UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549





FORM 10-Q





þ           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF


THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934





For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010





 ̈           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: 001-32171





bimini logoBimini Capital Management, Inc.(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





Maryland

72-1571637(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)





3305 Flamingo Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963


(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)





(772) 231-1400


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)





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





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





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





Large accelerated filer  ̈                                                Accelerated filer  ̈                                           Non-accelerated filer  ̈                                            Smaller Reporting Company ý





Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES  ̈     NO þ





As ofNovember 3, 2010, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value, was10,075,235; the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value, was 31,938; and the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class C Common Stock, $0.001 par value, was 31,938.








BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.





INDEX











PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATIONITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
3Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009
3Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
4Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010
5Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
6Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
8ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
26ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
37ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
37PART II. OTHER INFORMATIONITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
38ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.
39ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
39ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS.
40














PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION




ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
  BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(Unaudited)September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009ASSETS:Mortgage-backed securities – held for tradingPledged to counterparties, at fair value

$
111,886,318


$
104,875,798Unpledged, at fair value


18,890,755



14,792,697Total mortgage-backed securities


130,777,073



119,668,495Cash and cash equivalents


3,070,919



6,400,065Restricted cash


1,539,210



2,530,000Principal payments receivable


13,876



93,029Accrued interest receivable


1,079,236



1,075,052Property and equipment, net


3,916,321



3,976,546Prepaids and other assets, net


1,064,238



1,266,278Assets held for sale, net


11,039,150



14,331,850Total Assets

$
152,500,023


$
149,341,315LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)LIABILITIES:Repurchase agreements

$
107,273,502


$
100,271,206Junior subordinated notes due to Bimini Capital Trust II


26,804,440



26,804,440Accrued interest payable


112,080



131,595Dividends payable in cash


-



1,877,944Dividends payable in Class A common stock


-



16,862,469Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other


1,374,129



926,678Liabilities related to assets held for sale


6,687,357



7,621,984Total Liabilities


142,251,508



154,496,316COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIESSTOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; designated, 1,800,000 shares as Class A Redeemable and 2,000,000 shares as Class B Redeemable; no shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009


-



-Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 98,000,000 shares designated: 10,075,235  shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and 2,763,779  shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009


10,075



2,764Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares designated, 31,938 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and 31,939 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009


32



32Class C Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares designated, 31,938 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and 31,939 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009


32



32Additional paid-in capital


335,341,651



319,191,227Accumulated deficit


(325,103,275
)


(324,349,056
)Total Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)


10,248,515



(5,155,001
)Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

$
152,500,023


$
149,341,315See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements








BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(Unaudited)Nine Months Ended

September 30,


Three Months Ended

September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Interest income

$
4,969,604


$
9,239,776


$
1,261,563


$
2,882,109Interest expense


(190,388
)


(428,464
)


(68,772
)


(69,037
)Net interest income, before interest on

junior subordinated notes


4,779,216



8,811,312



1,192,791



2,813,072Interest expense on junior subordinated notes


(1,649,944
)


(4,446,112
)


(549,982
)


(1,057,656
)Net interest income


3,129,272



4,365,200



642,809



1,755,416(Losses) gains on trading securities


(1,285,816
)


4,501,145



(344,360
)


1,273,889Losses on Eurodollar futures


(498,712
)


-



(348,725
)


-Net portfolio income  (deficiency)


1,344,744



8,866,345



(50,276
)


3,029,305Operating expenses:Compensation and related benefits


1,179,679



845,291



365,796



233,367Directors' fees and liability insurance


378,087



359,753



115,707



131,210Audit, legal and other professional fees


1,948,216



670,033



731,041



110,565Direct REIT operating expenses


444,924



448,881



147,571



146,113Other administrative


416,898



358,218



109,058



102,016Total expenses


4,367,804



2,682,176



1,469,173



723,271Gain on debt extinguishment


-



32,446,642



-



-(Loss) income from continuing operations, before income tax benefit


(3,023,060
)


38,630,811



(1,519,449
)


2,306,034Income tax benefit


145,000



-



130,000



-(Loss) income from continuing operations


(2,878,060
)


38,630,811



(1,389,449
)


2,306,034Discontinued operations, net of income taxes


2,123,841



(2,108,365
)


1,274,675



200,243Net (loss) income

$
(754,219
)

$
36,522,446


$
(114,774
)

$
2,506,277Basic And Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Share Of:CLASS A COMMON STOCKContinuing operations

$
(0.30
)

$
13.99


$
(0.14
)

$
0.80Discontinued operations


0.22



(0.76
)


0.13



0.07Total basic net (loss) income per Class A share

$
(0.08
)

$
13.23


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87Total diluted net (loss) income per Class A share

$
(0.08
)

$
13.21


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87CLASS B COMMON STOCKContinuing operations

$
(0.30
)

$
13.99


$
(0.14
)

$
0.80Discontinued operations


0.22



(0.76
)


0.13



0.07Total basic net (loss) income per Class B share

$
(0.08
)

$
13.23


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87Total diluted net (loss) income per Class B share

$
(0.08
)

$
13.21


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87Weighted Average Shares OutstandingCLASS A COMMON STOCKBasic


9,539,145



2,728,679



10,074,233



2,834,126Diluted


9,539,145



2,733,110



10,074,233



2,834,126CLASS B COMMON STOCK, basic and diluted


31,938



31,939



31,938



31,939Dividends Declared Per Share Of:Class A common stock

$
0.06


$
-


$
-


$
-Class B common stock

$
0.06


$
-


$
-


$
-


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)(Unaudited)Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010Common Stock,

Amounts at par value

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

Accumulated

DeficitClass A

Class B

Class C

TotalBalances, January 1, 2010

$
2,764


$
32


$
32


$
319,191,227


$
(324,349,056
)

$
(5,155,001
)Net loss


-



-



-



-



(754,219
)


(754,219
)Dividends paid in shares of Class A Common Stock


7,241



-



-



16,647,596



-



16,654,837Cash dividends declared


-



-



-



(629,784
)


-



(629,784
)Issuance of Class A common shares for board compensation


129



-



-



122,076



-



122,205Class A shares repurchased and retired


(59
)


-



-



(50,973
)


-



(51,032
)Amortization of equity plan compensation


-



-



-



61,509



-



61,509Balances, September 30, 2010

$
10,075


$
32


$
32


$
335,341,651


$
(325,103,275
)

$
10,248,515See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements













BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS(Unaudited)Nine Months Ended September 30,2010


2009CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Net (loss) income

$
(754,219
)

$
36,522,446Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:Net (income) loss from discontinued operations


(2,123,841
)


2,108,365Stock based compensation and equity plan amortization


183,714



173,974Depreciation and amortization


183,581



398,861Losses (gains) on trading securities


1,285,816



(4,501,145
)Losses on Eurodollar futures


498,712



-Gain on debt extinguishment


-



(32,446,642
)Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Accrued interest receivable


(4,184
)


(196,725
)Prepaids and other assets


84,309



152,933Accrued interest payable


(19,515
)


31,106Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other


239,817



(295,428
)NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES


(425,810
)


1,947,745CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:From mortgage-backed securities investments:Purchases


(130,415,299
)


(88,747,120
)Sales


92,104,494



161,116,043Principal repayments


25,995,565



19,340,077Decrease in restricted cash


492,077



-Purchases of property and equipment


(5,624
)


(9,205
)NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES


(11,828,787
)


91,699,795CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:Proceeds from repurchase agreements


387,531,457



1,539,177,114Principal payments on repurchase agreements


(380,529,160
)


(1,626,335,982
)Cash paid to extinguish long-term debt


-



(18,040,361
)Dividends paid in cash


(2,507,729
)


-Stock repurchases


(51,032
)


-NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES


4,443,536



(105,199,229
)CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:Net cash provided by operating activities


4,481,915



18,667,896NET CASH PROVIDED BY DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


4,481,915



18,667,896NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS


(3,329,146
)


7,116,207CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period


6,400,065



7,668,581CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the period

$
3,070,919


$
14,784,788


(Continued)





BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)(Unaudited)Nine Months Ended September 30,2010


2009SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:Cash paid during the period for:Interest

$
1,742,116


$
4,517,169Income taxes

$
910,538


$
-SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:Security acquisition settled in later period

$
-


$
21,196,541Dividends paid in shares of Class A Common Stock, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to dividends paid related to stock incentive plans.

$
16,654,837


$
-Assets and liabilities retired through debt extinguishment transaction:Investment in Bimini Capital Trust I

$
-


$
1,550,000Unamortized debt issuance costs


-



356,820Junior subordinated notes due to Bimini Capital Trust I


-



34,050,000Accrued interest payable due to Bimini Capital Trust I


-



843,822See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(UNAUDITED)


September 30, 2010





NOTE 1.   ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES





Bimini Capital Management, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Bimini Capital”), was originally formed in September 2003 for the purpose of creating and managing a leveraged investment portfolio consisting of residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”).  Bimini Capital has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  As a REIT, Bimini Capital is generally not subject to federal income tax on its REIT taxable income provided that it distributes to its stockholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis.  In addition, a REIT must meet other provisions of the Code to retain its special tax status.  Bimini Capital operates in a single business segment. Bimini Capital’s website is located at http://www.biminicapital.com.





Liquidity





The financing market utilized by the Company to fund its MBS portfolio, as well as the market for MBS securities, have stabilized after undergoing unprecedented turmoil in 2008 and early 2009.  However, conditions in the market, while stable, are far from the conditions that existed prior to the crisis. The Company has taken significant steps to reduce the leverage in its balance sheet, reduce its debt service costs, and diversify its access to repurchase agreement funding.  The Company’s alternative investment strategy that utilizes structured MBS has been elevated to a core element of its investment strategy and liquidity management. However, the Company’s ability to utilize this element of our investment strategy is limited because such investments do not satisfy the asset criteria to meet Investment Company Act requirements.  Further, if cash resources are, at any time, insufficient to satisfy the Company’s liquidity requirements, such as when cash flow from operations are materially negative, the Company may be required to pledge additional assets to meet margin calls, liquidate assets, sell additional debt or equity securities or pursue other financing alternatives.





Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates





The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates affecting the accompanying financial statements include the fair values of MBS, the prepayment speeds used to calculate amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on MBS, and certain discontinued operations related items including asset valuation allowances and fair values of retained interests.





Discontinued Operations





On November 3, 2005, Bimini Capital acquired Opteum Financial Services, LLC.  Upon closing of the transaction, Opteum became a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary of Bimini Capital. This entity, which was previously referred to as “OFS,” was renamed Orchid Island TRS, LLC (“OITRS”) effective July 3, 2007.   Hereinafter, any historical mention, discussion or references to Opteum Financial Services, LLC or to OFS now means OITRS.





During the second quarter of 2007, the Company closed OITRS’ wholesale and conduit mortgage loan origination channels and, during the second and third quarters of 2007, sold substantially all of the operating assets of OITRS.  Therefore, all of OITRS’s assets were considered as held for sale, and OITRS was then reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented following applicable accounting standards.  At September 30, 2010, the remaining assets and liabilities are considered to be contingent and continue to be recorded by OITRS pursuant to the terms of the disposal of the operations, with the exception of retained interests, the disposal of which has been delayed as a result of the lingering effect of the financial market crisis and a significant lack of investor interest in such securities. However, while the market for such retained interests is temporarily inactive as a result of continued deterioration in the underlying collateral, the Company has made every effort to market such securities to known market participants who have been active in the past.  Accordingly, all current and prior financial information related to OITRS and the mortgage banking business is presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 12 - Discontinued Operations.





Terminology





As used in this document, discussions related to “Bimini Capital,” the parent company, the registrant, and to REIT qualifying activities or the general management of Bimini Capital’s portfolio of MBS refer to “Bimini Capital Management, Inc.”  Further, discussions related to Bimini Capital’s taxable REIT subsidiary or non-REIT eligible assets refer to OITRS and its consolidated subsidiaries. Discussions relating to “the Company” refer to the consolidated entity (the combination of Bimini Capital and OITRS).





Consolidation





The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bimini Capital and its wholly-owned subsidiary, OITRS, as well as the wholly-owned subsidiaries of OITRS.  OITRS is reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.  All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.





As further described in Note 6, Bimini Capital historically had a common share investment in a trust used in connection with the issuance of Bimini Capital’s junior subordinated notes.  Pursuant to the applicable accounting guidance for variable interest entities, Bimini Capital’s common share investment in the trust has not been consolidated in the financial statements of Bimini Capital, and accordingly, this investment has been accounted for on the equity method.





Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)





In accordance with FASB ASC 220, Comprehensive Income, a statement of comprehensive income has not been included as the Company has no items of other comprehensive income.  Comprehensive income (loss) is the same as net income (loss) for all periods presented.





Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash





Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash represents cash held on deposit as collateral with the repurchase agreement counterparty, which may be used to make principal and interest payments on the related repurchase agreements, and cash held by a broker as margin on Eurodollar futures contracts.





The Company and its subsidiaries maintain cash balances at three banks.  Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000.  At September 30, 2010, uninsured deposits were approximately $2.6 million.





Mortgage-Backed Securities





The Company invests primarily in mortgage pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, and interest only securities or inverse interest only securities representing interest in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans (collectively, MBS).  MBS transactions are recorded on the trade date.





In accordance with FASB ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities, the Company classifies its investments in MBS into one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity. All MBS securities held by Bimini Capital are reflected in the Company's financial statements at their estimated fair value.





The fair value of the Company’s investments in MBS is governed by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  The definition of fair value in FASB ASC 820 focuses on the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability either occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability, or in the absence of a principal market, occurs in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Estimated fair values for MBS are based on the average of third-party broker quotes received and/or independent pricing sources when available.









Income on MBS pass-through securities is based on the stated interest rate of the security. Premiums or discounts present at the date of purchase are not amortized.  For interest only securities, the income is accrued based on the carrying value and the effective yield.  Cash received is first applied to accrued interest and then to reduce the carrying value.  At each reporting date, the effective yield is adjusted prospectively from the reporting period based on the new estimate of prepayments and the contractual terms of the security.  For inverse interest only securities, effective yield and income recognition calculations also take into account the index value applicable to the security.  Changes in fair value of MBS during the period are recorded in earnings and reported as (losses) gains on trading securities in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.





Derivative Financial Instruments





The Company has entered into derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk, facilitate asset/liability strategies, and manage other exposures, and it may continue to do so in the future.  The Company has elected to not treat any of its derivative financial instruments as hedges.  FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires that all derivative investments be carried at fair value.





Financial Instruments





FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, either in the body of the financial statements or in the accompanying notes. MBS are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value for these instruments are presented in Note 11 of the financial statements.





The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, principal payments receivable, accrued interest receivable, repurchase agreements, accrued interest payable and accounts payable and other liabilities generally approximates their carrying value as of  September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.





It is impractical to estimate the fair value of the Company’s junior subordinated notes.  Currently, there is a limited market for these types of instruments and it is unclear what interest rates would be available to the Company for similar financial instruments. Information regarding carrying amounts, effective interest rates and maturity dates for these instruments is presented in the Note 6 to the financial statements.





Property and Equipment, net





Property and equipment, net, consists of computer equipment with a depreciable life of 3 years, office furniture and equipment with depreciable lives of 8 to 20 years, land which has no depreciable life, and buildings and improvements with depreciable lives of 30 years.  Property and equipment is recorded at acquisition cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.





Bimini Capital’s property and equipment as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, is presented net of accumulated depreciation of approximately $671,000 and $604,000, respectively. Depreciation expense was approximately $66,000 and $21,000 for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and $73,000 and $22,000 for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.








Repurchase Agreements





The Company finances the acquisition of the majority of its pass-through MBS through the use of repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, including accrued interest, as specified in the respective agreements. Although structured as a sale and repurchase obligation, a repurchase agreement operates as a financing under which securities are pledged as collateral to secure a short-term loan equal in value to a specified percentage (generally between 93 and 95 percent) of the market value of the pledged collateral. While used as collateral, the borrower retains beneficial ownership of the pledged collateral, including the right to distributions. At the maturity of a repurchase agreement, the borrower is required to repay the loan and concurrently receive the pledged collateral from the lender or, with the consent of the lender, renew such agreement at the then prevailing financing rate. Margin calls, whereby a lender requires that the Company pledge additional securities or cash as collateral to secure borrowings under its repurchase agreements with such a lender, are routinely experienced by the Company when the value of the MBS pledged as collateral declines or as a result of principal amortization or due to changes in market interest rates, spreads or other market conditions.





The Company’s repurchase agreements typically have terms ranging from one month to six months at inception, with some having longer terms.  Should a counterparty decide not to renew a repurchase agreement at maturity, the Company must either refinance elsewhere or be in a position to satisfy the obligation.  If, during the term of a repurchase agreement, a lender should file for bankruptcy, the Company might experience difficulty recovering its pledged assets which could result in an unsecured claim against the lender for the difference between the amount loaned to the Company plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged to such lender.  At September 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding balances under repurchase agreements with two lenders with a maximum amount at risk (the difference between the amount loaned to the Company, including interest payable, and the fair value of securities pledged by the Company as collateral, including accrued interest on such securities) of $4.9 million; see Note 4.





Share-Based Compensation





The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, to account for stock and stock-based awards. For stock and stock-based awards issued to employees, a compensation charge is recorded against earnings over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award. Payments pursuant to dividend equivalent rights, which are granted along with certain equity based awards, are charged to stockholders’ equity when declared.  The Company applies a zero forfeiture rate for its equity based awards, as such awards have been granted to a limited number of employees and historical forfeitures have been minimal. Forfeitures, or an indication that forfeitures may occur, would result in a revised forfeiture rate and are accounted for prospectively as a change in an estimate. For transactions with non-employees in which services are performed in exchange for the Company's common stock or other equity instruments, the transactions are recorded on the basis of the fair value of the service received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more readily measurable at the date of issuance.





Reverse Stock Split





On March 12, 2010, the Company executed a one-for-ten reverse stock split of its Class A, Class B and Class C common stock.  Prior to effecting the reverse split, at December 31, 2009 the Company had 27,637,789 shares of Class A common stock outstanding and 319,388 shares each of its Class B and Class C common stock outstanding.  Further, in connection with the dividend paid on January 19, 2010, the Company issued an additional 72,414,462 shares of Class A common stock which brought the total shares outstanding of Class A common stock to 100,052,251 at January 19, 2010. Upon consummation of the reverse split, as of March 12, 2010 issued and outstanding shares of Class A, Class B and Class C common stock were 10,052,225, 31,938 and 31,938, respectively. All references in the accompanying financial statements to the number of common shares and per-share amounts for all periods have been restated to reflect the reverse stock split.





Earnings Per Share





The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies with complex capital structures, common stock equivalents or two (or more) classes of securities that participate in the declared dividends to present both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) on the face of the consolidated statement of operations. Basic EPS is calculated as income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the “if converted” method for common stock equivalents. However, the common stock equivalents are not included in computing diluted EPS if the result is anti-dilutive.







Outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, participating and convertible into Class A Common Stock, are entitled to receive dividends in an amount equal to the dividends declared on each share of Class A Common Stock if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board of Directors. Accordingly, shares of the Class B Common Stock are included in the computation of basic EPS using the two-class method and, consequently, are presented separately from Class A Common Stock.





The shares of Class C Common Stock are not included in the basic EPS computation as these shares do not have participation rights. The outstanding shares of Class B and Class C Common Stock are not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the Class A Common Stock as the conditions for conversion into shares of Class A Common Stock were not met.





All basic and diluted weighted average share and per-share amounts in these financial statements have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the March 12, 2010 reverse stock split.





Income Taxes





Bimini Capital has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. Bimini Capital will generally not be subject to federal income tax on its REIT taxable income to the extent that Bimini Capital distributes its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and satisfies the ongoing REIT requirements, including meeting certain asset, income and stock ownership tests. A REIT must generally distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders, of which 85% generally must be distributed within the taxable year, in order to avoid the imposition of an excise tax. The remaining balance may be distributed up to the end of the following taxable year, provided the REIT elects to treat such amount as a prior year distribution and meets certain other requirements. At September 30, 2010, management believes that the Company has complied with Code requirements and Bimini Capital continues to qualify as a REIT. As further described in Note 12, Discontinued Operations, OITRS is a taxpaying entity for income tax purposes and is taxed separately from Bimini Capital.   The Company files federal and state tax returns for both the REIT and the taxable REIT subsidiary.  Generally, returns for all periods after 2005 remain open for examination.





Recent Accounting Pronouncements





In February 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-09, Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements, (“ASU 2010-09”) which amends ASC 855, Subsequent Events, to address certain implementation issues related to an entity’s requirement to perform and disclose subsequent-events procedures.  ASU 2010-09 requires SEC filers to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued and exempts SEC filers from disclosing the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.  The ASU was effective immediately upon issuance.  The implementation of this new accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.





In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires additional disclosures related to the transfers in and out of the fair value hierarchy and the activity of Level 3 financial instruments. This ASU also provides clarification for the classification of financial instruments and the discussion of inputs and valuation techniques. The new disclosures and clarification are effective for interim and annual reporting periods after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures related to the activity of Level 3 financial instruments. Those disclosures are effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim periods within those years. The implementation of this new accounting guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.





In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-01, Accounting for Distributions to Shareholders with Components of Stock and Cash, a Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.  The purpose of this ASU was to eliminate diversity in practice by requiring classification of the stock portion of a dividend payment as a share issuance if there is a limit on the cash portion of the dividend payment.  The Company applied this new accounting guidance as of December 31, 2009 for its dividend declared in November 2009 and paid in January 2010.








In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting No. 167 (“FAS 167), Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was subsequently incorporated into ASC 810, Consolidation.  FAS 167 changes how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. FAS 167 is effective for periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The implementation of this new accounting guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.





In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting No. 166 (“FAS 166”), Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, which was subsequently incorporated into ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing,  FAS 166 is a revision of FAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, and will require disclosure of more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. FAS 166 also eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets and requires additional disclosures. FAS 166 is effective for periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Earlier application was prohibited. The Company adopted FAS 166 on January 1, 2010. The implementation of this new accounting guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s financial statements.





NOTE 2.   MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES





The following table presents the Company’s Mortgage-Backed Securities portfolio as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Pass-Through Certificates:Hybrid Arms

$
2,794


$
67,036Adjustable-rate Mortgages


60,075



32,598Fixed-rate Mortgages


49,017



5,241Total Pass-Through Certificates


111,886



104,875Structured MBS Certificates:Structured MBS


18,891



14,793Totals

$
130,777


$
119,668





The following table summarizes the Company’s Mortgage-Backed Securities portfolio as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, according to their contractual maturities. Actual maturities of MBS investments are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities and are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal, and prepayments of principal.





in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Less than one year

$
-


$
-Greater than one year and less than five years


1,988



3,495Greater than five years and less than ten years


11,149



1,800Greater than or equal to ten years


117,640



114,373Totals

$
130,777


$
119,668





NOTE 3.   EARNINGS PER SHARE





Shares of Class B Common Stock, participating and convertible into Class A Common Stock, are entitled to receive dividends in an amount equal to the dividends declared on each share of Class A Common Stock if, and when, authorized and declared by the Board of Directors. Following the provisions of FASB ASC 260, the Class B Common Stock is included in the computation of basic EPS using the two-class method, and consequently is presented separately from Class A Common Stock. Class B common shares are not included in the computation of diluted Class A EPS as the conditions for conversion to Class A shares were not met at September 30, 2010 and 2009.










The Class C common shares are not included in the basic EPS computation as these shares do not have participation rights. The Class C common shares are not included in the computation of diluted Class A EPS as the conditions for conversion to Class A shares were not met at September 30, 2010 and 2009.





The Company has dividend eligible stock incentive plan shares that were outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. The basic and diluted per share computations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009, included a weighted average of 38,828 and 100,000 of these unvested incentive plan shares, respectively, as they have dividend participation rights. The stock incentive plan shares have no contractual obligation to share in losses. Since there is no such obligation, the incentive plan shares are not included in the basic and diluted EPS computations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, even though they are participating securities.





The Company previously issued stock incentive plan shares that were not dividend eligible.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a weighted average 4,430 of such plan shares are included in the diluted per share computations, respectively. There were no such plan shares outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2009 or the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010.





As discussed in Note 7, on November 9, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special dividend giving stockholders the option to make an election to receive payment of the dividend in cash or in shares of its Class A Common Stock, subject to an aggregate cash limitation.  These shares were not included in the calculation of basic earnings per share until January 19, 2010 because they were not yet issued.  They were not included in the diluted per share calculation prior to issuance because their inclusion prior to this date would have been anti-dilutive.





The table below reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS.





(in thousands, except per-share information)


Nine Months Ended September 30,


Three Months Ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Basic and diluted EPS per Class A common share:Income (loss) available to Class A common shares:Continuing operations

$
(2,868
)

$
38,184


$
(1,385
)

$
2,280Discontinued operations


2,117



(2,084
)


1,271



198$
(751
)

$
36,100


$
(114
)

$
2,478Weighted average common shares:Class A common shares outstanding at the balance sheet date


10,075



2,749



10,075



2,749Unvested dividend-eligible stock incentive plan shares outstanding at the balance sheet date


-



100



-



100Effect of weighting


(536
)


(120
)


(1
)


(15
)Weighted average shares-basic


9,539



2,729



10,074



2,834Effect of dilutive stock incentive plan shares


-



4



-



-Weighted average shares-diluted


9,539



2,733



10,074



2,834Earnings (loss) per Class A common share – basic:Continuing operations

$
(0.30
)

$
13.99


$
(0.14
)

$
0.80Discontinued operations


0.22



(0.76
)


0.13



0.07$
(0.08
)

$
13.23


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87Earnings (loss) per Class A common share – diluted:Continuing operations

$
(0.30
)

$
13.97


$
(0.14
)

$
0.80Discontinued operations


0.22



(0.76
)


0.13



0.07$
(0.08
)

$
13.21


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87










(in thousands, except per-share information)


Nine Months Ended September 30,


Three Months Ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Basic and diluted EPS per Class B common share:Income (loss) available to Class B common shares:Continuing operations

$
(10
)

$
447


$
(4
)

$
26Discontinued operations


7



(24
)


4



2$
(3
)

$
423


$
-


$
28Weighted average common shares:Class B common shares outstanding at the balance sheet date


32



32



32



32Effect of weighting


-



-



-



-Weighted average shares-basic and diluted

$
32


$
32


$
32


$
32Earnings (loss) per Class B common share – basic:Continuing operations

$
(0.30
)

$
13.99


$
(0.14
)

$
0.80Discontinued operations


0.22



(0.76
)


0.13



0.07$
(0.08
)

$
13.23


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87Earnings (loss) per Class B common share – diluted:Continuing operations

$
(0.30
)

$
13.97


$
(0.14
)

$
0.80Discontinued operations


0.22



(0.76
)


0.13



0.07$
(0.08
)

$
13.21


$
(0.01
)

$
0.87





NOTE 4.   REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS





As of September 30, 2010, Bimini Capital had outstanding repurchase obligations of approximately $107.3 million with a net weighted average borrowing rate of 0.32%. These agreements were collateralized by MBS with a fair value, including accrued interest, of approximately $112.2 million.  As of December 31, 2009, Bimini Capital had outstanding repurchase obligations of approximately $100.3 million with a net weighted average borrowing rate of 0.30%.  These agreements were collateralized by MBS with a fair value of approximately $105.2 million.





As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Bimini Capital's repurchase agreements had remaining maturities as summarized below:





(in thousands)


OVERNIGHT

(1 DAY OR LESS)


BETWEEN 2 AND

30 DAYS


BETWEEN 31 AND

90 DAYS


GREATER THAN

90 DAYS


TOTALSeptember 30, 2010Agency-Backed Mortgage--Backed Securities:Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable

$
-


$
14,057


$
15,419


$
82,758


$
112,234Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities

$
-


$
13,384


$
14,675


$
79,215


$
107,274Net weighted average borrowing rate


-



0.33
%


0.30
%


0.32
%


0.32
%December 31, 2009Agency-Backed Mortgage--Backed Securities:Fair market value of securities pledged, including accrued interest receivable

$
-


$
67,599


$
37,644


$
-


$
105,243Repurchase agreement liabilities associated with these securities

$
-


$
65,120


$
35,151


$
-


$
100,271Net weighted average borrowing rate


-



0.31
%


0.29
%


-



0.30
%










Summary information regarding the Company’s amounts at risk with individual counterparties greater than 10% of the Company’s equity at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is as follows:





(in thousands)


Repurchase Agreement Counterparties

Amount

at Risk(1)


Weighted Average Maturity of Repurchase Agreements in DaysSeptember 30, 2010MF Global, Inc.

$
4,197



91December 31, 2009MF Global, Inc.

$
4,929



38


(1)
Equal to the fair value of securities sold, plus accrued interest income, minus the sum of repurchase agreement liabilities, plus accrued interest expense.





NOTE 5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS





In connection with the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy, during the second quarter of 2010, the Company economically hedged a portion of its interest rate risk by entering into derivative financial instrument contracts.  The Company did not elect hedging treatment under the current accounting standards, and as such all gains and losses for the three and nine months ended are reflected in earnings.





As of September 30, 2010, such instruments are comprised entirely of Eurodollar futures contracts.  Eurodollar futures are cash settled futures contracts on an interest rate, with gains and losses credited and charged to the Company’s account on a daily basis. A minimum balance, or “margin”, is required to be maintained in the account on a daily basis. The Company is exposed to the changes in value of the futures by the amount of margin held by the broker.  The total amount of margin at September 30, 2010 is approximately $249,000 and is reflected in restricted cash.





The Company’s Eurodollar futures contracts are used to lock in a fixed rate related to a portion of its junior subordinated notes.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company has effectively locked in a weighted-average fixed rate of 1.59% on $26 million of its junior subordinated notes through March 2013.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s positions in Eurodollar futures contracts, as well as losses reported in income for the nine and three months then ended were as follows:





(in thousands)


Losses for the Period Ended September 30, 2010Expiration

Notional Amount


Nine Months


Three MonthsDecember 2010

$
26,000


$
29


$
26March 2011


26,000



41



28June 2011


26,000



54



30September 2011


26,000



65



33December 2011


26,000



75



38March 2012


26,000



84



43June 2012


26,000



33



33September 2012


26,000



37



37December 2012


26,000



40



40March 2013


26,000



41



41$
499


$
349





NOTE 6.  TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES





As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, Bimini Capital sponsored one statutory trust, known as Bimini Capital Trust II (“BCTII”) of which 100% of the common equity is owned by the Bimini Capital, formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred capital securities to third-party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of such capital securities solely in junior subordinated debt securities of Bimini Capital. The debt securities held by the trust are the sole assets of that trust.







The BCTII trust preferred securities and Bimini Capital's BCTII Junior Subordinated Notes have a fixed-rate of interest until December 15, 2010, of 7.8575% and thereafter, through maturity in 2035, the rate will float at a spread of 3.50% over the prevailing three-month LIBOR rate. The BCTII trust preferred securities and Bimini Capital's BCTII Junior Subordinated Notes require quarterly interest distributions and are redeemable at Bimini Capital's option, in whole or in part and without penalty, beginning December 15, 2010. Bimini Capital's BCTII Junior Subordinated Notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment of all present and future senior indebtedness. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the outstanding principal balance on the junior subordinated debt securities owed to BCTII is $26.8 million.





The trust is a variable interest entity pursuant to FASB ASC 810 because the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have adequate decision making ability over the trust's activities. Since Bimini Capital's investment in the trust's common equity securities was financed directly by the applicable trust as a result of its loan of the proceeds to Bimini Capital, that investment is not considered to be an equity investment at risk. Since Bimini Capital's common share investments in BCTII are not a variable interest, Bimini Capital is not the primary beneficiary of the trusts. Therefore, Bimini Capital has not consolidated the financial statements of BCTII into its financial statements.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements present Bimini Capital's BCTII Junior Subordinated Notes issued to the trust as a liability and Bimini Capital's investment in the common equity securities of BCTII as an asset. For financial statement purposes, Bimini Capital records payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes issued to BCTII as interest expense.





NOTE 7.  CAPITAL STOCK





Reverse Stock Split





On March 12, 2010, the Company executed a one-for-ten reverse stock split Class A, Class B and Class C common stock.  All references in the accompanying financial statements to the number of common shares and per-share amounts for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.





Issuances of Common Stock





During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued a total of 129,301 and 48,800 shares of its Class A Common Stock to its independent directors for the payment of director fees.





During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company issued a total of 118,719 and 17,781 shares of its Class A Common Stock to its independent directors for the payment of director fees for services rendered and 9,781 and 0 shares of its Class A Common Stock to employees pursuant to the terms of its stock incentive plan grants.





On January 19, 2010, the Company issued 7,241,446 shares of its Class A common stock in connection with a special dividend described more fully below.





There were no issuances of the Company's Class B Common Stock and Class C Common Stock.





Stock Repurchases





On June 29, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 million of the Company’s Class A common stock.  Through September 30, 2010, the Company has repurchased 58,846 shares under the plan, for a total of approximately $51,000.





Dividends





On November 9, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a $6.50 per share special dividend to the holders of its dividend eligible securities on the record date of December 9, 2009.  Subject to an aggregate cash limitation of approximately $1.9 million, stockholders had the option to make an election to receive payment of the dividend in cash or in shares of its Class A Common Stock.  Stockholders that elected to receive the dividend entirely in shares received approximately 2.8 shares for each share held.  Stockholders that elected to receive at least a portion of the dividend in cash received approximately $0.69 in cash and 2.5 shares for each share held.  The distribution totaling approximately $1.9 million in cash and 7,241,446 in shares was paid on January 19, 2009.










A liability of $18.7 million was recorded as of December 31, 2009 related to the special dividend.  This liability consisted of both the cash portion of the dividend declared and the fair value of the shares of Class A Common Stock to be issued.  The liability was settled in January 2010 for $1.9 million in cash and an increase in stockholders’ equity of $16.8 million, representing the fair value of the shares issued.





On April 1, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors declared a $0.03 per share cash dividend to the holders of its dividend eligible securities on the record date of April 15, 2010.  The distribution totaling approximately $314,000 was paid on April 30, 2010.





On June 29, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors declared a $0.03 per share cash dividend to the holders of its dividend eligible securities on the record date of July 15, 2010.  The distribution totaling approximately $316,000 was paid on July 30, 2010.





On October 4, 2010, the Company's Board of Directors declared a $0.03 per share cash dividend to the holders of its dividend eligible securities on the record date of October 15, 2010.  The distribution totaling approximately $315,000 was paid on October 29, 2010.





Based on reported operating results to date, the Company believes that the dividends declared in 2010 may not be taxable to the recipient, but will be treated as a return of capital for tax purposes. The Company has net operating loss and capital loss carry-forwards from prior years available to offset taxable income and capital gains, respectively, earned in 2010.  After application of such carry-forwards, and given year to date results, it is possible all or part of the dividends declared in 2010 will not be paid from REIT taxable income.  To the extent dividends exceed REIT taxable earnings, the dividends will constitute a return of capital.





NOTE 8.    STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS





On December 18, 2003, Bimini Capital adopted the 2003 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2003 Plan”) to provide Bimini with the flexibility to use stock options and other awards as part of an overall compensation package to provide a means of performance-based compensation to attract and retain qualified personnel. The 2003 Plan was amended and restated in March 2004. Key employees, directors and consultants are eligible to be granted stock options, restricted stock, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights and other stock-based awards under the 2003 Plan. Subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a maximum of 400,000 shares of the Class A Common Stock (but not more than 10% of the Class A Common Stock outstanding on the date of grant) may be subject to stock options, shares of restricted stock, phantom shares and dividend equivalent rights under the 2003 Plan.





Phantom share awards represent a right to receive a share of Bimini's Class A Common Stock.  These awards do not have an exercise price and are valued at the fair value of Bimini Capital’s Class A Common Stock at the date of the grant. The grant date value is being amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the respective award.  The phantom shares vest, based on the employees’ continuing employment, following a schedule as provided in the grant agreements, for periods through March 15, 2015. The Company recognizes compensation expense over the vesting period. Compensation expense recognized for phantom shares was approximately $62,000 and $27,000 for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, and $67,000 and $7,000 for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009.  Dividends paid on unsettled awards are charged to stockholders’ equity when declared.





A summary of phantom share activity during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is presented below:





Nine Months Ended September 30,2010


2009Shares


Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value


Shares


Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueNonvested, at January 1


102,000


$
1.58



13,237


$
5.79Granted


302,000



0.97



100,000



1.50Vested


-



-



(8,197
)


7.36Forfeited


-



-



(5,040
)


3.24Nonvested, at September 30


404,000


$
1.12



100,000


$
1.50










As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $375,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested phantom share awards.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 48.7 months.  All of the remaining outstanding unvested awards at September 30, 2010 were granted with dividend participation rights.





Bimini Capital previously adopted the 2004 Performance Bonus Plan (the “Performance Bonus Plan”). The Performance Bonus Plan was an annual bonus plan that permitted the issuance of the Company’s Class A Common Stock in payment of stock-based awards made under the plan.  The Performance Bonus Plan was terminated by the Board of Directors on April 1, 2010. No stock-based awards were made and no shares of the Company’s stock were issued under the Performance Bonus Plan.





NOTE 9.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES





Outstanding Litigation





The Company is involved in various lawsuits and claims, both actual and potential, including some that it has asserted against others, in which monetary and other damages are sought. These lawsuits and claims relate primarily to contractual disputes arising out of the ordinary course of the Company’s business. The outcome of such lawsuits and claims is inherently unpredictable. However, management believes that, in the aggregate, the outcome of all lawsuits and claims involving the Company will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity; however, any such outcome may be material to the results of operations of any particular period in which costs, if any, are recognized.





On September 17, 2007, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by William Kornfeld against Bimini Capital, certain of its current and former officers and directors, Flagstone Securities, LLC and BB&T Capital Markets alleging various violations of the federal securities laws and seeking class action certification.  At a mediation held on February 12, 2010, the parties reached a tentative settlement of this matter for $2.35 million. Bimini Capital made no admission of liability in connection with the settlement.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had accrued approximately $0.5 million related to the settlement.  This amount represented the remainder of the $1.0 million retention that the Company was required to pay under the terms of its Directors and Officers insurance policy. On October 14, 2010, the remaining $0.4 million of the accrual was remitted to an escrow account established by plaintiff to be included in the settlement fund. The remainder of the settlement will be paid by the D&O carrier.  A written stipulation of settlement was presented to the Court and a preliminary approval was granted on September 14, 2010.  Notices were sent to members of the Class in order to provide the members of the class an opportunity to opt out of the settlement.  Members have until November 11, 2010 to elect out of the settlement. A final fairness hearing will be held on December 9, 2010.  If the requisite percent of members (5%) do not opt out of the settlement, the settlement will become final.  If the settlement is not finalized, the class action would continue.  While the Company expects that this settlement will be finalized and approved by the Court, there is no guarantee that the settlement will be finalized.  The failure to finalize the settlement could have a material adverse impact on the Company.





A complaint was filed on December 23, 2009 in the Southern District of New York against Bimini Capital Management, Inc. ("Bimini"), the Bank of New York Mellon ("BNYM"), and Hexagon Securities, LLC ("Hexagon"). It alleges that Plaintiff, a note-holder in Preferred Term Securities XX ("PreTSL XX"), suffered losses as a result of Bimini’s repurchase of all outstanding fixed/floating rate capital securities of Bimini Capital Trust II for less than par value from PreTSL XX in December 2009. Plaintiff alleged breach of the indenture and breach of fiduciary duties by BNYM, and tortious interference with contract and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty by Bimini and Hexagon. Plaintiff also alleges derivative claims brought on behalf of Nominal Defendant PreTSL XX.  On February 22, 2010, plaintiff filed an amended complaint, adding derivative claims on behalf of BNYM as trustee, in addition to the prior derivative claims asserted on behalf of PreTSL XX.  Plaintiff has also added a claim for "unjust enrichment" against Bimini and Hexagon. On March 26, 2010, all Defendants moved to dismiss each count of Plaintiff's amended complaint. A hearing was held on June 9, 2010 to allow both parties to present oral arguments in support of their respective positions on the pending motion to dismiss.  As of November 3, 2010, the court has not yet ruled on the motion.  Discovery and depositions related to the matter are substantially complete and expert witnesses for both sides have been retained and submitted expert reports. A Motion for Summary Judgment will be filed by Bimini if the motion for dismissal is denied in whole or in part.  Bimini denies that the repurchase was improper and intends to defend the suit vigorously.










A second complaint by a noteholder in PreTSL XX was filed on July 16, 2010 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against the same defendants.  The complaint, filed by Hildene Capital Management, LLC and Hildene Opportunities Fund, Ltd., alleges losses as a result of the same repurchase of securities from PreTSL XX by Bimini.  The plaintiffs in this action have alleged the same causes of action as the plaintiff in the federal court action.  In addition, they have also alleged a cause of action for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both directly and derivatively) against BNYM. Defendants and nominal defendants have moved to stay that action pending resolution of the federal action initiated by R. Davis Howe, and that motion is currently pending before the court. Bimini denies that the repurchase was improper and intends to defend the suit vigorously.





NOTE 10.  INCOME TAXES





REIT taxable income (loss), as generated by Bimini Capital’s qualifying REIT activities, is computed in accordance with the Code, which is different from the Company’s financial statement net income (loss) as computed in accordance with GAAP. Depending on the number and size of the various items or transactions being accounted for differently, the differences between the Company’s REIT taxable income (loss) and the Company’s financial statement net income (loss) can be substantial and each item can affect several years.  Bimini Capital’s REIT taxable loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is estimated to be $3.8 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, a GAAP financial statement gain on MBS sales of approximately $0.1 million was realized; for tax purposes, realized capital gains for this period was approximately $1.1 million.  Since there are tax capital losses available to offset the tax capital gains, the tax gains did not increase REIT taxable income for the period ended September 30, 2010.





During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, fair value adjustments on the MBS portfolio of approximately $(1.4) million were recorded on the GAAP financial statements; for tax purposes, these fair value adjustments will not be taken into account until the underlying security is sold.  Other differences between GAAP financial statement results and REIT taxable income (loss) include the results of the discontinued operations (which does not impact REIT taxable income), the different tax and book accounting methods used for calculating interest income, and depreciation and amortization.





As of September 30, 2010, Bimini Capital has approximately $56.2 million of remaining capital loss carryforwards available to offset future capital gains. As of September 30, 2010, Bimini Capital has a REIT tax net operating loss carryforward of approximately $4.5 million that is immediately available to offset future REIT taxable income.  The capital loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2012, and the net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2028. Bimini Capital’s REIT taxable income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was estimated to be $11.0 million.  This amount included a gain on debt extinguishment, and is net of a tax net operating loss carryforward.





NOTE 11.   FAIR VALUE





The Company measures or monitors all of its MBS on a fair value basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for its mortgage-backed securities, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset. When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets.  When identical assets are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to market observable data for similar assets.





All of the fair value adjustments included in the results from continuing operations resulted from Level 2 fair value methodologies; that is, the Company is able to value the assets based on observable market data for similar instruments. The securities in the Company’s trading portfolio are priced via independent providers, whether those are pricing services or quotations from market-makers in the specific instruments. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has evaluated the valuation methodologies used to develop the fair values in order to determine whether such valuations are representative of an exit price in the Company’s principal markets.










Fair value is used to measure the trading portfolio on a recurring basis.  The fair values as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are determined as follows:





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

$
-


$
-Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)


130,777



119,668Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)


-



-Total Fair Value Measurements

$
130,777


$
119,668





NOTE 12.   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS





OITRS





The results of the discontinued operations of OITRS included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:





(in thousands)


Nine Months Ended September 30,


Three Months Ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Fair value adjustment on retained interests

$
2,896


$
(298
)

$
1,528


$
618Other


(772
)


(1,810
)


(253
)


(418
)Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

$
2,124


$
(2,108
)

$
1,275


$
200





The assets and liabilities of OITRS included in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009AssetsCash and cash equivalents

$
167


$
70Retained interests (a)


5,474



5,934Receivables (b)


3,964



6,046Prepaids and other assets


1,434



2,282Assets held for sale

$
11,039


$
14,332LiabilitiesAccounts payable, accrued expenses and other (c and d)


6,687



7,622Liabilities related to assets held for sale

$
6,687


$
7,622





(a) – Retained interests





The following table summarizes OITRS’s residual interests in asset backed securities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:





(in thousands)


Series
Issue Date

September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009HMAC 2004-1
March 4, 2004

$
572


$
757HMAC 2004-2
May 10, 2004


807



1,340HMAC 2004-3
June 30, 2004


2,245



1,541HMAC 2004-4
August 16, 2004


1,297



1,280HMAC 2004-5
September 28, 2004


553



1,016Total


$
5,474


$
5,934








As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of residual cash flows to the immediate 10% and 20% adverse change in those assumptions are as follows:





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Balance sheet carrying value of retained interests – fair value

$
5,474


$
5,934Weighted average life (in years)


0.89



0.22Prepayment assumption (annual rate)


10.00
%


12.65
%Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

$
(163
)

$
(37
)Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

$
(311
)

$
(51
)Expected credit losses (% of original unpaid principal balance)


11.64
%


9.08
%Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

$
(778
)

$
(242
)Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

$
(1,377
)

$
(439
)Residual cash-flow discount rate


27.50
%


27.50
%Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

$
(104
)

$
(42
)Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

$
(203
)

$
(83
)Interest rates on variable and adjustable loans and bonds

Forward LIBOR Yield Curve


Forward LIBOR Yield CurveImpact on fair value of 10% adverse change

$
2,154


$
(113
)Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

$
2,035


$
(214
)





These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based upon a 10% variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of the variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities. To estimate the impact of a 10% and 20% adverse change of the Forward LIBOR curve, a parallel shift in the Forward LIBOR curve was assumed based on the Forward LIBOR curve as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.





Static pool loss percentages are calculated by using the original unpaid principal balance of each pool of assets as the denominator.




(in thousands)


As of September 30, 2010Series
Issue Date

Original Unpaid Principal Balance


Actual Losses


Projected Future Credit Losses


Projected Total Credit LossesHMAC 2004-1
March 4, 2004

$
309,710



1.11
%


4.15
%


5.26
%HMAC 2004-2
May 10, 2004


388,737



1.66
%


6.16
%


7.82
%HMAC 2004-3
June 30, 2004


417,055



1.63
%


7.24
%


8.87
%HMAC 2004-4
August 16, 2004


410,123



1.32
%


5.49
%


6.81
%HMAC 2004-5
September 28, 2004


413,875



2.03
%


6.39
%


8.42
%Total


$
1,939,500



1.57
%


5.98
%


7.55
%





The table below summarizes certain cash flows received from and paid to securitization trusts for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:





(in thousands)


Nine months Ended September 30,2010


2009Servicing advances and repayments

$
2,071


$
11,010Cash flows received on retained interests


3,357



7,847











The following information presents quantitative information about delinquencies and credit losses on securitized financial assets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:





(in thousands)


As of Date

Total Principal Amount of Loans


Principal Amount of Loans 60 Days or more delinquent


Net Credit LossesSeptember 30, 2010

$
389,839


$
44,719


$
30,522December 31, 2009


428,716



61,269



22,753





(b) – Receivables, net





Receivables consist of the following as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Servicing advances, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $256

$
2,630


$
4,701Servicing sales


936



936Others


398



409$
3,964


$
6,046





Receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts.  The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Management considers the following factors when determining the collectability of specific customer accounts: past transaction activity, current economic conditions and changes in customer payment terms. Amounts that the Company determines are no longer collectible are written off.  Collections on amounts previously written off are included in income as received.





(c)  - Income taxes





OITRS is a tax paying entity for income tax purposes and is taxed separately from Bimini Capital.  Therefore, OITRS separately reports an income tax provision or benefit based on its own taxable activities.  The income tax provisions for the nine-month and three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 differ from the amount determined by applying the statutory Federal rate of 35% to the pre-tax income or loss due primarily to the recording of, and adjustments to, the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.





During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, and during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, a portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance was reversed, as the utilization of this portion of the deferred tax asset was deemed more likely than not, due to the utilization of tax net operating losses to offset estimated taxable income for the respective periods; therefore, there are no income tax provisions related to the results of operations.  The net deferred tax asset generated by the net loss incurred during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009 is offset in its entirety by a deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and the amounts of the gross tax benefit generated by this loss is reduced by an offsetting valuation allowance of the same amount.





The net deferred tax assets and offsetting valuation allowances at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were approximately $101.2 million and $102.2 million, respectively.  The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income within OITRS.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, management believed that it was more likely than not that the Company will not realize the full benefits of all of the federal and state tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, which are the primary deferred tax assets of OITRS; therefore, an allowance for the full amount of the net deferred tax assets has been recorded.  Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income or losses, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.





As of September 30, 2010, OITRS had an estimated federal tax NOL carryforward of approximately $272.1 million, and estimated available state NOLs of approximately $63.2 million, which begin to expire in 2025, and are fully available to offset future taxable income.








During 2008, OITRS re-evaluated a previous tax position with regards to the taxation of excess inclusion income (“EII”).  OITRS holds residual interests in various real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”), which were issued in 2004, 2005 and 2006.  Some of these REMICs generate EII, which is a specific type of taxable income, pursuant to specific provisions of the Code.  OITRS based its previously-held tax position on advice received from tax consultants regarding the taxation of EII, including the aggregation (or non-aggregation) of the tax inputs from all REMICs owned for purposes of the EII tax computation.  As a result of the year 2008 re-evaluation of the tax position, which included consulting with additional tax experts, OITRS concluded that is was no longer more likely than not that the tax position would be fully sustained upon examination, even though the exact computational methods and the ultimate EII tax due was still uncertain.  Therefore, during 2008, OITRS recorded a tax provision for $1.5 million for taxes that may be due on EII;  this provision amount was unchanged through June 30, 2010.  Interest of $0.6 million was accrued on this tax provision through June 30, 2010.





OITRS continued to research all the tax issues relating to EII and its ownership of the REMICs, and during the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2010, it reached a tax filing position relating to this matter.  As part of the filing of its year 2009 tax returns (filed in September 2010), and as more fully described below, OITRS included a notice of inconsistent treatment in its tax returns, reported EII taxable income of approximately $2.3 million, and paid $0.8 million of income tax, interest and penalties.  Because of the continued uncertainty surrounding this tax matter, OITRS will continue to account for this tax issue as being more likely than not that the tax position would not be fully sustained upon examination.  Therefore as of September 30, 2010, OITRS has an accrued tax provision remaining on its books of about $0.8 million for taxes that may be due in the future on EII income, and an interest and penalty accrual totaling approximately $0.5 million on this tax provision.





The tax filing position taken was based on the belief that the EII income amounts reported to OITRS on IRS Forms Schedule Q, as computed and provided by the REMIC trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, were based on industry conventions that were materially inappropriate given the housing market collapse which began in 2007.  Some of the matters raising concern as to appropriateness of the Schedule Q reports include:  losses ten or more times the levels anticipated when they were issued, and cumulative deficits in the capital accounts of the REMICs of $110.6 million as of the end of 2009, less than five years after the first REMIC was issued. OITRS management believes the loan default levels experienced by these REMICs have materially distorted all of the EII income amounts calculated and reported by the trustee.  The federal tax return reporting process for REMICs specifically allows for the reporting and disclosure of a taxpayer taking a tax filing position inconsistent with the Schedule Qs provided by the REMIC trustee.  In making the needed adjustments for the distortions caused by the trustee’s application of improper assumptions in calculating the EII described above, management has tabulated an estimated taxable income amount for its REMIC interests from inception, and then reported and taxed that amount on the year 2009 income tax return for OITRS.





(d) – Commitments and Contingencies





Loans Sold to Investors. Generally, OITRS was not exposed to significant credit risk on its loans sold to investors. In the normal course of business, OITRS provided certain representations and warranties during the sale of mortgage loans which obligated it to repurchase loans which are subsequently unable to be sold through the normal investor channels. The repurchased loans were secured by the related real estate properties, and can usually be sold directly to other permanent investors. There can be no assurance, however, that OITRS will be able to recover the repurchased loan value either through other investor channels or through the assumption of the secured real estate.




OITRS recognized a liability for the estimated fair value of this obligation at the inception of each mortgage loan sale based on the anticipated repurchase levels and historical experience. Changes in this liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are presented below:





(in thousands)


Nine Months Ended September 30,2010


2009Balance—Beginning of period

$
5,149


$
7,303Provision


48



468Settlements


(110
)


(2,622
)Balance—End of period

$
5,087


$
5,149










Litigation Contingencies. OITRS is involved in various lawsuits and claims, both actual and potential, including some that it has asserted against others, in which monetary damages and other relief is sought.  The resolution of such lawsuits and claims is inherently unpredictable.  In accordance with GAAP, OITRS accrues for loss contingencies only when it is both probable that a loss has actually been incurred and the amount of such loss is reasonably estimable.  The lawsuits and claims involving OITRS, the most significant of which are described below, relate primarily to contractual disputes arising out of the ordinary course of OITRS's business as previously conducted.





On June 14, 2007, a complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial District in and for Manatee County, Florida by Coast Bank of Florida against OITRS seeking monetary damages and specific performance and alleging breach of contract for allegedly failing to repurchase approximately fifty loans.  A mediation hearing was held on February 23, 2010.  The parties continued settlement discussions for several months but did not reach a settlement.  On September 17, 2010, Coast filed a Motion for Substitution of Counsel and subsequently filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on the issue of whether the alleged oral contract is subject to Florida’s statute of Frauds.  That motion has not yet been scheduled for argument.  At this juncture, it appears Coast will continue to litigate the matter, although the parties may continue to discuss settlement outside of court. The Company has meritorious defenses to Coast’s claims and in the event a settlement is not reached, the Company will continue to defend this matter vigorously.





(e) – Fair Value





OITRS measures or monitors many of its assets on a fair value basis. Fair value is used on a recurring basis for certain assets in which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Examples of these include, loans held for sale and retained interests. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, OITRS uses various valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating the instrument’s fair value.





Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at and/or marked to fair value, OITRS considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, OITRS looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. If identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, OITRS would look to market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. However, if similar assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets, then OITRS must use alternative valuation techniques to derive a fair value measurement.





The following table presents financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:




(in thousands)


Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2010, UsingFair Value Measurements


Quoted Prices

in Active

Markets for

Identical

Assets

(Level 1)


Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)


Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)Mortgage loans held for sale

$
40


$
-


$
-


$
40Retained interests


5,474



-



-



5,474





A reconciliation of activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 for assets measured at fair value based on significant unobservable (non-market) information (Level 3) is presented in the following table:





(in thousands)


Mortgage Loans Held for Sale


Retained InterestsBeginning balance

$
207


$
5,934Gain included in earnings


73



2,897Collections, losses, sale and settlements


(240
)


(3,357
)Ending Balance

$
40


$
5,474











ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.





FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS





When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) or in press releases or other written or oral communications, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).





These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described or incorporated by reference in Part II - Item 1A - Risk Factors of this Form 10-Q. These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in reports that the Company files from time to time with the Commission, could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.





The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.





Introduction





As used in this document, references to “Bimini Capital,” the parent company, the registrant, and to real estate investment trust (“REIT”) qualifying activities or the general management of Bimini Capital’s portfolio of MBS refer to “Bimini Capital Management, Inc.”  Further, references to Bimini Capital’s taxable REIT subsidiary or non-REIT eligible assets refer to Orchid Island TRS, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries. This entity, which was previously named Opteum Financial Services, LLC, and referred to as “OFS,” was renamed Orchid Island TRS, LLC effective July 3, 2007.   Hereinafter, any historical mention, discussion or references to Opteum Financial Services, LLC or to OFS (such as in previously filed documents or Exhibits) now means Orchid Island TRS, LLC or “OITRS.”  References to the “Company” refer to the consolidated entity (the combination of Bimini Capital and OITRS).





Bimini Capital Management, Inc., formerly Opteum Inc. and Bimini Mortgage Management, Inc., was formed in September 2003 to invest primarily in but not limited to, residential mortgage related securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (more commonly known as Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (more commonly known as Freddie Mac) and the Government National Mortgage Association (more commonly known as Ginnie Mae). Bimini Capital will deploy its capital into two core strategies.  The two strategies are a levered mortgage-backed securities portfolio and an unlevered structured mortgage-backed securities portfolio.  The leverage applied to the mortgage-backed securities portfolio will typically be less than twelve to one.  Bimini Capital manages its portfolio of agency mortgage-backed securities and structured mortgage-backed securities to generate income derived from the net interest margin of its mortgage-backed securities portfolio, levered predominantly under repurchase agreement funding, net of associated hedging costs, and the interest income derived from its unlevered portfolio of structured mortgage-backed securities.  Bimini Capital treats its remaining junior subordinated notes as an equity capital equivalent. Bimini Capital is self-managed and self-advised and has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.





On April 18, 2007, the Board of Managers of OITRS, at the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company, approved the closure of the wholesale and conduit mortgage loan origination channels.  Both channels ceased accepting new applications for mortgage loans on April 20, 2007.  On May 7, 2007, OITRS signed a binding agreement, later amended, to sell its retail mortgage loan origination channel to a third party.  The transaction closed on September 30, 2007 and OITRS has not operated a mortgage loan origination business since that date.











Dividends to Stockholders





In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, Bimini Capital is required (among other provisions) to annually distribute dividends to its stockholders in an amount at least equal to, generally, 90% of Bimini Capital’s REIT taxable income. REIT taxable income is a term that describes Bimini Capital’s operating results calculated in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.


Bimini Capital’s REIT taxable income is computed differently from net income as computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP net income"), as reported in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Depending on the number and size of the various items or transactions being accounted for differently, the differences between REIT taxable income and GAAP net income can be substantial and each item can affect several reporting periods. Generally, these items are timing or temporary differences between years; for example, an item that may be a deduction for GAAP net income in the current year may not be a deduction for REIT taxable income until a later year.  The most significant differences are as follows: the results of the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiary do not impact REIT taxable income, and unrealized gains or losses on the trading securities portfolio do not impact REIT taxable income.





As a REIT, Bimini Capital may be subject to a federal excise tax if Bimini Capital distributes less than 85% of its taxable income by the end of the calendar year.  Accordingly, Bimini Capital’s dividends are based on its taxable income, as determined for federal income tax purposes, as opposed to its net income computed in accordance with GAAP (as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements).





Results of Operations:





Net Income Summary





Described below are the Company’s results of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the Company’s results of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company ceased all mortgage origination business at OITRS, and therefore the results of those operations are reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations.





Consolidated net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $0.8 million, or $0.08 basic and diluted loss per share of Class A Common Stock, as compared to consolidated net income of $36.5 million, or $13.23 and $13.21 basic and diluted income per share, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease of $37.3 million was primarily the result of the gain on debt extinguishment of approximately $32.4 million reported by the Company during the second quarter of 2009.  There was no such gain reported during the 2010 period. The balance of the decline was the result of net portfolio income decreasing by $7.5 million (as a result of a decrease of $5.8 million in gains/(losses) on trading securities) and an increase in operating expenses of $1.7 million from the previous year.  Offsetting the adverse movement in earnings for the period, interest on the junior subordinated notes decreased by $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 versus the comparable period in 2009.  Finally, results from discontinued operations improved from a loss of $2.1 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, to income of $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.





Consolidated net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $0.1 million, or $0.01 basic and diluted loss per share of Class A Common Stock, as compared to consolidated net income of $2.5 million, or $0.87 basic and diluted income per share for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease in net income of $2.6 million was due to a decrease in net portfolio income of $3.1 million and an increase in operating expenses of $0.7 million, partially offset by an increase in results from discontinued operations of $1.1 million.





Loss from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $2.9 million, or $0.30 basic and diluted loss per share of Class A Common Stock, compared to income of $38.6 million, or $13.99 and $13.97 basic and diluted income per share of Class A Common Stock, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company reported a loss of $1.4 million and income of $2.3 million, respectively, from continuing operations. On a per share basis, the loss from continuing operations was $0.14 basic and diluted for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and the income was $0.80 basic and diluted for the three months ended September 30, 2009.





Net Portfolio Income





During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the REIT generated $4.8 million of net portfolio interest income; consisting of $5.0 million of interest income from MBS assets offset by $0.2 million of interest expense on repurchase liabilities.  For the comparable period ended September 30, 2009, the REIT generated $8.8 million of net portfolio interest income; consisting of $9.2 million of interest income from MBS assets offset by $0.4 million of interest expense on repurchase liabilities.











During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the REIT generated $1.2 million of net portfolio interest income; consisting of $1.3 million of interest income from MBS assets offset by $0.1 million of interest expense on repurchase liabilities.  For the three month period ended September 30, 2009, the REIT generated $2.8 million of net portfolio interest income; consisting of $2.9 million of interest income from MBS assets offset by $0.1 million of interest expense on repurchase liabilities.





The tables below provide quarterly information. The first table displays our average balances, interest income, yield on assets, average repurchase agreement balances, interest expense, cost of funds, net interest income and net interest rate for the quarters ended September 30, 2010, June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010, for each quarter of 2009 and for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.




(dollars in thousands)


Average Mortgage-Backed Securities Held


Interest Income


Yield on Average Mortgage-Backed Securities


Average Repurchase Agreements


Interest Expense


Average Cost of Funds


Net Portfolio Interest Income


Net Interest SpreadThree Months Ended,September 30, 2010

$
114,165


$
1,262



4.42
%

$
89,440


$
69



0.31
%

$
1,193



4.11
%June 30, 2010


99,856



1,810



7.25
%


74,163



53



0.29
%


1,757



6.96
%March 31, 2010


110,914



1,898



6.85
%


88,495



68



0.31
%


1,830



6.54
%December 31, 2009


112,973



1,784



6.32
%


80,904



59



0.29
%


1,725



6.03
%September 30, 2009


100,386



2,882



11.48
%


65,712



69



0.42
%


2,813



11.06
%June 30, 2009


92,949



2,683



11.55
%


72,312



105



0.58
%


2,578



10.97
%March 31, 2009


131,756



3,674



11.16
%


111,715



254



0.91
%


3,420



10.25
%Nine Months Ended,September 30, 2010

$
108,312


$
4,970



6.12
%

$
84,033


$
190



0.30
%

$
4,779



5.82
%September 30, 2009


108,364



9,240



11.37
%


83,246



428



0.69
%


8,811



10.68
%




The second table below breaks out the income components into our respective sub-portfolios, consisting of structured MBS and pass-though (“PT”) MBS.




(dollars in thousands)


Average Mortgage-Backed Securities Held
Interest Income
Realized Yield on Average Mortgage-Backed SecuritiesPT Sub-Portfolio
Structured MBS Sub-Portfolio
Total
PT Sub-Portfolio
Structured MBS Sub-Portfolio
Total
PT Sub-Portfolio
Structured MBS Sub-Portfolio
TotalThree Months Ended,September 30, 2010
$
93,579
$
20,586
$
114,165
$
833
$
429
$
1,262
3.56%
8.31%
4.42%June 30, 2010

79,691

20,165

99,856

763

1,047

1,810
3.83%
20.76%
7.25%March 31, 2010

94,493

16,421

110,914

1,051

847

1,898
4.45%
20.64%
6.85%December 31, 2009

96,157

16,816

112,973

856

929

1,784
3.56%
22.09%
6.32%September 30, 2009

81,298

19,088

100,386

741

2,141

2,882
3.64%
44.88%
11.48%June 30, 2009

77,888

15,061

92,949

853

1,830

2,683
4.38%
48.60%
11.55%March 31, 2009

119,601

12,155

131,756

1,632

2,043

3,674
5.46%
67.22%
11.16%Nine Months Ended,September 30, 2010
$
89,254
$
19,058
$
108,312
$
2,647
$
2,322
$
4,970
3.96%
16.24%
6.12%September 30, 2009

92,929

15,434

108,364

3,226

6,014

9,240
4.63%
51.95%
11.37%





Portfolio yields and costs of borrowings presented in the tables above and the table on page 30 are calculated based on the average balances of the underlying investment portfolio/repurchase agreement balances and are annualized for the quarterly and year to date periods presented.  Average balances for quarterly periods are calculated using two data points, the beginning and ending balances.  Average balances for the year to date periods are calculated as the average of the average quarterly periods.





Interest Income and Average Earning Asset Yield





Average MBS were $108.3 million and $108.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Interest income was $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The yield on average MBS decreased from 11.37% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to 6.12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Average MBS decreased by $0.1 million, although the composition of the portfolio was changed as the allocation to higher yielding structured MBS was increased. However, the reallocation resulted in a decrease in interest income of $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was primarily driven by a decline in the average yield of structured MBS, which averaged 51.95% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, versus 16.24% for the comparable period ended September 30, 2010.  Also contributing to the decline in interest income was a decline in the average coupon on the PT MBS portfolio from 4.63% to 3.96%, coupled with a decline in the average size of the PT MBS portfolio from $92.9 million to $89.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and September 30, 2010, respectively.





Average MBS were $114.2 million and $100.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Interest income was $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  The yield on average MBS decreased from 11.48% for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to 4.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  In particular, the average yield on the structured portfolio decreased from 44.88% for the three months ended September 30, 2009, versus 8.31% for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in the aggregate average MBS portfolio of $13.8 million was not enough to offset the decrease in average yields, particularly the structured MBS portfolio, resulting in the decline in interest income of $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Further, the increase in average MBS for the period ended September 30, 2010 over the comparable period in 2009 was primarily attributable to an increase in the structured MBS sub-portfolio, with yields available in the market substantially less than the same period in 2009, a quarter in close proximity to the height of the financial crisis.





Interest Expense on Repurchase Agreements and the Cost of Funds





Average outstanding repurchase agreements were $84.0 million and total interest expense was $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, average outstanding repurchase agreements were $83.2 million and total interest expense was $0.4 million.  Our average cost of funds was 0.30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 0.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The cost of funds rate decreased by 39 basis points and the average outstanding repurchase agreements decreased by $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period ended September 30, 2009.  Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $0.2 million, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, due to the decrease in the average outstanding repurchase agreements and the average cost of funds rate.





Average outstanding repurchase agreements were $89.4 million and total interest expense was $0.07 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  During the three months ended September 30, 2009, average outstanding repurchase agreements were $65.7 million and total interest expense was $0.07 million.  Our average cost of funds was 0.31% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 0.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  The cost of funds rate decreased by 11 basis points and the average outstanding repurchase agreements increased by $23.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period ended September 30, 2009.  Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was nearly unchanged from the three months ended September 30, 2009.











Since all of our repurchase agreements are short term, changes in market rates directly affect our interest expense. Our average cost of funds was equal to average one-month LIBOR and 32 basis points below average six-month LIBOR for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Our average cost of funds was 3 basis points above average one-month LIBOR and 24 basis points below average six-month LIBOR for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The average term to maturity of the outstanding repurchase agreements increased from 38 days at December 31, 2009 to 87 days at September 30, 2010.




(in thousands)


Average Balance of Repurchase Agreements


Interest Expense


Average Cost of Funds


Average One-Month LIBOR


Average Six-Month LIBOR


Average Cost of Funds Relative to Average One-Month LIBOR


Average Cost of Funds Relative to Average Six-Month LIBORThree Months Ended,September 30, 2010

$
89,440


$
69



0.31
%


0.31
%


0.63
%


-



(0.32
)%June 30, 2010


74,163



53



0.29
%


0.29
%


0.57
%


-



(0.28
)%March 31, 2010


88,495



68



0.31
%


0.24
%


0.44
%


0.07
%


(0.13
)%December 31, 2009


80,904



59



0.29
%


0.25
%


0.63
%


0.04
%


(0.34
)%September 30, 2009


65,712



69



0.42
%


0.29
%


1.00
%


0.13
%


(0.58
)%June 30, 2009


72,312



105



0.58
%


0.41
%


1.52
%


0.17
%


(0.94
%)March 31, 2009


111,715



254



0.91
%


1.20
%


2.20
%


(0.29
)%


(1.29
)%Nine Months Ended,September 30, 2010

$
84,033


$
190



0.30
%


0.28
%


0.55
%


0.03
%


(0.24
)%September 30, 2009


83,246



428



0.69
%


0.63
%


1.57
%


0.05
%


(0.89
)%





Junior Subordinated Notes





Interest expense on the Company’s junior subordinated debt securities was $1.6 million and $0.5 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, compared to $4.4 million and $1.1 million for the comparable periods in the prior year.  In two separate transactions during 2009, the Company was able to extinguish $76.3 million of its $103.1 million in outstanding junior subordinated notes.  Interest expense decreased by $2.8 million and $0.5 million, for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2009 due entirely to the reduced outstanding balance.





Gains and Losses





The Company reported losses of $1.3 million on trading securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to gains of $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the Company reported losses on trading securities of $0.3 million compared to gains of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.





During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded a loss from fair value adjustments totaling $1.4 million, compared to a gain of $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  During the three months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded a loss from fair value adjustments totaling $0.4 million, compared to a gain of $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.





During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, the Company realized gains of $0.13 million and $0.06 million, respectively, on the sales proceeds totaling $92.1 million and $29.8 million, respectively.  During the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company realized gains of $1.7 million and $0.15 million, respectively, on the sales proceeds totaling $161.1 million and $19.1 million, respectively.





The decrease in reported gains for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, versus the comparable periods ended September 30, 2009, were the result of the change in market conditions, particularly with respect to structured MBS securities.  Structured MBS securities are more sensitive to prepayment levels on the underlying loans of the securities.  Prepayment activity, in particular as a result of GSE buy-out activity related to delinquent loans, was substantially higher in 2010 versus 2009. Security prices from the previous quarter, reduced by current principal reductions, are used as the basis of determining gains and losses realized from the sale of securities.





Operating Expenses





For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, Bimini Capital’s total operating expenses were approximately $4.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, compared to approximately $2.7 million and $0.7 million for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  Operating expenses increased $1.7 million and $0.7 million for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2010, respectively, when compared to the same periods ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were primarily the result of increases in legal fees and compensation.  The table below provides a breakdown of operating expenses for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.





(in thousands)


Nine Months Ended September 30,


Three Months Ended September 30,2010


2009


Change


2010


2009


ChangeDirect REIT operating expenses

$
445


$
449


$
(4
)

$
148


$
146


$
2Compensation and benefits


1,180



845



335



366



233



133Accounting and auditing fees


320



309



11



96



91



5Legal fees


1,628



361



1,267



634



20



614Directors’ fees and liability insurance


378



360



18



116



131



(15
)Other G&A expenses


417



358



59



109



102



7$
4,368


$
2,682



1,686


$
1,469


$
723


$
746





Discontinued Operations





As stated above, the Company has sold or discontinued all residential mortgage origination activities at OITRS.  The principal business activities of OITRS were the origination and sale of mortgage loans.  In addition, as part of the securitization of loans sold, OITRS retained an interest in the resulting residual interest cash flows more fully described below.  Mortgage loans held for sale are immaterial at September 30, 2010 and not likely to result in meaningful income or loss in the future.  Such assets are also held for sale.





Income realized on the OITRS activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $2.1 million, compared to a loss of $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Income realized on the OITRS activities for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $1.3 million, compared to income of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.   The table below provides details of OITRS’s activities for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.





(in thousands)


Nine Months Ended September 30,


Three Months ended September 30,2010


2009


2010


2009Fair value adjustment on retained interests

$
2,896


$
(298
)

$
1,528


$
618Other


(772
)


(1,810
)


(253
)


(418
)Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

$
2,124


$
(2,108
)

$
1,275


$
200





The retained interests in securitizations represent residual interests in loans originated or purchased by OITRS prior to securitization.  Fluctuations in value of retained interests are primarily driven by projections of future interest rates (the forward LIBOR curve), the discount rate used to determine the present value of the residual cash flows and prepayment and loss estimates on the underlying mortgage loans.





The assets of OITRS included in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Retained interests

$
5,474


$
5,934Receivables


3,964



6,046Surety bond


1,326



2,010Other


275



342Total

$
11,039


$
14,332










Financial Condition:





Mortgage-Backed Securities





As of September 30, 2010, the MBS portfolio consisted of $130.8 million of agency or government MBS at fair value and had a weighted average coupon on assets of 4.22%.  During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2010, we received principal repayments of $25.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, compared to $19.3 million and $7.0 million for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2009.  The average prepayment speeds for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 were 31% and 27%, respectively





The following tables summarize certain characteristics of Bimini Capital’s agency and government mortgage related securities as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:





(in thousands)


Asset Category

Fair

Value


Percentage of

Entire

Portfolio


Weighted

Average

Coupon


Weighted

Average

Maturity in

Months

Longest

Maturity

Weighted

Average Coupon

Reset in Months


Weighted

Average

Lifetime Cap


Weighted

Average

Periodic CapSeptember 30, 2010Adjustable-Rate MBS

$
60,075



45.9
%


2.92
%


275

1-Jan-41


5.20



10.34
%


2.69
%Fixed-Rate MBS


49,017



37.5
%


5.16
%


190

1-Oct-37


n/a



n/a



n/aHybrid Adjustable-Rate MBS


2,794



2.2
%


5.18
%


298

1-Aug-35


21.03



10.18
%


2.00
%Total Mortgage-backed Pass-through


111,886



85.6
%


3.96
%


239

1-Jan-41


5.90



10.34
%


2.65
%Structured MBS


18,891



14.4
%


5.81
%


273

16-Nov-39


n/a



n/a



n/aTotal Mortgage Assets

$
130,777



100.0
%


4.22
%


244

1-Jan-41


5.90



n/a



2.65
%December 31, 2009Adjustable-Rate MBS

$
32,598



27.2
%


3.75
%


261

1-Oct-35


4.87



11.16
%


10.34
%Fixed-Rate MBS


5,241



4.4
%


6.50
%


333

1-Oct-37


n/a



n/a



n/aHybrid Adjustable-Rate MBS


67,036



56.0
%


4.45
%


338

1-Dec-39


40.27



9.45
%


2.00
%Total Mortgage-backed Pass-through


104,875



87.6
%


4.33
%


305

1-Dec-39


28.69



10.01
%


4.40
%Structured MBS


14,793



12.4
%


5.59
%


240

25-Jan-39


n/a



n/a



n/aTotal Mortgage Assets

$
119,668



100.0
%


4.49
%


305

1-Dec-39


28.69



n/a



4.40
%





(in thousands)


September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Agency

Fair Value


Percentage of

Entire Portfolio


Fair Value


Percentage of

Entire PortfolioFannie Mae

$
97,199



74.32
%

$
108,775



90.9
%Freddie Mac


32,122



24.56
%


10,893



9.1
%Ginnie Mae


1,456



1.12
%


-



-Total Portfolio

$
130,777



100.00
%

$
119,668



100.0
%





Entire Portfolio

September 30, 2010


December 31, 2009Weighted Average Pass Through Purchase Price

$
104.42


$
103.13Weighted Average Structured Purchase Price

$
5.56


$
4.66Weighted Average Pass Through Current Price

$
105.56


$
103.79Weighted Average Structured Current Price

$
5.96


$
4.93Effective Duration (1)


(0.443
)


1.593





(1) Effective duration of (0.443) indicates that an interest rate increase of 1.0% would be expected to cause a 0.443% increase in the value of the MBS in the Company’s investment portfolio at September 30, 2010.  An effective duration of 1.593 indicates that an interest rate increase of 1.0% would be expected to cause a 1.593% decline in the value of the MBS in the Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2009. These figures include the structured securities in the portfolio.











The following table presents the CPR experienced on our structured and pass-through (“PT”) Mortgage-Backed Securities sub-portfolios, on an annualized basis, for the quarterly periods presented.





Three Months Ended,

Derivative MBS Sub-Portfolio


PT MBS Sub-Portfolio


Total PortfolioSeptember 30, 2010


35.0



17.2



30.6June 30, 2010


44.9



27.8



42.1March 31, 2010


33.3



9.2



28.8December 31, 2009


26.9



26.0



26.1September 30, 2009


27.0



26.9



26.9June 30, 2009


22.0



9.1



11.7March 31, 2009


9.2



10.9



10.7





Bimini Capital’s portfolio of PT MBS will typically be comprised of adjustable-rate MBS, fixed-rate MBS and hybrid adjustable-rate MBS. Bimini Capital seeks to acquire low duration assets that offer high levels of protection from mortgage prepayments. Although the duration of an individual asset can change as a result of changes in interest rates, Bimini Capital strives to maintain a PT MBS portfolio with an effective duration of less than 2.0. The stated contractual final maturity of the mortgage loans underlying Bimini Capital’s portfolio of PT MBS generally ranges up to 30 years. However, the effect of prepayments of the underlying mortgage loans tends to shorten the resulting cash flows from Bimini Capital’s investments substantially. Prepayments occur for various reasons, including refinancing of underlying mortgages and loan payoffs in connection with home sales.





The duration of Bimini Capital’s interest only (“IO”) and inverse interest only (“IIO”) portfolio will vary greatly owing to the structural features of the securities.  While prepayment activity will always affect the cash flows associated with the securities, the interest only nature of IO’s may cause their durations to become extremely negative when prepayments are high, and less negative when prepayments are low. With respect to IIO’s, prepayments affect their durations in a similar fashion to that of IO’s, but the floating rate nature of their coupon (which is inversely related to the level of one month LIBOR) cause their price movements – and model duration - to be affected by changes in both prepayments and one month LIBOR – both current and anticipated levels.  As a result, the duration of IIO securities will also vary greatly.





Prepayments on the loans underlying Bimini Capital’s MBS can alter the timing of the cash flows from the underlying loans to the Company. As a result, Bimini Capital gauges the interest rate sensitivity of its assets by measuring their effective duration. While modified duration measures the price sensitivity of a bond to movements in interest rates, effective duration captures both the movement in interest rates and the fact that cash flows to a mortgage related security are altered when interest rates move. Accordingly, when the contract interest rate on a mortgage loan is substantially above prevailing interest rates in the market, the effective duration of securities collateralized by such loans can be quite low because of expected prepayments. Although some of the fixed-rate MBS in Bimini Capital’s portfolio are collateralized by loans with a lower propensity to prepay when the contract rate is above prevailing rates, their price movements track securities with like contract rates and therefore exhibit similar effective duration.





Bimini Capital faces the risk that the market value of its assets will increase or decrease at different rates than that of its liabilities, including its hedging instruments. Accordingly, the Company assesses its interest rate risk by estimating the duration of its assets and the duration of its liabilities. Bimini Capital generally calculates duration using various third party models.  However, empirical results and different third party models may produce different duration numbers for the same securities.










The following sensitivity analysis shows the estimated impact on the fair value of Bimini Capital's interest rate-sensitive investments as of September 30, 2010, assuming rates instantaneously fall 100 basis points, rise 100 basis points (“bps”) and rise 200bps:





(in thousands)


Interest Rates Fall 100 BPS


Interest Rates Rise 100 BPS


Interest Rates Rise 200 BPSAdjustable Rate MBSFair Value

$
60,075Change in Fair Value





$
414


$
(414
)

$
(828
)Change as a % of Fair Value






0.69
%


(0.69
)%


(1.38
)%Fixed Rate MBSFair Value

$
49,017Change in Fair Value





$
1,056


$
(1,056
)

$
(2,113
)Change as a % of Fair Value






2.15
%


(2.15
)%


(4.31
)%Hybrid Adjustable Rate MBSFair Value

$
2,794Change in Fair Value





$
(32
)

$
32


$
64Change as a % of Fair Value






(1.15
)%


1.15
%


2.29
%Structured MBSFair Value

$
18,891Change in Fair Value





$
(2,018
)

$
2,018


$
4,035Change as a % of Fair Value






(10.68
)%


10.68
%


21.36
%Portfolio TotalFair Value

$
130,777Change in fair Value





$
(580
)

$
580


$
1,158Change as a % of Fair Value






(0.44
)%


0.44
%


0.89
%CashFair Value

$
4,610








The table below reflects the same analysis presented above but with the figures in the columns that indicate the estimated impact of a 100 bp fall or rise adjusted to reflect the impact of convexity.





(in thousands)


Interest Rates Fall 100 BPS


Interest Rates Rise 100 BPS


Interest Rates Rise 200 BPSAdjustable Rate MBSFair Value

$
60,075Change in Fair Value





$
(63
)

$
(686
)

$
(1,640
)Change as a % of Fair Value






(0.11
)%


(1.14
)%


(2.73
)%Fixed Rate MBSFair Value

$
49,017Change in Fair Value





$
620


$
(1,363
)

$
(3,140
)Change as a % of Fair Value






1.27
%


(2.78
)%


(6.41
)%Hybrid Adjustable Rate MBSFair Value

$
2,794Change in Fair Value





$
(46
)

$
(13
)

$
(66
)Change as a % of Fair Value






(1.65
)%


(0.47
)%


(2.35
)%Structured MBSFair Value

$
18,891Change in Fair Value





$
(2,430
)

$
1,100


$
11,586Change as a % of Fair Value






(12.86
)%


5.82
%


61.33
%Portfolio TotalFair Value

$
130,777Change in fair Value





$
(1,919
)

$
(962
)

$
6,740Change as a % of Fair Value






(1.47
)%


(0.74
)%


5.15
%CashFair Value

$
4,610





In addition to changes in interest rates, other factors impact the fair value of Bimini Capital's interest rate-sensitive investments and hedging instruments, such as the shape of the yield curve, market expectations as to future interest rate changes and other market conditions. Accordingly, in the event of changes in actual interest rates, the change in the fair value of Bimini Capital's assets would likely differ from that shown above and such difference might be material and adverse to Bimini Capital's stockholders.





Repurchase Agreements





As of September 30, 2010, Bimini Capital had established borrowing facilities in the repurchase agreement market with four counterparties which we believe are in excess of our needs.  None of these lenders are affiliated with Bimini Capital. As of September 30, 2010, we had funding in place with two of those counterparties.  These borrowings are secured by Bimini Capital’s MBS and bear interest rates that are based on a spread to LIBOR.





As of September 30, 2010, Bimini Capital had obligations outstanding under the repurchase agreements of approximately $107.3 million with a net weighted average borrowing cost of 0.32%. The remaining maturity of Bimini Capital’s outstanding repurchase agreement obligations ranged from 27 to 102 days, with a weighted average maturity of 87 days.  Securing the repurchase agreement obligation as of September 30, 2010, are MBS with an estimated fair value, including accrued interest, of $112.2 million and a weighted average maturity of 237 months. Through November 3, 2010, the Company has been able to maintain its repurchase facilities with its counterparties with comparable terms to those that existed at September 30, 2010 with maturities through February 28, 2011.










Liquidity and Capital Resources





Liquidity is our ability to turn non-cash assets into cash, purchase additional investments, repay principal and interest on borrowings, fund overhead, fulfill margin calls and pay dividends.  Our principal immediate sources of liquidity include cash balances and unused borrowing capacity under repurchase agreements.  Our balance sheet also generates liquidity on an on-going basis through payments of principal and interest we receive on our MBS portfolio, cash flows received by OITRS from the residual interests and the collection of servicing advances.  Because our MBS portfolio consists entirely of government and agency securities, we do not anticipate having difficulty converting our assets to cash should our liquidity needs ever exceed our immediately available sources of cash.





Bimini Capital’s master repurchase agreements have no stated expiration, but can be terminated at any time at Bimini Capital’s option or at the option of the counterparty. However, once a definitive repurchase agreement under a master repurchase agreement has been entered into, it generally may not be terminated by either party.  A negotiated termination can occur, but may involve a fee to be paid by the party seeking to terminate the repurchase agreement transaction.





Under our repurchase agreements, we may be required to pledge additional assets to our repurchase agreement counterparties in the event the estimated fair value of the existing pledged collateral under such agreements declines and such lenders demand additional collateral, which may take the form of additional securities or cash.  Similarly, if the estimated fair value of our pledged collateral increases due to changes in market interest rates or market factors, lenders may release collateral back to us.  Through September 30, 2010, we did not have any margin calls on our repurchase agreements that we were not able to satisfy with either cash or additional pledged collateral.  However, should prepayment speeds and/or market interest rates suddenly increase on the mortgages underlying our MBS, margin calls on our repurchase agreements could result, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position.





As a result of losses incurred during and after the period when the Company operated a mortgage loan origination business, the Company was forced to materially downsize its investment portfolio to raise cash, and was left with a depleted capital base.  This period covered the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. One consequence of this development was the Company had progressively less access to funding via repurchase agreements and from fewer counterparties.  The Company therefore opted to augment its existing leveraged MBS portfolio with alternative sources of income.  The Company developed an alternative investment strategy utilizing structured MBS with comparable borrower and prepayment characteristics to the securities currently in the portfolio.  Such securities are not funded in the repurchase market but instead are purchased directly, thus reducing – but not eliminating - the Company’s reliance on access to repurchase agreement funding.  The leverage inherent in the securities replaces the leverage obtained by acquiring PT securities and funding them in the repurchase market.  As described above, this strategy is now a core element of the Company’s investment strategy.





In October 2005, Bimini Capital completed a private offering of an additional $51.5 million of trust preferred securities of Bimini Capital Trust II (“BCTII”) resulting in the issuance by Bimini Capital of an additional $51.5 million of junior subordinated notes. On October 21, 2009, the Company purchased $24 million of trust preferred capital securities issued by BCT II. The total cost for the transaction, including fees was approximately $14.5 million.  The Company cancelled the trust preferred capital securities and the $24.74 million of its junior subordinated notes issued to BCT II.  As of September 30, 2010, $26.8 million of the trust preferred securities of BCT II remain outstanding.





Outlook





As mentioned above, during 2009, the Company executed two transactions whereby $74 million of its $100 million trust preferred debt was extinguished early.  As a result, the Company’s balance sheet is substantially less leveraged and the associated interest charges have been reduced accordingly.  The repurchase agreement funding markets have returned to a level of functionality so that most firms managing levered agency PT MBS portfolios have adequate access to funding. Further, the Company has been able to offset the necessity to access the repo funding market with its alternative investment strategy.  The continued depressed state of the economy has forced the Federal Reserve to maintain extreme levels of accommodation available to the economy, namely low levels of the Federal Funds rate.  This directly impacts the funding levels available to the Company. The combination of the low funding levels and the alternative investment strategy has enabled the Company to continue to generate net interest margins (“NIM”), above our historical average.










Nonetheless, the reduced size of the portfolio in relation to the Company’s operating expenses will constrain the earnings potential of the Company in the near term.  Given the reduced size of its portfolio, even with the benefit of the alternative investment strategy, no assurance can be made of the Company’s ability to generate sufficient net interest income to cover all of its costs.  The Company’s ability to generate sufficient net interest income to cover its costs will also be impacted by funding costs, which in turn will depend on how long funding rates will remain at current levels.




Critical Accounting Policies





The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Company’s accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.





GAAP requires the Company’s management to make some complex and subjective decisions and assessments. The Company’s most critical accounting policies involve decisions and assessments which could significantly affect reported assets and liabilities, as well as reported revenues and expenses. The Company believes that all of the decisions and assessments upon which its financial statements are based were reasonable at the time made based upon information available to it at that time. There have been no changes to our accounting policies as discussed in our annual report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.





ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.





Not Applicable.





ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.





Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures





The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.





As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.





Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting





There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.










PART II. OTHER INFORMATION





ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.





We are involved in various lawsuits and claims, both actual and potential, including some that we have asserted against others, in which monetary and other damages are sought. Except as described below, these lawsuits and claims relate primarily to contractual disputes arising out of the ordinary course of our business. The outcome of such lawsuits and claims is inherently unpredictable. However, we believe that, in the aggregate, the outcome of all lawsuits and claims involving us will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or liquidity; however, any such outcome may be material to the results of operations of any particular quarterly reporting period in which costs, if any, are recognized. See also Notes 9 and 12(d) to our accompanying consolidated financial statements.





On June 14, 2007, a complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial District in and for Manatee County, Florida by Coast Bank of Florida against OITRS seeking monetary damages and specific performance and alleging breach of contract for allegedly failing to repurchase approximately fifty loans.  A mediation hearing was held on February 23, 2010.  The parties continued settlement discussions for several months but did not reach a settlement.  On September 17, 2010 Coast filed a Motion for Substitution of Counsel and subsequently filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment on the issue of whether the alleged oral contract is subject to Florida’s statute of Frauds.  That motion has not yet been scheduled for argument.  At this juncture it appears Coast will continue to litigate the matter, although the parties may continue to discuss settlement outside of court. The Company has meritorious defenses to Coast’s claims and in the event a settlement is not reached, the Company will continue to defend this matter vigorously.





On September 17, 2007, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by William Kornfeld against Bimini Capital, certain of its current and former officers and directors, Flagstone Securities, LLC and BB&T Capital Markets alleging various violations of the federal securities laws and seeking class action certification.  At a mediation held on February 12, 2010, the parties reached a tentative settlement of this matter for $2.35 million. Bimini Capital made no admission of liability in connection with the settlement.  As of December 31, 2009, the Company had accrued approximately $0.5 million related to the settlement.  This amount represented the remainder of the $1.0 million retention that the Company was required to pay under the terms of its Directors and Officers insurance policy. On October 14, 2010, the remaining $0.4 million of the accrual was remitted to an escrow account established by plaintiff to be included in the settlement fund. The remainder of the settlement will be paid by the D&O carrier.  A written stipulation of settlement was presented to the Court and a preliminary approval was granted on September 14, 2010.  Notices were sent to members of the Class in order to provide the members of the class an opportunity to opt out of the settlement.  Members have until November 11, 2010 to elect out of the settlement. A final fairness hearing will be held December 9, 2010.  If the requisite percent of members (5%) do not object out of the settlement, the settlement will become final.  If the settlement is not finalized, the class action would continue.  While the Company expects that this settlement will be finalized and approved by the Court, there is no guarantee that the settlement will be finalized.  The failure to finalize the settlement could have a material adverse impact on the Company.





A complaint was filed on December 23, 2009 in the Southern District of New York against Bimini Capital Management, Inc. ("Bimini"), the Bank of New York Mellon ("BNYM"), and Hexagon Securities, LLC ("Hexagon"). It alleges that Plaintiff, a note-holder in Preferred Term Securities XX ("PreTSL XX"), suffered losses as a result of Bimini’s repurchase of all outstanding fixed/floating rate capital securities of Bimini Capital Trust II for less than par value from PreTSL XX in December 2009. Plaintiff alleged breach of the indenture and breach of fiduciary duties by BNYM, and tortious interference with contract and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty by Bimini and Hexagon. Plaintiff also alleges derivative claims brought on behalf of Nominal Defendant PreTSL XX.  On February 22, 2010, plaintiff filed an amended complaint, adding derivative claims on behalf of BNYM as trustee, in addition to the prior derivative claims asserted on behalf of PreTSL XX.  Plaintiff has also added a claim for "unjust enrichment" against Bimini and Hexagon. On March 26, 2010, all Defendants moved to dismiss each count of Plaintiff's amended complaint. A hearing was held on June 9, 2010 to allow both parties to present oral arguments in support of their respective positions on the pending motion to dismiss.  As of November 3, 2010, the court has not yet ruled on the motion.  Discovery and depositions related to the matter are substantially complete and expert witnesses for both sides have been retained and submitted expert reports. A Motion for Summary Judgment will be filed by Bimini if the motion for dismissal is denied in whole or in part.  Bimini denies that the repurchase was improper and intends to defend the suit vigorously.










A second complaint by a noteholder in PreTSL XX was filed on July 16, 2010 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against the same defendants.  The complaint, filed by Hildene Capital Management, LLC and Hildene Opportunities Fund, Ltd., alleges losses as a result of the same repurchase of securities from PreTSL XX by Bimini.  The plaintiffs in this action have alleged the same causes of action as the plaintiff in the federal court action.  In addition, they have also alleged a cause of action for breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing (both directly and derivatively) against BNYM. Defendants and nominal defendants have moved to stay that action pending resolution of the federal action initiated by R. Davis Howe, and that motion is currently pending before the court. Bimini denies that the repurchase was improper and intends to defend the suit vigorously.





ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.





In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The materialization of any risks and uncertainties identified in our forward looking statements  contained in this report together with those previously disclosed in the Form 10-K or those that are presently unforeseen could result in significant adverse  effects on our  financial  condition,  results of  operations  and cash flows.





ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.





UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES





During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued 90,924 and 38,377 shares of Class A Common Stock to Robert J. Dwyer and Frank E. Jaumot, respectively, in consideration for their service on the Company’s Board of Directors and on certain committees of the Board of Directors.  The shares were issued pursuant to the exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, contained in Section 4(2) thereof.





ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES





The table below presents share repurchase activity for the three months ended September 30, 2010.




Remaining Buyback Authority aClass A Common Shares Repurchased


Weighted-average Per Share Price


Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs a


Amounts


SharesJuly 2010


-


$
-



-


$
-



-August 2010


29,910



0.87



29,910



974,117



-September 2010


28,936



0.87



28,936



948,968



-Three Months ended September 30, 2010


58,846


$
0.87



58,846





aOn June 29, 2010, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to buy up to $1 million of its Class A Common Stock.








ITEM 6.                        EXHIBITS.





Exhibit No.





3.1
Articles of Amendment and Restatement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form S-11/A, filed with the SEC on April 29, 20043.2
Articles Supplementary, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 3, 2005, filed with the SEC on November 8, 20053.3
Articles of Amendment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 10, 2006, filed with the SEC on February 15, 20063.4
Articles of Amendment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 24, 2007, filed with the SEC on September 24, 20073.5
Certificate of Notice, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 28, 2008, filed with the SEC on February 1, 20083.6
Articles of Amendment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 27, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 29, 20083.7
Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 24, 2007, filed with the SEC on September 24, 2007†10.1
Bimini Capital Management, Inc. 2003 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended September 28, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2007†10.2
Bimini Capital Management, Inc. 2004 Performance Bonus Plan, as amended September 28, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2007†10.3
Form of Phantom Share Award Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2007†10.4
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2007†10.5
Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of June 29, 2007, by and among Opteum Inc., Opteum Financial Services, LLC and Peter R. Norden, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 5, 2007†10.6
Separation Agreement and General Release by and between Bimini Capital Management, Inc. and Jeffrey J. Zimmer, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 14, 2008, filed with the SEC on April 16, 2008†10.7
Retention and Severance Agreement between Bimini Capital Management, Inc. and G. Hunter Haas, IV, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 18, 2008, filed with the SEC on April 18, 2008†10.8
Retention and Severance Agreement between Bimini Capital Management, Inc. and J. Christopher Clifton, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 18, 2008, filed with the SEC on April 18, 2008†10.9
Employment Agreement dated as of April 27, 2006, by and between Opteum Inc. and J. Christopher Clifton, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated August 11, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2008†10.10
Agreement dated as of June 30, 2009, by and between Bimini Capital Management, Inc. and Robert E. Cauley, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 30, 2009, filed with the SEC on July 2, 2009†10.11
Agreement dated as of June 30, 2009, by and between Bimini Capital Management, Inc. and G. Hunter Haas, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 30, 2009, filed with the SEC on July 2, 200910.12
Voting Agreement, among certain stockholders of Bimini Mortgage Management, Inc., Jeffrey J. Zimmer, Robert E. Cauley, Amber K. Luedke, George H. Haas, IV, Kevin L. Bespolka, Maureen A. Hendricks, W. Christopher Mortenson, Buford H. Ortale, Peter Norden, certain of Mr. Norden’s affiliates, Jason Kaplan, certain of Mr. Kaplan’s affiliates and other former owners of Opteum Financial Services, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(D) to the Schedule 13D, dated November 3, 2005, filed with the SEC on November 14, 200510.13
Membership Interest Purchase, Option and Investor Rights Agreement among Opteum Inc., Opteum Financial Services, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp. dated as of December 21, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 21, 2006, filed with the SEC on December 21, 200610.14
Seventh Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Orchid Island TRS, LLC, dated as of July 20, 2007, made and entered into by Opteum Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on August 14, 200710.15
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 7, 2007, by and among Opteum Financial Services, LLC, Opteum Inc. and Prospect Mortgage Company, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 7, 2007, filed with the SEC on May 7, 200710.16
First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2007, by and among Metrocities Mortgage, LLC – Opteum Division, Opteum Financial Services, LLC and Opteum Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 5, 200710.17
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated May 27, 2008, by and among Bimini Capital Management, Inc., Orchid Island TRS, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 27, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 29, 200810.18
Eighth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company of Orchid Island TRS, LLC, dated as of May 27, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 27, 2008, filed with the SEC on May 29, 200810.19
Amended and Restated Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of September 26, 2005, between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as trustee.10.20
Second Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2005, among the Company, as depositor, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as property trustee, Chase Bank USA, National Association, as Delaware trustee and the Administrative Trustees named therein.10.21
Indenture, dated as of October 5, 2005, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as debenture trustee.10.22
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated as of October 5, 2005, by and among Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as institutional trustee, the Company, as sponsor, and Jeffrey J. Zimmer, Robert E. Cauley and Amber K. Luedke, as administrators.*31.1
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*31.2
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* Filed herewith.

† Management compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.












Signatures





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





BIMINI CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.








Date:           November 4, 2010

By:
/s/ Robert E. CauleyRobert E. Cauley

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer











Date:           November 4, 2010

By:
/s/ G. Hunter HaasG. Hunter Haas IV

President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)