794
(241,653)
272
469,389
(17,206)
13,308
65,639
(16,185)
22,250
(890)
84,122
(5,079)
(112,196)
171,604
(2,105)
4,971
57,195
31,791
(93,323)
147,190
(24,355)
6,991
68,294
(23,178)
7,439
95,679
16,736
(4,500)
(506)
114,848
6,263
35,565
(19,679)
1,399
(50,884)
(27,336)
(32,890)
29,040
(95,385)
5,899
(58)
(93,394)
8,862
(11,997)
(2,465)
(1,486)
(9,532)
(979)
$ 400,770 $ 365,186 $ 450,697 $
35,584 $ (85,511)
Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
Lending Segment
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues of our Lending Segment increased $50.2 million to $547.9
million, compared to $497.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an
64
increase in interest income from loans principally due to higher average loan balances and LIBOR rates, partially offset
by lower levels of prepayment related income.
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2017, costs and expenses of our Lending Segment increased $13.3 million to
$127.1 million, compared to $113.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to
(i) a $19.2 million increase in interest expense associated with the various secured financing facilities used to fund a
portion of our investment portfolio and (ii) a $3.3 million increase in general, administrative and other expenses,
partially offset by (iii) a $9.2 million decrease in our loan loss allowance.
Net Interest Income (amounts in thousands)
Interest income from loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest income from investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
499,806
46,710
(107,167)
439,349
$
Change
2016
449,470 $ 50,336
(531)
47,241
(19,167)
(88,000)
$
408,711 $ 30,638
For the Year Ended December 31,
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net interest income of our Lending Segment increased $30.6 million to
$439.3 million, compared to $408.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase reflects the increase in
interest income explained in the Revenues discussion above, partially offset by the increase in interest expense on our
secured financing facilities.
During each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the weighted average unlevered yield on the
Lending Segment’s loans and investment securities was 7.5%. The weighted average unlevered yield remained
unchanged primarily due to the benefits of increases in LIBOR which offset lower levels of prepayment related income
and declines in interest rate spreads for the year ended December 31, 2017.
During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Lending Segment’s weighted average secured
borrowing rates, inclusive of interest rate hedging costs and the amortization of deferred financing fees, were 3.8% and
3.4%, respectively, and 3.7% and 3.3%, respectively, excluding the impact of bridge financing. The increases in
borrowing rates primarily reflect increases in LIBOR.
Other Income
For the year ended December 31, 2017, other income of our Lending Segment decreased $5.1 million to
$4.1 million, compared to $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a $76.8
million unfavorable change in gain (loss) on derivatives, partially offset by a $71.2 million favorable change in foreign
currency gain (loss). The unfavorable change from derivatives reflects a $77.6 million unfavorable change on foreign
currency hedges, partially offset by a $0.8 million decreased loss on interest rate swaps. The foreign currency hedges are
used to fix the U.S. dollar amounts of cash flows (both interest and principal payments) we expect to receive from our
foreign currency denominated loans and CMBS investments. The unfavorable change on the foreign currency hedges and
the favorable change in foreign currency gain (loss) reflect the overall weakening of the U.S. dollar against the GBP in the
year ended December 31, 2017 versus a strengthening of the U.S. dollar in the year ended December 31, 2016. The
interest rate swaps are used primarily to fix our interest rate payments on certain variable rate borrowings which fund fixed
rate investments.
65
Property Segment
Change in Results by Portfolio (amounts in thousands)
Revenues
Cost and expenses Other income (loss)
Income (loss) before
income taxes
$ Change from prior year
Master Lease Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Medical Office Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ireland Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Woodstar Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DownREIT Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . .
Other/Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
13,260 $
65,570
550
4,998
134
—
—
84,512 $
9,370 $
66,652
52
(11,288)
229
4
620
65,639 $
(2,354) $
(25,443)
(37,882)
(9,102)
7
(37,422)
—
(112,196) $
1,536
(26,525)
(37,384)
7,184
(88)
(37,426)
(620)
(93,323)
See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the above-referenced Property
Segment portfolios.
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues of our Property Segment increased $84.5 million to
$199.1 million, compared to $114.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in revenues in the year
ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the full period inclusion of rental income for the Medical Office
Portfolio, which was acquired in December 2016, and the Woodstar Portfolio, which was acquired over a period from
October 2015 through April 2016. Also contributing to the increase was rental income from the Master Lease Portfolio
which was acquired on September 25, 2017. The DownREIT Portfolio was acquired on December 28, 2017, so had little
impact on revenues.
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2017, costs and expenses of our Property Segment increased $65.6 million to
$197.5 million, compared to $131.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in costs and expenses
reflects increases of $22.9 million in depreciation and amortization, $24.7 million in other rental related costs and
$24.5 million in interest expense, all primarily due to the full period inclusion of the Medical Office Portfolio and
Woodstar Portfolio and acquisition of the Master Lease Portfolio, partially offset by lower amortization related to the
Woodstar Portfolio’s in-place lease intangible asset, which is now fully amortized, and a $7.5 million decrease in
acquisition costs not capitalized.
Other Income (Loss)
For the year ended December 31, 2017, other income (loss) of our Property Segment decreased $112.2 million
to a loss of $59.9 million, compared to income of $52.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in
other income (loss) was primarily due to (i) a $65.8 million unfavorable change in gain (loss) on derivatives of which
$38.7 million related to foreign exchange contracts which economically hedge our Euro currency exposure with respect
to the Ireland Portfolio and $27.1 million related to interest rate swaps which primarily hedge the variable interest rate
risk on borrowings secured by our Medical Office Portfolio, (ii) a $37.4 million unfavorable change in earnings (loss)
from unconsolidated entities due to decreases in fair value of the properties in the Retail Fund (see Notes 8 and 16 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements) and (iii) the non-recurrence of an $8.4 million bargain purchase gain recognized on
the Woodstar Portfolio in the second quarter of 2016.
66
Investing and Servicing Segment and VIEs
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues of our Investing and Servicing Segment decreased
$39.4 million to $132.9 million after consolidated VIE eliminations of $179.4 million, compared to $172.3 million after
consolidated VIE eliminations of $180.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The VIE eliminations are
merely a function of the number of CMBS trusts consolidated in any given period, and as such, are not a meaningful
indicator of the operating results for this segment. The decrease in revenues in the year ended December 31, 2017 was
primarily due to decreases of $27.4 million in servicing fees and $17.5 million in interest income from CMBS
investments, partially offset by a $12.3 million increase in rental income on our expanded REIS Equity Portfolio. The
$27.4 million decrease in servicing fees is primarily due to the divestiture of our European servicing and advisory
business in October 2016 and lower domestic servicing fees. The $17.5 million decrease in CMBS interest income
reflects a $5.6 million increase in VIE eliminations related to the CMBS trusts we consolidate. Excluding the effect of
these eliminations, CMBS interest income decreased by $11.9 million, reflecting a lower level of CMBS interest
recoveries from asset liquidations by CMBS trusts.
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2017, costs and expenses of our Investing and Servicing Segment decreased
$17.1 million to $157.1 million, compared to $174.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, inclusive of VIE
eliminations which were nominal for both periods. The decrease in costs and expenses was primarily due to a
$26.9 million decrease in general and administrative expenses principally reflecting the divestiture of our European
servicing and advisory business and lower compensation costs, partially offset by increases of $4.4 million in costs of
rental operations, $3.9 million in depreciation and amortization and $3.2 million in interest expense, all primarily related
to our expanded REIS Equity Portfolio.
Other Income
For the year ended December 31, 2017, other income of our Investing and Servicing Segment increased
$176.6 million to $362.1 million including additive net VIE eliminations of $186.1 million, from $185.5 million including
additive net VIE eliminations of $181.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in other income was
primarily due to (i) a $100.8 million increase in the change in value of net assets related to consolidated VIEs, (ii) a
$53.9 million increase in earnings from an unconsolidated investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate company
(see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), (iii) a $22.8 million lesser decrease in fair value of servicing rights
partially reflecting the effect of VIE eliminations on the expected amortization of this deteriorating asset net of increases in fair
value due to the attainment of new servicing contracts, (iv) a $19.8 million gain on sale of five operating properties, all partially
offset by (v) a $9.6 million lesser increase in the fair value of our conduit loans held-for-sale. The change in net assets related
to consolidated VIEs reflects amounts associated with the Investing and Servicing Segment’s variable interests in CMBS trusts
it consolidates, including special servicing fees, interest income, and changes in fair value of CMBS and servicing rights. As
noted above, this number is merely a function of the number of CMBS trusts consolidated in any given period, and as such, is
not a meaningful indicator of the operating results for this segment. Before VIE eliminations, there was an increase in fair
value of CMBS securities of $54.3 million and a decrease of $44.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively.
Income Tax Provision
Historically, our consolidated income tax provision principally relates to the taxable nature of the Investing and
Servicing Segment’s loan servicing and loan conduit businesses which are housed in TRSs. For the year ended
December 31, 2017, our income tax provision increased $23.2 million to $31.5 million, compared to $8.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 2016. The change primarily reflects (i) an increase in the taxable income of our TRSs
associated with earnings from our interest in an investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate company and
sold nearly all of its interest during the year ended December 31, 2017 and (ii) an income tax provision of $10.4 million
resulting from the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets upon enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in
December 2017 (see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
67
Corporate
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2017, corporate expenses increased $22.3 million to $253.5 million,
compared to $231.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to (i) a $17.9 million
increase in interest expense principally on our 2021 Senior Notes issued in December 2016 and our 2025 Senior Notes
issued in December 2017, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on our reduced term loan borrowings and our
2017 Convertible Notes which matured in October 2017, and (ii) a $5.0 million increase in management fees.
Other Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2017, corporate other loss increased $2.1 million to $6.6 million, compared to
$4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in corporate other loss was primarily due to (i) a
$2.5 million decrease in other income, which included a reimbursement received related to a partnership guarantee
arrangement in 2016, and (ii) a $2.4 million loss on an interest rate swap used to hedge the portion of our 2025 Senior
Notes used to repay variable-rate secured financing, partially offset by (iii) a $2.8 million decreased loss on
extinguishment of debt (see Notes 10 and 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015
Lending Segment
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues of our Lending Segment decreased $31.7 million to
$497.7 million, compared to $529.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to
(i) a $20.8 million decrease in interest income from investment securities principally due to maturities during 2015 of
two preferred equity interests we held in companies that own commercial real estate, the absence of $5.4 million of
income realized upon the collection of an RMBS in 2015 and the absence of a $5.3 million CMBS prepayment fee
recognized in 2015 and (ii) a $10.9 million decrease in interest income from loans principally due to a gradual decline of
interest rate spreads and lower average loan balances during 2016, the effects of which were partially offset by higher
loan fee income from increased levels of loan prepayments in 2016.
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2016, costs and expenses of our Lending Segment increased $7.4 million to
$113.7 million, compared to $106.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to a
$6.3 million increase in interest expense associated with the various secured financing facilities used to fund a portion of
our investment portfolio and a $3.8 million increase in our loan loss allowance, partially offset by a $3.2 million
decrease in G&A expenses primarily due to lower compensation costs.
Net Interest Income (amounts in thousands)
Interest income from loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income from investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
2016
449,470
47,241
(88,000)
408,711
$
$
2015
460,365
68,059
(81,676)
446,748
Change
(10,895)
(20,818)
(6,324)
(38,037)
$
$
For the Year Ended December 31,
For the year ended December 31, 2016, net interest income of our Lending Segment decreased $38.0 million to
$408.7 million, compared to $446.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease reflects the net
decrease in interest income explained in the Revenues discussion above and the increase in interest expense on our
secured financing facilities.
68
During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the weighted average unlevered yields on the Lending
Segment’s loans and investment securities were 7.5% and 8.0%, respectively. The decrease in the weighted average
unlevered yield is primarily due to a gradual decline of interest rate spreads during 2016.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Lending Segment’s weighted average secured
borrowing rates, inclusive of interest rate hedging costs and the amortization of deferred financing fees, were 3.4% and
3.2%, respectively, and 3.3% and 2.9%, respectively, excluding the impact of bridge financing. The increases in the
Lending Segment’s weighted average secured borrowing rates are primarily due to increases in LIBOR.
Other Income
For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income of our Lending Segment increased $6.3 million to
$9.2 million, compared to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to a
$10.8 million increase in derivative gains, partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease in net gains from other investments.
The $10.8 million increase in derivative gains reflects a $6.8 million increased gain on foreign currency hedges and a
$4.0 million decreased loss on interest rate swaps. The foreign currency hedges are used to fix the U.S. dollar amounts
of cash flows (both interest and principal payments) we expect to receive from our foreign currency denominated loans
and CMBS investments. The gains on those hedges reflected the overall strengthening of the U.S. dollar in 2016. The
interest rate swaps are used primarily to fix our interest rate payments on certain variable rate borrowings which fund
fixed rate investments.
Property Segment
Change in Results by Portfolio (amounts in thousands)
Revenues
Cost and expenses Other income (loss)
Income (loss) before
income taxes
$ Change from prior year
Medical Office Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Ireland Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Woodstar Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other/Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
441 $
12,463
76,250
—
—
89,154 $
7,695 $
6,966
81,094
—
(76)
95,679 $
25,721 $
2,657
7,572
(354)
(31)
35,565 $
18,467
8,154
2,728
(354)
45
29,040
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues of our Property Segment increased $89.2 million to
$114.6 million, compared to $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in revenues was
primarily due to increases in rental income of $76.2 million from our Woodstar Portfolio, which we acquired after
September 30, 2015, and $12.5 million from our Ireland Portfolio.
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2016, costs and expenses of our Property Segment increased $95.7 million to
$131.9 million, compared to $36.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in costs and expenses
was primarily due to increases of $35.6 million in depreciation and amortization, $42.0 million in other rental related
costs and $16.4 million in interest expense primarily on the secured financing for the Woodstar and Ireland Portfolios.
Other Income
For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income of our Property Segment increased $35.6 million to $52.3
million, compared to $16.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in other income was primarily
due to (i) a $28.4 million increase in derivative gains primarily relating to interest rate swaps entered into in anticipation
69
of debt financing for the acquisition of the Medical Office Portfolio and (ii) the recognition of an $8.4 million bargain
purchase gain on the final two properties we purchased for the Woodstar Portfolio during the second quarter of 2016.
Investing and Servicing Segment and VIEs
Revenues
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues of our Investing and Servicing Segment decreased
$8.7 million to $172.3 million after consolidated VIE eliminations of $180.5 million, compared to $181.0 million after
consolidated VIE eliminations of $230.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The VIE eliminations are
merely a function of the number of CMBS trusts consolidated in any given period, and as such, are not a meaningful
indicator of the operating results for this segment. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to decreases of
$28.5 million in servicing fees, $5.4 million in other fee income and $2.0 million in interest income from CMBS
investments, partially offset by an increase of $27.0 million in rental income on our expanded REIS Equity Portfolio.
The $2.0 million decrease in CMBS interest income reflects a $7.7 million decrease in VIE eliminations related to the
CMBS trusts we consolidate. Excluding the effect of these eliminations, CMBS interest income decreased by
$9.7 million, primarily reflecting a lower level of CMBS interest recoveries.
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2016, costs and expenses of our Investing and Servicing Segment increased
$16.2 million to $174.2 million, compared to $158.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, inclusive of VIE
eliminations, which were nominal for both periods. The increase in costs and expenses was primarily due to increases of
$11.5 million in costs of rental operations and $5.1 million in interest expense on secured financings for CMBS and the
REIS Equity Portfolio.
Other Income
For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income of our Investing and Servicing Segment decreased
$70.6 million to $185.5 million including additive net VIE eliminations of $181.2 million, from $256.1 million including
additive net VIE eliminations of $232.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in other income was
primarily due to (i) a decrease of $33.9 million in the change in value of net assets related to consolidated VIEs, (ii) a
$34.5 million greater reduction in fair value of servicing rights which reflects the expected amortization of this deteriorating
asset net of increases in fair value due to the attainment of new servicing contracts, (iii) the absence of a $17.8 million gain on
sale of a commercial real estate asset realized in 2015 and (iv) a $4.3 million unfavorable change in fair value of CMBS
securities, all partially offset by (v) a $9.9 million greater increase in fair value of loans held-for-sale and (vi) a $9.9 million
lower loss on derivatives which principally hedge our interest rate risk on those loans. The change in net assets related to
consolidated VIEs reflects amounts associated with the Investing and Servicing Segment’s variable interests in CMBS trusts it
consolidates, including special servicing fees, interest income, and changes in fair value of CMBS and servicing rights. As
noted above, this number is merely a function of the number of CMBS trusts consolidated in any given period, and as such, is
not a meaningful indicator of the operating results for this segment. Before VIE eliminations, there were decreases in fair
value of CMBS securities of $44.1 million and $10.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Income Tax Provision
Historically, our consolidated income tax provision principally relates to the taxable nature of the Investing and
Servicing Segment’s loan servicing and loan conduit businesses which are housed in TRSs. Our tax provision for the
year ended December 31, 2016, as well as the overall effective tax rate, is lower than for the year ended December 31,
2015 primarily due to a decrease in the taxable income of our TRSs.
70
Corporate
Costs and Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2016, corporate expenses decreased $4.5 million to $231.2 million, compared
to $235.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to an $8.2 million decrease in
management fees partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in other corporate expenses, including acquisition and
investment pursuit costs.
Other Loss
For the year ended December 31, 2016, corporate other loss decreased $1.4 million to $4.5 million, compared
to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was due to a $4.3 million increase in other income,
including reimbursements received in 2016 related to a partnership guarantee arrangement, partially offset by a
$2.9 million increase in loss on extinguishment of debt.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Core Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate Core Earnings as GAAP net income (loss)
excluding the following:
(i)
non-cash equity compensation expense;
(ii)
incentive fees due under our management agreement;
(iii)
depreciation and amortization of real estate and associated intangibles;
(iv)
acquisition costs associated with successful acquisitions; and
(v)
any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items recorded in net income for the period, regardless
of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income.
The repurchase of our 2018 Notes in March 2017 was considered to be an unrealized event for Core Earnings
purposes because the 2018 Notes were effectively exchanged for the 2023 Notes, thereby simply extending the term of
this debt. As such, consistent with the above definition, we have deferred the $5.9 million GAAP loss on
extinguishment of debt included in our GAAP results for the year ended December 31, 2017 and will amortize this loss
over the term of our 2023 Notes.
We believe that Core Earnings provides an additional measure of our core operating performance by
eliminating the impact of certain non-cash expenses and facilitating a comparison of our financial results to those of
other comparable REITs with fewer or no non-cash adjustments and comparison of our own operating results from
period to period. Our management uses Core Earnings in this way, and also uses Core Earnings to compute the incentive
fee due under our management agreement. The Company believes that its investors also use Core Earnings or a
comparable supplemental performance measure to evaluate and compare the performance of the Company and its peers,
and as such, the Company believes that the disclosure of Core Earnings is useful to (and expected by) its investors.
However, the Company cautions that Core Earnings does not represent cash generated from operating activities
in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with
GAAP), or an indication of our cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP), a measure
of our liquidity, or an indication of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to make cash
distributions. In addition, our methodology for calculating Core Earnings may differ from the methodologies employed
by other REITs to calculate the same or similar supplemental performance measures, and accordingly, our reported Core
Earnings may not be comparable to the Core Earnings reported by other REITs.
71
In assessing the appropriate weighted average diluted share count to apply to Core Earnings for purposes of
determining Core Earnings per share (“EPS”), management considered the following attributes of our current GAAP
diluted share methodology: (i) our unvested stock awards representing participating securities were determined to be
anti-dilutive and were thus excluded from the denominator of the EPS calculation; and (ii) the portion of the convertible
senior notes that are “in-the-money” (referred to as the “conversion spread value”), representing the value that would be
delivered to investors in shares upon an assumed conversion, is included in the denominator. Because compensation
expense related to unvested stock awards is added back for Core Earnings purposes pursuant to the definition above,
there is no dilution to Core Earnings resulting from the associated expense recognition. As a result, for purposes of
determining Core EPS, our GAAP EPS methodology was adjusted to include (instead of exclude) such unvested awards.
Further, conversion of the convertible senior notes is an event that is contingent upon numerous factors, none of which
are in our control, and is an event that may or may not occur. Consistent with the treatment of other unrealized
adjustments to Core Earnings, our GAAP EPS methodology was adjusted to exclude (instead of include) the conversion
spread value in determining Core EPS until a conversion actually occurs. The following table presents our diluted
weighted average shares used in our GAAP EPS calculation reconciled to our diluted weighted average shares used in
our Core EPS calculation (amounts in thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31,
2016
2015
2017
Diluted weighted average shares - GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add: Unvested stock awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Conversion spread value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted weighted average shares - Core . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
262,079
1,659
(1,899)
261,839
241,794
1,469
(2,697)
240,566
234,142
2,132
(97)
236,177
The definition of Core Earnings allows management to make adjustments, subject to the approval of a majority
of our independent directors, in situations where such adjustments are considered appropriate in order for Core Earnings
to be calculated in a manner consistent with its definition and objective. No adjustments to the definition of Core
Earnings occurred during the year ended December 31, 2017. However, as a reminder, in 2015, we adjusted the
calculation of Core Earnings related to the equity component of our convertible notes. We amortize the equity
component of these instruments through interest expense. The amount is not considered realized until the earlier of (a)
the entire issuance of the notes has been extinguished; or (b) the equity portion has been fully amortized. During the
year ended December 31, 2017, the 2017 Notes matured and the equity portion of these notes had been fully amortized.
As a result, we reflected $15.2 million as a positive adjustment to Core Earnings, representing the $15.6 million equity
balance recognized upon issuance of the 2017 Notes, net of $0.4 million in adjustments related to cumulative
repurchases through the maturity date.
In February 2018, our board of directors approved an amendment (the “Amendment”) to our management
agreement which, among other things, amends the definition of Core Earnings and the calculation of Incentive
Compensation, both as defined. The intent of the Amendment is to treat subsidiary equity in the same manner as if
parent equity had been issued. In the case of the DownREIT Portfolio, any distributions that accrue to the holders of the
Class A Units are reflected as a reduction to net income attributable to non-controlling interests within our GAAP
consolidated statements of operations. The Amendment adjusts the definition of Core Earnings so that any reductions to
GAAP net income for such distributions are added back. Further, the redeemable Class A Units are only reflected in our
GAAP diluted share count to the extent they are dilutive. The Amendment adjusts the definition of Incentive
Compensation so that all Class A units issued are included in the denominator for purposes of determining whether the
hurdle rate has been met. The Amendment is effective December 28, 2017, and as a result, the impact to both Core
Earnings and the incentive fee for the year ended December 31, 2017 was insignificant.
72
The following table summarizes our quarterly Core Earnings per weighted average diluted share for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Core Earnings For the Three-Month Periods Ended
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.51
0.50
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.55
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
0.55
$
0.50
0.55
$ 0.52
0.50
0.53
0.65
0.59
0.56
$
The following table presents our summarized results of operations and reconciliation to Core Earnings for the
year ended December 31, 2017, by business segment (amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
Investing
and Servicing
Segment
Corporate
Total
— $ 1,059,261
(735,700)
113,523
437,084
(31,522)
(4,792)
(253,499)
(6,610)
(260,109)
—
—
(260,109)
400,770
(197,517)
(59,920)
(58,326)
(249)
—
(157,606)
175,968
330,599
(31,130)
(3,373)
(127,078)
4,085
424,920
(143)
(1,419)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 547,913 $ 199,111 $ 312,237 $
Costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income attributable to non-controlling interests . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to Starwood
Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add / (Deduct):
Non-cash equity compensation expense . . . . . . . . .
Management incentive fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition and investment pursuit costs . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income adjustment for securities . . . . . . . .
Extinguishment of debt, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-cash items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reversal of unrealized (gains) / losses on:
3,406
—
137
18,245
—
13,697
—
1,672
109
—
(70)
74,510
—
—
—
(2,214)
3,016
—
1,109
66
(5,458)
(905)
—
—
423,358
296,096
(58,575)
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . .
Purchases and sales of properties . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2,324)
(66)
33,506
(33,651)
(3,365)
—
—
—
31,676
(14)
27,685
—
(64,663)
(54,333)
461
(6)
(68,192)
(613)
Recognition of realized gains / (losses) on:
11,595
42,144
—
—
—
—
21,129
—
—
—
2,666
—
—
—
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . .
Purchases and sales of properties . . . . . . . . . . . .
Core Earnings (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 419,983 $ 75,847 $ 271,647 $ (183,314) $
Core Earnings (Loss) per Weighted
(1,092)
—
16,864
(14,420)
3,345
—
64,814
4,237
1,809
(1,346)
57,066
(840)
—
—
(684)
14
3,563
(153)
—
—
(739)
—
—
—
Average Diluted Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1.60 $
0.29
$
1.04
$
(0.70) $
2.23
73
18,126
42,144
1,176
92,821
(5,458)
12,792
21,129
(542)
(66,987)
(54,399)
68,309
(33,671)
(43,872)
(613)
63,722
4,237
17,250
(15,752)
63,974
(993)
584,163
The following table presents our summarized results of operations and reconciliation to Core Earnings for the
year ended December 31, 2016, by business segment (amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
and Servicing
Segment
Investing
(113,770)
9,164
393,129
1,610
(1,398)
(131,878)
52,276
34,997
—
—
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 497,735 $ 114,599 $ 352,836
(173,791)
Costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,364
183,409
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(9,954)
Income tax benefit (provision) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income attributable to non-controlling interests . .
(853)
Net income (loss) attributable to Starwood
Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add / (Deduct):
Non-cash equity compensation expense . . . . . . . .
Management incentive fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition and investment pursuit costs . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income adjustment for securities . . . . . . .
Bargain purchase gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-cash items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reversal of unrealized (gains) / losses on:
111
—
7,755
50,862
—
—
(8,406)
(3,109)
2,829
—
—
—
3,759
(1,016)
—
—
7,370
—
1,421
12,768
—
19,376
(8,822)
45
393,341
172,602
34,997
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . .
—
(20)
(44,151)
37,595
(3,447)
—
—
(33,497)
38
(9,736)
(74,251)
44,094
2,526
(3,661)
(8,937)
Recognition of realized gains / (losses) on:
$
Corporate
—
(231,249)
(4,505)
(235,754)
—
—
Total
$ 965,170
(650,688)
61,299
375,781
(8,344)
(2,251)
(235,754)
365,186
22,705
32,842
356
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(5)
—
33,015
32,842
9,532
63,630
3,759
18,360
(17,228)
(3,064)
(74,251)
44,074
(75,122)
33,967
(22,120)
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . .
Core Earnings (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 393,522 $
Core Earnings (Loss) per Weighted
—
—
33,384
(32,803)
4,051
Average Diluted Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1.64 $
—
74,192
—
(2,288)
186
(2,013)
(38)
3,352
7,245
4,673
46,408 $ 242,447
—
—
—
5
—
$ (179,851)
74,192
(2,288)
31,557
(29,484)
15,969
$ 502,526
0.19 $
1.01
$
(0.75)
$
2.09
74
The following table presents our summarized results of operations and reconciliation to Core Earnings for the
year ended December 31, 2015, by business segment (amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
Investing
and Servicing
Segment
(36,199)
16,711
5,957
—
(106,331)
2,901
426,019
(242)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 529,449 $ 25,445 $ 411,806
(157,055)
Costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24,043
Other income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
278,794
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(16,964)
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Income) loss attributable to non-controlling
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to Starwood
Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add / (Deduct):
Non-cash equity compensation expense . . . . . . . . .
Management incentive fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition and investment pursuit costs . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income adjustment for securities . . . . . . . .
Other non-cash items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reversal of unrealized (gains) / losses on:
—
—
2,918
14,861
—
—
(249)
3,465
—
1,020
3,837
—
(3,218)
(789)
2,314
—
—
—
(2)
(958)
—
424,388
262,005
(1,389)
5,957
175
—
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . .
—
(209)
(33,930)
36,956
—
—
—
(5,060)
(31)
—
(64,320)
9,952
10,441
296
(13,042)
Recognition of realized gains / (losses) on:
65,443
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(22,064)
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(12,929)
Derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(862)
Foreign currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . .
9,787
Core Earnings (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 427,194 $ 18,488 $ 249,022
Core Earnings (Loss) per Weighted
—
—
19,887
(21,252)
—
—
—
61
31
—
Total
Corporate
$
(235,749)
(5,904)
(241,653)
—
— $ 966,700
(535,334)
37,751
469,117
(17,206)
—
(1,214)
(241,653)
450,697
26,984
37,717
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
32,763
37,717
3,938
18,698
(2)
(4,176)
(1,038)
(64,320)
9,743
(28,549)
37,221
(13,042)
—
—
—
—
—
65,443
(22,064)
7,019
(22,083)
9,787
$ (176,952) $ 517,752
Average Diluted Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1.81 $
0.08 $
1.05
$
(0.75) $
2.19
Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
Lending Segment
The Lending Segment’s Core Earnings increased by $26.5 million, from $393.5 million during the year ended
December 31, 2016 to $420.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. After making adjustments for the
calculation of Core Earnings, revenues were $547.0 million, costs and expenses were $128.3 million and other income
was $2.9 million.
Core revenues, consisting principally of interest income on loans, increased by $50.3 million during the year
ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to higher average loan balances and LIBOR rates, partially offset by lower
levels of prepayment related income.
Core costs and expenses increased by $21.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to
(i) a $19.2 million increase in interest expense associated with the various secured financing facilities used to fund a
75
portion of our investment portfolio and (ii) a $1.3 million increase in general and administrative expenses.
Core other income decreased by $0.9 million.
Property Segment
Core Earnings by Portfolio (amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
Master Lease Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Medical Office Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ireland Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Woodstar Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DownREIT Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other/Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Core Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
7,111
26,340
18,932
22,538
53
3,559
(2,686)
75,847
$
$
2016
Change
— $ 7,111
26,360
(20)
(1,264)
20,196
1,487
21,051
53
—
(3,686)
7,245
(2,064)
(622)
46,408 $ 29,439
The Property Segment’s Core Earnings increased by $29.4 million, from $46.4 million during the year ended
December 31, 2016 to $75.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. After making adjustments for the
calculation of Core Earnings, revenues were $197.6 million, costs and expenses were $124.3 million and other income
was $2.8 million.
Core revenues increased by $86.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to the
inclusion of a full period of rental income for the Medical Office Portfolio and the Woodstar Portfolio and the
acquisition of the Master Lease Portfolio.
Core costs and expenses increased by $51.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to
increases in interest expense of $25.1 million, primarily on the secured financing for the Medical Office and Master
Lease Portfolios, and rental related costs of $24.5 million.
Core other income decreased by $5.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a
decrease in equity in earnings recognized from our investment in the Retail Fund.
Investing and Servicing Segment
The Investing and Servicing Segment’s Core Earnings increased by $29.2 million, from $242.4 million during
the year ended December 31, 2016 to $271.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. After making
adjustments for the calculation of Core Earnings, revenues were $326.1 million, costs and expenses were $134.9 million,
other income was $114.4 million, income tax provision was $30.6 million and the deduction of income attributable to
non-controlling interests was $3.4 million.
Core revenues decreased by $46.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to decreases
of $33.8 million in servicing fees reflecting the divestiture of our European servicing and advisory business and lower
domestic servicing fees, $17.6 million in interest income from our CMBS portfolio and $3.7 million in interest income
from conduit loans, partially offset by a $12.5 million increase in rental income on our expanded REIS Equity Portfolio.
The treatment of CMBS interest income on a GAAP basis is complicated by our application of the ASC 810
consolidation rules. In an attempt to treat these securities similar to the trust’s other investment securities, we compute
core interest income pursuant to an effective yield methodology. In doing so, we segregate the portfolio into various
categories based on the components of the bonds’ cash flows and the volatility related to each of these components. We
then accrete interest income on an effective yield basis using the components of cash flows that are reliably estimable.
Other minor adjustments are made to reflect management’s expectations for other components of the projected cash flow
stream.
76
Core costs and expenses decreased by $17.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to
a decrease in general and administrative expenses reflecting the divestiture of our European servicing and advisory
business and lower incentive compensation, partially offset by increases in costs of rental operations and interest expense
on secured financings for CMBS and the REIS Equity Portfolio.
Core other income includes profit realized upon securitization of loans by our conduit business, gains on sales
of CMBS, gains and losses on derivatives that were either effectively terminated or novated, and earnings from
unconsolidated entities. These items are typically offset by a decrease in the fair value of our domestic servicing rights
intangible which reflects the expected amortization of this deteriorating asset, net of increases in fair value due to the
attainment of new servicing contracts. Derivatives include instruments which hedge interest rate risk and credit risk on
our conduit loans. For GAAP purposes, the loans, CMBS and derivatives are accounted for at fair value, with all changes
in fair value (realized or unrealized) recognized in earnings. The adjustments to Core Earnings outlined above are also
applied to the GAAP earnings of our unconsolidated entities. Core other income increased by $81.4 million principally
due to (i) a $52.4 million realized gain from an unconsolidated investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate
company and sold nearly all of its interest during the third quarter of 2017, (ii) a $23.2 million increase in realized gains on
sales of operating properties and CMBS and (iii) a $21.4 million decrease in amortization of servicing rights, all partially offset
by (iv) a $9.4 million decrease in realized gains on conduit loans and (v) core write-downs of $5.5 million on CMBS.
Income taxes, which principally relate to the operating results of our servicing and conduit businesses which are
held in TRSs, increased $20.6 million due to (i) an increase in the taxable income of our TRSs primarily associated with
realized gains from our interest in an investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate company and sold nearly
all of its interest during the third quarter of 2017 and (ii) the impact of remeasuring our net deferred tax assets upon
enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017.
Income attributable to non-controlling interests increased $2.5 million primarily due to minority investors’
share of gains from two operating properties sold during the third quarter of 2017.
Corporate
Core corporate costs and expenses increased by $3.4 million, from $179.9 million during the year ended
December 31, 2016 to $183.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to increases in interest
expense of $18.7 million and base management fees of $6.8 million, partially offset by a favorable change in core gains
(losses) on extinguishment of debt of $24.0 million.
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015
Lending Segment
The Lending Segment’s Core Earnings decreased by $33.7 million, from $427.2 million during the year ended
December 31, 2015 to $393.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. After making adjustments for the
calculation of Core Earnings, revenues were $496.7 million, costs and expenses were $107.2 million and other income
was $3.8 million.
Core revenues, consisting principally of interest income on loans, decreased by $31.8 million during 2016
primarily due to (i) a $20.9 million decrease in interest income from investment securities principally due to maturities
during 2015 of two preferred equity interests we held in companies that own commercial real estate, the absence of
$5.4 million of income realized upon the collection of an RMBS in 2015 and the absence of a $5.3 million CMBS
prepayment fee recognized in 2015 and (ii) a $10.9 million decrease in interest income from loans principally due to a
gradual decline of interest rate spreads and lower average loan balances during 2016, the effects of which were partially
offset by higher loan fee income from increased levels of loan prepayments in 2016.
Core costs and expenses increased by $3.2 million, primarily due to a $6.3 million increase in interest expense
associated with the various secured financing facilities used to fund a portion of our investment portfolio, partially offset
by a $3.7 million decrease in G&A expenses reflecting lower compensation costs.
77
Core other income decreased by $0.5 million, principally due to an increased loss on foreign currency
denominated assets and a decreased gain on sale of loan investments, partially offset by an increased gain on foreign
currency derivatives.
Property Segment
Core Earnings by Portfolio (amounts in thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
Medical Office Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Ireland Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Woodstar Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other/Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Core Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2016
(20)
20,196
21,051
7,245
(2,064)
46,408
$
$
2015
— $
Change
(20)
7,700
12,496
2,918
18,133
10,090
(2,845)
156
(2,220)
18,488 $ 27,920
The Property Segment’s Core Earnings increased by $27.9 million, from $18.5 million during the year ended
December 31, 2015 to $46.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. After making adjustments for the
calculation of Core Earnings, revenues were $111.2 million, costs and expenses were $72.8 million and other income
was $8.0 million.
Core revenues increased by $86.2 million in 2016 primarily due to an increase in rental income from the
Woodstar and Ireland Portfolios.
Core costs and expenses increased by $54.6 million, primarily due to increases in rental related costs of
$42.1 million, interest expense primarily on the secured financing for the Woodstar and Ireland Portfolios of
$16.4 million and G&A expenses of $2.0 million, all partially offset by a $5.9 million decrease in acquisition and
investment pursuit costs.
Core other income decreased by $3.7 million, primarily due to a decrease in equity in earnings from the Retail
Fund.
Investing and Servicing Segment
The Investing and Servicing Segment’s Core Earnings decreased by $6.6 million, from $249.0 million during
the year ended December 31, 2015 to $242.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. After making
adjustments for the calculation of Core Earnings, revenues were $372.2 million, costs and expenses were $151.9 million,
other income was $33.0 million and income taxes were $10.0 million.
Core revenues decreased by $36.5 million in 2016, primarily due to decreases of $70.8 million in servicing fees
and $5.7 million in other fee income, partially offset by increases of $26.9 million in rental income on our expanded
REIS Equity Portfolio and $12.9 million in interest income from our CMBS portfolio.
Core costs and expenses increased by $2.9 million, primarily due to increases of $11.5 million in costs of rental
operations and $5.6 million in interest expense on secured financings for CMBS and the REIS Equity Portfolio, partially
offset by a $7.6 million decrease in amortization of our former European servicing rights and a $5.9 million decrease in
G&A expenses primarily reflecting lower compensation costs.
Core other income increased by $26.8 million, primarily reflecting a $14.3 million increase in gains on sales of
CMBS, a $12.9 million increased gain on settlement of derivatives which principally hedge our interest rate risk on our
conduit loans and an $8.7 million increase in gains on sales of conduit loans, all partially offset by an $11.8 million
decrease in gain on sale of investments and other assets primarily reflecting the absence of a significant gain on the sale
of a commercial real estate asset in 2015.
78
Income taxes, which principally relate to the operating results of our servicing and conduit businesses which are
held in TRSs, decreased $7.0 million due to a decrease in the taxable income of our TRSs.
Corporate
Core corporate costs and expenses increased by $2.9 million, from $177.0 million during the year ended
December 31, 2015 to $179.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to a
$4.3 million increase in other corporate expenses, including acquisition and investment pursuit costs, and a $2.9 million
increase in loss on extinguishment of debt, partially offset by a $4.3 million increase in other corporate income,
including reimbursement received in 2016 related to a partnership guarantee arrangement.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet our cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay
borrowings, fund and maintain our assets and operations, make new investments where appropriate, pay dividends to our
stockholders, and other general business needs. We closely monitor our liquidity position and believe that we have
sufficient current liquidity and access to additional liquidity to meet our financial obligations for at least the next
12 months. Our primary sources of liquidity are as follows:
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands)
Net cash used in operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
GAAP
(246,839) $
VIE
Excluding Investing
Adjustments and Servicing VIEs
(251,417)
(4,578) $
Origination and purchase of loans held-for-investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,234,987)
Proceeds from principal collections and sale of loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,615,124
Purchase of investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sales and collections of investment securities . . . . . . . .
Real estate business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash
—
—
(98,394) (113,977)
244,372 125,720
acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases and additions to properties and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash flows from other investments and assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(30,935)
—
—
—
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,036,560) (19,192)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
(17,639)
55,739
(573,930)
(26,845)
Proceeds from borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,273,600
Principal repayments on and repurchases of borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . (4,586,509)
(22,703)
Payment of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Proceeds from common stock issuances, net of offering costs . . . . . . .
Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(501,663)
Contributions from non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions to non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of debt of consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of debt of consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions of cash from consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,047,684
(235,715)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . .
650,755
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . .
3,233
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
418,273 $
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
—
—
—
—
—
106
(96,010)
—
25,605 (25,605)
(137,208) 137,208
92,411 (92,411)
19,192
(4,578)
(1,148)
—
(5,726) $
(3,234,987)
2,615,124
(212,371)
370,092
(48,574)
55,739
(573,930)
(26,845)
(1,055,752)
6,273,600
(4,586,509)
(22,703)
55
(501,663)
106
(96,010)
—
—
—
1,066,876
(240,293)
649,607
3,233
412,547
79
The discussion below is on a non-GAAP basis, after removing adjustments principally resulting from the
consolidation of the Investing and Servicing Segment’s VIEs under ASC 810. These adjustments principally relate to
(i) purchase of CMBS, loans and real estate from consolidated VIEs, which are reflected as repayments of VIE debt on a
GAAP basis and (ii) principal collections of CMBS related to consolidated VIEs, which are reflected as VIE
distributions on a GAAP basis. There is no significant net impact to cash flows from operations or to overall cash
resulting from these consolidations. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $240.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, reflecting
net cash used in investing activities of $1.1 billion and net cash used in operating activities of $251.4 million, partially
offset by net cash provided by financing activities of $1.1 billion.
Net cash used in operating activities of $251.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 related primarily
to $617.3 million of originations and purchases of loans held-for-sale, net of proceeds from principal collections and
sales, cash interest expense of $250.7 million, general and administrative expenses of $93.7 million, management fees of
$88.7 million, a net change in operating assets and liabilities of $39.4 million and income tax payments of $20.8 million.
Offsetting these cash outflows were cash interest income of $376.6 million from our loan origination and conduit
programs, plus cash interest income on investment securities of $168.6 million. Net rental income provided cash of
$147.1 million, servicing fees provided cash of $101.5 million and our equity method investment in an investor entity
which sold its equity in an online real estate company provided $66.0 million.
Net cash used in investing activities of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017 related primarily to
the origination and acquisition of new loans held-for-investment of $3.2 billion, the purchase of commercial real estate
and other assets of $622.5 million and the purchase of investment securities of $212.4 million, partially offset by
proceeds received from principal collections and sales of loans of $2.6 billion and investment securities of
$370.1 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017 related primarily
to net borrowings after repayments of our secured and unsecured debt of $1.7 billion, partially offset by dividend
distributions of $501.7 million and distributions to non-controlling interests of $96.0 million.
80
Financing Arrangements
We utilize a variety of financing arrangements, including:
1) Repurchase Agreements: Repurchase agreements effectively allow us to borrow against loans and
securities that we own. Under these agreements, we sell our loans and securities to a counterparty and agree
to repurchase the same loans and securities from the counterparty at a price equal to the original sales price
plus interest. The counterparty retains the sole discretion over both whether to purchase the loan and
security from us and, subject to certain conditions, the market value of such loan or security for purposes of
determining whether we are required to pay margin to the counterparty. Generally, if the lender determines
(subject to certain conditions) that the market value of the collateral in a repurchase transaction has
decreased by more than a defined minimum amount, we would be required to repay any amounts borrowed
in excess of the product of (i) the revised market value multiplied by (ii) the applicable advance rate.
During the term of a repurchase agreement, we receive the principal and interest on the related loans and
securities and pay interest to the counterparty. As of December 31, 2017, we had various repurchase
agreements, with details referenced in the table provided below.
2) Secured Property Financings: We use long-term mortgage facilities from commercial lenders and
government sponsors of affordable housing loans to finance many of the investment properties that we
hold. These facilities accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates. We typically hedge our exposure to
floating interest rate changes on these facilities through the use of interest rate swap and cap derivatives.
3) Bank Credit Facilities: We use bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities) to
finance our assets. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or
more lenders. Credit facilities typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue
interest at either fixed or floating rates. The lender retains the sole discretion, subject to certain conditions,
over the market value of such note for purposes of determining whether we are required to pay margin to
the lender.
4) Loan Sales, Syndications and Securitizations: We seek non-recourse long-term financing from loan sales,
syndications and/or securitizations of our investments in mortgage loans. The sales, syndications or
securitizations generally involve a senior portion of our loan, but may involve the entire loan. Loan sales
and syndications generally involve the sale of a senior note component or participation interest to a third
party lender. Securitization generally involves transferring notes to a special purpose vehicle (or the issuing
entity), which then issues one or more classes of non-recourse notes pursuant to the terms of an indenture.
The notes are secured by the pool of assets. In exchange for the transfer of assets to the issuing entity, we
receive cash proceeds from the sale of non-recourse notes. Sales, syndications or securitizations of our
portfolio investments might magnify our exposure to losses on those portfolio investments because the
retained subordinate interest in any particular overall loan would be subordinate to the loan components
sold and we would, therefore, absorb all losses sustained with respect to the overall loan before the owners
of the senior notes experience any losses with respect to the loan in question.
5) Unsecured Senior Notes: We issue senior notes, some of which are convertible, to finance certain operating
and investing activities of the Company. These senior notes accrue interest at fixed interest rates and vary
in tenure. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
6) Federal Home Loan Bank Financing: As a member of the FHLB of Chicago, we have the ability to borrow
funds from the FHLB of Chicago at both fixed and variable rates to finance eligible collateral, which
includes residential mortgage loans. Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further
discussion.
81
The following table is a summary of our secured financing facilities as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in
thousands):
Current
Maturity
(d)
Extended
Maturity (a)
Lender 1 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . .
(d)
Oct 2020
Lender 2 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 2018
Lender 3 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . May 2018 May 2019
Lender 4 Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 2018 Dec 2020
Lender 6 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 2020
Lender 6 Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 2022
Lender 9 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 2018
Lender 10 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Mar 2020 Mar 2022
Jun 2020
Lender 11 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . .
Jun 2019
Sep 2022
Lender 11 Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . . . Sep 2018
Jul 2019
Lender 7 Secured Financing . . .
Jul 2018
Lender 8 Secured Financing . . . Aug 2019
N/A
Conduit Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov 2018 Nov 2019
Conduit Repo 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 2018
Conduit Repo 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 2018
MBS Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
Oct 2020
(h)
N/A
Oct 2023
N/A
(h)
MBS Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MBS Repo 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MBS Repo 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing
Segment Property
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jun 2020
(i)
(j)
Feb 2018 to
Jun 2026
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ireland Portfolio Mortgage . . . . May 2020
Nov 2025 to
Woodstar Portfolio
Oct 2026
Mar 2026 to
Jun 2049
Dec 2021 to
Feb 2022
Government Financing . . . . .
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical Office Portfolio
Woodstar Portfolio
N/A
(i)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Dec 2023 to
Feb 2024
Master Lease Portfolio
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 2027
DownREIT Portfolio
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jan 2028
N/A
N/A
Term Loan A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 2020 Dec 2021
Revolving Secured Financing . . Dec 2020 Dec 2021
FHLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 2021
N/A
Unamortized net premium . . . .
Unamortized deferred
financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pledged
Asset
Carrying
Maximum
Facility
Value
Size
Pricing
LIBOR + 1.75% to 5.75% $ 1,771,345 $ 2,000,000
500,000
LIBOR + 1.75% to 2.75%
75,291
LIBOR + 2.75% to 3.10%
1,000,000 (e)
LIBOR + 2.00% to 3.25%
600,000
LIBOR + 2.00% to 2.75%
332,815
GBP LIBOR + 2.75%
65,762
LIBOR + 1.65%
140,000
LIBOR + 2.00% to 2.75%
200,000
LIBOR + 2.75%
250,000
LIBOR + 2.25% to 2.75%
650,000 (g)
LIBOR + 2.75%
75,000
LIBOR + 4.00%
200,000
LIBOR + 2.25%
150,000
LIBOR + 2.10%
100,000
LIBOR + 2.25%
6,510
LIBOR + 1.90%
LIBOR/EURIBOR + 1.90%
to 2.45%
LIBOR + 1.32% to 1.95%
LIBOR + 1.90%
323,088
109,124
842,721
642,293
431,753
87,912
169,920
—
—
—
23,874
53,501
35,815
—
10,000
222,672
224,150
225,000
308,299
347,031
175,451
(f)
Outstanding Undrawn
Balance
$ 1,137,654 $
Approved
but
222,528 $
Unallocated
Financing
Capacity (b) Amount (c)
639,818
261,572
—
390,619
105,647
—
—
3,200
200,000
250,000
650,000
59,383
159,925
123,105
100,000
—
—
—
394,009
—
—
—
59,000
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
238,428
75,291
215,372
494,353
332,815
65,762
77,800
—
—
—
15,617
40,075
26,895
—
6,510
222,672
224,150
77,318
—
—
20,278
—
—
127,404
Various
EURIBOR + 1.69%
235,705
497,387
195,829
349,900
177,411
349,900
3.72% to 3.97%
368,670
276,748
276,748
1.00% to 5.00%
307,172
133,418
133,418
LIBOR + 2.50%
(k)
724,493
531,815
497,613
4.36% to 4.38%
468,648
265,900
265,900
—
—
—
—
—
—
18,418
—
—
—
34,202
—
3.81%
LIBOR + 2.25%
LIBOR + 2.25%
Various
(f)
(f)
146,238
939,368
—
613,287
116,745
300,000
100,000
445,000
$ 9,633,095 $ 9,732,555
116,745
300,000
—
445,000
5,813,447 $
2,559
—
—
100,000
—
—
—
—
—
795,815 $ 3,123,293
(42,950)
$ 5,773,056
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Subject to certain conditions as defined in the respective facility agreement.
Approved but undrawn capacity represents the total draw amount that has been approved by the lender related to those assets that have been
pledged as collateral, less the drawn amount.
Unallocated financing amount represents the maximum facility size less the total draw capacity that has been approved by the lender.
Maturity date for borrowings collateralized by loans is September 2018 before extension options and September 2021 assuming exercise of
extension options. Borrowings collateralized by loans existing at maturity may remain outstanding until such loan collateral matures, subject
to certain specified conditions and not to exceed September 2025.
The initial maximum facility size of $600.0 million may be increased to $1.0 billion at our option, subject to certain conditions.
Subject to borrower’s option to choose alternative benchmark based rates pursuant to the terms of the credit agreement.
The initial maximum facility size of $450.0 million may be increased to $650.0 million, subject to certain conditions.
Facility carries a rolling 11 month term which may reset monthly with the lender’s consent not to exceed December 2018. This facility carries
no maximum facility size. Amounts reflect the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2017.
Facility carries a rolling 12 month term which may reset monthly with the lender’s consent. Current maturity is December 2018. This facility
carries no maximum facility size. Amounts reflect the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2017.
The date that is 270 days after the buyer delivers notice to seller, subject to a maximum date of September 2018.
Subject to a 25 basis point floor.
82
Refer to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of new secured credit
facilities and amendments to existing credit facilities entered into during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Variance between Average and Quarter-End Credit Facility Borrowings Outstanding
The following tables compare the average amount outstanding under our secured financing agreements during
each quarter and the amount outstanding as of the end of each quarter, together with an explanation of significant
variances (amounts in thousands):
Quarter-End Balance During
Weighted-Average
Explanations
for Significant
Quarter Ended
March 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,456,347
4,788,996
June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,555,720
September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,813,447
December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance
Quarter
4,154,497
4,591,428
5,020,575
5,885,681
Variance Variances
301,850
197,568
535,145
(72,234)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $336.8 million drawn on the Lender 1 Repo 1 facility in March 2017.
(b) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $136.8 million drawn on the Lender 10 Repo 1 facility in May 2017;
and (ii) $60.0 million drawn on the Lender 4 Repo 2 facility throughout the quarter.
(c) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $265.9 million drawn on the Master Lease Portfolio Mortgages in
September 2017; (ii) $265.3 million drawn on the Lender 6 Repo 1 facility throughout the quarter; and (iii) $250.0
million drawn on FHLB in July 2017.
(d) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $188.7 million repaid on Lender 9 Repo 1 throughout the quarter; and
(ii) $59.0 million repaid on Lender 10 Repo 1 in December 2017; partially offset by (iii) $195.0 million drawn on
FHLB throughout the quarter.
Quarter Ended
March 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,516,008 $
June 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,507,395
4,161,287
4,197,218
Balance
Quarter-End
Explanations
for Significant
Variances
Variance
Weighted-Average
Balance During
Quarter
4,227,953 $ 288,055
4,298,538
208,857
4,323,361 (162,074)
4,073,485
123,733
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $196.3 million drawn on the Lender 1 Repo 1 facility in March 2016;
and (ii) $27.2 million drawn on the MBS Repo 3 facility in March 2016.
(b) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $137.7 million drawn on the MBS Repo 2 facility in June 2016; and (ii)
$85.0 million drawn on the MBS Repo 4 facility in June 2016.
(c) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $130.3 million repaid on the Conduit Repo 3 facility in September
2016; and (ii) $71.3 million repaid on the Lender 4 Repo 2 facility in September 2016.
(d) Variance primarily due to the following: (i) $491.2 million drawn on Medical Office Portfolio Mortgages in
December 2016; (ii) $300.0 million drawn on the Term Loan A facility in December 2016; and (iii) $283.6 million
drawn on the Lender 9 Repo 1 facility in December 2016; partially offset by (iv) $653.2 million repaid on the
former Term Loan B facility in December 2016.
83
Borrowings under Unsecured Senior Notes
During both the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the weighted average effective borrowing rate on
our unsecured senior notes was 5.5%. The effective borrowing rate includes the effects of underwriter purchase discount
and the adjustment for the conversion option on the convertible notes, the initial value of which reduced the balance of
the notes.
Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosure regarding the terms of our
unsecured senior notes.
Scheduled Principal Repayments on Investments and Overhang on Financing Facilities
The following scheduled and/or projected principal repayments on our investments were based upon the
amounts outstanding and contractual terms of the financing facilities in effect as of December 31, 2017 (amounts in
thousands):
Scheduled Principal Scheduled/Projected Projected/Required Scheduled Principal
Repayments on Loans Principal Repayments Repayments of
and HTM Securities
on RMBS and CMBS
Financing
First Quarter 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
610,927 $
478,970
755,940
605,375
2,451,212 $
15,626 $
48,472
36,914
31,009
132,021 $
Inflows Net of
Financing Outflows
1,768
499,586
545,878
462,975
1,510,207
(624,785) $
(27,856)
(246,976)
(173,409)
(1,073,026) $
In the normal course of business, the Company is in discussions with its lenders to extend or amend any
financing facilities which contain near term expirations.
Issuances of Equity Securities
We may raise funds through capital market transactions by issuing capital stock. There can be no assurance,
however, that we will be able to access the capital markets at any particular time or on any particular terms. We have
authorized 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock and 500,000,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2017, we
had 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock available for issuance and 238,623,576 shares of common stock available for
issuance.
Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our issuances of equity securities
in recent years.
Other Potential Sources of Financing
In the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the acquisition of our target assets, including
other secured as well as unsecured forms of borrowing and sale of certain investment securities which no longer meet
our return requirements.
Repurchases of Equity Securities and Convertible Senior Notes
In September 2014, our board of directors authorized and announced the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of
our outstanding common stock over a period of one year. Subsequent amendments to the repurchase program approved
by our board of directors in December 2014, June 2015, January 2016 and February 2017 resulted in the program being
(i) amended to increase maximum repurchases to $500.0 million, (ii) expanded to allow for the repurchase of our
outstanding convertible senior notes under the program and (iii) extended through January 2019. Purchases made
pursuant to the program are made in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time as
permitted by federal securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, manner, price and amount of any
84
repurchases are discretionary and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal
requirements and other factors. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended
December 31, 2017, we repurchased $230.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2018 Notes for $250.7 million,
however, this repurchase was not considered part of the repurchase program and therefore does not reduce our available
capacity for future repurchases under the repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not
repurchase any common stock under the repurchase program. As of December 31, 2017, we had $262.2 million of
remaining capacity to repurchase common stock and/or convertible senior notes under the repurchase program.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have relationships with unconsolidated entities and financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to
as VIEs. Our maximum risk of loss associated with our involvement in VIEs is limited to the carrying value of our
investment in the entity and any unfunded capital commitments. Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for further discussion.
Dividends
We intend to continue to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock. U.S. federal
income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without
regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to
the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income. We intend to continue to pay regular
quarterly dividends to our stockholders in an amount approximating our net taxable income, if and to the extent
authorized by our board of directors. Before we pay any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or
otherwise, we must first meet both our operating and debt service requirements. If our cash available for distribution is
less than our net taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or we
may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt
securities. Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed dividend history.
The tax treatment for our aggregate distributions per share of common stock paid with respect to the 2017 tax
year is as follows:
Record Date
12/30/2016 . . . . . . . . . .
3/31/2017 . . . . . . . . . . .
6/30/2017 . . . . . . . . . . .
9/29/2017 . . . . . . . . . . .
12/29/2017 . . . . . . . . . .
Capital Gain
Taxable
Payable Date Dividend Paid Dividends Dividends Distribution
Per Share
Ordinary Taxable
Qualified
1/13/2017 $
4/14/2017
7/14/2017
10/13/2017
1/12/2018
$
0.3862 $ 0.3485 $ 0.0282 $
0.0377 $
0.4800
0.4800
0.4800
0.1456
1.9718 $ 1.7793 $ 0.1441 $
0.4331
0.4331
0.4331
0.1315
0.0351
0.0351
0.0351
0.0106
0.0469
0.0469
0.0469
0.0141
0.1925 $
1250 Gain
Unrecaptured Nondividend
Distributions
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.0007 $
0.0009
0.0009
0.0009
0.0002
0.0036 $
To the extent that total dividends for the 2017 tax year exceeded 2017 taxable income, the portion of the fourth
quarter dividend paid in January of 2018 that is equal to such excess is treated as a 2018 dividend for federal tax
purposes.
85
Leverage Policies
We employ leverage, to the extent available, to fund the acquisition of our target assets, increase potential
returns to our stockholders, or provide temporary liquidity. Leverage can be either direct by utilizing private third party
financing, or indirect through originating, acquiring, or retaining subordinated mortgages, B-Notes, subordinated loan
participations or mezzanine loans. Although the type of leverage we deploy is dependent on the underlying asset that is
being financed, we intend, when possible, to utilize leverage whose maturity is equal to or greater than the maturity of
the underlying asset and minimize to the greatest extent possible exposure to the Company of credit losses associated
with any individual asset. In addition, we intend to mitigate the impact of potential future interest rate increases on our
borrowings through utilization of hedging instruments, primarily interest rate swap agreements.
The amount of leverage we deploy for particular investments in our target assets depends upon our Manager’s
assessment of a variety of factors, which may include the anticipated liquidity and price volatility of the assets in our
investment portfolio, the potential for losses and extension risk in our portfolio, the gap between the duration of our
assets and liabilities, including hedges, the availability and cost of financing the assets, our opinion of the
creditworthiness of our financing counterparties, the health of the U.S. and European economy and commercial and
residential mortgage markets, our outlook for the level, slope, and volatility of interest rates, the credit quality of our
assets, the collateral underlying our assets, and our outlook for asset spreads relative to the LIBOR curve. Under our
current repurchase agreements and bank credit facility, our total leverage may not exceed 75% of total assets (as
defined), as adjusted to remove the impact of bona-fide loan sales that are accounted for as financings and the
consolidation of VIEs pursuant to GAAP. As of December 31, 2017, our total debt to assets ratio was 61.6%.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Less than
873,719 $ 2,792,747
Secured financings (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,813,447 $
750,000
700,000
Unsecured senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Secured borrowings on transferred loans (b) . .
—
8,913
Loan funding commitments (c) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Future lease commitments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11,901
3,307
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,394,593 $ 1,573,019 $ 2,680,987 $ 1,585,939 $ 3,554,648
1 year
441,057 $ 1,705,924 $
369,981
—
755,303
6,678
2,161,344
75,000
1,310,990
33,812
341,363
75,000
546,774
11,926
3 to 5 years
1 to 3 years
Total
More than
5 years
(a) Represents the contractual maturity of the respective credit facility, inclusive of available extension options. If
investments that have been pledged as collateral repay earlier than the contractual maturity of the debt, the related
portion of the debt would likewise require earlier repayment.
(b) These amounts relate to financial asset sales that were required to be accounted for as secured borrowings. As a
result, the assets we sold remain on our consolidated balance sheet for financial reporting purposes. Such assets are
expected to provide match funding for these liabilities.
(c) Excludes $267.7 million of loan funding commitments in which management projects the Company will not be
obligated to fund in the future due to repayments made by the borrower either earlier than, or in excess of,
expectations.
The table above does not include interest payable, amounts due under our management agreement or amounts
due under our derivative agreements as those contracts do not have fixed and determinable payments.
86
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We believe that all of the decisions and
assessments upon which our financial statements are based were reasonable at the time made, based upon information
available to us at that time. The following discussion describes the critical accounting estimates that apply to our
operations and require complex management judgment. This summary should be read in conjunction with a more
complete discussion of our accounting policies included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loan Impairment
We evaluate each loan classified as held-for-investment for impairment at least quarterly. 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.
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 operating statements, 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.
Significant judgment is required when evaluating loans for impairment; therefore, actual results over time could
be materially different. Historically, this segment has not had any realized losses on individual loans. However, we have
established a general loan loss allowance based on our risk classification of the loans in our portfolio, as discussed in
Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The general loan loss allowance was $4.3 million as of December 31,
2017.
Classification and Impairment Evaluation of Investment Securities
Our investment securities consist primarily of RMBS that we classify as available-for-sale, CMBS and
mandatorily redeemable preferred equity interests in commercial real estate entities which we expect to hold to maturity
and CMBS for which we have elected the fair value option. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at
their fair value. For available-for-sale securities where we have not elected the fair value option, changes in fair value are
recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, rather than through
earnings. We do not hold any of our investment securities for trading purposes.
When the estimated fair value of a security for which we have not elected to apply 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 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. 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
87
to the 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 accumulated other comprehensive income. 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. As a result,
actual OTTI losses could differ from reported amounts. Such judgments and assumptions are based upon a number of
factors, including (i) credit of the issuer or the borrowers, (ii) credit rating of the security, (iii) key terms of the security,
(iv) performance of underlying loans, including debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios, (v) the value of the
collateral for underlying loans, (vi) the effect of local, industry, and broader economic factors, and (vii) the historical and
anticipated trends in defaults and loss severities for similar securities. As of December 31, 2017, we held $247.0 million
of available-for-sale RMBS which had gross unrealized gains of $58.0 million and $0.1 million of unrealized losses. We
also had $433.5 million of held-to-maturity securities which had gross unrealized losses of $7.8 million and gross
unrealized gains of $2.6 million as of December 31, 2017. We recognized OTTI charges against earnings with respect to
our investment securities of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no OTTI charges
recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities Carried at Fair Value
We measure our VIE assets and liabilities, 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. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details
regarding the various methods and inputs we use in measuring the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities. As of
December 31, 2017, we had $52.1 billion and $50.0 billion of financial assets and liabilities, respectively, that are
measured at fair value, including $51.0 billion of VIE assets and $50.0 billion of VIE liabilities we consolidate pursuant
to ASC 810.
We measure the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs at fair value pursuant to our election of the fair value
option. The 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 VIE, we maximize
the use of observable inputs over unobservable inputs. As a result, the methods and inputs we use in measuring the fair
value of the assets and liabilities of our VIEs affect our earnings only to the extent of their impact on our direct
investment in the VIEs.
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. The designation of derivative contracts as hedges, the measurement of
their effectiveness, and the estimate of the fair value of the contracts all may involve significant judgments by our
management, and changes to those judgments could significantly impact our reported results of operations. As of
December 31, 2017, we had $33.9 million of derivative assets and $36.2 million of derivative liabilities. We recognized
88
net losses on derivatives of $72.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and net gains on derivatives of
$70.7 million and $21.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31,
2017, we had less than $0.1 million of net unrecognized gains on derivatives designated as hedges.
Goodwill Impairment
Our goodwill at December 31, 2017 of $140.4 million represents the excess of consideration transferred over
the fair value of LNR’s net assets acquired on April 19, 2013. 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 (“Step One”). 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.
Based on our qualitative assessment during the 2017 fourth quarter, we believe that the Investing and Servicing
Segment reporting unit to which all of our goodwill was attributed is not currently at risk of failing Step One of the
impairment test. This qualitative assessment required judgment to be applied in evaluating the effects of multiple factors,
including actual and projected financial performance of the reporting unit, macroeconomic conditions, industry and
market conditions, and relevant entity specific events in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value
of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill.
Property Impairment
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.
The estimation of future net cash flows and fair values of our properties involves significant judgments by our
management, and changes to these judgments could significantly impact our reported results of operation. As of
December 31, 2017 we held properties with a carrying value of $2.6 billion, none of which we determined were
impaired at any point during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Impairment of Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
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. As of December 31,
2017, we held investments in unconsolidated entities with a carrying value of $185.5 million, none of which we
determined were impaired at any point during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Recent Accounting Developments
Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting developments
and the expected impact to the Company.
89
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We seek to manage our risks related to the credit quality of our assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment
speeds and market value while, at the same time, seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive
risk-adjusted returns through ownership of our capital stock. While we do not seek to avoid risk completely, we believe
the risk can be quantified from historical experience and seek to actively manage that risk, to earn sufficient
compensation to justify taking those risks and to maintain capital levels consistent with the risks we undertake.
Credit Risk
Our loans and investments are subject to credit risk. The performance and value of our loans and investments
depend upon the owners’ ability to operate the properties that serve as our collateral so that they produce cash flows
adequate to pay interest and principal due to us. To monitor this risk, our Manager’s asset management team reviews our
investment portfolios and is in regular contact with our borrowers, monitoring performance of the collateral and
enforcing our rights as necessary.
We seek to further manage credit risk associated with our Investing and Servicing Segment loans held-for-sale
through the purchase of credit index instruments. The following table presents our credit index instruments as of
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
132,393 $
63,065 $
Capital Market Risk
Face Value of
Aggregate Notional Value of
Loans Held-for-Sale Credit Index Instruments
Number of
Credit Index Instruments
8
4
49,000
14,000
We are exposed to risks related to the equity capital markets, and our related ability to raise capital through the
issuance of our common stock or other equity instruments. We are also exposed to risks related to the debt capital
markets, and our related ability to finance our business through borrowings under repurchase obligations or other debt
instruments. As a REIT, we are required to distribute a significant portion of our taxable income annually, which
constrains our ability to accumulate operating cash flow and therefore requires us to utilize debt or equity capital to
finance our business. We seek to mitigate these risks by monitoring the debt and equity capital markets to inform our
decisions on the amount, timing, and terms of capital we raise.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including fiscal and monetary policies and domestic and
international economic and political considerations, as well as other factors beyond our control. We are subject to
interest rate risk in connection with our investments and the related financing obligations. In general, we seek to match
the interest rate characteristics of our investments with the interest rate characteristics of any related financing
obligations such as repurchase agreements, bank credit facilities, term loans, revolving facilities and securitizations. In
instances where the interest rate characteristics of an investment and the related financing obligation are not matched, we
mitigate such interest rate risk through the utilization of interest rate derivatives of the same duration. The following
90
table presents financial instruments where we have utilized interest rate derivatives to hedge interest rate risk and the
related interest rate derivatives as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Aggregate Notional
Value of Interest
Hedged Instruments Rate Derivatives
Face Value of
Number of Interest
Rate Derivatives
Instrument hedged as of December 31, 2017
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
RMBS, available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Secured financing agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unsecured senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Instrument hedged as of December 31, 2016
Loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RMBS, available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Secured financing agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
232,393 $
366,711
1,051,458
500,000
2,150,562 $
8,000 $
63,065
399,883
1,011,067
1,482,015 $
213,600
69,000
1,009,180
470,000
1,761,780
8,000
50,900
69,000
1,003,064
1,130,964
16
2
16
1
35
1
18
2
18
39
The following table summarizes the estimated annual change in net investment income for our LIBOR-based
investments and our LIBOR-based debt assuming increases or decreases in LIBOR and adjusted for the effects of our
interest rate hedging activities (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
Income (Expense) Subject to Interest Rate Sensitivity
Investment income from variable-rate
Variable-rate
investments and
indebtedness (1)
3.0%
Increase
2.0%
Increase
1.0%
Increase
1.0%
Decrease (2)
investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
6,550,069 $
193,917 $
128,813 $
63,709 $ (48,762)
Interest expense from variable-rate debt, net of
interest rate derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4,086,632)
(124,459)
(85,066) (43,962)
44,250
Net investment income from variable rate
instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Impact per diluted shares outstanding . . . . . . . . .
2,463,437 $
$
69,458 $
0.26 $
43,747 $
0.17 $
19,747 $
0.07 $
(4,512)
(0.02)
(1) Includes the notional value of interest rate derivatives.
(2) Assumes LIBOR does not go below 0%.
Prepayment Risk
Prepayment risk is the risk that principal will be repaid earlier than anticipated, causing the return on certain
investments to be less than expected. As we receive prepayments of principal on our assets, any premiums paid on such
assets are amortized against interest income. In general, an increase in prepayment rates accelerates the amortization of
purchase premiums, thereby reducing the interest income earned on the assets. Conversely, discounts on such assets are
accreted into interest income. In general, an increase in prepayment rates accelerates the accretion of purchase discounts,
thereby increasing the interest income earned on the assets.
Extension Risk
Our Manager computes the projected weighted-average life of our assets based on assumptions regarding the
rate at which the borrowers will prepay the mortgages or extend. If prepayment rates decrease in a rising interest rate
environment or extension options are exercised, the life of the fixed-rate assets could extend beyond the term of the
secured debt agreements. This could have a negative impact on our results of operations. In some situations, we may be
forced to sell assets to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur losses.
91
Fair Value Risk
The estimated fair value of our investments fluctuates primarily due to changes in interest rates and other
factors. Generally, in a rising interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of the fixed-rate investments would be
expected to decrease; conversely, in a decreasing interest rate environment, the estimated fair value of the fixed-rate
investments would be expected to increase. As market volatility increases or liquidity decreases, the fair value of our
assets recorded and/or disclosed may be adversely impacted. Our economic exposure is generally limited to our net
investment position as we seek to fund fixed rate investments with fixed rate financing or variable rate financing hedged
with interest rate swaps.
Foreign Currency Risk
We intend to hedge our currency exposures in a prudent manner. However, our currency hedging strategies may
not eliminate all of our currency risk due to, among other things, uncertainties in the timing and/or amount of payments
received on the related investments, and/or unequal, inaccurate, or unavailable hedges to perfectly offset changes in
future exchange rates. Additionally, we may be required under certain circumstances to collateralize our currency hedges
for the benefit of the hedge counterparty, which could adversely affect our liquidity.
Consistent with our strategy of hedging foreign currency exposure on certain investments, we typically enter
into a series of forwards to fix the U.S. dollar amount of foreign currency denominated cash flows (interest income,
rental income and principal payments) we expect to receive from our foreign currency denominated investments.
Accordingly, the notional values and expiration dates of our foreign currency hedges approximate the amounts and
timing of future payments we expect to receive on the related investments.
The following table represents our current currency hedge exposure as it relates to our investments denominated
in foreign currencies, along with the aggregate notional amount of the hedges in place (amounts in thousands except for
number of contracts, using the December 31, 2017 pound sterling (“GBP”) closing rate of 1.3512 and Euro (“EUR”)
closing rate of 1.2000:
Local Currency
GBP
GBP
EUR
EUR
EUR
GBP
GBP
EUR
GBP
GBP
GBP
Number of
Foreign
Exchange
Contracts
Aggregate
Notional Value
of Hedges Applied
33 $
70
4
3
4
15
1
30 (1)
16
32
7
215 $
April 2018
Expiration Range of Contracts
January 2018 – May 2018
January 2018 – June 2019
340,398
55,128
35,732 March 2018 – December 2018
3,295
23,793 February 2018 – November 2018
76,631
1,216
272,532
41,596 March 2018 – December 2021
81,987 February 2018 – November 2021
13,570
945,878
February 2018 – July 2020
March 2018
March 2018 – June 2020
January 2018 – April 2019
Carrying Value of
Net Investment
133,582
51,256
30,790
—
20,558
46,446
656
147,487
29,450
52,492
13,523
526,240
$
$
(1)
These foreign exchange contracts hedge our EUR currency exposure created by our acquisition of the Ireland
Portfolio.
92
Real Estate Risk
The market values of commercial and residential mortgage assets are subject to volatility and may be affected
adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional and local economic conditions (which
may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions; changes or continued
weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, age and design; demographic factors; and retroactive
changes to building or similar codes. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the
potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay the underlying loans, which could also cause us to suffer losses.
Inflation Risk
Most of our assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors
influence our performance significantly more than inflation does. Changes in interest rates may correlate with inflation
rates and/or changes in inflation rates. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our
distributions are determined by our board of directors consistent with our obligation to distribute to our stockholders at
least 90% of our REIT taxable income on an annual basis in order to maintain our REIT qualification; in each case, our
activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair value without considering inflation.
93
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Index to Financial Statements and Schedules
Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . 99
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Note 1 Business and Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Note 3 Acquisitions and Divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Note 4 Restricted Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Note 5 Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Note 6 Investment Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Note 7 Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Note 8 Investment in Unconsolidated Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Note 9 Goodwill and Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Note 10 Secured Financing Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Note 11 Unsecured Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Note 12 Loan Securitization/Sale Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Note 13 Derivatives and Hedging Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Note 14 Offsetting Assets and Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Note 15 Variable Interest Entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Note 16 Related-Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Note 17 Stockholders’ Equity and Non-Controlling Interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Note 18 Earnings per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Note 19 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Note 20 Fair Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Note 21 Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Note 22 Commitments and Contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Note 23 Segment and Geographic Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Note 24 Quarterly Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Note 25 Subsequent Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
All other schedules are omitted because they are not required or the required information is shown in the
financial statements or the notes thereto.
94
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
Greenwich, Connecticut
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive
income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes
and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31,
2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria
established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the
Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those
risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida
February 28, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2009.
95
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
Greenwich, Connecticut
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on
criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended December 31,
2017, of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements
and financial statement schedules.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk
that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida
February 28, 2018
96
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
Assets:
As of December 31,
2017
2016
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans held-for-investment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans held-for-sale, at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans transferred as secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment securities ($284,735 and $297,638 held at fair value) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets ($30,759 and $55,082 held at fair value) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued interest receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable interest entity (“VIE”) assets, at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
615,522
35,233
5,847,995
63,279
35,000
807,618
1,944,720
219,248
204,605
140,437
89,361
28,224
101,763
67,123,261
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 62,941,289 $ 77,256,266
Liabilities and Equity
369,448 $
48,825
6,562,495
745,743
74,403
718,203
2,647,481
183,092
185,503
140,437
33,898
47,747
138,140
51,045,874
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Related-party payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Secured financing agreements, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unsecured senior notes, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Secured borrowings on transferred loans, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE liabilities, at fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)
Equity:
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
185,117 $
42,369
125,916
36,200
5,773,056
2,125,235
74,185
50,000,010
58,362,088
198,134
37,818
125,075
3,904
4,154,126
2,011,544
35,000
66,130,592
72,696,193
and outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 265,983,309
issued and 261,376,424 outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 263,893,806
issued and 259,286,921 outstanding as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury stock (4,606,885 shares) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Starwood Property Trust, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,639
4,691,180
(92,104)
36,138
(115,579)
4,522,274
37,799
4,560,073
Total Liabilities and Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 62,941,289 $ 77,256,266
2,660
4,715,246
(92,104)
69,924
(217,312)
4,478,414
100,787
4,579,201
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
97
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
Revenues:
Interest income from loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 513,814 $ 467,195 $ 477,931
70,848
Interest income from investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
93,665
88,956 117,068
Servicing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36,622
152,760
Rental income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,591
784,667 735,877
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52,813
61,446
249,000
2,815
879,888
4,908
Costs and expenses:
13,462
65,101
66,786
3,759
828
122,699
295,666
129,587
3,472
94,258
93,603
(5,458)
1,422
735,249
144,639
117,451 124,733
230,799 202,550
152,941 154,628
13,429
11,542
29,010
(2)
389
651,127 536,279
133,540 199,598
Management fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition and investment pursuit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs of rental operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before other income (loss), income taxes and non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . .
Other income (loss):
151,593 185,490
Change in net assets related to consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(47,149) (12,605)
Change in fair value of servicing rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,084
Change in fair value of investment securities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64,320
Change in fair value of mortgage loans held-for-sale, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26,674
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22,664
Gain on sale of investments and other assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21,598
(Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(33,967) (37,221)
Foreign currency gain (loss), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(12)
Total other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Noncredit portion of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5,921)
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,708
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
242,455 269,791
Total other income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
375,995 469,389
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8,344) (17,206)
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
367,651 452,183
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,486)
Net income attributable to Starwood Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 400,770 $ 365,186 $ 450,697
252,434
(24,323)
(3,811)
66,987
30,505
20,499
(72,532)
33,671
(180)
71
(109)
(5,915)
2,244
299,650
444,289
(31,522)
412,767
(11,997)
(1,401)
74,251
21,723
1,942
70,734
(54)
54
—
(8,781)
13,510
(2,465)
Earnings per share data attributable to Starwood Property Trust, Inc.:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1.53 $
1.52 $
1.52 $
1.50 $
1.92
1.91
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
98
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Amounts in thousands)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 412,767 $ 367,651 $ 452,183
Other comprehensive income (net change by component):
For the Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests . . . . . . .
32
7,622 (22,883)
(1,252)
(3,316)
6,409 (26,167)
446,553 374,060 426,016
(1,486)
(11,997)
Comprehensive income attributable to Starwood Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . $ 434,556 $ 371,595 $ 424,530
51
12,960
20,775
33,786
(2,465)
39
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
99
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Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs, premiums and discounts on secured financing
agreements and secured borrowings on transferred loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of discounts and deferred financing costs on senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion of net discount on investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion of net deferred loan fees and discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based component of incentive fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of fair value option investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of servicing rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency (gain) loss, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of investments and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bargain purchase gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
412,767 $
367,651 $
452,183
19,298
21,531
(15,208)
(39,084)
18,151
19,599
3,811
(69,483)
24,323
(66,987)
68,309
(33,439)
(20,499)
1,146
(5,458)
90,896
(30,505)
67,542
—
5,915
16,190
21,667
(16,527)
(48,384)
32,633
17,835
1,401
28,734
47,149
(74,251)
(75,122)
33,660
(1,942)
728
3,759
61,571
(21,723)
19,983
(8,406)
8,781
14,617
20,832
(24,556)
(36,862)
32,146
17,379
(3,084)
45,646
12,605
(64,320)
(28,549)
37,110
(22,664)
—
(2)
27,232
(26,674)
23,082
—
5,921
Origination and purchase of loans held-for-sale, net of principal collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Related-party payable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued and capitalized interest receivable, less purchased interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
(2,199,390)
1,582,050
(1,669,543)
1,884,352
(1,848,141)
2,100,216
4,551
(94,077)
(35,300)
22,702
(246,839)
(3,137)
(76,071)
12,383
(6,741)
556,630
204
(65,972)
(28,485)
(34,187)
605,677
Origination and purchase of loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from principal collections on loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from loans sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sales of investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from principal collections on investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate business combinations, net of cash and restricted cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases and additions to properties and other assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution of capital from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for purchase or termination of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from termination of derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of investment basis in purchased derivative asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash divested of European servicing and advisory business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3,234,987)
2,562,515
52,609
(98,394)
11,579
232,793
(17,639)
55,739
(573,930)
(32,186)
14,252
(40,518)
31,456
151
—
(2,815,333)
2,667,929
382,881
(360,341)
18,725
108,790
(849,950)
—
(15,963)
(11,148)
15,895
(27,820)
85,614
272
(89)
(1,036,560)
(800,538)
(2,360,225)
1,552,422
637,124
(182,018)
6,410
428,569
(544,222)
35,576
(1,920)
(32,436)
30,855
(27,054)
36,547
337
—
(420,035)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
101
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
For the Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Proceeds from borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,273,600 $ 6,024,032 $ 4,856,319
(4,335,654)
Principal repayments on and repurchases of borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(21,701)
Payment of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
326,428
Proceeds from common stock issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(945)
Payment of equity offering costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(446,847)
Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
71
Contributions from non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2,121)
Distributions to non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(48,746)
Purchase of treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9,132
Issuance of debt of consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(463,922)
Repayment of debt of consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34,724
Distributions of cash from consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(93,262)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92,380
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
303,891
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4,387)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
391,884
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
(4,586,509)
(22,703)
702
(647)
(501,663)
106
(96,010)
—
25,605
(137,208)
92,411
1,047,684
(235,715)
650,755
3,233
418,273 $
(5,266,115)
(37,304)
449,230
(718)
(458,351)
11,387
(6,934)
(19,723)
35,728
(283,012)
57,293
505,513
261,605
391,884
(2,734)
650,755 $
Cash paid for interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
250,690 $
20,767
185,053 $
9,742
160,386
29,171
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Dividends declared, but not yet paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consolidation of VIEs (VIE asset/liability additions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deconsolidation of VIEs (VIE asset/liability reductions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net assets acquired from consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlement of loans transferred as secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributions of DownREIT net assets from non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unsettled derivative transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net assets divested of Europe servicing and advisory business, net of cash and restricted cash . .
Equity interest acquired in Situs Group Holdings Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net assets acquired through foreclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,925,370
2,480,125
31,547
18,507
760
35,000
145,177
—
—
—
—
21,289,873
5,717,982
181,689
1,043,112
184,756
68,206
—
28,472
1,349
12,234
—
125,844 $
125,075 $
114,947
12,050,421
7,825,212
124,988
872,343
328,121
94,446
—
—
—
—
14,530
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
102
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2017
1. Business and Organization
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (“STWD” and, together with its subsidiaries, “we” or the “Company”) is a
Maryland corporation that commenced operations in August 2009, upon the completion of our initial public offering
(“IPO”). We are focused primarily on originating, acquiring, financing and managing commercial mortgage loans and
other commercial real estate debt investments, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), and other commercial
real estate investments in both the U.S. and Europe. We refer to the following as our target assets: commercial real estate
mortgage loans, preferred equity interests, CMBS and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. Our target
assets may also include residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), certain residential mortgage loans, distressed
or non-performing commercial loans, commercial properties subject to net leases and equity interests in commercial real
estate. As market conditions change over time, we may adjust our strategy to take advantage of changes in interest rates
and credit spreads as well as economic and credit conditions.
We have three reportable business segments as of December 31, 2017:
• Real estate lending (the “Lending Segment”)—engages primarily in originating, acquiring, financing and
managing commercial first mortgages, subordinated mortgages, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, CMBS,
RMBS, certain residential mortgage loans, and other real estate and real estate-related debt investments in
both the U.S. and Europe.
• Real estate property (the “Property Segment”)—engages primarily in acquiring and managing equity
interests in stabilized commercial real estate properties, including multi-family properties, that are held for
investment.
• Real estate investing and servicing (the “Investing and Servicing Segment”)—includes (i) a servicing
business in the U.S. that manages and works out problem assets, (ii) an investment business that selectively
acquires and manages unrated, investment grade and non-investment grade rated CMBS, including
subordinated interests of securitization and resecuritization transactions, (iii) a mortgage loan business
which originates conduit loans for the primary purpose of selling these loans into securitization
transactions, and (iv) an investment business that selectively acquires commercial real estate assets,
including properties acquired from CMBS trusts. This segment excludes the consolidation of securitization
variable interest entities (“VIEs”).
We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal
corporate income tax on that portion of our net income that is distributed to stockholders if we distribute at least 90% of
our taxable income to our stockholders by prescribed dates and comply with various other requirements.
We are organized as a holding company and conduct our business primarily through our various wholly-owned
subsidiaries. We are externally managed and advised by SPT Management, LLC (our “Manager”) pursuant to the terms
of a management agreement. Our Manager is controlled by Barry Sternlicht, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Our Manager is an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, a privately-held private equity firm founded and controlled by
Mr. Sternlicht.
103
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.
104
When we consolidate entities other than securitization VIEs, the third party ownership interests are reflected as
non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries, a separate component of equity, in our consolidated balance sheet.
When we consolidate securitization VIEs, the third party ownership interests are reflected as VIE liabilities in our
consolidated balance sheet because the beneficial interests payable to these third parties are legally issued in the form of
debt. Our presentation of net income attributes earnings to controlling and non-controlling interests.
Variable Interest Entities
In addition to the Investing and Servicing Segment’s VIEs, certain other entities in which we hold interests are
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.
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: (i) identifying the activities that most significantly impact
the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) 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. 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.
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
105
corresponding allocable amortization or change in fair value of the servicing intangible asset, are also eliminated in
consolidation.
We perform ongoing reassessments of: (i) 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 (ii) 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 Accounting Standards Update (“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.
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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 or acquired for future securitization, 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 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.
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.
Effective with our acquisition of the DownREIT Portfolio (see Note 3) in December 2017, we early adopted
ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business, whereby we apply the asset
acquisition provisions of ASC 805 in accounting for acquisitions of real estate with in-place leases where substantially
all of the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or group of similar
identifiable assets. This results in the acquired properties being recognized initially at their purchase price inclusive of
acquisition costs, which are capitalized. All other acquisitions of real estate with in-place leases are accounted for in
accordance with the business combination provisions of ASC 805. We also continue to apply the asset acquisition
provisions of ASC 805 for acquired real estate assets where a lease is entered into concurrently with the acquisition of
the asset, such as in sale leaseback transactions.
Prior to our early adoption of ASU 2017-01, we applied the business combination provisions of ASC 805 in
accounting for most acquisitions of real estate assets with in-place leases. In doing so, we recorded 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
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circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts
recognized.
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.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes cash and cash equivalents that are legally or contractually restricted as to withdrawal or
usage and primarily includes cash collateral associated with derivative financial instruments and funds held on behalf of
borrowers and tenants. Effective January 1, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)
– Restricted Cash, which requires that restricted cash be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the
beginning and end-of-year total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. As required by this ASU, we applied this
change retrospectively to our prior year consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015.
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.
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.
With regards to our Investing and Servicing Segment’s conduit business, we periodically enter into derivative financial
instruments to hedge unpredictable changes in fair value of loans held-for-sale, 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.
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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, until October 2016, 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 recognize 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 sheets. 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
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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.
Lease Classification
In accordance with ASC 840, Leases, we evaluate all new or amended leases to determine if the lease (i)
provides for a transfer of ownership to the lessee at the conclusion of the lease, (ii) provides the lessee with a bargain
purchase option, (iii) has a term of 75% or more of the leased asset’s remaining useful life, or (iv) has minimum lease
payments with a present value of 90% or more of the leased asset’s fair value. If any of these conditions exist, we
account for the lease as a capital lease, otherwise, the lease is considered an operating lease.
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, 2017 and 2016 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
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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
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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. Such costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related
debt liability.
Acquisition and Investment Pursuit Costs
Costs incurred in connection with acquisitions of properties accounted for as business combinations,
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.
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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.
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, (iii) the “in-the-money” conversion options associated with our outstanding convertible senior
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notes (see Notes 11 and 18), and (iv) non-controlling interests that are redeemable with our common stock (see Note 17).
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. In addition, the non-controlling interests that are redeemable with our common stock
are considered participating securities because they earn a preferred return indexed to the dividend rate on our common
stock (see Note 17). 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, 2017,
2016 and 2015, 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
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation. In that regard, we
have reclassified $0.7 million of impairment of lease intangible assets from OTTI to other expense in our consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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. We do not expect
the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company as our material revenue sources are not within the scope of
the ASU.
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 do not expect the application of this ASU to materially
impact the Company.
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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 by the ASU. 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 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 determining 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 permitted 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 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 permitted. 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 current
GAAP requires. The “expected loss” model requires the consideration of possible credit losses over the life of an
instrument as opposed 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 permitted 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 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
do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact 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. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.
115
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 clarifies what constitutes an in substance nonfinancial asset
and changes the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets to be more consistent with the accounting for a sale of
a business. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15,
2017. Early application is permitted. We do not expect the application of this ASU to materially impact the Company.
On August 28, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Targeted
Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends and simplifies existing guidance regarding the
designation and measurement of designated hedging relationships. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim
periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted. We are in the process of assessing
the impact this ASU will have on the Company.
3. Acquisitions and Divestitures
DownREIT Portfolio Acquisition
On December 21, 2017, we entered into an agreement to acquire a 27-property, 6,109 unit, 99% occupied
affordable housing portfolio located in Central and South Florida for $594.7 million, which includes $40.0 million of
contingent consideration (the “DownREIT Portfolio”). On December 28, 2017, we acquired eight of these affordable
housing communities (the “First Closing”), which include 1,740 units, for $156.2 million, including contingent
consideration of $10.8 million. We financed the First Closing utilizing 10-year mortgage debt totaling $116.7 million
with a fixed 3.81% interest rate.
The First Closing was effectuated via a contribution of the properties by third parties (the “Contributors”) to
SPT Dolphin Intermediate LLC (“SPT Dolphin”), a newly-formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In
exchange for the contribution, the Contributors received cash of $84.8 million, 2,779,774 Class A units of SPT Dolphin
(the “Class A Units”) and rights to receive an additional 498,921 Class A Units if certain contingent events occur. The
Class A unitholders have the right, commencing six months from issuance, to redeem their Class A Units for
consideration equal to the current share price of the Company’s common stock on a one-for-one basis, with the
consideration paid in either cash or the Company’s common stock, at the determination of the Company. Subsequent
closings will share a similar structure.
Effective with our commitment to acquire the DownREIT Portfolio, we early adopted ASU 2017-01, as
discussed in Note 2. In accordance with this guidance, because substantially all of the fair value of the properties
acquired was concentrated in a group of similar identifiable assets, the First Closing was accounted for in accordance
with the asset acquisition provisions of ASC 805. The acquired properties were recognized initially at their purchase
price of $145.4 million plus capitalized acquisition costs of $1.0 million. Contingent consideration of $10.8 million will
be recognized when the contingency is resolved.
Master Lease Portfolio Acquisition
On September 25, 2017, we acquired 20 retail properties and three industrial properties (the “Master Lease
Portfolio”) for a purchase price of $553.3 million, inclusive of $3.7 million of related transaction costs. Concurrently
with the acquisition, we leased the properties back to the seller under corporate guaranteed master net lease agreements
with initial terms of 24.6 years and periodic rent escalations. These properties, which collectively comprise 5.3 million
square feet, are geographically dispersed throughout the U.S., with more than 50% of the portfolio, by carrying value,
located in Utah, Florida, Texas and Minnesota. We utilized $265.9 million in new financing in order to fund the
acquisition (as set forth in Note 10). This sale leaseback transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition.
Investing and Servicing Segment Property Portfolio Acquisition
During the year ended December 31, 2017, our Investing and Servicing Segment acquired the net equity of
three commercial real estate properties from CMBS trusts for $48.7 million. These properties, aggregated with the
116
controlling interests in 24 commercial real estate properties acquired from CMBS trusts during the years ended
December 31, 2015 and 2016 for an aggregate acquisition price of $268.5 million, comprise the Investing and Servicing
Segment Property Portfolio (the “REIS Equity Portfolio”). When the properties are acquired from CMBS trusts that are
consolidated as VIEs on our balance sheet, the acquisitions are reflected as repayment of debt of consolidated VIEs in
our consolidated statements of cash flows.
For the three commercial real estate properties acquired during 2017, we recognized revenues of $2.2 million
and net loss of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. Such net loss includes (i) bargain purchase gains
of $0.6 million, (ii) depreciation and amortization expense of $1.1 million and (iii) one-time acquisition-related costs,
such as legal and due diligence costs, of approximately $0.2 million.
We applied the business combination provisions of ASC 805 in accounting for the REIS Equity Portfolio
acquisitions. No goodwill was recognized in connection with the REIS Equity Portfolio acquisitions as the purchase
prices did not exceed the fair values of the net assets acquired. Bargain purchase gains of $0.6 million and $8.8 million
were recognized within change in net assets related to consolidated VIEs in our consolidated statements of operations for
the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as the fair value of the net assets acquired for certain
properties exceeded the purchase price.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, in accordance with ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic
805) – Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, we adjusted our initial provisional estimates of
the acquisition date fair values of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed for two of the properties acquired
within the REIS Equity Portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 to reflect new information
obtained regarding facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the
measurement period adjustments applied to the initial provisional acquisition date balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
2017 Acquisition Adjustment
Measurement
Period
Initial
Adjusted
Amounts
2016 Acquisition Adjustment
Measurement
Period
Initial
Acquisition Adjustment
Acquisition Adjustment
Assets acquired:
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 16,600 $
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,355
—
18,955
(392) $ 16,208 $ 12,087 $
(56)
—
(448)
2,299
—
18,507
4,270
97
16,454
Adjusted
Amounts
660 $ 12,747
3,468
(802)
97
—
16,312
(142)
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities assumed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 18,193 $
762
762
—
(1)
(1)
—
761
761
—
(447) $ 17,746 $ 11,831 $
1,539
1,539
3,084
1,397
(142)
1,397
(142)
—
3,084
— $ 11,831
The net income effect associated with the measurement period adjustments during the year ended December 31,
2017 was immaterial.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold five properties within the Investing and Servicing Segment
for $52.4 million recognizing gain on sale of $19.8 million within gain on sale of investments and other assets in our
consolidated statement of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $3.3 million of such gains were
attributable to non-controlling interests. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, no Investing and
Servicing segment properties were sold.
Medical Office Portfolio Acquisition
The Medical Office Portfolio is comprised of 34 medical office buildings acquired for a purchase price of
$758.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. These properties, which collectively comprise 1.9 million
square feet, are geographically dispersed throughout the U.S. and primarily affiliated with major hospitals or located on
or adjacent to major hospital campuses. No goodwill or bargain purchase gains were recognized in connection with the
117
Medical Office Portfolio acquisition as the purchase price equaled the fair value of the net assets acquired.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, in accordance with ASU 2015-16, we adjusted our initial
provisional estimates of the acquisition date fair values of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed for
certain properties acquired within the Medical Office Portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2016 to reflect new
information obtained regarding facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. The following table
summarizes the measurement period adjustment applied to the initial provisional acquisition date balance sheet (amounts
in thousands):
Assets acquired:
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 686,984 $
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
85,596
511
773,091
Amounts
2016 Acquisition Adjustment
Measurement
Period
Adjustment
Initial
Adjusted
Amounts
(8,257) $ 678,727
85,508
5,233
769,468
(88)
4,722
(3,623)
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities assumed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14,327
14,327
Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 758,764 $
(3,516)
(3,516)
10,811
10,811
(107) $ 758,657
The net income effect associated with the measurement period adjustment during the year ended December 31,
2017 was immaterial.
Woodstar Portfolio Acquisition
The Woodstar Portfolio is comprised of 32 affordable housing communities with 8,948 units concentrated
primarily in the Tampa, Orlando and West Palm Beach metropolitan areas. During the year ended December 31, 2015,
we acquired 18 of the 32 affordable housing communities of the Woodstar Portfolio with the final 14 communities
acquired during the year ended December 31, 2016 for an aggregate acquisition price of $421.5 million. We assumed
federal, state and county sponsored financing and other debt in connection with this acquisition.
No goodwill was recognized in connection with the Woodstar Portfolio acquisition as the purchase price did not
exceed the fair value of the net assets acquired. A bargain purchase gain of $8.4 million was recognized within other
income, net in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 as the fair value of the net
assets acquired exceeded the purchase price due to favorable changes in net asset fair values occurring between the date
the purchase price was negotiated and the closing date.
Ireland Portfolio Acquisition
The Ireland Portfolio was initially comprised of 12 net leased fully occupied office properties and one multi-
family property all located in Dublin, Ireland, which the Company acquired during the year ended December 31, 2015.
The Ireland Portfolio, which collectively is comprised of approximately 600,000 square feet, included total assets of
$518.2 million and assumed debt of $283.0 million at acquisition. Following our acquisition, all assumed debt was
immediately extinguished and replaced with new financing of $328.6 million from the Ireland Portfolio Mortgage (as set
forth in Note 10). No goodwill or bargain purchase gain was recognized in connection with the Ireland Portfolio
acquisition as the purchase price equaled the fair value of the net assets acquired.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold one office property within the Ireland Portfolio for
$3.9 million, recognizing an immaterial gain on sale within gain on sale of investments and other assets in our
consolidated statement of operations.
118
Purchase Price Allocations of Business Combinations
We applied the business combination provisions of ASC 805 in accounting for our acquisitions of the REIS
Equity Portfolio, Medical Office Portfolio, Woodstar Portfolio and Ireland Portfolio. In doing so, we have recorded all
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as of the respective acquisition dates. These amounts for
certain properties within the REIS Equity Portfolio are provisional and may be adjusted during the measurement period,
which expires no later than one year from the acquisition dates, if new information is obtained that, if known, would
have affected the amounts recognized as of the acquisition dates.
The following table summarizes the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the respective
acquisition dates, including the effect of the measurement period adjustments set forth above (amounts in thousands):
2017
2016
2015
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . $
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets acquired . . . . . .
— $
—
38,770
11,955
85
50,810
REIS Equity Medical Office Woodstar REIS Equity Woodstar REIS Equity
Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio
— $
—
6,254 $
—
Ireland
Portfolio
— $
—
— 10,829
678,727 245,430 124,479 339,040 128,218 445,369
19,381 59,529
85,508
2,508
4,973
5,233
769,468 276,275 152,293 351,029 152,572 518,235
11,337
652
8,174
16,417
24,836
2,978
— $
—
— $
—
Portfolio
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable, accrued
6,998 17,552
expenses and other liabilities .
— 283,010
Secured financing agreements .
6,998 300,562
Total liabilities assumed . . . .
Non-controlling interests . . . . . .
—
6,904
—
Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . $ 49,294 $ 758,657 $ 105,846 $ 138,615 $ 324,017 $ 138,670 $217,673
19,666
— 150,763
10,811 170,429
—
18,030
8,982
27,012
—
7,216
—
7,216
6,462
1,516
—
1,516
—
10,811
European Servicing and Advisory Business Divestiture
In October 2016, we contributed the equity in the subsidiary which owned our European servicing and advisory
business to Situs Group Holdings Corporation (“Situs”) in exchange for a non-controlling 6.25% equity interest valued at
$12.2 million. We contributed net assets with a carrying value of $3.2 million and recognized a gain of $0.2 million in
connection with the exchange, which includes an $8.8 million loss resulting from a release of the accumulated foreign
currency translation adjustment component of equity, all recognized within gain on sale of investments and other assets,
net in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. We account for the interest we
received in Situs as a cost method investment, as set forth in Note 8.
4. Restricted Cash
A summary of our restricted cash as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
Cash collateral for derivative financial instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Funds held on behalf of borrowers and tenants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of December 31,
2017
$ 26,256
10,918
11,651
$ 48,825
2016
$ 14,341
5,306
15,586
$ 35,233
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5. Loans
Our loans held-for-investment are accounted for at amortized cost and our loans held-for-sale are accounted for
at the lower of cost or fair value, unless we have elected the fair value option. The following tables summarize our
investments in mortgages and loans by subordination class as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Carrying
Value
Face
Amount
December 31, 2017
First mortgages (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,818,804 $ 5,843,623
177,386
Subordinated mortgages (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
545,355
Mezzanine loans (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29,320
6,595,684
Total loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
594,105
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option, residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
132,393
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option, commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans transferred as secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75,000
7,397,182
Total gross loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Loan loss allowance (loans held-for-investment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total net loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,382,641 $ 7,397,182
177,115
545,299
25,607
6,566,825
613,287
132,456
74,403
7,386,971
(4,330)
December 31, 2016
First mortgages (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,865,994 $ 4,881,656
293,925
Subordinated mortgages (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mezzanine loans (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
714,608
5,890,189
Total loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63,065
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option, commercial . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans transferred as secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35,000
5,988,254
Total gross loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Loan loss allowance (loans held-for-investment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total net loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,946,274 $ 5,988,254
278,032
713,757
5,857,783
63,279
35,000
5,956,062
(9,788)
Weighted
Weighted Average Life
(“WAL”)
Average
(years)(1)
Coupon
2.0
1.9
1.1
3.9
6.2 %
10.8 %
11.0 %
8.5 %
6.2 %
4.6 %
6.2 %
5.4
10.0
2.3
5.7 %
8.9 %
9.6 %
2.2
3.3
1.8
5.3 %
6.2 %
10.0
0.4
(1)
(2)
(3)
Represents the WAL of each respective group of loans as of the respective balance sheet date. The WAL of
each individual loan is calculated using amounts and timing of future principal payments, as projected at
origination or acquisition.
First mortgages include first mortgage loans and any contiguous mezzanine loan components because as a
whole, the expected credit quality of these loans is more similar to that of a first mortgage loan. The application
of this methodology resulted in mezzanine loans with carrying values of $851.1 million and $964.1 million
being classified as first mortgages as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Subordinated mortgages include B-Notes and junior participation in first mortgages where we do not own the
senior A-Note or senior participation. If we own both the A-Note and B-Note, we categorize the loan as a first
mortgage loan.
120
As of December 31, 2017, approximately $6.1 billion, or 93.0%, of our loans held for-investment were variable
rate and paid interest principally at LIBOR plus a weighted-average spread of 5.0%. The following table summarizes our
investments in floating rate loans (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31,
2017
2016
Index
One-month LIBOR USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LIBOR floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Base Rate
Carrying
Value
880,357
0.15 - 1.29 % (1) 5,708,804 0.15 - 3.00 % (1) 4,449,861
$ 5,330,218
Carrying
Value
397,916
$ 6,106,720
0.7717 %
1.5643 %
Base Rate
$
$
(1)
The weighted-average LIBOR floor was 0.59% and 0.36% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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 flow 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 operating statements, 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.
Our evaluation process, as described above, produces an internal risk rating between 1 and 5, which is a
weighted average of the numerical ratings in the following categories: (i) sponsor capability and financial condition,
(ii) loan and collateral performance relative to underwriting, (iii) quality and stability of collateral cash flows, and (iv)
loan structure. We utilize the overall risk ratings as a concise means to monitor any credit migration on a loan as well as
on the whole portfolio. While the overall risk rating is generally not the sole factor we use in determining whether a loan
is impaired, a loan with a higher overall risk rating would tend to have more adverse indicators of impairment, and
therefore would be more likely to experience a credit loss.
121
The rating categories generally include the characteristics described below, but these are utilized as guidelines
and therefore not every loan will have all of the characteristics described in each category:
Rating
1
2
3
4
5
Characteristics
Sponsor capability and financial condition—Sponsor is highly rated or investment grade or, if private,
the equivalent thereof with significant management experience.
Loan collateral and performance relative to underwriting—The collateral has surpassed underwritten
expectations.
Quality and stability of collateral cash flows—Occupancy is stabilized, the property has had a history
of consistently high occupancy, and the property has a diverse and high quality tenant mix.
Loan structure—LTV does not exceed 65%. The loan has structural features that enhance the credit
profile.
Sponsor capability and financial condition—Strong sponsorship with experienced management team
and a responsibly leveraged portfolio.
Loan collateral and performance relative to underwriting—Collateral performance equals or exceeds
underwritten expectations and covenants and performance criteria are being met or exceeded.
Quality and stability of collateral cash flows—Occupancy is stabilized with a diverse tenant mix.
Loan structure—LTV does not exceed 70% and unique property risks are mitigated by structural
features.
Sponsor capability and financial condition—Sponsor has historically met its credit obligations,
routinely pays off loans at maturity, and has a capable management team.
Loan collateral and performance relative to underwriting—Property performance is consistent with
underwritten expectations.
Quality and stability of collateral cash flows—Occupancy is stabilized, near stabilized, or is on track
with underwriting.
Loan structure—LTV does not exceed 80%.
Sponsor capability and financial condition—Sponsor credit history includes missed payments, past due
payment, and maturity extensions. Management team is capable but thin.
Loan collateral and performance relative to underwriting—Property performance lags behind
underwritten expectations. Performance criteria and loan covenants have required occasional waivers.
A sale of the property may be necessary in order for the borrower to pay off the loan at maturity.
Quality and stability of collateral cash flows—Occupancy is not stabilized and the property has a large
amount of rollover.
Loan structure—LTV is 80% to 90%.
Sponsor capability and financial condition—Credit history includes defaults, deeds-in-lieu,
foreclosures, and/or bankruptcies.
Loan collateral and performance relative to underwriting—Property performance is significantly worse
than underwritten expectations. The loan is not in compliance with loan covenants and performance
criteria and may be in default. Sale proceeds would not be sufficient to pay off the loan at maturity.
Quality and stability of collateral cash flows—The property has material vacancy and significant
rollover of remaining tenants.
Loan structure—LTV exceeds 90%.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
122
As of December 31, 2017, the risk ratings for loans subject to our rating system, which excludes loans for which
the fair value option has been elected, by class of loan were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Balance Sheet Classification
Loans Held-For-Investment
Loans
Transferred
Loans Held- As Secured
For-Sale
% of
Total
Loans
Risk Rating
Category
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A . . . . . . . . .
First
Mortgages
Subordinated Mezzanine
Mortgages
Loans
— $
2,003 $
—
137,803
407,496
—
—
—
$ 5,818,804 $ 177,115 $ 545,299
2,462,268
3,183,592
120,479
50,462
—
11,927
165,188
—
—
—
Borrowings
Other
$ 20,267 $
Total
22,270
2,611,998
3,836,019
120,479
50,462
745,743
$ 25,607 $ 745,743 $ 74,403 $ 7,386,971
— $
—
—
—
—
745,743
— $
—
74,403
—
—
—
—
5,340
—
—
—
0.3 %
35.4 %
51.9 %
1.6 %
0.7 %
10.1 %
100.0 %
As of December 31, 2016, the risk ratings for loans subject to our rating system, which excludes loans for which
the fair value option has been elected, by class of loan were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Balance Sheet Classification
Loans Held-For-Investment
Loans
Transferred
Risk Rating
Category
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First
Mortgages
Subordinated Mezzanine
Mortgages
Loans
Loans Held- As Secured
Borrowings
For-Sale
Total
— $
— $
921 $
921
1,349,603
4,025,809
458,133
58,317
63,279
$ 4,865,994 $ 278,032 $ 713,757 $ 63,279 $ 35,000 $ 5,956,062
— $
—
—
—
—
63,279
1,092,731
3,348,874
365,151
58,317
—
27,069
250,963
—
—
—
194,803
425,972
92,982
—
—
35,000
—
—
—
—
— $
— %
22.6 %
67.6 %
7.7 %
1.0 %
1.1 %
100.0 %
% of
Total
Loans
After completing our impairment evaluation process as of December 31, 2017, we concluded that none of our
loans were impaired and therefore no individual loan impairment charges were required on any individual loans, as we
expect to collect all outstanding principal and interest. None of our loans were 90 days or greater past due as of
December 31, 2017.
123
In accordance with our policies, we record an allowance for loan losses equal to (i) 1.5% of the aggregate
carrying amount of loans rated as a “4,” plus (ii) 5% of the aggregate carrying amount of loans rated as a “5,” plus (iii)
impaired loan reserves, if any. The following table presents the activity in our allowance for loan losses (amounts in
thousands):
For the year ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
6,031
6,029 $
9,788 $
Allowance for loan losses at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(2)
3,759
(5,458)
Provision for loan losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
Charge-offs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
Recoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowance for loan losses at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
6,029
9,788 $
4,330 $
Recorded investment in loans related to the allowance for loan loss . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 170,941 $ 516,450 $ 401,880
The activity in our loan portfolio was as follows (amounts in thousands):
For the year ended December 31,
2016
2017
Balance at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Acquisitions/originations/additional funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capitalized interest (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basis of loans sold (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan maturities/principal repayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discount accretion/premium amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized foreign currency translation gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer to/from other asset classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
5,946,274 $
5,500,539
74,339
(1,634,717)
(2,658,522)
39,084
66,987
42,356
5,458
843
6,263,517
4,502,842
80,992
(2,266,901)
(2,742,462)
48,384
74,251
(47,906)
(3,759)
37,316 (3)
7,382,641 $
5,946,274
2015
$ 6,300,285
4,223,178
70,675
(2,732,501)
(1,647,852)
36,862
64,320
(51,278)
2
(174)
$ 6,263,517
(1) Represents accrued interest income on loans whose terms do not require current payment of interest.
(2) See Note 12 for additional disclosure on these transactions.
(3) Primarily represents commercial mortgage loans acquired from CMBS trusts which are consolidated as VIEs on our
balance sheet.
124
6. Investment Securities
Investment securities were comprised of the following as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in
thousands):
RMBS, available-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CMBS, fair value option (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Held-to-maturity (“HTM”) securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity security, fair value option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subtotal—Investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE eliminations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
Carrying Value as of December 31,
2017
247,021
1,024,143
433,468
13,523
1,718,155
(999,952)
718,203
$
$
2016
253,915
990,570
509,980
12,177
1,766,642
(959,024)
807,618
(1)
Certain fair value option CMBS are eliminated in consolidation against VIE liabilities pursuant to ASC 810.
Purchases, sales and principal collections for all investment securities were as follows (amounts in thousands):
a
Available-for-sale,
CMBS
RMBS
CMBS, fair
value option Securities Security
Equity
HTM
Total
—
40,635
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Purchases (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7,433 $
Sales (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Purchases (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98,035 $
Sales (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Purchases (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Sales (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $
—
35,244
—
43,445
— $ 11,798 $ 79,163 $
—
—
—
182,919
11,579
9,239
— $ 57,576 $ 204,730 $
—
—
18,725
58,435
—
6,910
— $ 14,653 $ 167,365 $
—
92,018
—
292,587
6,410
8,720
— $ 98,394
11,579
—
232,793
—
— $ 360,341
18,725
—
108,790
—
— $ 182,018
6,410
—
428,569
—
(1)
(2)
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we purchased $125.8 million, $168.0 million and
$354.2 million of CMBS, respectively, for which we elected the fair value option. Due to our consolidation of
securitization VIEs, $114.0 million, $110.4 million and $339.5 million, respectively, of this amount is
eliminated and reflected as repayment of debt of consolidated VIEs in our consolidated statements of cash
flows.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we sold $37.2 million, $54.4 million and
$15.5 million of CMBS, respectively, for which we had previously elected the fair value option. Due to our
consolidation of securitization VIEs, $25.6 million, $35.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively, of this amount
is eliminated and reflected as issuance of debt of consolidated VIEs in our consolidated statements of cash
flows.
125
RMBS, Available-for-Sale
The Company classified all of its RMBS as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. These RMBS
are reported at fair value in the balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in AOCI.
The tables below summarize various attributes of our investments in available-for-sale RMBS as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Purchase
Amortized
Cost
Credit
OTTI
Recorded
Amortized
Cost
Non-Credit Unrealized Unrealized Fair Value
OTTI Gains
Losses
Adjustment Fair Value
Unrealized Gains or (Losses)
Recognized in AOCI
Gross
Gross
Net
December 31, 2017
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 199,029 $ (9,897) $ 189,132 $
December 31, 2016
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 219,171 $ (10,185) $ 208,986 $
(94) $ 58,011 $
(28) $ 57,889 $ 247,021
(94) $ 45,113 $
(90) $ 44,929 $ 253,915
Weighted Average
Coupon (1)
Weighted Average
Rating
WAL
(Years) (2)
December 31, 2017
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2016
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8 %
2.1 %
B
6.4
B
6.1
(1)
(2)
Calculated using the December 31, 2017 and 2016 one-month LIBOR rate of 1.564% and 0.772%, respectively,
for floating rate securities.
Represents the WAL of each respective group of securities as of the respective balance sheet date. The WAL of
each individual security is calculated using projected amounts and projected timing of future principal
payments.
As of December 31, 2017, approximately $207.0 million, or 83.8%, of RMBS were variable rate and paid
interest at LIBOR plus a weighted average spread of 1.22%. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $211.1 million, or
83.2%, of RMBS were variable rate and paid interest at LIBOR plus a weighted average spread of 1.22%. We purchased
all of the RMBS at a discount, a portion of which will be accreted into income over the expected remaining life of the
security. The majority of the income from this strategy is earned from the accretion of this accretable discount.
The following table contains a reconciliation of aggregate principal balance to amortized cost for our RMBS as
of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Principal balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 366,711 $ 399,883
(64,290)
Accretable yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(126,607)
Non-accretable difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(190,897)
Total discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortized cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 189,132 $ 208,986
(55,712)
(121,867)
(177,579)
The principal balance of credit deteriorated RMBS was $345.5 million and $371.5 million as of December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. Accretable yield related to these securities totaled $49.2 million and $55.9 million as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
As of December 31,
2016
2017
126
The following table discloses the changes to accretable yield and non-accretable difference for our RMBS
during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Accretable Yield
Difference
Non-Accretable
Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion of discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal recoveries, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer to/from non-accretable difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion of discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal write-downs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer to/from non-accretable difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
68,345 $
(15,479)
—
11,349
—
—
75
64,290
(13,457)
—
311
—
109
4,459
55,712 $
26,714
—
953
99,015
—
—
(75)
126,607
—
(5,004)
4,723
—
—
(4,459)
121,867
We have engaged a third party manager who specializes in RMBS to execute the trading of RMBS, the cost of
which was $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively, which has been recorded as management fees in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value of any available-for-sale
securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for which OTTIs (full or
partial) have not been recognized in earnings (amounts in thousands):
Estimated Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Securities with a Securities with a Securities with a Securities with a
loss greater than
12 months
loss greater than
12 months
loss less than
12 months
loss less than
12 months
As of December 31, 2017
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
As of December 31, 2016
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
10,321 $
643 $
(99) $
8,819 $
957 $
(90) $
(23)
(94)
As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were three securities with unrealized losses reflected in the table
above. After evaluating these securities and recording adjustments for credit-related OTTI, we concluded that the
remaining unrealized losses reflected above were noncredit-related and would be recovered from the securities’
estimated future cash flows. We considered a number of factors in reaching this conclusion, including that we did not
intend to sell the securities, it was not considered more likely than not that we would be forced to sell the securities prior
to recovering our amortized cost, and there were no material credit events that would have caused us to otherwise
conclude that we would not recover our cost. Credit losses, which represent most of the OTTI we record on securities,
are calculated by comparing (i) the estimated future cash flows of each security discounted at the yield determined as of
the initial acquisition date or, if since revised, as of the last date previously revised, to (ii) our amortized cost basis.
Significant judgment is used in projecting cash flows for our non-agency RMBS. As a result, actual income and/or
impairments could be materially different from what is currently projected and/or reported.
127
CMBS, Fair Value Option
As discussed in the “Fair Value Option” section of Note 2 herein, we elect the fair value option for the Investing
and Servicing Segment’s CMBS in an effort to eliminate accounting mismatches resulting from the current or potential
consolidation of securitization VIEs. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value and unpaid principal balance of CMBS
where we have elected the fair value option, before consolidation of securitization VIEs, were $1.0 billion and
$4.1 billion, respectively. The $1.0 billion fair value balance represents our economic interests in these assets. However,
as a result of our consolidation of securitization VIEs, the vast majority of this fair value (all except $24.2 million at
December 31, 2017) is eliminated against VIE liabilities before arriving at our GAAP balance for fair value option
CMBS.
As of December 31, 2017, none of our CMBS where we have elected the fair value option were variable rate.
HTM Securities
The table below summarizes unrealized gains and losses of our investments in HTM securities as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Net Carrying Amount Gross Unrealized Gross Unrealized
Holding Gains
Holding Losses
(Amortized Cost)
Fair Value
December 31, 2017
CMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Preferred interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
December 31, 2016
CMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Preferred interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
413,110 $
20,358
433,468 $
490,107 $
19,873
509,980 $
2,002 $
647
2,649 $
2,106 $
727
2,833 $
(7,779) $ 407,333
21,005
(7,779) $ 428,338
—
(8,648) $ 483,565
20,600
(8,648) $ 504,165
—
The table below summarizes the maturities of our HTM CMBS and our HTM preferred equity interests in
limited liability companies that own commercial real estate as of December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands):
CMBS
Preferred
Interests
Total
Less than one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 118,903 $
One to three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three to five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
— $ 118,903
264,757
—
29,450
—
20,358
20,358
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 413,110 $ 20,358 $ 433,468
264,757
29,450
—
Equity Security, Fair Value Option
During 2012, we acquired 9,140,000 ordinary shares from a related-party in Starwood European Real Estate
Finance Limited (“SEREF”), a debt fund that is externally managed by an affiliate of our Manager and is listed on the
London Stock Exchange. We have elected to report the investment using the fair value option because the shares are
listed on an exchange, which allows us to determine the fair value using a quoted price from an active market, and also
due to potential lags in reporting resulting from differences in the respective regulatory requirements. The fair value of
the investment remeasured in USD was $13.5 million and $12.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017, our shares represent an approximate 2% interest in SEREF.
128
7. Properties
Our properties include the DownREIT Portfolio, Master Lease Portfolio, Medical Office Portfolio, Woodstar
Portfolio, REIS Equity Portfolio and Ireland Portfolio as discussed in Note 3. The table below summarizes our properties
held as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
Depreciable Life
2017
2016
December 31,
Property Segment
Land and land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings and building improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture & fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing Segment
Land and land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings and building improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture & fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 – 15 years $ 585,915 $
5 – 45 years
3 – 7 years
385,860
1,838,266 1,291,531
23,035
31,028
0 – 15 years
3 – 40 years
2 – 5 years
86,711
212,094
1,036
89,425
195,178
1,256
2,755,050 1,986,285
(41,565)
$ 2,647,481 $ 1,944,720
(107,569)
During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015, we sold six and two operating properties, respectively,
for $56.4 million and $36.1 million, respectively, which resulted in gains of $19.9 million and $17.8 million,
respectively, recognized within gain on sale of investments and other assets in our consolidated statements of operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, $3.3 million of such gains were attributable to non-controlling interests.
There were no properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Future rental payments due to us from tenants under existing non-cancellable operating leases for each of the
next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
199,162
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
141,020
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
133,366
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
125,590
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
115,803
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,187,263
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,902,204
129
8. Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
The table below summarizes our investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
(dollars in thousands):
Equity method:
Participation / Carrying value as of December 31,
2017
Ownership % (1)
2016
Retail Fund (see Note 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate company . .
Equity interests in commercial real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity interest in a residential mortgage originator (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Various . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25% - 50%
33%
50%
16% - 50%
N/A
$ 110,704 (2) $ 124,977
21,677
23,297
—
6,640
176,591
9,312
23,192
7,742
3,538
154,488
Cost method:
Equity interest in a servicing and advisory business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment funds which own equity in a loan servicer and other real
6%
12,234
12,234
estate assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Various . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4% - 6%
0% - 3%
9,225
9,556
31,015
$ 185,503
9,225
6,555
28,014
$ 204,605
(1)
(2)
(3)
None of these investments are publicly traded and therefore quoted market prices are not available.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we funded $15.5 million in capital commitments.
In December 2017, the Company acquired $7.7 million of preferred equity in a residential mortgage originator.
The Company’s preferred equity interest is contingently redeemable for all of the common stock of the
residential mortgage originator at no further cost to the Company, subject to the approval of the transaction by
certain regulatory agencies. The mortgage loan originator is licensed in 27 states to conduct residential
mortgage origination activities. As of December 31, 2017, the carrying value of our investment exceeded the
underlying equity in net assets of the investee by $1.7 million. This basis difference resulted from our recording
of the investment at its fair value at the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2017, the difference was
provisional while we evaluate the underlying purchase price allocation.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Retail Fund, an investment company that measures its assets at
fair value on a recurring basis, reported unrealized decreases in the fair value of its real estate properties as a result of
lender appraisals obtained by the Retail Fund. We report our interest in the Retail Fund at its liquidation value, which
resulted in a $34.7 million decrease to our investment. This amount was recognized within earnings from unconsolidated
entities in our consolidated statement of operations during the year ended December 31, 2017.
In September 2017, the investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate company sold approximately
88% of its interest in the online real estate company. In October 2017, we received a pre-tax cash distribution of
$66.0 million from the investor entity related to the sale. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized
$53.9 million of income from our investment in this investor entity as a result of the sale within earnings from
unconsolidated entities in our consolidated statement of operations.
Other than our equity interest in a residential mortgage originator, there were no differences between the
carrying value of our equity method investments and the underlying equity in the net assets of the investees as of
December 31, 2017.
130
9. Goodwill and Intangibles
Goodwill
Goodwill at December 31, 2017 and 2016 represents the excess of consideration transferred over the fair value
of net assets of LNR acquired on April 19, 2013. The goodwill recognized is attributable to value embedded in LNR’s
existing platform, which includes a network of commercial real estate asset managers, work-out specialists, underwriters
and administrative support professionals as well as proprietary historical performance data on commercial real estate
assets. The tax deductible component of our goodwill as of April 19, 2013 was $149.9 million and is deductible over 15
years. As discussed in Note 2, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Based on our qualitative assessment
during the fourth quarter of 2017, we determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the Investing and
Servicing Segment reporting unit to which the goodwill is attributed is less than its carrying value including goodwill.
Therefore, we concluded goodwill was not impaired.
Intangible Assets
Servicing Rights Intangibles
In connection with the LNR acquisition, we identified domestic and European servicing rights that existed at the
purchase date, based upon the expected future cash flows of the associated servicing contracts. During the year ended
December 31, 2016, we contributed our European servicing and advisory business to an unrelated entity in exchange for
a non-controlling equity interest in that entity and therefore no longer have any European servicing rights.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the balance of the domestic servicing intangible was net of $28.2 million and
$34.2 million, respectively, which was eliminated in consolidation pursuant to ASC 810 against VIE assets in connection
with our consolidation of securitization VIEs. Before VIE consolidation, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the
domestic servicing intangible had a balance of $59.0 million and $89.3 million, respectively, which represents our
economic interest in this asset.
Lease Intangibles
In connection with our acquisitions of commercial real estate, we recognized in-place lease intangible assets and
favorable lease intangible assets associated with certain non-cancelable operating leases of the acquired properties.
The following table summarizes our intangible assets, which are comprised of servicing rights intangibles and
lease intangibles, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
As of December 31, 2017
As of December 31, 2016
Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying
Value
Amortization
Value
Value
Amortization
Value
Domestic servicing rights, at fair
value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
In-place lease intangible assets . . . .
Favorable lease intangible assets . .
Total net intangible assets . . . . . $
— $
30,759 $
(65,351)
187,816
37,231
(7,363)
255,806 $ (72,714) $ 183,092 $
122,465
29,868
30,759 $
— $
55,082 $
55,082
(38,532)
175,409
136,877
30,459
(3,170)
27,289
260,950 $ (41,702) $ 219,248
131
The following table summarizes the activity within intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and
2016 (amounts in thousands):
Domestic European In-place Lease Favorable Lease
Servicing Servicing
Rights
Rights
—
—
—
—
(17,467)
—
Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 119,698 $ 2,626 $
—
Impact of ASU 2015-02 adoption (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Acquisition of Medical Office Portfolio properties . .
Acquisition of additional Woodstar Portfolio
properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of additional REIS Equity Portfolio
properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contribution of European servicing and advisory
business (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in fair value due to changes in inputs and
assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of DownREIT Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of additional REIS Equity Portfolio
properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in fair value due to changes in inputs and
(24,323)
assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Measurement period adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,759 $
(989)
—
— (1,337)
(300)
—
—
—
(47,149)
55,082
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Intangible
Assets
66,085 $
—
71,486
Intangible
Assets
Total
13,161 $ 201,570
— (17,467)
85,596
14,110
8,174
—
8,174
22,946
2,692
25,638
—
(30,227)
(933)
(654)
—
136,877
4,155
6,524
(26,850)
(722)
4,404
(1,014)
—
(989)
(2,334) (33,898)
(1,499)
(728)
(266)
(74)
— (47,149)
27,289 219,248
4,155
—
5,431
11,955
(3,930) (30,780)
(831)
5,581
(1,023)
(109)
1,177
(9)
— (24,323)
19
(890)
29,868 $ 183,092
—
—
(909)
—
— $ 122,465 $
(1)
(2)
(3)
Our implementation of ASU 2015-02 resulted in the consolidation of certain CMBS trusts effective January 1,
2016, which required the elimination of $17.5 million of domestic servicing rights associated with these newly
consolidated trusts.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we contributed our European servicing and advisory business to
Situs in exchange for a non-controlling equity interest in Situs. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion.
Impairment of intangible lease assets is recognized within other expense in our consolidated statements of
operations.
132
The following table sets forth the estimated aggregate amortization of our in-place lease intangible assets and
favorable lease intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter (amounts in thousands):
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
32,294
21,866
16,481
14,213
11,823
55,656
152,333
Lease Liabilities
In connection with our acquisition of certain properties within our Medical Office Portfolio, we recognized
aggregate unfavorable lease liabilities of $4.8 million with a weighted average life of 9.7 years at acquisition. The
liability balance was $3.7 million and $4.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In connection with our acquisition of LNR in 2013, we recognized an unfavorable lease liability of
$15.3 million related to an assumed operating lease for our offices in Miami Beach, Florida, which expires in 2021. This
liability is being amortized over the remaining four years of the underlying lease term at a rate of approximately
$1.9 million per year. The liability balance was $6.5 million and $8.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively.
133
10. Secured Financing Agreements
The following table is a summary of our secured financing agreements in place as of December 31, 2017 and
2016 (dollars in thousands):
Current
Maturity
Extended
Maturity (a)
(b)
Pricing
Pledged Asset
Carrying Value Facility Size
Maximum
2017
Carrying Value at December 31,
LIBOR + 1.75% to 5.75% $
(b)
Lender 1 Repo 1 . . . . . . . .
Lender 2 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . Oct 2018 Oct 2020 LIBOR + 1.75% to 2.75%
Lender 3 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . May 2018 May 2019 LIBOR + 2.75% to 3.10%
Lender 4 Repo 2 . . . . . . . . Dec 2018 Dec 2020 LIBOR + 2.00% to 3.25%
LIBOR + 2.00% to 2.75%
Lender 6 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . Aug 2020
Lender 6 Repo 2 . . . . . . . . Oct 2022 Oct 2023 GBP LIBOR + 2.75%
Lender 9 Repo 1 . . . . . . . . Sep 2018
Lender 10 Repo 1 . . . . . . . Mar 2020 Mar 2022 LIBOR + 2.00% to 2.75%
Lender 11 Repo 1 . . . . . . .
Lender 11 Repo 2 . . . . . . . Sep 2018 Sep 2022 LIBOR + 2.25% to 2.75%
Lender 7 Secured
LIBOR + 2.75%
LIBOR + 1.65%
Jun 2020
Jun 2019
N/A
N/A
1,771,345 $ 2,000,000 $ 1,137,654 $
500,000
75,291
323,088
109,124
842,721 1,000,000 (c)
642,293
431,753
87,912
169,920
—
—
600,000
332,815
65,762
140,000
200,000
250,000
238,428
75,291
215,372
494,353
332,815
65,762
77,800
—
—
Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jul 2018
Jul 2019
LIBOR + 2.75%
(d)
—
650,000 (e)
—
—
2016
944,712
132,941
78,288
166,394
182,586
121,509
283,575
—
—
—
Lender 8 Secured
Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug 2019
N/A
Conduit Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . Nov 2018 Nov 2019
Conduit Repo 3 . . . . . . . . . Feb 2018
Conduit Repo 4 . . . . . . . . . Oct 2018 Oct 2020
MBS Repo 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
(f)
(f)
MBS Repo 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .
MBS Repo 3 . . . . . . . . . . . .
MBS Repo 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing and Servicing
Jun 2020
(g)
(h)
Segment Property
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . .
Feb 2018 to
Jun 2026
Ireland Portfolio
Woodstar Portfolio
Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 2020
Nov 2025 to
Oct 2026
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
(g)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Woodstar Portfolio
Government
Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical Office Portfolio
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mar 2026 to
Jun 2049
Dec 2021 to
Feb 2022
N/A
Dec 2023 to
Feb 2024
Master Lease Portfolio
LIBOR + 4.00%
LIBOR + 2.25%
LIBOR + 2.10%
LIBOR + 2.25%
LIBOR + 1.90%
LIBOR/EURIBOR +
1.90% to 2.45%
LIBOR + 1.32% to 1.95%
LIBOR + 1.90%
23,874
53,501
35,815
—
10,000
75,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
6,510
15,617
40,075
26,895
—
6,510
43,555
14,944
—
—
21,052
308,299
347,031
175,451
222,672
224,150
225,000
222,672
224,150
77,318
239,434
285,209
5,633
Various
235,705
195,829
177,411
164,611
EURIBOR + 1.69%
497,387
349,900
349,900
309,246
3.72% to 3.97%
368,670
276,748
276,748
276,748
1.00% to 5.00%
307,172
133,418
133,418
135,584
LIBOR + 2.50%
(i)
724,493
531,815
497,613
491,197
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct 2027
N/A
4.36% to 4.38%
468,648
265,900
265,900
—
DownREIT Portfolio
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jan 2028
N/A
Term Loan A . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 2020 Dec 2021
Revolving Secured
Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 2020 Dec 2021
FHLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 2021
N/A
3.81%
LIBOR + 2.25%
LIBOR + 2.25%
Various
146,238
939,368
116,745
300,000
116,745
300,000
—
300,000
—
613,287
100,000
445,000
9,633,095 $ 9,732,555
—
445,000
5,813,447
—
—
4,197,218
(d)
(d)
$
Unamortized
premium/(discount) net . .
Unamortized deferred
financing costs . . . . . . . . .
2,559
2,640
(42,950)
(45,732)
$ 5,773,056 $ 4,154,126
(a)
(b)
(c)
Subject to certain conditions as defined in the respective facility agreement.
Maturity date for borrowings collateralized by loans is September 2018 before extension options and September
2021 assuming exercise of extension options. Borrowings collateralized by loans existing at maturity may
remain outstanding until such loan collateral matures, subject to certain specified conditions and not to exceed
September 2025.
The initial maximum facility size of $600.0 million may be increased to $1.0 billion at our option, subject to
certain conditions.
134
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
Subject to borrower’s option to choose alternative benchmark based rates pursuant to the terms of the credit
agreement.
The initial maximum facility size of $450.0 million may be increased to $650.0 million, subject to certain
conditions.
Facility carries a rolling 11 month term which may reset monthly with the lender’s consent not to exceed
December 2018. This facility carries no maximum facility size. Amounts reflect the outstanding balance as of
December 31, 2017.
Facility carries a rolling 12 month term which may reset monthly with the lender’s consent. Current maturity is
December 2018. This facility carries no maximum facility size. Amounts reflect the outstanding balance as of
December 31, 2017.
The date that is 270 days after the buyer delivers notice to seller, subject to a maximum date of September 2018.
Subject to a 25 basis point floor.
In the normal course of business, the Company is in discussions with its lenders to extend or amend any
financing facilities which contain near term expirations.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we entered into two mortgage loans with maximum borrowings of
$38.3 million to finance commercial real estate previously acquired by our Investing and Servicing Segment. As of
December 31, 2017, these facilities carry a remaining weighted average term of 4.3 years with floating annual interest
rates of LIBOR + 2.00%.
In February 2017, we entered into a mortgage loan with maximum borrowings of $7.3 million as part of the
Medical Office Portfolio Mortgages. This loan carries a five year initial term with two 12 month extension options and
an annual interest rate of LIBOR + 2.50%.
In March 2017, we entered into a $125.0 million repurchase facility (“Lender 10 Repo 1”) to finance certain
loans held-for-investment. The facility carries a three year initial term with two one-year extension options and an
annual interest rate of LIBOR + 2.00% to 2.75%. In May 2017, we upsized the maximum facility size to $140.0 million
utilizing an available accordion feature.
In March 2017, we amended the Lender 3 Repo 1 facility to extend the maturity from May 2017 to May 2018.
In June 2017, we entered into a $200.0 million repurchase facility (“Lender 11 Repo 1”) to finance certain
mortgage loans held-for-sale. The facility carries a two year initial term with a one-year extension option and an initial
annual interest rate of LIBOR + 2.75%.
In July 2017, we acquired a captive insurance entity that is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank
(“FHLB”) of Chicago. This membership, which expires in February 2021, provides us additional financing capacity from
the FHLB of Chicago on qualifying collateral. This FHLB financing has annual variable interest rates of LIBOR +
0.15% to 0.34%, fixed rates from 2.02% to 2.08% and expires in February 2021. As of December 31, 2017, the facility
had outstanding borrowings of $445.0 million.
In August 2017, we amended the Lender 2 Repo 1 facility and the Conduit Repo 4 facility to extend the
maturity from October 2017 to October 2018.
In September 2017, we entered into a $250.0 million repurchase facility (“Lender 11 Repo 2”) to finance certain
loans held-for-investment. The facility carries a one year initial term with four one-year extension options and an annual
interest rate of LIBOR + 2.25% to 2.75%.
In September 2017, we entered into two mortgage loans with total borrowings of $265.9 million (“Master Lease
Portfolio Mortgages”) to finance the acquisition of the Master Lease Portfolio. The loans carry ten year terms and fixed
annual interest rates of 4.36% and 4.38%, respectively.
In September 2017, we amended the Lender 6 Repo 1 facility to upsize available borrowings from
$500.0 million to $600.0 million and extend the maturity from August 2019 to August 2020.
135
In October 2017, we amended the Conduit Repo 2 facility to upsize available borrowings from $150.0 million
to $200.0 million and extend the maturity from November 2017 to November 2018 with an extension option to
November 2019.
In October 2017, we amended the Lender 6 Repo 2 facility to upsize available borrowings from £98.5 million to
£268.5 million.
In December 2017, we amended the Lender 9 Repo 1 facility to extend the maturity from December 2017 to
September 2018.
In December 2017, we entered into mortgage loans with total borrowings of $116.7 million to finance the First
Closing of our DownREIT Portfolio (“DownREIT Portfolio Mortgages”). The loans carry a 10-year term and a fixed
annual interest rate of 3.81%.
Our secured financing agreements contain certain financial tests and covenants. As of December 31, 2017, we
were in compliance with all such covenants.
The following table sets forth our five-year principal repayments schedule for secured financings assuming no
defaults and excluding loans transferred as secured borrowings. Our credit facilities generally require principal to be paid
down prior to the facilities’ respective maturities if and when we receive principal payments on, or sell, the investment
collateral that we have pledged. The amount reflected in each period includes principal repayments on our credit
facilities that would be required if (i) we received the repayments that we expect to receive on the investments that have
been pledged as collateral under the credit facilities, as applicable, and (ii) the credit facilities that are expected to have
amounts outstanding at their current maturity dates are extended where extension options are available to us (amounts in
thousands):
Repurchase Other Secured
Total
703,045
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
422,361
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,481,185
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
957,084
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
651,573
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,598,199
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,235,095 $ 2,578,352 $ 5,813,447
Financing
130,152 $
51,387
363,599
663,887
26,290
1,343,037
572,893 $
370,974
1,117,586
293,197
625,283
255,162
Agreements
Secured financing maturities for 2018 primarily relate to $224.2 million on the MBS Repo 3 facility,
$97.0 million on the FHLB facility and $77.3 million on the MBS Repo 4 facility.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately $19.5 million, $16.2 million and
$14.2 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs from secured financing agreements was included
in interest expense on our consolidated statements of operations. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016,
we wrote off $8.2 million of deferred financing costs and unamortized discount which are included within loss on
extinguishment of debt in our consolidated statement of operations. This $8.2 million write-off was in connection with
the repayment of our former term loan in December 2016.
136
The following table sets forth our outstanding balance of repurchase agreements related to the following asset
collateral classes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Class of Collateral
Loans held-for-investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,637,475 $ 1,890,925
34,024
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
551,328
Investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 3,235,095 $ 2,476,277
66,970
530,650
2017
As of December 31,
2016
We seek to mitigate risks associated with our repurchase agreements by managing risk related to the credit
quality of our assets, interest rates, liquidity, prepayment speeds and market value. The margin call provisions under the
majority of our repurchase facilities, consisting of 73% of these agreements, do not permit valuation adjustments based
on capital markets activity. Instead, margin calls on these facilities are limited to collateral-specific credit marks. To
monitor credit risk associated with the performance and value of our loans and investments, our asset management team
regularly reviews our investment portfolios and is in regular contact with our borrowers, monitoring performance of the
collateral and enforcing our rights as necessary. For repurchase agreements containing margin call provisions for
general capital markets activity, approximately 17% of these pertain to our loans held-for-sale, for which we manage
credit risk through the purchase of credit index instruments. We further seek to manage risks associated with our
repurchase agreements by matching the maturities and interest rate characteristics of our loans with the related
repurchase agreements.
11. Unsecured Senior Notes
The following table is a summary of our unsecured senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
(dollars in thousands):
2017 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total principal amount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unamortized discount—Convertible Notes . .
Unamortized discount—Senior Notes . . . . . .
Unamortized deferred financing costs . . . . . .
Carrying amount of debt components . . . .
Carrying amount of conversion option
equity components recorded in additional
paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coupon Effective
Rate (1)
Rate
Maturity
Date
Remaining
Period of
Amortization
3.75 % N/A % 10/15/2017 N/A
$
4.55 % 6.10 % 3/1/2018 0.2 years
4.00 % 5.35 % 1/15/2019 1.0 years
5.00 % 5.32 % 12/15/2021 4.0 years
4.38 % 4.86 % 4/1/2023 5.3 years
4.75 % 5.04 % 3/15/2025 7.2 years
Carrying Value at December 31,
2017
— $
369,981
341,363
700,000
250,000
500,000
2016
411,885
599,981
341,363
700,000
—
—
2,161,344 2,053,229
(26,135)
(9,728)
(5,822)
$ 2,125,235 $ 2,011,544
(11,186)
(16,654)
(8,269)
$
31,638 $
45,988
(1)
Effective rate includes the effects of underwriter purchase discount and the adjustment for the conversion option
on our convertible notes, the value of which reduced the initial liability and was recorded in additional
paid-in-capital.
Senior Notes Due 2021
On December 16, 2016, we issued $700.0 million of 5.00% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). The
2021 Notes mature on December 15, 2021. Prior to September 15, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the 2021 Notes
at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the applicable “make-whole” premium as of the applicable
137
date of redemption. On and after September 15, 2021, we may redeem some or all of the 2021 Notes at a price equal to
100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, prior to December 15, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the 2021
Notes at the applicable redemption price using the proceeds of certain equity offerings.
Senior Notes Due 2025
On December 4, 2017, we issued $500.0 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”). The 2025
Notes mature on March 15, 2025. Prior to September 15, 2024, we may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes at a price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the applicable “make-whole” premium as of the applicable date of
redemption. On and after September 15, 2024, we may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes at a price equal to 100% of
the principal amount thereof. In addition, prior to March 15, 2021, we may redeem up to 40% of the 2025 Notes at the
applicable redemption price using the proceeds of certain equity offerings.
Subsequent Issuance
As discussed in Note 25, on January 29, 2018, we issued $500.0 million of 3.625% Senior Notes due 2021
which mature on February 1, 2021.
Convertible Senior Notes
On March 29, 2017, we issued $250.0 million of 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023
Notes”). On October 8, 2014, we issued $431.3 million of 3.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2017 (the “2017
Notes”). On February 15, 2013, we issued $600.0 million of 4.55% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018
Notes”). On July 3, 2013, we issued $460.0 million of 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”). In
October 2017, we repaid the full outstanding principal amount of the 2017 Notes in cash upon their maturity. We
recognized interest expense of $72.2 million, $57.1 million and $58.0 million during the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, from our unsecured convertible senior notes (collectively, the “Convertible Notes”).
At issuance, on March 29, 2017, we allocated $243.7 million and $3.8 million of the $247.5 million gross
proceeds from the 2023 Notes to its debt and equity components, respectively. Also on March 29, 2017, the proceeds
from the issuance of the 2023 Notes were used to repurchase $230.0 million of the 2018 Notes for $250.7 million. The
repurchase price was allocated between the fair value of the liability component and the fair value of the equity
component of the 2018 Notes at the repurchase date. The portion of the repurchase price attributable to the equity
component totaled $18.1 million and was recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital during the year ended
December 31, 2017. The portion of the repurchase price attributable to the liability component exceeded the net carrying
amount of the liability component by $5.9 million, which was recognized as a loss on extinguishment of debt in our
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. The repurchase of the 2018 Notes was not
considered part of the repurchase program approved by our board of directors (refer to Note 17) and therefore does not
reduce our available capacity for future repurchases under the repurchase program.
Under the repurchase program approved by our board of directors (refer to Note 17), we repurchased
$19.4 million aggregate principal amount of our 2017 Notes during the year ended December 31, 2016 and
$118.6 million aggregate principal amount of our 2019 Notes during the year ended December 31, 2015 for
$19.9 million and $136.3 million, respectively, plus transaction expenses of $0.1 million during the year ended
December 31, 2015. The repurchase price was allocated between the fair value of the liability component and the fair
value of the equity component of the convertible security. The portion of the repurchase price attributable to the equity
component totaled $0.4 million and $17.7 million, respectively, and was recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in
capital during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The remaining repurchase price was attributable to the
liability component. The difference between this amount and the net carrying amount of the liability and debt issuance
costs was reflected as a loss on extinguishment of debt in our consolidated statement of operations. For the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2015, the loss on extinguishment of debt totaled $0.6 million and $5.9 million, respectively,
consisting principally of the write-off of unamortized debt discount.
138
The following table details the conversion attributes of our Convertible Notes outstanding as of December 31,
2017 (amounts in thousands, except rates):
December 31, 2017
Conversion Conversion
Rate (1)
Price (2)
Conversion Spread Value - Shares (3)
For the Year Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
2017 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
48.3443 $
50.9581 $
38.5959 $
N/A
20.68
19.62
25.91
—
541
1,358
—
1,899
—
1,097
1,600
—
2,697
—
—
97
—
97
(1)
(2)
(3)
The conversion rate represents the number of shares of common stock issuable per $1,000 principal amount of
Convertible Notes converted, as adjusted in accordance with the indentures governing the Convertible Notes
(including the applicable supplemental indentures).
As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the market price of the Company’s common stock was $21.35,
$21.95 and $20.56 per share, respectively.
The conversion spread value represents the portion of the convertible senior notes that are “in-the-money”,
representing the value that would be delivered to investors in shares upon an assumed conversion.
The if-converted values of the 2018 Notes and 2019 Notes exceeded their principal amounts by $12.0 million
and $30.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 as the closing market price of the Company’s common stock of
$21.35 per share exceeded the implicit conversion prices of $20.68 and $19.62 per share, respectively. However, the
if-converted value of the 2023 Notes was less than the principal amount by $44.0 million at December 31, 2017 as the
closing market price of the Company’s common stock was less than the implicit conversion price of $25.91.
The Company has asserted its intent and ability to settle the principal amount of the Convertible Notes in cash.
As such, only the conversion spread value, if any, is included in the computation of diluted EPS.
Conditions for Conversion
Prior to July 15, 2018 for the 2019 Notes and October 1, 2022 for the 2023 Notes, those Convertible Notes will
be convertible only upon satisfaction of one or more of the following conditions: (1) the closing market price of the
Company’s common stock is at least 110%, in the case of the 2023 Notes, or 130%, in the case of the 2019 Notes, of the
conversion price of the respective Convertible Notes for at least 20 out of 30 trading days prior to the end of the
preceding fiscal quarter, (2) the trading price of the Convertible Notes is less than 98% of the product of (i) the
conversion rate and (ii) the closing price of the Company’s common stock during any five consecutive trading day
period, (3) the Company issues certain equity instruments at less than the 10-day average closing market price of its
common stock or the per-share value of certain distributions exceeds the market price of the Company’s common stock
by more than 10% or (4) certain other specified corporate events (significant consolidation, sale, merger, share exchange,
fundamental change, etc.) occur.
On or after July 15, 2018, in the case of the 2019 Notes, and October 1, 2022, in the case of the 2023 Notes,
holders may convert each of their Convertible Notes at the applicable conversion rate at any time prior to the close of
business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. On September 1, 2017, the 2018
Notes entered the open conversion period and may be converted at any time through their maturity date of March 1,
2018.
139
12. Loan Securitization/Sale Activities
As described below, we regularly sell loans and notes under various strategies. We evaluate such sales as to
whether they meet the criteria for treatment as a sale—legal isolation, ability of transferee to pledge or exchange the
transferred assets without constraint, and transfer of control.
Within the Investing and Servicing Segment, we originate commercial mortgage loans with the intent to sell
these mortgage loans to VIEs for the purposes of securitization. These VIEs then issue CMBS that are collateralized in
part by these assets, as well as other assets transferred to the VIE. In certain instances, we retain an interest in the VIE
and/or serve as special servicer for the VIE. The following summarizes the fair value and par value of loans sold from
our conduit platform, as well as the amount of sale proceeds used in part to repay the outstanding balance of the
repurchase agreements associated with these loans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (amounts in
thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31,
2016
2017
2015
Fair value of loans sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,582,050 $ 1,884,380 $ 2,100,216
2,034,773
Par value of loans sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,548,111
Repayment of repurchase agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,517,368
1,152,938
1,798,215
1,170,230
Within the Lending Segment, we originate or acquire loans and then subsequently sell a portion, which can be
in various forms including first mortgages, A-Notes, senior participations and mezzanine loans. Typically, our
motivation for entering into these transactions is to effectively create leverage on the subordinated position that we will
retain and hold for investment. In certain instances, we continue to service the loan following its sale. The following
table summarizes our loans sold and loans transferred as secured borrowings by the Lending Segment net of expenses
(amounts in thousands):
Loan Transfers Accounted
for as Sales
Loan Transfers
Accounted for as Secured
Borrowings
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Face Amount Proceeds
55,470 $ 52,609 $
386,389
645,425
382,881
637,124
Face Amount Proceeds
$ 74,098
—
38,925
75,000
—
38,925
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Lending Segment recognized gains on sales of loans
of $0.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively, within gain on sale of investments and other assets in our consolidated
statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2017, gains recognized by the Lending Segment on sales
of loans were not material.
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13. Derivatives and Hedging Activity
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We
principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core
business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, foreign exchange, liquidity, and credit risk
primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our debt funding and the use of derivative financial
instruments. Specifically, we enter into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business
activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are
determined by interest rates, credit spreads, and foreign exchange rates. Our derivative financial instruments are used to
manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the known or expected cash receipts and known or expected
cash payments principally related to our investments, anticipated level of loan sales, and borrowings.
Designated Hedges
Our objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To
accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy.
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in
exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional
amount.
In connection with our repurchase agreements, we have entered into two outstanding interest rate swaps that
have been designated as cash flow hedges of the interest rate risk associated with forecasted interest payments. As of
December 31, 2017, the aggregate notional amount of our interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges of interest
rate risk totaled $5.4 million. Under these agreements, we will pay fixed monthly coupons at fixed rates ranging from
0.64% to 1.52% of the notional amount to the counterparty and receive floating rate LIBOR. Our interest rate swaps
designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk have maturities ranging from October 2018 to May 2021.
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges
is recorded in AOCI and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction
affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we did not recognize any hedge ineffectiveness in earnings.
Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are
made on the associated variable-rate debt. Over the next 12 months, we estimate that an immaterial amount will be
reclassified as a decrease to interest expense. We are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows for
certain forecasted transactions over a maximum period of 41 months.
Non-designated Hedges
Derivatives not designated as hedges are derivatives that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under
GAAP or which we have not elected to designate as hedges. We do not use these derivatives for speculative purposes but
instead they are used to manage our exposure to foreign exchange rates, interest rate changes and certain credit spreads.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in gain (loss) on
derivative financial instruments in our consolidated statements of operations.
We have entered into a series of forward contracts whereby we agreed to sell an amount of foreign currency for
an agreed upon amount of USD at various dates through December 2021. These forward contracts were entered into to
economically fix the USD amounts of foreign denominated cash flows expected to be received by us related to certain
foreign denominated loan investments and properties.
141
The following table summarizes our non-designated foreign exchange (“Fx”) forwards, interest rate contracts
and credit index instruments as of December 31, 2017 (notional amounts in thousands):
Type of Derivative
Fx contracts – Buy Euros ("EUR") . . . . . . . . . . .
Fx contracts – Sell Euros ("EUR") (1) . . . . . . . . .
Fx contracts – Buy Pounds Sterling ("GBP") . . .
Fx contracts – Sell Pounds Sterling ("GBP") . . .
Interest rate swaps – Paying fixed rates . . . . . . . .
Interest rate swaps – Receiving fixed rates . . . . .
Interest rate caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit index instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notional
Currency
Aggregate
Notional
Amount
1,060 EUR
278,390 EUR
26,941 GBP
424,899 GBP
865,417 USD
470,000 USD
294,000 EUR
68,121 USD
49,000 USD September 2058 – November 2059
Maturity
April 2018
February 2018 – June 2020
January 2018 – July 2019
January 2018 – December 2021
April 2019 – January 2028
March 2025
May 2020
June 2018 – October 2021
Number of
Contracts
2
39
3
171
22
1
2
8
8
256
(1)
Includes 30 Fx contracts entered into to hedge our Euro currency exposure created by our acquisition of the
Ireland Portfolio. As of December 31, 2017, these contracts have an aggregate notional amount of
€227.1 million and varying maturities through June 2020.
The table below presents the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on
the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Fair Value of Derivatives
in an Asset Position (1)
as of December 31,
2016
2017
Fair Value of Derivatives
in a Liability Position (2)
as of December 31,
2016
2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
3,484
Interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
364
Foreign exchange contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Credit index instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . .
3,848
Total derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 33,898 $ 89,361 $ 36,200 $ 3,904
26,591
62,295
445
89,331
2,781
33,419
—
36,200
27,234
6,400
239
33,873
— $
—
25 $
25
30 $
30
56
56
(1)
(2)
Classified as derivative assets in our consolidated balance sheets.
Classified as derivative liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
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The tables below present the effect of our derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of
operations and of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (amounts in
thousands):
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in OCI
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified
from AOCI
into Income
Gain (Loss)
Recognized
in Income
Location of Gain (Loss)
(effective portion) (effective portion) (ineffective portion) Recognized in Income
54 $
(284) $
(709) $
3 $
(323) $
(741) $
— Interest expense
— Interest expense
— Interest expense
Derivatives Not Designated
as Hedging Instruments
Interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . (Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments
Foreign exchange contracts . . . (Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments
Credit index instruments . . . . . (Loss) gain on derivative financial instruments
Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income for the
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
(5,165) $ 21,741 $ (22,675)
44,089
184
21,598
51,818
(2,825)
$ (72,532) $ 70,734 $
$
(65,645)
(1,722)
2015
14. Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The following tables present the potential effects of netting arrangements on our financial position for financial
assets and liabilities within the scope of ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet—Offsetting, which for us are derivative assets and
liabilities as well as repurchase agreement liabilities (amounts in thousands):
(iv)
Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the Statement
(i)
Gross Amounts
Recognized
(ii)
(iii) = (i) - (ii)
Gross Amounts Net Amounts
Presented in
Offset in the
the Statement of
Statement of
Financial Position Financial Position
of Financial Position
Cash
Collateral
Received / (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Net Amount
Pledged
Financial
Instruments
As of December 31, 2017
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . $
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . $
Repurchase agreements . . . .
33,898 $
36,200 $
3,235,095
$ 3,271,295 $
As of December 31, 2016
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . $
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . $
Repurchase agreements . . . .
89,361 $
3,904 $
2,476,277
$ 2,480,181 $
— $
— $
—
— $
— $
— $
—
— $
33,898 $
36,200 $
6,523 $
— $
6,523 $ 15,333 $
3,235,095
3,235,095
3,271,295 $ 3,241,618 $ 15,333 $
—
89,361 $
3,904 $
— $
491 $
491 $ 3,413 $
2,476,277
2,476,277
2,480,181 $ 2,476,768 $ 3,413 $
—
27,375
14,344
—
14,344
88,870
—
—
—
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15. Variable Interest Entities
Investment Securities
As discussed in Note 2, we evaluate all of our investments and other interests in entities for consolidation,
including our investments in CMBS and our retained interests in securitization transactions we initiated, all of which are
generally considered to be variable interests in VIEs.
Securitization VIEs consolidated in accordance with ASC 810 are structured as pass through entities that
receive principal and interest on the underlying collateral and distribute those payments to the certificate holders. The
assets and other instruments held by these securitization entities are restricted and can only be used to fulfill the
obligations of the entity. Additionally, the obligations of the securitization entities do not have any recourse to the
general credit of any other consolidated entities, nor to us as the primary beneficiary. 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.
VIEs in which we are the Primary Beneficiary
The inclusion of the assets and liabilities of securitization VIEs in which we are deemed the primary beneficiary
has no economic effect on us. Our exposure to the obligations of securitization VIEs is generally limited to our
investment in these entities. We are not obligated to provide, nor have we provided, any financial support for any of
these consolidated structures.
We also hold controlling interests in non-securitization entities that are considered VIEs, most of which were
established to facilitate the acquisition of certain properties. During the year ended December 31, 2017, it was
determined that SPT Dolphin, the entity which holds the DownREIT Portfolio, is a VIE because the third party interest
holders do not carry kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. We were deemed to be the primary beneficiary of
the VIE because we possess both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic
performance and a significant economic interest in the entity. This VIE had net assets of $202.8 million and liabilities of
$116.0 million as of December 31, 2017. In total, our consolidated non-securitization VIEs had assets of $358.5 million
and liabilities of $229.4 million as of December 31, 2017.
VIEs in which we are not the Primary Beneficiary
In certain instances, we hold a variable interest in a VIE in the form of CMBS, but either (i) we are not
appointed, or do not serve as, special servicer or (ii) an unrelated third party has the rights to unilaterally remove us as
special servicer without cause. In these instances, we do not have the power to direct activities that most significantly
impact the VIE’s economic performance. In other cases, the variable interest we hold does not obligate us to absorb
losses or provide us with the right to receive benefits from the VIE which could potentially be significant. For these
structures, we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and we do not consolidate these VIEs.
As of December 31, 2017, two of our CDO structures were in default, one of which entered default during the
year ended December 31, 2017. Pursuant to the underlying indentures, the rights of the variable interest holders change
upon default of a CDO such that the trustee or senior note holders are allowed to exercise certain rights, including
liquidation of the collateral, which at that time, is the activity which would most significantly impact the CDO’s
economic performance. Further, when the CDO is in default, the collateral administrator no longer has the option to
purchase securities from the CDO. In cases where the CDO is in default and we do not have the ability to exercise rights
which would most significantly impact the CDO’s economic performance, we do not consolidate the VIE. During the
year ended December 31, 2017, we deconsolidated the CDO that went into default, resulting in a reduction to each of
VIE assets and VIE liabilities of $467.1 million. The carrying value of our investment in this CDO was zero at the time
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of deconsolidation and at December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, neither of these CDO structures were
consolidated.
As noted above, we are not obligated to provide, nor have we provided, any financial support for any of our
securitization VIEs, whether or not we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. As such, the risk associated with our
involvement in these VIEs is limited to the carrying value of our investment in the entity. As of December 31, 2017, our
maximum risk of loss related to securitization VIEs in which we were not the primary beneficiary was $24.2 million on a
fair value basis.
As of December 31, 2017, the securitization VIEs which we do not consolidate had debt obligations to
beneficial interest holders with unpaid principal balances of $0.8 billion. The corresponding assets are comprised
primarily of commercial mortgage loans with unpaid principal balances corresponding to the amounts of the outstanding
debt obligations.
We also hold passive non-controlling interests in certain unconsolidated entities that are considered VIEs. We
are not the primary beneficiaries of these VIEs as we do not possess the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that
most significantly impact their economic performance and therefore report our interests, which totaled $127.7 million as
of December 31, 2017, within investment in unconsolidated entities on our consolidated balance sheet. Our maximum
risk of loss is limited to our carrying value of the investments.
16. Related-Party Transactions
Management Agreement
We are party to a management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with our Manager. Under the
Management Agreement, our Manager, subject to the oversight of our board of directors, is required to manage our day
to day activities, for which our Manager receives a base management fee and is eligible for an incentive fee and stock
awards. Our Manager’s personnel perform certain due diligence, legal, management and other services that outside
professionals or consultants would otherwise perform. As such, in accordance with the terms of our Management
Agreement, our Manager is paid or reimbursed for the documented costs of performing such tasks, provided that such
costs and reimbursements are in amounts no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or
consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm’s-length basis.
In February 2018, our board of directors authorized an amendment to our Management Agreement to adjust the
calculation of the base management fee and incentive fee to treat equity securities of subsidiaries issued in exchange for
properties as issued common stock, effective December 28, 2017 (the “Amendment”). The terms of the Amendment are
reflected in the below descriptions of the base management fee and incentive fee calculations.
Base Management Fee. The base management fee is 1.5% of our stockholders’ equity per annum and
calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash. For purposes of calculating the management fee, our stockholders’
equity means: (a) the sum of (1) the net proceeds from all issuances of our equity securities since inception and equity
securities of subsidiaries issued in exchange for properties (allocated on a pro rata daily basis for such issuances during
the fiscal quarter of any such issuance), plus (2) our retained earnings and income to non-controlling interests with
respect to equity securities of subsidiaries issued in exchange for properties at the end of the most recently completed
calendar quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense incurred in current or prior
periods), less (b) any amount that we pay to repurchase our common stock since inception. It also excludes (1) any
unrealized gains and losses and other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders’ equity as reported in our financial
statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (2) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP, and certain
non-cash items not otherwise described above, in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent
directors and approval by a majority of our independent directors. As a result, our stockholders’ equity, for purposes of
calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders’ equity shown in our
consolidated financial statements.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately $67.8 million, $61.0 million and
$59.2 million, respectively, was incurred for base management fees. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were
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$17.1 million and $15.7 million, respectively, of unpaid base management fees included in related-party payable in our
consolidated balance sheets.
Incentive Fee. Our Manager is entitled to be paid the incentive fee described below with respect to each
calendar quarter if (1) our Core Earnings (as defined below) for the previous 12-month period exceeds an 8% threshold,
and (2) our Core Earnings for the 12 most recently completed calendar quarters is greater than zero.
The incentive fee is calculated as follows: an amount, not less than zero, equal to the difference between (1) the
product of (x) 20% and (y) the difference between (i) our Core Earnings for the previous 12-month period, and (ii) the
product of (A) the weighted average of the issue price per share of our common stock of all of our public offerings as
decreased for the spin-off of Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust (“SWAY”) and including issue price per equity
security of subsidiaries issued in exchange for properties multiplied by the weighted average number of all shares of
common stock outstanding (including any RSUs, any RSAs and other shares of common stock underlying awards
granted under our equity incentive plans) and equity securities of subsidiaries issued in exchange for properties in such
previous 12-month period as decreased for the spin-off of SWAY, and (B) 8%, and (2) the sum of any incentive fee paid
to our Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of such previous 12-month period. One half of each
quarterly installment of the incentive fee is payable in shares of our common stock so long as the ownership of such
additional number of shares by our Manager would not violate the 9.8% stock ownership limit set forth in our charter,
after giving effect to any waiver from such limit that our board of directors may grant in the future. The remainder of the
incentive fee is payable in cash. The number of shares to be issued to our Manager is equal to the dollar amount of the
portion of the quarterly installment of the incentive fee payable in shares divided by the average of the closing prices of
our common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days prior to the date on which such quarterly installment is paid.
Core Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. We calculate Core Earnings as GAAP net income (loss)
excluding non-cash equity compensation expense, the incentive fee, depreciation and amortization of real estate and
associated intangibles, acquisition costs associated with successful acquisitions, any unrealized gains, losses or other
non-cash items recorded in net income for the period, regardless of whether such items are included in OCI, or in net
income and, to the extent deducted from net income (loss), distributions payable with respect to equity securities of
subsidiaries issued in exchange for properties. The amount is adjusted to exclude one-time events pursuant to changes in
GAAP and certain other non-cash adjustments as determined by our Manager and approved by a majority of our
independent directors.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately $42.1 million, $32.8 million and
$37.7 million, respectively, was incurred for incentive fees. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately
$22.0 million and $19.0 million, respectively, of unpaid incentive fees were included in related-party payable in our
consolidated balance sheets.
Expense Reimbursement. We are required to reimburse our Manager for operating expenses incurred by our
Manager on our behalf. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, we are required to reimburse
our Manager for the cost of legal, tax, consulting, accounting and other similar services rendered for us by our Manager’s
personnel provided that such costs are no greater than those that would be payable if the services were provided by an
independent third party. The expense reimbursement is not subject to any dollar limitations but is subject to review by
our independent directors. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, approximately $6.4 million,
$5.6 million and $7.0 million, respectively, was incurred for executive compensation and other reimbursable expenses
and recognized within general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. As of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately $3.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of unpaid reimbursable
executive compensation and other expenses were included in related-party payable in our consolidated balance sheets.
Equity Awards. In certain instances, we issue RSAs to certain employees of affiliates of our Manager who
perform services for us. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we granted 138,264, 169,104 and
108,727 RSAs, respectively, at grant date fair values of $3.1 million, $3.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Expenses related to the vesting of awards to employees of affiliates of our Manager were $2.7 million, $2.2 million and
$0.8 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and are reflected in general and
administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. These shares generally vest over a three-year
period.
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Termination Fee. We can terminate the Management Agreement without cause, as defined in the Management
Agreement, with an affirmative two-thirds vote by our independent directors and 180 days written notice to our
Manager. Upon termination without cause, our Manager is due a termination fee equal to three times the sum of the
average annual base management fee and incentive fee earned by our Manager over the preceding eight calendar
quarters. No termination fee is payable if our Manager is terminated for cause, as defined in the Management
Agreement, which can be done at any time with 30 days written notice from our board of directors.
Manager Equity Plan
In March 2017, we granted 1,000,000 RSUs to our Manager under the Starwood Property Trust, Inc. Manager
Equity Plan (“Manager Equity Plan”). In May 2015, we granted 675,000 RSUs to our Manager under the Manager
Equity Plan. In connection with these grants and prior similar grants, we recognized share-based compensation expense
of $10.4 million, $21.5 million and $26.6 million within management fees in our consolidated statements of operations
for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Refer to Note 17 for further discussion of these
grants.
In May 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved the Starwood Property Trust, Inc. 2017 Manager Equity
Plan (the “2017 Manager Equity Plan”), which replaced the Manager Equity Plan. Refer to Note 17 for further
discussion.
Investments in Loans and Securities
In August 2017, we originated a $339.2 million first mortgage and mezzanine loan for the acquisition of an
office campus located in Irvine, California. An affiliate of our Manager has a non-controlling equity interest in the
borrower.
In June 2016, we co-originated a £75.0 million first mortgage for the development of a three-property mixed
use portfolio located in Greater London with SEREF, an affiliate of our Manager. We originated £60.0 million of the
loan and SEREF originated £15.0 million. In June 2017, we amended the first mortgage to reduce the total commitment
to £69.3 million, of which our share is £55.4 million. The loan matures in June 2019.
In May 2017, our conduit business acquired certain commercial real estate loans from an unaffiliated third party
for an aggregate purchase price of $50.0 million. The underlying borrowers are affiliates of our Manager. Subsequently
during the year ended December 31, 2017, the loans were sold.
In December 2013, we acquired a subordinate CMBS investment in a securitization issued by an affiliate of our
Manager. The security was acquired for $84.1 million and is secured by five regional malls in Ohio, California and
Washington. In January 2016, we acquired an additional $9.7 million of this subordinate CMBS investment.
In March 2015, we purchased a subordinate single-borrower CMBS from a third party for $58.6 million which
is secured by 85 U.S. hotel properties. The borrower is an affiliate of Starwood Distressed Opportunity Fund IX (“Fund
IX”), an affiliate of our Manager. The subordinate single-borrower CMBS was fully repaid in March 2017.
In March 2015, we sold our entire interest, consisting of a $35 million participation, in a subordinate loan (the
“Mammoth Loan”) at par to Mammoth Mezz Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of our Manager. We purchased the Mammoth
Loan in April 2011 from an independent third party and a syndicate of financial institutions and other entities acting as
subordinate lenders to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, LLC (“Mammoth”). Mammoth is a single purpose, bankruptcy
remote entity that is owned and controlled by affiliates of our Manager.
In January 2015, a junior mezzanine loan, which we co-originated with SEREF and an unaffiliated third party in
2012, was restructured to reduce both our and SEREF’s participation interests and margin. Following the restructuring,
we held a participation interest in the junior mezzanine loan of £18 million, which paid interest at three-month LIBOR
plus 8.81%. Prior to the restructure, our participation interest was £30.0 million and carried an interest rate of three-
month LIBOR plus 11.65%. The junior mezzanine loan paid off in full in October 2015.
147
In December 2014, we co-originated a £200 million first mortgage for the acquisition of a 17-story office tower
located in London with SEREF and other private funds, all affiliates of our Manager. We originated £138.3 million of
the loan, SEREF provided £45.0 million and the private funds provided £16.7 million. The first mortgage loan was paid
off in full in April 2016.
In July 2014, we announced the co-origination of a £101.75 million first mortgage loan for the development of a
46-story residential tower and 18-story housing development containing a total of 366 private residential and affordable
housing units located in London. We originated £86.75 million of the loan, and private funds managed by an affiliate of
our Manager provided £15.0 million. The first mortgage loan was paid off in full in March 2017.
In July 2014, we co-originated a €99.0 million mortgage loan for the refinancing and refurbishment of a 239
key, full service hotel located in Amsterdam, Netherlands with SEREF and other private funds, both affiliates of our
Manager. We originated €58.0 million of the loan, SEREF provided €25.0 million and the private funds provided
€16.0 million. The first mortgage loan was paid off in full in July 2016.
In November 2013, we co-originated a GBP-denominated first mortgage loan with SEREF, which is secured by
Centre Point, an iconic tower located in Central London, England. We funded £15 million of the initial £55 million
funding and committed to future funding of £165 million. The A-Note bears interest at 8.55% fixed and the B-Note bears
interest at three-month LIBOR plus 7.0%, unless the fixed rate option is elected. The loan was amended in December
2014, increasing the total commitment to £265.0 million and our future funding commitment to £195.0 million. The loan
had a maturity of December 2017, however in October 2017 the loan was extended to April 2018.
In October 2013, we co-originated a GBP-denominated $467.2 million first mortgage loan with SEREF that is
secured by the Heron Tower in London, England. The facility was advanced in October 2013 in a single utilization, with
SEREF taking $29.2 million of the total advance. The first mortgage loan was paid off in full in April 2016.
In September 2013, we co-originated a EUR-denominated first mortgage loan with Starfin Lux S.a.r.l.
(“Starfin”), an affiliate of our Manager. The loan had an initial funding of approximately $102.3 million ($53.8 million
for us and $48.5 million for Starfin), and future funding commitments totaling $24.6 million, of which we committed to
fund $12.9 million and Starfin committed to fund $11.7 million. The loan was secured by a portfolio of approximately
20 retail properties located throughout Finland. The first mortgage loan was paid off in full in April 2016.
In August 2013, we co-originated GBP-denominated first mortgage and mezzanine loans with Starfin. The
loans were collateralized by a development of a 109-unit retirement community and a 30-key nursing home in Battersea
Park, London, England. We and Starfin committed $11.3 million and $22.5 million, respectively, in aggregate for the
two loans. The first mortgage and mezzanine loans were paid off in full in May 2016 and June 2016, respectively.
In April 2013, we purchased two B-Notes for $146.7 million from entities substantially all of whose equity was
owned by an affiliate of our Manager. The B-Notes are secured by two Class A office buildings located in Austin, Texas.
On May 17, 2013, we sold senior participation interests in the B-Notes to a third party, generating $95.0 million in
aggregate proceeds. We retained the subordinated interests. In October 2015, we sold one of the subordinated interests in
the B-Notes to a third party, generating $29.2 million in aggregate proceeds. The remaining subordinated interest was
paid off in full in April 2017.
In December 2012, we acquired 9,140,000 ordinary shares in SEREF, a debt fund that is externally managed by
an affiliate of our Manager and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, for approximately $14.7 million, which equated
to approximately 4% ownership of SEREF. As of December 31, 2017, our shares represent an approximate 2% interest
in SEREF. Refer to Note 6 for additional details.
In October 2012, we co-originated $475.0 million in financing for the acquisition and redevelopment of a 10-
story retail building located at 701 Seventh Avenue in the Times Square area of Manhattan through a joint venture with
Fund IX, an affiliate of our Manager. In January 2014, we refinanced the initial financing with an $815.0 million first
mortgage and mezzanine financing to facilitate the further development of the property. Fund IX did not participate in
148
the refinancing. As such, the joint venture distributed $31.6 million to Fund IX for the liquidation of Fund IX’s interest
in the joint venture. The first mortgage and mezzanine financing paid off in full in November 2016.
Investment in Unconsolidated Entities
In October 2014, we committed $150 million for a 33% equity interest in four regional shopping malls (the
“Retail Fund”). We report our interest in the Retail Fund at its liquidation value, which resulted in a $34.7 million
decrease to our investment recognized within earnings from unconsolidated entities in our consolidated statement of
operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 (see Note 8). In August 2017, we funded the remaining $15.5 million
capital commitment associated with this investment (see Note 8). During the year ended December 31, 2017, we
recognized a loss of $27.7 million from the Retail Fund and received distributions of $2.1 million, which resulted in a
carrying value of $110.7 million as of December 31, 2017. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we
recognized $9.7 million and $10.1 million of income from the Retail Fund, respectively, and received net distributions of
$7.2 million and $17.1 million, respectively. The Retail Fund was established for the purpose of acquiring and operating
four leading regional shopping malls located in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Virginia. All leasing services and
asset management functions for the properties are conducted by an affiliate of our Manager which specializes in
redeveloping, managing and repositioning retail real estate assets. In addition, another affiliate of our Manager serves as
general partner of the Retail Fund. In consideration for its services, the general partner will earn incentive distributions
that are payable once we, along with the other limited partners, receive 100% of our capital and a preferred return of 8%.
In April 2013, in connection with our acquisition of LNR, we acquired 50% of a joint venture which owns
equity in an online real estate company. An affiliate of ours, Fund IX, owns the remaining 50% of the venture.
Acquisitions from Consolidated CMBS Trusts
Our Investing and Servicing Segment acquires interests in properties for its REIS Equity Portfolio from CMBS
trusts, some of which are consolidated as VIEs on our balance sheet. Acquisitions from consolidated VIEs are reflected
as repayment of debt of consolidated VIEs in our consolidated statements of cash flows. During the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we acquired $30.9 million, $136.9 million and $117.2 million, respectively, of net
real estate assets from consolidated CMBS trusts for total purchase prices of $31.3 million, $128.1 million and
$117.2 million, respectively, and subsequently issued non-controlling interests of $6.5 million and $5.5 million for the
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion of these acquisitions.
Also during the year ended December 31, 2016, a partnership in which we hold a 50% interest acquired a $28.4 million
real estate asset from a CMBS trust for a purchase price of $19.0 million.
Our Investing and Servicing Segment also acquires controlling interests in performing and non-performing
commercial mortgage loans from CMBS trusts, some of which are consolidated as VIEs on our balance sheet.
Acquisitions from consolidated VIEs are reflected as repayment of debt of consolidated VIEs in our consolidated
statements of cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we acquired $36.6 million of performing loans
from consolidated CMBS trusts. There were no performing loans acquired during the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2015. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we acquired $8.2 million and $14.5 million of non-
performing loans from consolidated CMBS trusts. There were no non-performing loans acquired during the year ended
December 31, 2017.
Other Related-Party Arrangements
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we established a co-investment fund which provides key personnel
with the opportunity to invest in certain properties included in our REIS Equity Portfolio. These personnel include
certain of our employees as well as employees of affiliates of our Manager (collectively, “Fund Participants”). The fund
carries an aggregate commitment of $15.0 million and owns a 10% equity interest in certain REIS Equity Portfolio
properties acquired subsequent to January 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2017, Fund Participants have funded
$4.9 million of the capital commitment and it is our current expectation that there will be no additional funding of the
commitment. The capital contributed by Fund Participants is reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as non-
controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries. In an effort to retain key personnel, the fund provides for
149
disproportionate distributions which allows Fund Participants to earn an incremental 60% on all operating cash flows
attributable to their capital account, net of a 5% preferred return to us as general partner of the fund. Amounts earned by
Fund Participants pursuant to this waterfall are reflected within net income attributable to non-controlling interests in our
consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the non-controlling
interests related to this fund received cash distributions of $1.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
17. Stockholders’ Equity and Non-Controlling Interests
The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per
share, and 500,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share.
We issued common stock in public offerings as follows during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and
2015:
Issuance date
12/9/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4/20/15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds
Shares issued Price
(in thousands) per share (in thousands)
20,470 $ 21.93 $ 448,825
326,142
13,800
23.63
In May 2014, we established the Starwood Property Trust, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock
Purchase Plan (the “DRIP Plan”), which provides stockholders with a means of purchasing additional shares of our
common stock by reinvesting the cash dividends paid on our common stock and by making additional optional cash
purchases. Shares of our common stock purchased under the DRIP Plan will either be issued directly by the Company or
purchased in the open market by the plan administrator. The Company may issue up to 11.0 million shares of common
stock under the DRIP Plan. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, shares issued under the DRIP
Plan were not material.
In May 2014, we entered into an amended and restated At-The-Market Equity Offering Sales Agreement (the
“ATM Agreement”) with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated to sell shares of the Company’s common
stock of up to $500.0 million from time to time, through an “at the market” equity offering program. Sales of shares
under the ATM Agreement are made by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market
prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,
there were no shares issued under the ATM Agreement.
In September 2014, our board of directors authorized and announced the repurchase of up to $250 million of
our outstanding common stock over a period of one year. Subsequent amendments to the repurchase program approved
by our board of directors in December 2014, June 2015, January 2016 and February 2017 resulted in the program being
(i) amended to increase maximum repurchases to $500.0 million, (ii) expanded to allow for the repurchase of our
outstanding Convertible Notes under the program and (iii) extended through January 2019. Purchases made pursuant to
the program are made in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time as permitted by
federal securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases are
discretionary and are subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other
factors. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no Convertible Note or common stock repurchases under
the repurchase program. The repurchase of the 2018 Notes discussed in Note 11 was not considered part of the
repurchase program and therefore does not reduce our available capacity for future repurchases under the repurchase
program. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we repurchased $19.4 million aggregate principal amount of our
2017 Notes for $19.9 million (refer to Note 11). Also during the year ended December 31, 2016, we repurchased
1,052,889 shares of common stock for $19.7 million under the repurchase program. During the year ended December
31, 2015, we repurchased $118.6 million aggregate principal amount of our 2019 Notes for $136.3 million. Also during
the year ended December 31, 2015, we repurchased 2,340,246 shares of common stock for $48.7 million under the
repurchase program. As of December 31, 2017, we had $262.2 million of remaining capacity to repurchase common
stock and/or Convertible Notes under the repurchase program.
150
Underwriting and offering costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $0.8 million and
$0.9 million, respectively, and are reflected as a reduction of additional paid in capital in the consolidated statements of
equity. Underwriting and offering costs for the year ended December 31, 2017 were not material.
Our board of directors declared the following dividends during the years ended December 31 2017, 2016 and
2015:
Declaration Date
11/8/17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/29/17
9/29/17
8/9/17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6/30/17
5/9/17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2/23/17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3/31/17
11/2/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/30/16
9/30/16
8/4/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6/30/16
5/9/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3/31/16
2/25/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12/31/15
11/5/15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9/30/15
8/4/15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6/30/15
5/5/15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3/31/15
2/25/15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Record Date Ex-Dividend Date Payment Date Amount Frequency
$ 0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
0.48 Quarterly
1/12/18
10/13/17
7/14/17
4/14/17
1/13/17
10/17/16
7/15/16
4/15/16
1/15/16
10/15/15
7/15/15
4/15/15
12/28/17
9/28/17
6/28/17
3/29/17
12/28/16
9/28/16
6/28/16
3/29/16
12/29/15
9/28/15
6/26/15
3/27/15
Equity Incentive Plans
In May 2017, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2017 Manager Equity Plan and the Starwood Property
Trust, Inc. 2017 Equity Plan (the “2017 Equity Plan”), which allow for the issuance of up to 11,000,000 stock options,
stock appreciation rights, RSAs, RSUs or other equity-based awards or any combination thereof to the Manager,
directors, employees, consultants or any other party providing services to the Company. The 2017 Manager Equity Plan
succeeds and replaces the Manager Equity Plan and the 2017 Equity Plan succeeds and replaces the Starwood Property
Trust, Inc. Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”) and the Starwood Property Trust, Inc. Non-Executive Director Stock Plan
(the “Non-Executive Director Stock Plan”). As of December 31, 2017, 10,807,491 share awards were available to be
issued under either the 2017 Manager Equity Plan or the 2017 Equity Plan, determined on a combined basis.
To date, we have only granted RSAs and RSUs under the equity incentive plans. The holders of awards of
RSAs or RSUs are entitled to receive dividends or “distribution equivalents,” which generally will be payable at such
time dividends are paid on our outstanding shares of common stock.
The table below summarizes our share awards granted or vested under the Manager Equity Plan and the 2017
Manager Equity Plan during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (dollar amounts in thousands):
Grant Date
March 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSU
May 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSU
January 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSU
January 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSU
October 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RSU
1,000,000 $
675,000
489,281
2,000,000
875,000
22,240
16,511
14,776
55,420
19,854
3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
3 years
Type Amount Granted Grant Date Fair Value Vesting Period
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we granted 719,640, 389,237 and 576,408 RSAs,
respectively, under the Equity Plan and the 2017 Equity Plan to a select group of eligible participants which includes our
employees and employees of our Manager who perform services for us. We also granted 47,463 RSUs during the year
ended December 31, 2016. The awards were granted based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the
respective grant date and vest over a three-year period. Expenses related to the vesting of these awards are reflected in
general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. No RSUs were granted during the
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015.
151
The following shares of common stock were issued, without restriction, to our Manager as part of the incentive
compensation due under the Management Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Timing of Issuance
November 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
August 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
May 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
February 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
August 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
May 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
August 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
May 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
March 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares of
Common
Stock Issued
Price
per share
239,757 $ 21.64
22.10
98,061
21.83
123,478
22.84
418,016
22.06
144,093
21.99
65,211
19.64
117,083
18.02
606,166
20.22
126,154
21.82
95,696
24.17
136,261
24.39
387,299
The following table summarizes our share-based compensation expenses during the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
Management fees:
Manager incentive fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 Manager Equity Plan (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative:
2017 Equity Plan (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the year ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 21,072
10,423
31,495
$ 16,423
21,484
37,907
$ 18,859
26,625
45,484
7,728
7,728
—
$ 39,223
11,163
11,163
—
$ 49,070
5,521
5,521
—
$ 51,005
(1)
Share-based compensation expense relating to the Manager Equity Plan is reflected within the 2017 Manager
Equity Plan. Share-based compensation expense relating to the Non-Executive Director Stock Plan and the
Equity Plan are reflected within the 2017 Equity Plan.
Schedule of Non-Vested Shares and Share Equivalents (1)
2017
2017
Manager
Balance as of January 1, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539,124
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 742,516 1,000,000 1,742,516
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (357,552) (474,999) (832,551)
(38,950)
(38,950)
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
806,251 1,691,389
Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 885,138
820,374 $
—
Equity Plan Equity Plan
281,250
Total
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value (per share)
22.34
22.20
22.74
22.57
21.95
(1)
Equity-based award activity for awards granted under the Equity Plan and Non-Executive Director Stock
Plan is reflected within the 2017 Equity Plan column, and for awards granted under the Manager Equity Plan,
within the 2017 Manager Equity Plan column.
The weighted average grant date fair value per share of grants during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016
and 2015 was $22.20, $19.13 and $24.20, respectively.
152
Vesting Schedule
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 Equity Plan
284,190
248,843
352,105
885,138
2017 Manager
Equity Plan
389,582
333,335
83,334
806,251
Total
673,772
582,178
435,439
1,691,389
As of December 31, 2017, there was approximately $31.2 million of total unrecognized compensation costs
related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements which are expected to be recognized over a weighted
average period of 2.2 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and
2015 were $18.3 million, $30.2 million and $28.3 million, respectively, as of the respective vesting dates.
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries
As discussed in Note 3, in connection with the First Closing of our DownREIT Portfolio in December 2017, we
issued 2,779,774 Class A Units in SPT Dolphin. Commencing six months from issuance, Class A Units are redeemable
for consideration equal to the current share price of the Company’s common stock on a one-for-one basis, with the
consideration paid in either cash or the Company’s common stock, at the determination of the Company. In
consolidation, the issued Class A Units are reflected as non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries on our
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.
To the extent SPT Dolphin has sufficient cash available, the Class A Units earn a preferred return indexed to the
dividend rate of the Company’s common stock. Any distributions made pursuant to this waterfall are recognized within
net income attributable to non-controlling interests in our consolidated statement of operations. Amounts attributable to
the Class A Unitholders were not significant for the year ended December 31, 2017.
153
18. Earnings per Share
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and the number of shares of common stock used in
the computation of basic EPS and diluted EPS (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
For the Year Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Basic Earnings
Income attributable to STWD common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 400,770 $ 365,186 $ 450,697
Less: Income attributable to participating shares not already deducted as non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3,434)
Basic earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 397,587 $ 363,133 $ 447,263
(2,053)
(3,183)
Diluted Earnings
Income attributable to STWD common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 400,770 $ 365,186 $ 450,697
Less: Income attributable to participating shares not already deducted as non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add: Undistributed earnings to participating shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3,434)
—
—
Diluted earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 397,587 $ 363,133 $ 447,263
(2,053)
—
—
(3,183)
—
—
Number of Shares:
Basic — Average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive securities — Convertible Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive securities — Contingently issuable shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive securities — Unvested non-participating shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted — Average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
259,620
1,899
508
52
262,079
238,529 233,419
97
524
102
241,794 234,142
2,697
473
95
Earnings Per Share Attributable to STWD Common Stockholders:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1.53 $
1.52 $
1.52 $
1.50 $
1.92
1.91
As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, participating shares of 4.2 million, 0.6 million and 1.5 million,
respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted shares as their effect was already considered under the more
dilutive two-class method used above. Such participating shares at December 31, 2017 include 2.8 million potential
shares of our common stock issuable upon redemption of the Class A Units in SPT Dolphin, as discussed in Note 17.
Also as of December 31, 2017, there were 44.9 million potential shares of common stock contingently issuable
upon the conversion of the Convertible Notes. The Company has asserted its intent and ability to settle the principal
amount of the Convertible Notes in cash. As a result, this principal amount, representing 43.0 million shares at December
31, 2017, was not included in the computation of diluted EPS. However, as discussed in Note 11, the conversion options
associated with the 2018 Notes and 2019 Notes are “in-the-money” as the if-converted values exceeded their principal
amounts by $12.0 million and $30.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017. The dilutive effect to EPS is
determined by dividing this “conversion spread value” by the average share price. The “conversion spread value” is the
value that would be delivered to investors in shares based on the terms of the Convertible Notes, upon an assumed
conversion. In calculating the dilutive effect of these shares, the treasury stock method was used and resulted in a
dilution of 1.9 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2017. The conversion options associated with the 2023
Notes are “out-of-the-money” because the if-converted value was less than the principal amount by $44.0 million at
December 31, 2017; therefore, there was no dilutive effect to EPS for the 2023 Notes.
154
19. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The changes in AOCI by component are as follows (amounts in thousands):
Cumulative
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Effective Portion of
Cumulative Loss on Available-for-
Sale Securities
Cash Flow Hedges
Balance at January 1, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
OCI before reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified from AOCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net period OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OCI before reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified from AOCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net period OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OCI before reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified from AOCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net period OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(97) $
(709)
741
32
(65)
(284)
323
39
(26)
54
(3)
51
25 $
Total
Foreign
Currency
Translation
60,190 $ (4,197) $ 55,896
(27,481)
(9,285)
(17,487)
1,314
5,969
(5,396)
(26,167)
(3,316)
(22,883)
29,729
(7,513)
37,307
(2,702)
(10,040)
7,622
9,111
8,788
—
6,409
(1,252)
7,622
36,138
(8,765)
44,929
33,884
20,775
13,055
(98)
—
(95)
12,960
33,786
20,775
57,889 $ 12,010 $ 69,924
The reclassifications out of AOCI impacted the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 as follows (amounts in thousands):
Details about AOCI Components
Gain (losses) on cash flow hedges:
Amounts Reclassified from
AOCI during the Year
Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
Affected Line Item
in the Statements
of Operations
Interest rate contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3 $ (323)
$ (741) Interest expense
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-
for-sale securities:
Interest realized upon collection . . . .
95
—
5,396 Interest income from investment securities
Foreign currency translation:
Foreign currency loss from
European servicing and advisory
business divestiture . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency loss from CMBS
—
(8,788)
— Gain on sale of investments and other assets, net
redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
(8,788)
Total reclassifications for the period . . . $ 98 $ (9,111)
—
—
(5,969) Foreign currency gain (loss), net
(5,969)
$ (1,314)
155
20. Fair Value
GAAP establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the observability of inputs utilized in measuring
financial assets and liabilities at fair value. GAAP establishes market-based or observable inputs as the preferred source
of values, followed by valuation models using management assumptions in the absence of market inputs. The three
levels of the hierarchy are described below:
Level I—Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the
measurement date.
Level II—Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level I) are either directly or indirectly
observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the
duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.
Level III—Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing
the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation
technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.
Valuation Process
We have valuation control processes in place to validate the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and
liabilities measured at fair value including those derived from pricing models. These control processes are designed to
assure that the values used for financial reporting are based on observable inputs wherever possible. In the event that
observable inputs are not available, the control processes are designed to assure that the valuation approach utilized is
appropriate and consistently applied and the assumptions are reasonable.
Pricing Verification—We use recently executed transactions, other observable market data such as exchange
data, broker/dealer quotes, third party pricing vendors and aggregation services for validating the fair values generated
using valuation models. Pricing data provided by approved external sources is evaluated using a number of approaches;
for example, by corroborating the external sources’ prices to executed trades, analyzing the methodology and
assumptions used by the external source to generate a price and/or by evaluating how active the third party pricing
source (or originating sources used by the third party pricing source) is in the market.
Unobservable Inputs—Where inputs are not observable, we review the appropriateness of the proposed
valuation methodology to ensure it is consistent with how a market participant would arrive at the unobservable input.
The valuation methodologies utilized in the absence of observable inputs may include extrapolation techniques and the
use of comparable observable inputs.
Any changes to the valuation methodology will be reviewed by our management to ensure the changes are
appropriate. The methods used may produce a fair value calculation that is not indicative of net realizable value or
reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while we anticipate that our valuation methods are appropriate and
consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value
could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
We determine the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as
follows:
Loans held-for-sale, commercial
We measure the fair value of our commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale using a discounted cash flow
analysis unless observable market data (i.e., securitized pricing) is available. A discounted cash flow analysis requires
management to make estimates regarding future interest rates and credit spreads. The most significant of these inputs
156
relates to credit spreads and is unobservable. Thus, we have determined that the fair values of mortgage loans valued
using a discounted cash flow analysis should be classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy, while mortgage loans
valued using securitized pricing should be classified in Level II of the fair value hierarchy. Mortgage loans classified in
Level III are transferred to Level II if securitized pricing becomes available.
Loans held-for-sale, residential
We measure the fair value of our residential mortgage loans held-for-sale based on the net present value of
expected future cash flows using a combination of observable and unobservable inputs. Observable market participant
assumptions include pricing related to trades of residential mortgage loans with similar characteristics. Unobservable
inputs include the expectation of future cash flows, which involves judgments about the underlying collateral, the
creditworthiness of the borrower, estimated prepayment speeds, estimated future credit losses, forward interest rates,
investor yield requirements and certain other factors. At each measurement date, we consider both the observable and
unobservable valuation inputs in the determination of fair value. However, given the significance of the unobservable
inputs, these loans have been classified within Level III.
RMBS
RMBS are valued utilizing observable and unobservable market inputs. The observable market inputs include
recent transactions, broker quotes and vendor prices (“market data”). However, given the implied price dispersion
amongst the market data, the fair value determination for RMBS has also utilized significant unobservable inputs in
discounted cash flow models including prepayments, default and severity estimates based on the recent performance of
the collateral, the underlying collateral characteristics, industry trends, as well as expectations of macroeconomic events
(e.g., housing price curves, interest rate curves, etc.). At each measurement date, we consider both the observable and
unobservable valuation inputs in the determination of fair value. However, given the significance of the unobservable
inputs these securities have been classified within Level III.
CMBS
CMBS are valued utilizing both observable and unobservable market inputs. These factors include projected
future cash flows, ratings, subordination levels, vintage, remaining lives, credit issues, recent trades of similar securities
and the spreads used in the prior valuation. We obtain current market spread information where available and use this
information in evaluating and validating the market price of all CMBS. Depending upon the significance of the fair value
inputs used in determining these fair values, these securities are classified in either Level II or Level III of the fair value
hierarchy. CMBS may shift between Level II and Level III of the fair value hierarchy if the significant fair value inputs
used to price the CMBS become or cease to be observable.
Equity security
The equity security is publicly registered and traded in the United States and its market price is listed on the
London Stock Exchange. The security has been classified within Level I.
Domestic servicing rights
The fair value of this intangible is determined using discounted cash flow modeling techniques which require
management to make estimates regarding future net servicing cash flows, including forecasted loan defeasance, control
migration, delinquency and anticipated maturity defaults which are calculated assuming a debt yield at which default
occurs. Since the most significant of these inputs are unobservable, we have determined that the fair values of this
intangible in its entirety should be classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
157
Derivatives
The valuation of derivative contracts are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including
discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms
of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market based inputs, including interest rate
curves, spot and market forward points and implied volatilities. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined
using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted expected
variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves)
derived from observable market interest rate curves.
We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the
respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our
derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable
credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.
The valuation of over the counter (“OTC”) derivatives are determined using discounted cash flows based on
Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates. Fully collateralized trades are discounted using OIS with no additional economic
adjustments to arrive at fair value. Uncollateralized or partially collateralized trades are also discounted at OIS, but
include appropriate economic adjustments for funding costs (i.e., a LIBOR OIS basis adjustment to approximate
uncollateralized cost of funds) and credit risk. For credit index instruments, fair value is determined based on changes in
the relevant indices from the date of initiation of the instrument to the reporting date, as these changes determine the
amount of any future cash settlement between us and the counterparty. These indices are considered Level II inputs as
they are directly observable.
Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level II of
the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level III inputs, such as
estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. However, as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the
overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not as
significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in
their entirety are classified in Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs
We utilize several inputs and factors in determining the fair value of VIE liabilities, including future cash flows,
market transaction information, ratings, subordination levels, and current market spread and pricing information where
available. Quoted market prices are used when this debt trades as an asset. Depending upon the significance of the fair
value inputs used in determining these fair values, these liabilities are classified in either Level II or Level III of the fair
value hierarchy. VIE liabilities may shift between Level II and Level III of the fair value hierarchy if the significant fair
value inputs used to price the VIE liabilities become or cease to be observable.
158
Assets of consolidated VIEs
The 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 of the VIE, we maximize the use of
observable inputs over unobservable inputs. The individual assets of a VIE are inherently incapable of precise
measurement given their illiquid nature and the limitations on available information related to these assets. Because our
methodology for valuing these assets does not value the individual assets of a VIE, but rather uses the value of the VIE
liabilities as an indicator of the fair value of VIE assets as a whole, we have determined that our valuations of VIE assets
in their entirety should be classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Only Disclosed
We determine the fair value of our financial instruments and assets where fair value is disclosed as follows:
Loans held-for-investment and loans transferred as secured borrowings
We estimate the fair values of our loans not carried at fair value on a recurring basis by discounting their
expected cash flows at a rate we estimate would be demanded by the market participants that are most likely to buy our
loans. The expected cash flows used are generally the same as those used to calculate our level yield income in the
financial statements. Since these inputs are unobservable, we have determined that the fair value of these loans in their
entirety would be classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
HTM securities
We estimate the fair value of our mandatorily redeemable preferred equity interests in commercial real estate
companies using the same methodology described for our loans held-for-investment. We estimate the fair value of our
HTM CMBS using the same methodology described for our CMBS carried at fair value on a recurring basis.
Secured financing agreements, 2021 Notes, 2025 Notes and secured borrowings on transferred loans
The fair value of the secured financing agreements, 2021 Notes, 2025 Notes and secured borrowings on
transferred loans are determined by discounting the contractual cash flows at the interest rate we estimate such
arrangements would bear if executed in the current market. We have determined that our valuation of these instruments
should be classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
Convertible Notes
The fair value of the debt component of our Convertible Notes is estimated by discounting the contractual cash
flows at the interest rate we estimate such notes would bear if sold in the current market without the embedded
conversion option which, in accordance with ASC 470, is reflected as a component of equity. We have determined that
our valuation of our Convertible Notes should be classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
159
Fair Value Disclosures
The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the
consolidated balance sheets by their level in the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in
thousands):
Total
Level I
Level II
Level III
December 31, 2017
Financial Assets:
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic servicing rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 52,141,009 $ 13,523 $
Financial Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
VIE liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 50,036,210 $
745,743 $
247,021
24,191
13,523
30,759
33,898
51,045,874
— $
—
—
13,523
—
—
—
50,000,010
36,200 $
— $
—
—
—
—
33,898
—
745,743
247,021
24,191
—
30,759
—
51,045,874
33,898 $ 52,093,588
36,200 $
— $
—
47,811,073
— $ 47,847,273 $
—
2,188,937
2,188,937
Total
Level I
Level II
Level III
December 31, 2016
Financial Assets:
Loans held-for-sale, fair value option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic servicing rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 67,628,621 $ 12,177 $
Financial Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
VIE liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 66,134,496 $
63,279 $
253,915
31,546
12,177
55,082
89,361
67,123,261
— $
—
—
12,177
—
—
—
66,130,592
3,904 $
— $
—
—
—
—
89,361
—
63,279
253,915
31,546
—
55,082
—
67,123,261
89,361 $ 67,527,083
3,904 $
— $
—
— $ 63,549,127 $
63,545,223
—
2,585,369
2,585,369
160
The changes in financial assets and liabilities classified as Level III are as follows for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
Loans
Held-for-sale
RMBS
CMBS
Domestic
Servicing
Rights
VIE Assets
VIE
Liabilities
Total
January 1, 2016 balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Impact of ASU 2015-02 adoption (1) . . . . . .
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings:
203,865 $ 176,224 $ 212,981 $ 119,698 $ 76,675,689 $ (2,552,448) $ 74,836,009
—
(17,467)
17,467
—
—
—
—
Change in fair value / gain on sale . . .
Net accretion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Included in OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
74,251
—
—
Purchases / Originations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,670,966
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,884,380)
—
Issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,423)
Cash repayments / receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Transfers into Level III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Transfers out of Level III . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Consolidation of VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Deconsolidation of VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31, 2016 balance . . . . . . . . . . .
63,279
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
Included in earnings:
—
15,479
7,622
98,035
—
—
(43,445)
—
—
—
—
253,915
(1,421)
—
—
57,576
(18,725)
—
(58,435)
—
—
(162,745)
2,315
31,546
(47,149)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
55,082
(25,141,786)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21,289,873
(5,717,982)
67,123,261
1,385,108
—
—
—
—
(35,728)
53,107
(1,101,416)
268,915
(648,352)
45,445
(2,585,369)
(23,730,997)
15,479
7,622
1,826,577
(1,903,105)
(35,728)
(50,196)
(1,101,416)
268,915
20,478,776
(5,670,222)
64,941,714
Change in fair value / gain on sale . . .
OTTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net accretion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Included in OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66,987
—
—
—
Purchases / Originations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,265,552
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,582,050)
—
Issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(68,025)
Cash repayments / receipts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Transfers into Level III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Transfers out of Level III . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Consolidation of VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deconsolidation of VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
December 31, 2017 balance . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amount of total gains (losses) included in
—
(109)
13,457
12,960
7,433
—
—
(40,635)
—
—
—
—
745,743 $ 247,021 $
(3,986)
—
—
—
11,798
(11,579)
—
(9,239)
—
—
—
5,651
(16,594,946)
(109)
13,457
12,960
2,284,783
(1,593,629)
(25,605)
(158,443)
(629,293)
303,295
3,729,457
(2,378,990)
24,191 $ 30,759 $ 51,045,874 $ (2,188,937) $ 49,904,651
(17,522,632)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,925,370
(2,480,125)
(24,323)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
889,008
—
—
—
—
—
(25,605)
(40,544)
(629,293)
303,295
(195,913)
95,484
earnings attributable to assets still held at:
December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
214 $ 15,479 $
3,506
13,241
(1,205) $ (47,149) $ (25,141,786) $ 1,385,108 $ (23,789,339)
(16,639,489)
1,711
(17,522,632)
889,008
(24,323)
(1)
Our implementation of ASU 2015-02 resulted in the consolidation of certain CMBS trusts effective January 1,
2016, which required the elimination of $17.5 million of domestic servicing rights associated with these newly
consolidated trusts.
Amounts were transferred from Level II to Level III due to a decrease in the observable relevant market activity
and amounts were transferred from Level III to Level II due to an increase in the observable relevant market activity.
161
The following table presents the fair values, all of which are classified in Level III of the fair value hierarchy, of
our financial instruments not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):
a
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Financial assets not carried at fair value:
Loans held-for-investment and loans transferred as
secured borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,636,898 $ 6,729,302 $ 5,882,995 $ 5,934,219
504,165
HTM securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
509,980
433,468
428,338
Financial liabilities not carried at fair value:
Secured financing agreements and secured borrowings
on transferred loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,847,241 $ 5,810,998 $ 4,189,126 $ 4,198,136
2,088,374
Unsecured senior notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,011,544
2,191,285
2,125,235
The following is quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs in our Level III measurements
for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (dollars in thousands):
Carrying Value at
December 31, 2017
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Input
Range as of December 31, (1)
2017
2016
Loans held-for-sale, fair
value option . . . . . . . . . . . . $
745,743 Discounted cash flow Yield (b)
Duration (c)
RMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
247,021 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate (a)
Constant default rate (b)
Loss severity (b)
Delinquency rate (c)
Servicer advances (a)
Annual coupon deterioration (b)
Putback amount per projected
total collateral loss (d)
CMBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24,191 Discounted cash flow Yield (b)
Domestic servicing rights . . .
30,759 Discounted cash flow Debt yield (a)
Duration (c)
Discount rate (b)
Control migration (b)
VIE assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51,045,874 Discounted cash flow Yield (b)
Duration (c)
VIE liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,188,937 Discounted cash flow Yield (b)
Duration (c)
4.3% - 6.0%
1.8 - 12.1 years
2.5% - 21.4%
0.9% - 5.8%
14% - 75% (e)
4% - 33%
20% - 83%
0% - 0.8%
5.0% - 5.7%
10.0 years
2.8% - 17.0%
1.1% - 8.1%
12% - 79% (e)
2% - 29%
23% - 94%
0% - 0.6%
0% - 7%
0% - 168.5%
0 - 9.7 years
7.75%
15%
0% - 80%
0% - 826.6%
0 - 14.0 years
0% - 826.6%
0 - 14.0 years
0% - 15%
0% - 172.0%
0 - 18.7 years
7.75%
15%
0% - 80%
0% - 960.4%
0 - 12.0 years
0% - 960.4%
0 - 12.0 years
(1)
The ranges of significant unobservable inputs are represented in percentages and years.
Sensitivity of the Fair Value to Changes in the Unobservable Inputs
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in a significantly higher
(lower) fair value measurement.
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in a significantly lower
(higher) fair value measurement.
Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would result in either a significantly lower
or higher (higher or lower) fair value measurement depending on the structural features of the security in
question.
Any delay in the putback recovery date leads to a decrease in fair value for the majority of securities in our
RMBS portfolio.
81% and 57% of the portfolio falls within a range of 45% - 80% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively.
162
21. Income Taxes
Certain of our subsidiaries have elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). TRSs permit us to
participate in certain activities from which REITs are generally precluded, as long as these activities meet specific
criteria, are conducted within the parameters of certain limitations established by the Code, and are conducted in entities
which elect to be treated as taxable subsidiaries under the Code. To the extent these criteria are met, we will continue to
maintain our qualification as a REIT.
Our TRSs engage in various real estate related operations, including special servicing of commercial real estate,
originating and securitizing commercial mortgage loans, and investing in entities which engage in real estate related
operations. The majority of our TRSs are held within the Investing and Servicing Segment. As of December 31, 2017
and 2016, approximately $673.1 million and $634.4 million, respectively, of assets, including $24.1 million and
$181.0 million in cash, respectively, were owned by TRS entities. Our TRSs are not consolidated for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, but are instead taxed as corporations. For financial reporting purposes, a provision for current and
deferred taxes is established for the portion of earnings recognized by us with respect to our interest in TRSs.
Our income tax provision consisted of the following for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in
thousands):
Current
For the year ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 17,495 $
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
3,115
20,618
8,878 $ 15,095
6,000
2,532
23,627
938
2,192
12,008
Deferred
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,815
—
89
10,904
Total income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 31,522 $
(3,799)
(2,655)
(1,973)
(447)
(649)
(562)
(3,664)
(6,421)
8,344 $ 17,206
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted which, amongst other corporate and
individual tax law changes, lowered the corporate tax rate effective January 1, 2018. The Act will reduce our Federal
statutory rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result of this tax rate change, we remeasured our
deferred tax assets, which resulted in a $10.4 million write-off of a portion of these assets. This charge was recognized
within income tax provision in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. The
Company’s assessment of the Act is materially complete with the results reflected in our consolidated financial
statements herein, as applicable. No material provisional amounts associated with our assessment of the Act have been
recorded as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.
163
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are presented net by tax jurisdiction and are reported in other assets and other liabilities, respectively. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, our U.S. tax jurisdiction was in a net deferred tax asset position. There were no deferred
taxes in our European tax jurisdiction at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The following table presents each of these tax
jurisdictions and the tax effects of temporary differences on their respective net deferred tax assets and liabilities (in
thousands):
U.S.
Deferred tax asset, net
Reserves and accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment securities and loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other U.S. temporary differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Europe
Deferred tax liability, net
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
December 31,
2017
2016
$
3,845
17,196
(161)
(2,005)
294
—
526
19,695
—
—
—
19,695
$
6,103
24,450
(2,355)
948
292
804
356
30,598
5,533
(5,533)
—
30,598
Unrecognized tax benefits were not material as of and during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
The Company’s tax returns are no longer subject to audit for years ended prior to January 1, 2014. The Company had
pre-tax loss from foreign operations of $26.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company had pre-
tax income from foreign operations of $14.1 million and $22.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and
2015, respectively.
The following table is a reconciliation of our U.S. federal income tax determined using our statutory federal tax
rate to our reported income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31,
Federal statutory tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . $
REIT and other non-taxable income . . .
State income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal benefit of state tax deduction . .
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in tax law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
2015
2016
155,501 35.0 % $ 131,598 35.0 % $ 164,286 35.0 %
(31.6)%
0.4 %
(0.1)%
0.1 %
— %
(0.1)%
3.7 %
(30.6)%
0.7 %
(0.2)%
— %
2.3 %
(0.1)%
7.1 % $
(32.7)%
0.4 %
(0.2)%
(0.8)%
— %
0.5 %
2.2 % $
(123,209)
1,634
(572)
(2,966)
—
1,859
8,344
(148,514)
1,800
(630)
445
—
(181)
17,206
(135,830)
3,091
(1,082)
—
10,365
(523)
31,522
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized $53.9 million in earnings from unconsolidated
entities related to our interest in an investor entity which owns equity in an online real estate company (see Note 8). The
income tax effect of these earnings, net of the related Manager incentive fee, was $18.3 million in our consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.
164
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we merged two of our TRSs. In doing so, $7.4 million of net
operating loss carryforwards which were previously subject to a full valuation allowance became realizable. As a result,
we reversed the valuation allowance, which caused a reduction of $3.0 million to our income tax provision in our
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.
The changes in the valuation allowance associated with our deferred tax assets are as follows for the years
ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):
January 1 balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(Releases) additions to income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision to return adjustments to deferred tax amounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency adjustments reflected in OCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release due to European servicing and advisory business divestiture . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 31 balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2016
2015
2017
5,533 $ 10,573 $ 11,200
445
(2,966)
23
—
(770)
(417)
—
(1,585)
(325)
(72)
5,533 $ 10,573
(5,533)
—
—
—
—
— $
22. Commitments and Contingencies
As of December 31, 2017, we had future funding commitments on 55 loans totaling $1.6 billion, of which we
expect to fund $1.3 billion. These future funding commitments primarily relate to construction projects, capital
improvements, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. Generally, funding commitments are subject to certain
conditions that must be met, such as customary construction draw certifications, minimum debt service coverage ratios
or executions of new leases before advances are made to the borrower.
Future minimum rental payments for our corporate offices, sublease income from space subleased to other
parties within our corporate offices and future minimum rental payments for ground leases of investment properties for
each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
Corporate Sublease Ground
Leases
Income
Rents
317
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,361 $ 1,790 $
318
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
319
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
323
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
324
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11,901
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 20,310 $ 5,423 $ 13,502
1,553
1,387
693
—
—
5,957
5,332
2,660
—
—
Management is not aware of any other contractual obligations, legal proceedings or any other contingent
obligations incurred in the normal course of business that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
financial statements.
23. Segment and Geographic Data
In its operation of the business, management, including our chief operating decision maker, who is our Chief
Executive Officer, reviews certain financial information, including segmented internal profit and loss statements
prepared on a basis prior to the impact of consolidating securitization VIEs under ASC 810. The segment information
within this note is reported on that basis.
165
The table below presents our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 by business segment
(amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
Investing
and Servicing
Segment
Corporate
Subtotal
Investing
and Servicing
VIEs
Total
Revenues:
Interest income from loans . . . . . . $ 499,806 $
Interest income from
— $
14,008 $
— $ 513,814 $
— $ 513,814
investment securities . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rental income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
198,466
645
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547,913 199,111
46,710
711
—
686
134,743
111,158
50,534
1,794
312,237
181,453
—
111,869
—
249,000
—
—
3,125
— 1,059,261
(128,640)
(50,423)
52,813
61,446
249,000
2,815
(179,373) 879,888
—
(310)
Costs and expenses:
1,933
Management fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107,167
General and administrative . . . . . .
19,981
Acquisition and investment
—
46,552
4,734
pursuit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs of rental operations . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . .
Other expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
375
72,208
73,538
—
110
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . 127,078 197,517
3,240
—
66
(5,458)
149
—
—
—
—
1,594
175
Income (loss) before other income
(loss), income taxes and non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . 420,835
Other income (loss):
Change in net assets related to
consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of servicing
rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of investment
securities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of mortgage
loans held-for-sale, net . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings (loss) from unconsolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) gain on sale of investments
and other assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on derivative financial
instruments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (35,262) (32,333)
14
Foreign currency gain, net . . . . . . . . .
—
OTTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
4,085 (59,920)
Total other income (loss) . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes . . 424,920 (58,326)
(249)
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424,777 (58,575)
33,651
(109)
—
—
3,365 (27,685)
2,324
(143)
(59)
—
77
—
72 120,387
123,201
9,911
19,840
94,625
122,392
296,760
129,251
307 122,699
(1,094) 295,666
336 129,587
(143)
22,050
19,999
—
1,163
157,606
—
—
—
—
—
253,499
3,472
94,258
93,603
(5,458)
1,422
735,700
—
—
—
—
—
3,472
94,258
93,603
(5,458)
1,422
(451) 735,249
154,631 (253,499)
323,561
(178,922) 144,639
—
—
—
252,434 252,434
(30,315)
—
(30,315)
5,992 (24,323)
54,333
—
54,508
(58,319)
(3,811)
64,663
—
66,987
—
66,987
68,192
—
43,872
(13,367)
30,505
20,481
—
20,499
—
20,499
(2,497)
6
—
—
1,105
175,968
330,599
(31,130)
299,469
(2,440)
—
—
(5,915)
1,745
(6,610)
(260,109)
—
(260,109)
(72,532)
33,671
(109)
(5,915)
2,857
113,523
437,084
(31,522)
405,562
— (72,532)
33,671
—
(109)
—
(5,915)
—
2,244
(613)
186,127 299,650
7,205 444,289
— (31,522)
7,205 412,767
Net income attributable to non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,419)
—
(3,373)
—
(4,792)
(7,205) (11,997)
Net income (loss) attributable
to Starwood Property
Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 423,358 $ (58,575) $
296,096 $ (260,109) $ 400,770 $
— $ 400,770
166
The table below presents our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 by business segment
(amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property and Servicing
Segment
Segment
Corporate
Investing
Investing
and Servicing
VIEs
Total
Subtotal
Revenues:
Interest income from loans . . . . . . . $ 449,470 $
Interest income from investment
— $
17,725 $
— $ 467,195 $
— $ 467,195
securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rental income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
114,537
62
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497,735 114,599
47,241
782
—
242
146,692
144,941
38,223
5,255
352,836
— 193,933
— 145,723
— 152,760
—
5,559
— 965,170
(123,085)
(56,767)
70,848
88,956
— 152,760
4,908
(180,503) 784,667
(651)
Costs and expenses:
Management fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . .
Acquisition and investment
1,829
88,000
18,517
—
22,009
3,338
78 115,348 117,255
105,267 231,259
9,243 152,238
15,983
121,140
196 117,451
(460) 230,799
703 152,941
pursuit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs of rental operations . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . .
Other expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7,886
47,463
50,669
—
513
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . 113,770 131,878
1,665
—
—
3,759
—
—
—
—
20
—
Income (loss) before other income
(loss), income taxes and non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383,965 (17,279)
Other income (loss):
Change in net assets related to
consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of servicing
rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of investment
securities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of mortgage
loans held-for-sale, net . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of investments and other
assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain (loss) on derivative financial
instruments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41,576
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net . . . . . (37,595)
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other income (loss) . . . . . . .
—
—
9,164
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . 393,129
1,610
Income tax benefit (provision) . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394,739
33,476
(38)
—
9,102
52,276
34,997
—
34,997
1,716
3,447
9,736
—
—
—
—
2,520
17,638
16,117
—
315
173,791
1,391
—
—
—
—
13,462
65,101
66,786
3,759
828
231,249 650,688
13,462
—
65,101
—
66,786
—
3,759
—
828
—
439 651,127
179,045 (231,249) 314,482
(180,942) 133,540
—
—
—
151,593 151,593
(43,258)
— (43,258)
(3,891) (47,149)
(44,094)
— (44,074)
42,673
(1,401)
74,251
—
74,251
—
74,251
8,937
—
22,120
(397)
21,723
226
—
1,942
—
1,942
(4,318)
3,661
—
8,959
4,364
183,409
(9,954)
173,455
(8,781)
4,271
(4,505)
—
70,734
5 (33,967)
(8,781)
22,332
61,299
(235,754) 375,781
(8,344)
(235,754) 367,437
—
70,734
—
— (33,967)
(8,781)
—
13,510
(8,822)
181,156 242,455
214 375,995
(8,344)
—
214 367,651
Net income attributable to non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . .
(1,398)
—
(853)
—
(2,251)
(214)
(2,465)
Net income (loss) attributable to
Starwood Property
Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 393,341 $ 34,997 $
172,602 $ (235,754) $ 365,186 $
— $ 365,186
167
The table below presents our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 by business segment
(amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
Investing
and Servicing
Segment
Corporate Subtotal
Investing
and Servicing
VIEs
Total
Revenues:
Interest income from loans . . . . . . . . $ 460,365 $
Interest income from investment
— $
17,566 $
— $ 477,931 $
— $ 477,931
securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rental income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
25,445
—
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529,449 25,445
68,059
428
—
597
156,365
215,770
11,177
10,928
411,806
— 224,424
— 216,198
36,622
—
—
11,525
— 966,700
Costs and expenses:
Management fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative . . . . . . . .
Acquisition and investment
901
81,676
21,685
—
5,584
1,205
72 123,532 124,505
104,904 202,550
7,275 153,911
10,386
123,746
pursuit costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs of rental operations . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . .
Loan loss allowance, net . . . . . . . . . .
Other expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,065
—
—
(2)
6
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . . 106,331
8,951
5,421
15,038
—
—
36,199
2,375
6,121
13,972
—
383
157,055
38
—
—
—
—
13,429
11,542
29,010
(2)
389
235,749 535,334
(130,759)
93,665
(99,130) 117,068
36,622
10,591
(230,823) 735,877
—
(934)
228 124,733
— 202,550
717 154,628
13,429
—
11,542
—
29,010
—
(2)
—
—
389
945 536,279
209
—
—
—
—
Income (loss) before other income
(loss), income taxes and non-
controlling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423,118 (10,754)
Other income (loss):
Change in net assets related to
consolidated VIEs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of servicing rights .
Change in fair value of investment
securities, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in fair value of mortgage loans
held-for-sale, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings from unconsolidated entities . .
Gain on sale of investments and other
assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain (loss) on derivative financial
instruments, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30,764
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net . . . . . . (36,956)
—
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . .
—
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,901
Total other income (loss) . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . 426,019
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(242)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425,777
5,060
31
—
1,530
16,711
5,957
—
5,957
—
10,090
—
4,045
4,839
—
—
254,751 (235,749) 431,366
(231,768) 199,598
—
(46,831)
—
—
— (46,831)
185,490 185,490
34,226 (12,605)
(9,952)
—
(9,743)
12,827
3,084
64,320
13,042
—
—
64,320
27,177
—
(503)
64,320
26,674
17,825
—
22,664
—
22,664
(14,226)
(296)
—
161
24,043
278,794
(16,964)
261,830
(5,921)
—
21,598
— (37,221)
(5,921)
1,708
37,751
(241,653) 469,117
— (17,206)
(241,653) 451,911
17
(5,904)
—
21,598
— (37,221)
(5,921)
—
1,708
—
232,040 269,791
272 469,389
— (17,206)
272 452,183
Net (income) loss attributable to
non-controlling interests . . . . . . . . .
(1,389)
—
175
—
(1,214)
(272)
(1,486)
Net income (loss) attributable to
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. . . . $ 424,388 $
5,957 $
262,005 $ (241,653) $ 450,697 $
— $ 450,697
168
The table below presents our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 by business segment
(amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
Investing
and Servicing
Segment
Corporate
Investing
and Servicing
VIEs
Total
Subtotal
Assets:
14,580 $
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . $
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21,555
Loans held-for-investment, net . . . . . 6,558,699
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
613,287
Loans transferred as secured
10,388 $
12,491
—
—
39,446 $
10,289
3,796
132,456
299,308 $
4,490
—
—
363,722 $
48,825
6,562,495
745,743
369,448
5,726 $
—
48,825
— 6,562,495
745,743
—
borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated
74,403
694,012
—
—
— 1,024,143
—
—
2,364,806
282,675
116,081
95,257
—
—
—
—
74,403
1,718,155
—
(999,952)
2,647,481
—
211,338
(28,246)
74,403
718,203
2,647,481
183,092
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued interest receivable . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE assets, at fair value . . . . . . . . . . .
50,759
140,437
636
243
59,676
—
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,080,349 $ 2,713,242 $ 1,839,813 $
Liabilities and Equity
110,704
—
26,775
68
71,929
—
45,028
—
6,487
46,650
5,648
—
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued
—
—
—
786
3,755
—
206,491
140,437
33,898
47,747
141,008
185,503
(20,988)
140,437
—
33,898
—
47,747
—
138,140
(2,868)
— 51,045,874 51,045,874
308,339 $ 12,941,743 $ 49,999,546 $ 62,941,289
62,890 $
expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . $
—
Related-party payable . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13,063
Secured financing agreements, net . . . 3,466,487 1,621,885
Unsecured senior notes, net . . . . . . . .
—
Secured borrowings on transferred
23,054 $
20
—
20,386
—
loans, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE liabilities, at fair value . . . . . . . .
—
—
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,584,132 1,697,838
Equity:
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
74,185
—
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . 1,818,559
Treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Accumulated other comprehensive
—
957,329
—
74,426 $
31
—
85
411,526
23,536 $
42,318
125,916
2,666
296,858
— 2,125,235
183,906 $
42,369
125,916
36,200
5,796,756
2,125,235
1,211 $
—
—
—
185,117
42,369
125,916
36,200
(23,700) 5,773,056
— 2,125,235
—
—
—
—
486,068 2,616,529
74,185
74,185
— 50,000,010 50,000,010
8,384,567 49,977,521 58,362,088
—
—
2,660
659,062 1,280,296
(92,104)
—
2,660
4,715,246
(92,104)
—
2,660
— 4,715,246
(92,104)
—
income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57,914
12,076
(66)
—
69,924
—
69,924
Retained earnings (accumulated
deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,609,050
Total Starwood Property
(14,335)
687,015 (3,499,042)
(217,312)
—
(217,312)
Trust, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity . . . 4,485,523
955,070 1,346,011 (2,308,190)
4,478,414
— 4,478,414
Non-controlling interests in
consolidated subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . .
—
10,694
Total Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,496,217 1,015,404 1,353,745 (2,308,190)
Total Liabilities and Equity . . . . . . . . $ 8,080,349 $ 2,713,242 $ 1,839,813 $
100,787
22,025
22,025 4,579,201
308,339 $ 12,941,743 $ 49,999,546 $ 62,941,289
78,762
4,557,176
60,334
7,734
169
The table below presents our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 by business segment
(amounts in thousands):
Lending
Segment
Property
Segment
Investing
and Servicing
Segment
Corporate
Investing
and Servicing
VIEs
Total
Subtotal
Assets:
7,085 $
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . $
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17,885
Loans held-for-investment, net . . . . 5,827,553
Loans held-for-sale . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Loans transferred as secured
7,701 $
9,146
—
—
38,798 $
8,202
20,442
63,279
560,790 $
—
—
—
614,374 $
35,233
5,847,995
63,279
1,148 $
—
—
—
615,522
35,233
5,847,995
63,279
borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment securities . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in
35,000
776,072
—
—
—
—
1,667,108
128,159
—
990,570
277,612
125,327
—
—
—
—
35,000
1,766,642
1,944,720
253,486
—
(959,024)
—
(34,238)
35,000
807,618
1,944,720
219,248
unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued interest receivable . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE assets, at fair value . . . . . . . . . .
56,376
140,437
1,186
2,393
59,503
—
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,779,052 $ 2,009,553 $ 1,784,125 $
Liabilities and Equity
124,977
—
42,893
—
29,569
—
30,874
—
45,282
25,831
13,470
—
—
—
—
—
1,866
—
212,227
140,437
89,361
28,224
104,408
204,605
(7,622)
140,437
—
89,361
—
28,224
—
101,763
(2,645)
— 67,123,261 67,123,261
562,656 $ 11,135,386 $ 66,120,880 $ 77,256,266
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued
expenses and other liabilities . . . . . $
Related-party payable . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivative liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . .
Secured financing
20,769 $
—
—
3,388
81,873 $
—
—
—
68,603 $
440
—
516
26,003 $
37,378
125,075
—
197,248 $
37,818
125,075
3,904
886 $
—
—
—
198,134
37,818
125,075
3,904
agreements, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,258,462 1,196,830
—
—
Unsecured senior notes, net . . . . . . .
Secured borrowings on
426,683
295,851
— 2,011,544
4,177,826
2,011,544
(23,700)
—
4,154,126
2,011,544
transferred loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIE liabilities, at fair value . . . . . . .
—
—
Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,317,619 1,278,703
Equity:
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
35,000
—
—
—
—
—
496,242 2,495,851
35,000
35,000
— 66,130,592 66,130,592
6,588,415 66,107,778 72,696,193
—
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . 2,218,671
—
Treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other
—
696,049
—
—
883,761
—
2,639
892,699
(92,104)
2,639
4,691,180
(92,104)
—
—
—
2,639
4,691,180
(92,104)
comprehensive income (loss) . . . . .
44,903
(8,328)
(437)
—
36,138
—
36,138
Retained earnings (accumulated
deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,186,727
Total Starwood Property
43,129
390,994 (2,736,429)
(115,579)
—
(115,579)
Trust, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity . . 4,450,301
730,850 1,274,318 (1,933,195)
4,522,274
—
4,522,274
Non-controlling interests in
consolidated subsidiaries . . . . . . . . .
11,132
Total Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,461,433
Total Liabilities and Equity . . . . . . . $ 6,779,052 $ 2,009,553 $ 1,784,125 $
—
13,565
730,850 1,287,883 (1,933,195)
37,799
4,560,073
562,656 $ 11,135,386 $ 66,120,880 $ 77,256,266
24,697
4,546,971
13,102
13,102
—
Revenues generated from foreign sources were $82.0 million, $100.1 million and $134.7 million for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The majority of our revenues generated from foreign sources
are derived from Ireland and the United Kingdom. Refer to Schedules III and IV for a detailed listing of the properties
and loans held by the Company, including their respective geographic locations.
170
24. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table summarizes our quarterly financial data which, in the opinion of management, reflects all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our results of
operations (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
For the Three-Month Periods Ended
March 31
June 30
September 30 December 31
2017:
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 198,720 $ 211,569 $ 226,767 $ 242,832
93,881
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92,604
Net income attributable to Starwood Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . .
0.35
Earnings per share — Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.35
Earnings per share — Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
123,233
117,380
0.45
0.44
102,854
102,358
0.39
0.39
92,799
88,428
0.34
0.33
2016:
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to Starwood Property Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . .
Earnings per share — Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings per share — Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
195,493 $ 199,992 $ 204,705
105,813
112,071
105,766
111,473
0.44
0.47
0.44
0.47
27,046
26,657
0.11
0.11
184,477
122,721
121,290
0.50
0.49
Annual EPS may not equal the sum of each quarter’s EPS due to rounding and other computational factors.
25. Subsequent Events
Our significant events subsequent to December 31, 2017 were as follows:
Senior Notes Due 2021
On January 29, 2018, we issued $500.0 million of 3.625% Senior Notes due 2021 which mature on February 1,
2021.
Amendment of Management Agreement
In February 2018, our board of directors authorized an amendment to our Management Agreement to adjust the
calculation of the base management fee and incentive fee to treat equity securities of subsidiaries issued in exchange for
properties as issued common stock, effective December 28, 2017. See Note 16 for further discussion.
DownREIT Portfolio Second Closing
In February 2018, we acquired 12 affordable housing communities (the “Second Closing”), which include 2,803
units, for $292.9 million, including contingent consideration of $19.8 million. The Second Closing was effectuated via a
contribution of the properties by the Contributors for which they received cash and approximately 5.5 million Class A
Units and rights to receive an additional 1.0 million Class A Units if certain contingent events occur. We financed the
Second Closing utilizing 10-year mortgage debt totaling $212.8 million with a fixed 3.81% interest rate.
Dividend Declaration
On February 28, 2018, our board of directors declared a dividend of $0.48 per share for the first quarter of 2018,
which is payable on April 13, 2018 to common stockholders of record as of March 30, 2018.
171
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Property Type /
Geographic Location
Aggregated Properties
Medical office—U.S., North
Encumbrances Land
Initial Cost
to Company
Costs
Capitalized
Depreciable Subsequent to
Property Acquisition(1) Land
Gross Amounts Carried at
December 31, 2017
Depreciable
Property
Total
Accumulated
Depreciation(3)
Acquisition
Date
East (7 properties) . . . . . . . . . $
157,491 $ 11,283 $
176,998 $
— $ 11,283 $
176,998 $ 188,281 $
(5,516)
Dec-16
Medical office—U.S., West
(6 properties) . . . . . . . . . . . .
79,289
13,415
107,845
24 13,415
107,869
121,284
(4,376)
Dec-16
Medical office—U.S., South
East (6 properties) . . . . . . . . .
86,922
7,930
117,740
29
7,930
117,769
125,699
(3,917)
Dec-16
Medical office—U.S.,
Midwest (7 properties) . . . . . .
69,715
2,764
97,802
259
2,764
98,061
100,825
(3,301)
Dec-16
Medical office—U.S., South
West (8 properties) . . . . . . . .
104,194
15,921
127,014
244 15,921
127,258
143,179
(4,628)
Dec-16
Office—U.S., West
(1 property) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
4,261
—
—
4,261
4,261
(106)
Oct-17
Office—U.S., South East
(3 properties) . . . . . . . . . . . .
33,097
21,754
34,149
2,690 21,754
36,839
58,593
(3,795) May-16 to Oct-16
Office—U.S., South West
(1 property) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
5,078
11,130
—
5,078
11,130
16,208
(155)
Sep-17
Office—Ireland
(11 properties) . . . . . . . . . . .
337,688 163,298
296,073
5,096 163,298
301,169
464,467
(25,750) May-15 to Jul 15
Multi-family—U.S., South
East (46 properties) . . . . . . . .
556,349 174,761
584,359
20,669 174,789
605,000
779,789
(41,486) Sep-14 to Dec-17
Multi-family—Ireland (1
property) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12,213
9,112
9,688
134
9,112
9,822
18,934
(869)
May-15
Retail—U.S., North East (2
properties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22,491
4,989
21,077
851
4,989
21,928
26,917
(1,455) Oct-15 to Nov-15
Retail—U.S., West
(5 properties) . . . . . . . . . . . .
33,000
24,217
50,965
558 24,217
51,523
75,740
(682) Dec-15 to Sep-17
Retail—U.S., South East (8
properties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48,355
33,239
88,525
38 33,239
88,563
121,802
(1,232) Jul-15 to Sep-17
Retail—U.S., Midwest (9
properties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79,300
28,995
145,204
1,321 28,995
146,525
175,520
(2,276) Nov-15 to Sep-17
Retail—U.S., South West (7
properties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
84,364
39,286
82,964
355 39,286
83,319
122,605
(3,129) Oct-14 to Sep-17
Retail—U.S., Mid Atlantic
(2 properties) . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,600
9,688
14,477
1,357
9,688
15,834
25,522
(1,321) Mar-16 to May-16
Industrial—U.S., West (1
property) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19,700
3,142
33,080
—
3,142
33,080
36,222
(257)
Sep-17
Industrial—U.S., Midwest (2
properties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26,400
1,701
46,236
892
1,701
47,128
48,829
(866) Apr-14 to Sep-17
Industrial—U.S., South East
(1 property) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,200
5,743
12,559
14
5,743
12,573
18,316
(359)
May-17
Industrial—U.S., Mid
Atlantic (1 property) . . . . . . .
24,900
2,129
45,141
—
2,129
45,141
47,270
(373)
Sep-17
Self-storage—U.S., North
East (1 property) . . . . . . . . . .
9,800
2,202
11,498
77
2,202
11,575
13,777
(677)
Dec-15
Mixed Use—U.S., West (1
property) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8,667
1,002
14,323
102
1,002
14,425
15,427
(784)
Feb-16
Mixed Use—U.S., South
East (1 property) . . . . . . . . . .
$
5,000
3,572
1,520
1,817,735 $ 583,169 $ 2,136,680 $
491
1,520
4,063
5,583
35,201 $ 583,197 $ 2,171,853 $ 2,755,050 (2) $
(259)
(107,569)
Dec-15
Notes to Schedule III:
(1)
(2)
(3)
No material costs subsequent to acquisition were capitalized to land.
The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $3.0 billion.
Depreciation is computed based upon estimated useful lives as described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
172
The following schedule presents our real estate activity during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and
2015 (in thousands):
Beginning balance, January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,986,285 $
Additions during the year:
2017
2016
928,060 $ 40,497
2015
Acquisitions (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions through foreclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement period adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
725,955
—
18,575
660
59,508
804,698
1,048,985
7,248
15,766
—
—
1,071,999
900,247
12,548
2,056
—
—
914,851
Deductions during the year:
Costs of real estate sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(18,421)
(8,867)
—
(27,288)
Ending balance, December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,755,050 $ 1,986,285 $ 928,060
(35,774)
—
(159)
(35,933)
—
(13,774)
—
(13,774)
(1)
Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of property acquisitions from related
parties.
The following schedule presents activity within accumulated depreciation during the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
Beginning balance, January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disposition/write-offs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ending balance, December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017
41,565 $
65,253
(1,785)
2,536
$ 107,569
2016
8,835 $
33,350
—
(620)
$ 41,565
$
2015
643
8,802
(539)
(71)
8,835
173
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior
Carrying
Face
Liens (1) Amount Amount
Interest Rate (2)
Payment Maturity
Terms (3) Date (4)
Principal Amount of
Delinquent Loans
—
—
—
—
$ 228,356 $
232,404
291,481
281,117
226,535
230,102
288,496
277,386
L+4.35%
L+2.00% to 8.00%
L+2.25% to 4.50%
3GBP+4.50%
$
I/O
I/O
I/O
I/O 10/26/2021
6/9/2019
9/9/2020
9/9/2020
Description/ Location
Individually Significant First Mortgages: (5)
Mixed Use, New York, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Office, Houston, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, Irvine, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, Various, United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aggregated First Mortgages: (5)
Hospitality, Midwest, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . .
Hospitality, North East, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . .
Hospitality, South East, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . .
Hospitality, Various, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Hospitality, West, Floating (11 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial, South East, Fixed (8 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial, North East, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, International, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, International, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . .
Mixed Use, International, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . .
Mixed Use, Mid Atlantic, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, Mid Atlantic, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . .
Mixed Use, North East, Floating (6 mortgages) . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, South East, Fixed (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, South West, Floating (9 mortgages) . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, West, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-family, North East, Floating (13 mortgages) . . . . .
Multi-family, West, Floating (16 mortgages). . . . . . . . . .
Multi-family, Midwest, Fixed (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Office, Mid Atlantic, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Office, Midwest, Floating (8 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, North East, Floating (22 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Office, South East, Floating (8 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, South West, Floating (8 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Office, West, Floating (12 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, International, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, North East, Floating (3 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, South East, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, Various, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Residential, West, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, Mid Atlantic, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, Midwest, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, North East, Floating (19 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, South East, Fixed (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, South West, Fixed (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, South West, Floating (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, West, Fixed (5 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loans Held-for-Sale, Various, Fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aggregated Subordinated and Mezzanine Loans: (5)
Hospitality, Midwest, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . .
Hospitality, South East, Floating (3 mortgages) . . . . . . . .
Hospitality, Various, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial, South East, Fixed (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, Mid Atlantic, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, North East, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . .
Mixed Use, South East, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . .
Multi-family, Mid Atlantic, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . .
Multi-family, North East, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . .
Multi-family, South East, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . .
Multi-family, South East, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . .
Office, Midwest, Floating (3 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, North East, Fixed (4 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, North East, Floating (3 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, South East, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office, South East, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, Midwest, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
53,251
154,871
181,366
214,296
367,750
74,821
38
11,458
122,935
49,872
44,871
73,353
104,134
112,732
303,546
213,504
585,720
72,177
3,172
170,645
137,055
640,399
202,309
146,839
205,551
154,367
35,096
63,852
41,323
23,874
333
33,531
123,579
2,272
2,776
63,582
6,014
745,743
16,886
35,769
95,808
2,406
74,403
18,314
5,004
2,976
25,808
2,786
27,556
25,357
106,758
82,365
7,528
28,822
26,970
L+2.75% to 9.13%
L+2.50% to 6.90%
L+2.60% to 8.10%
L+2.40% to 9.90%
L+2.25% to 14.00%
8.18%
7.45%
8.55%
3GBP+7.00%
GBP+5.75%
5.25%
L+4.50% to 10.10%
L+3.50% to 15.34%
5.00% to 12.00%
L+2.25% to 12.70%
L+3.00%
L+2.50% to 15.00%
L+2.35% to 9.25%
6.28% to 6.54%
L+2.25% to 9.50%
L+2.63% to 10.15%
L+2.00% to 12.00%
L+2.00% to 8.25%
L+2.25% to 10.70%
L+2.25% to 9.75%
3GBP+4.85%
L+2.50% to 8.30%
L+2.75% to 12.75%
10.00%
L+5.25%
7.07%
L+2.75% to 10.75%
L+2.25% to 8.05%
6.64% to 9.75%
6.03% to 8.04%
L+2.25% to 15.25%
5.82% to 7.26%
3.25% to 9.75%
L+8.11%
L+3.49% to 10.00%
L+9.38% to 11.13%
8.18%
L+4.50%
L+11.75%
L+10.25%
10.50%
L+10.50%
5.47%
L+9.46%
L+8.88% to 9.00%
7.19% to 11.00%
L+8.00% to 10.25%
8.25%
L+9.50%
L+10.67%
174
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2019
2018-2019
2020
2018
2018-2021
2024
2018
2018
2018
2019
2018
2020
2018
2024
2018-2020
2019
2018-2021
2019-2020
2018-2024
2020
2019-2020
2018-2020
2019-2020
2019-2020
2018-2021
2021
2018
2018
2025
2018
2019
2018
2018-2021
2018-2019
2018-2022
2018
2018-2023
2027-2047
2018
2018-2019
2018
2024
2020
2018
2021
2024
2021
2020
2018
2018-2019
2018-2023
2018
2020
2018
2018
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate (continued)
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Description/ Location
Other, South East, Fixed (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, West, Floating (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Residential, West, Floating (3 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, Midwest, Fixed (2 mortgages) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, Midwest, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retail, South West, Floating (1 mortgage) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan Loss Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid Loan Costs, Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Schedule IV:
Prior
Carrying
Face
Liens (1) Amount Amount
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
—
4,400
58,937
130,623
11,977
4,733
1,727
(4,330)
(2,075)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
—
Interest Rate (2)
12.02%
L+6.10% to 10.08%
L+10.13%
7.16%
L+8.85%
L+8.85%
$ 7,357,034 (6)
Payment Maturity
Terms (3) Date (4)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2021
2018
2019
2024
2018
2018
Principal Amount of
Delinquent Loans
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Represents third-party priority liens. Third party portions of pari-passu participations are not considered prior liens. Additionally, excludes the outstanding debt on
third party joint ventures of underlying borrowers.
L = one month LIBOR rate, GBP=one month GBP LIBOR rate, 3GBP= three month GBP LIBOR rate.
I/O = interest only until final maturity.
Based on management’s judgment of extension options being exercised.
First mortgages include first mortgage loans and any contiguous mezzanine loan components because as a whole, the expected credit quality of these loans is
more similar to that of a first mortgage loan.
(6)
The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $7.3 billion.
For the activity within our loan portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, refer to the loan activity
table in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of loan activity with related parties.
175
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the
SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our
Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with
the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of
the end of the period covered by this report.
Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial
reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our principal executive and principal financial officers to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial
statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
As of December 31, 2017, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on this assessment, our
management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 is effective.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable
assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a
material effect on our financial statements.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in this
Form 10-K, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2017.
Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No change in internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None noted.
176
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
PART III
Information required by this Item with respect to members of our board of directors and with respect to our
Audit Committee will be contained in the Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2018 Proxy
Statement”) under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Board and Committee Meetings—Audit Committee” and in
the chart disclosing Audit Committee membership and is incorporated herein by this reference. Information required by
this Item with respect to our executive officers will be contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the caption
“Executive Officers,” and is incorporated herein by this reference. Information required by this Item with respect to
compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement
under the caption “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,” and is incorporated herein
by this reference.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all directors, officers and employees of the
Company which is available on our website at http://ir.starwoodpropertytrust.com/govdocs. In addition, stockholders
may request a free copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics from:
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
591 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
(202) 422-7700
We have also adopted a Code of Ethics for our Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers setting
forth a code of ethics applicable to our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting
Officer, which is available on our website at http://ir.starwoodpropertytrust.com/govdocs. Stockholders may request a
free copy of the Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers from the address and phone
number set forth above.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
We have also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on our website at
http://ir.starwoodpropertytrust.com/govdocs. Stockholders may request a free copy of the Corporate Governance
Guidelines from the address and phone number set forth above.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information required by this Item will be contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the captions “Executive
Compensation” and “Compensation of Directors” and is incorporated herein by this reference, provided that the
Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “filed” with this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information required by this Item will be contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the captions “Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and
is incorporated herein by this reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information required by this Item will be contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance—Determination of Director Independence” and is
incorporated herein by this reference.
177
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information required by this Item will be contained in the 2018 Proxy Statement under the captions
“Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Pre-Approval Policies for Services of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm” and is incorporated herein by reference.
178
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements:
See Item 8—“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, filed herewith, for a list of
financial statements.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Included within Item 8:
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate
(3) Exhibits:
Exhibit No.
Description
3.1 Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009)
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 17, 2014)
4.1
Indenture for Senior Debt Securities between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File
No. 333-210560) filed April 1, 2016)
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 15, 2013, between the Company and The Bank of New
York Mellon, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed February 15, 2013)
4.3 Form of 4.55% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 15, 2013)
4.4 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 3, 2013, between the Company and The Bank of New
York Mellon, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed July 3, 2013)
4.5
4.6
Form of 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 3, 2013)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 8, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New
York Mellon, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed October 8, 2014)
179
Exhibit No.
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
10.1
Description
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 29, 2017, between the Company and The Bank of New
York Mellon, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed March 24, 2017)
Form of 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 24, 2017)
Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2016, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and The Bank of New
York Mellon, as trustee (including the form of the Company’s 5.000% Senior Notes due 2021)
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December
21, 2016)
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2016, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 21, 2016)
Indenture, dated as of December 4, 2017, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and The Bank of New
York Mellon, as trustee (including the form of Starwood Property Trust, Inc.’s 4.750% Senior Notes due
2025) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
December 4, 2017)
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2017, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 4, 2017)
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2017, among Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and
the persons listed on Schedule I thereto
Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, among Starwood Property Trust, Inc., SPT
Investment, LLC and SPT Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009)
10.2 Management Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, among SPT Management, LLC and Starwood Property
Trust, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed November 16, 2009)
10.3 Amendment No. 1, dated May 7, 2012, to Management Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, as amended,
between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and SPT Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 8, 2012)
10.4 Amendment No. 2, dated December 4, 2014, to Management Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, as
amended, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and SPT Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 5, 2014)
10.5 Amendment No. 3, dated August 4, 2016, to Management Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, as
amended, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and SPT Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 23, 2017)
180
Exhibit No.
Description
10.6
Co-Investment and Allocation Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, among Starwood Property Trust, Inc.,
SPT Management, LLC and Starwood Capital Group Global, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009)
10.7
Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 19, 2015, to the Co-Investment and Allocation Agreement, dated as of
August 17, 2009, by and among Starwood Property Trust, Inc., SPT Management, LLC and Starwood
Capital Group Global, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed June 25, 2015)
10.8
Amendment No. 2, dated as of November 21, 2016, to the Co-Investment and Allocation Agreement,
dated as of August 17, 2009, by and among Starwood Property Trust, Inc., SPT Management, LLC and
Starwood Capital Group Global, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed November 22, 2016)
10.9 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Independent Directors (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009)
10.10 Starwood Property Trust, Inc. 2017 Manager Equity Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 31, 2017)
10.11 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
and SPT Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q filed November 16, 2009)
10.12 Starwood Property Trust, Inc. 2017 Equity Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the
Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 31, 2017)
10.13 Fifth Amended and Restated Master Repurchase and Securities Contract, dated as of September 16, 2016,
by and among Starwood Property Trust, Inc., Starwood Property Mortgage Sub-2, L.L.C., Starwood
Property Mortgage Sub-2-A, L.L.C., SPT CA Fundings 2, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
filed May 9, 2017)
10.14 Uncommitted Master Repurchase Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2015, by and among Starwood
Property Mortgage Sub-14, L.L.C., Starwood Property Mortgage Sub-14-A, L.L.C. and JPMorgan Chase
Bank, National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed December 16, 2015)
10.15 Credit Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2016, among Starwood Property Trust, Inc., as borrower,
certain subsidiaries of Starwood Property Trust, Inc. from time to time party thereto, as guarantors, the
lenders from time to time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 9,
2017)
10.16 Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 25, 2016)
10.17 Tax Protection Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2017, among SPT Dolphin Intermediate LLC, SPT
Dolphin Parent LLC and the persons listed on Annex A thereto
181
Exhibit No.
Description
10.18 Amendment No. 4, dated February 15, 2018 and effective as of December 28, 2017, to Management
Agreement, dated August 17, 2009, as amended, between Starwood Property Trust, Inc. and SPT
Management, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed February 22, 2018)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
182
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 28, 2018
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
By:
/s/ BARRY S. STERNLICHT
Barry S. Sternlicht
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: February 28, 2018
Date: February 28, 2018
Date: February 28, 2018
Date: February 28, 2018
Date: February 28, 2018
Date: February 28, 2018
Date: February 28, 2018
/s/ BARRY S. STERNLICHT
Barry S. Sternlicht
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ RINA PANIRY
Rina Paniry
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Chief Accounting
Officer and Principal Financial Officer
/s/ JEFFREY G. DISHNER
Jeffrey G. Dishner
Director
/s/ RICHARD D. BRONSON
Richard D. Bronson
Director
/s/ CAMILLE J. DOUGLAS
Camille J. Douglas
Director
/s/ STRAUSS ZELNICK
Strauss Zelnick
Director
/s/ SOLOMON J. KUMIN
Solomon J. Kumin
Director
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
183
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ANNUAL
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$280M First Mortgage
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