# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001273685
**File Stem:** 0001104659-26-003334
**Filing Date:** 2026-1
**Character Count:** 178732
**Document Hash:** 5b34286f1acfc9bfb141ab5c14dfa6ca
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-26-003334.hdr.sgml**: 20260113

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-26-003334

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 21

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260113

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260113

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260113

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** ADAMAS TRUST, INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001273685
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 470934168
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-32216
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26530233

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 90 PARK AVENUE 23RD FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10016
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (212) 792-0107

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 90 PARK AVENUE 23RD FLOOR
- **CITY:** NEW YORK
- **STATE:** NY
- **ZIP:** 10016

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST, INC.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20250110

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NEW YORK MORTGAGE TRUST INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20031217

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'?

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)**

**of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

**Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): January 13, 2026**

**ADAMAS TRUST, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Maryland</u>** | **<u>001-32216</u>** | **<u>47-0934168</u>** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |

---

**90 Park Avenue**

**New York, New York 10016**

(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)

 **(212) 792-0107**

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

◻ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

◻ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

◻ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

**Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of Each Exchange On Which<br> Registered** |
| Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | ADAM | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 8.000% Series D Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference | ADAMN | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 7.875% Series E Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference | ADAMM | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 6.875% Series F Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference | ADAML | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 7.000% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, $25.00 Liquidation Preference | ADAMZ | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029 | ADAMI | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030 | ADAMG | NASDAQ Stock Market |
| 9.875% Senior Notes due 2030 | ADAMH | NASDAQ Stock Market |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging Growth Company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 8.01.** | **Other Events.** |

---

On January 13, 2026, Adamas Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), completed the issuance and sale of $90 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "Notes"), in a public offering pursuant to the Company's registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-290073) (the "Registration Statement") and a related prospectus, as supplemented by a preliminary prospectus supplement, dated January 6, 2026 and a final prospectus supplement dated January 6, 2026, each filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement the Company granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $13.5 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes to cover over-allotments.

The Notes were sold pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement"), dated as of January 6, 2026, by and among the Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (collectively, the "Underwriters"), whereby the Company agreed to sell to the Underwriters and the Underwriters agreed to purchase from the Company, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement, the Notes. The Company made certain customary representations, warranties and covenants concerning the Company and the Registration Statement in the Underwriting Agreement and also agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

The Notes were issued at 100% of the principal amount, bear interest at a rate equal to 9.250% per year, payable in cash quarterly in arrears on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2026, and are expected to mature April 1, 2031 (the "Maturity Date"), unless earlier redeemed. The Company may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company's option on or after April 1, 2028, upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days written notice to holders prior to the redemption date, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, as described in greater detail in the Indenture (as defined below).

The Notes were issued under the indenture, dated January 23, 2017 (the "Base Indenture"), as supplemented by the fifth supplemental indenture, dated January 13, 2026 (the "Fifth Supplemental Indenture," and together with the Base Indenture, the "Indenture"), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company that rank senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness of the Company that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, equal in right of payment to the Company's existing and future unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated, including the Company's 5.75% Senior Notes due 2026, 9.125% Senior Notes due 2029, 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030 and 9.875% Senior Notes due 2030, effectively subordinated in right of payment to any of the Company's existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) and (to the extent not held by the Company) preferred stock, if any, of the Company's subsidiaries and of any entity the Company accounts for using the equity method of accounting.

The Indenture contains customary events of default. If there is an event of default under the Notes, the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest (including additional interest, if any), may be declared immediately due and payable, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Notes, after deducting the Underwriters' discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $86.6 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, acquiring the Company's targeted assets and/or repayment of existing indebtedness.

A copy of the Underwriting Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the Base Indenture, the Fifth Supplemental Indenture and the form of the Notes are filed as Exhibit 4.1, Exhibit 4.2 and Exhibit 4.3, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Underwriting Agreement, the Base Indenture, the Fifth Supplemental Indenture and the form of the Notes. In connection with the registration of the Notes under the Securities Act, the legal opinions of Venable LLP and Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. relating to the legality of the Notes are attached as Exhibit 5.1 and Exhibit 5.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Item 9.01** | **Financial Statements and Exhibits.** |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit** | **Description** |
| [1.1](tm262799d2_ex1-1.htm) | [Underwriting Agreement, dated January 6, 2026, by and among the Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as representatives of the several underwriters named therein.](tm262799d2_ex1-1.htm) |
| [4.1](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1273685/000110465917003482/a17-2952_1ex4d1.htm) | [Indenture, dated January 23, 2017, between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K, dated January 23, 2017).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1273685/000110465917003482/a17-2952_1ex4d1.htm) |
| [4.2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1273685/000110465926003323/tm262799d1_ex4-16.htm) | [Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated January 13, 2026, between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated January 13, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1273685/000110465926003323/tm262799d1_ex4-16.htm) |
| [4.3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1273685/000110465926003323/tm262799d1_ex4-16.htm#a_001) | [Form of 9.250% Senior Notes Due 2031 of the Company (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated January 13, 2026).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1273685/000110465926003323/tm262799d1_ex4-16.htm#a_001) |
| [5.1](tm262799d2_ex5-1.htm) | [Opinion of Venable LLP regarding the legality of the Notes.](tm262799d2_ex5-1.htm) |
| [5.2](tm262799d2_ex5-2.htm) | [Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding the legality of the Notes.](tm262799d2_ex5-2.htm) |
| [8.1](tm262799d2_ex8-1.htm) | [Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. regarding certain tax matters.](tm262799d2_ex8-1.htm) |
| [23.1](tm262799d2_ex5-1.htm) | [Consent of Venable LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).](tm262799d2_ex5-1.htm) |
| [23.2](tm262799d2_ex5-2.htm) | [Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (included in Exhibits 5.2 and 8.1 hereto).](tm262799d2_ex5-2.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL). |

---

**SIGNATURE**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ADAMAS TRUST, INC.** | **ADAMAS TRUST, INC.** |
| **(Registrant)** | **(Registrant)** |
| By: | /s/ Kristine R. Nario-Eng |
| Name: | Kristine R. Nario-Eng |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |

---

Date: January 13, 2026

## Exhibit 1.1

**Exhibit 1.1**

**ADAMAS TRUST, INC.<br> $90,000,000 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031<br> UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT**

January 6, 2026

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway

New York, New York 10036

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

787 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Piper Sandler & Co.

1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor

New York, New York 10020

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Brookfield Place

200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10281

UBS Securities LLC

11 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10010

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

550 South Tryon Street, 5th Floor

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

As Representatives of the<br> Several Underwriters named<br> in <u>Schedule I</u> attached hereto

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Adamas Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "**Company**"), proposes to issue and sell, subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, to the several Underwriters named in <u>Schedule I</u> attached hereto (the "**Underwriters**") $90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "**Firm Securities**"). At the option of the Underwriters, the Company also proposes to issue and sell to the Underwriters up to an additional $13,500,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "**Optional Securities**" and together with the Firm Securities, the "**Securities**") to cover over-allotments, if any. The Securities will be issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2017 (the "**Base Indenture**"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the "**Trustee**"), as supplemented by a fifth supplemental indenture (the "**Supplemental Indenture**" and, together with the Base Indenture, the "**Indenture**"), to be dated as of January 13, 2026 between the Company and the Trustee. The offering and sale of the Securities contemplated herein is hereinafter referred to as the "**Offering**."

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC shall act as the representatives (the "**Representatives**") of the several Underwriters. The terms "Representatives" and "Underwriters" shall mean either the singular or plural as the context requires.

This is to confirm the agreement concerning the purchase of the Securities from the Company by the Underwriters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **Representations and Warranties of the Company.** The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each Underwriter that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "**Commission**") a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-290073) (the "**Shelf Registration Statement**") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "**Securities Act**" or "**Act**"), and the rules and regulations (the "**Rules and Regulations**") of the Commission promulgated thereunder, and such amendments to such registration statement as may have been required to the date of this Underwriting Agreement (this "**Agreement**"). The Shelf Registration Statement became effective on September 16, 2025. The Shelf Registration Statement at any given time, including amendments thereto to such time, the exhibits and any schedules thereto at such time, the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Securities Act at such time and the documents and information otherwise deemed to be a part thereof or included therein by Rule 430B under the Securities Act (the "**Rule 430B Information**") or otherwise pursuant to the Rules and Regulations at such time are collectively herein called the "**Registration Statement**."

The Shelf Registration Statement includes a base prospectus dated September 16, 2025 (the "**Base Prospectus**"). Each preliminary prospectus supplement to the Base Prospectus (including the Base Prospectus as so supplemented) that describes the Securities and the Offering thereof, that omitted the Rule 430B Information and that was used prior to the filing of the final prospectus supplement referred to in the following sentence is herein called a "**Preliminary Prospectus**." Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will prepare and file with the Commission a final prospectus supplement to the Base Prospectus relating to the Securities and the Offering thereof in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430B and Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations. Such final supplemental form of prospectus (including the Base Prospectus as so supplemented), in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), is herein called the "**Prospectus**." Any reference herein to the Base Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 under the Securities Act as of the date of such prospectus.

The Company meets the requirements for the use of, and has prepared and filed with the Commission, the Registration Statement, including a prospectus relating to, among other things, the Securities, to be issued from time to time by the Company.

For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System ("**EDGAR**"). All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information that is "described," "contained," "included" or "stated" in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or other references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information that is incorporated by reference in or otherwise deemed by the Rules and Regulations to be a part of or included in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be; and all references in this Agreement to amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the subsequent filing of any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "**Exchange Act**"), prior to, in the case of the Preliminary Prospectus, the Time of Sale (defined below) and, in the case of the Prospectus, prior to the termination of this Offering, and any document that is deemed to be incorporated therein by reference or otherwise deemed by the Rules and Regulations to be a part thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company has complied to the Commission's satisfaction with all requests of the Commission for additional or supplemental information. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act against the Company or related to the Offering have been instituted or are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission. As used herein, the phrase "to the knowledge of the Company" and similar phrases means such knowledge after due inquiry by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Time of Sale Disclosure Package (as defined below) at the Time of Sale (as defined below) complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from the Time of Sale Disclosure Package based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use therein; it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Representatives consists of the information described as such in Section 12 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Each part of the Registration Statement, at the time such part became effective (including each deemed effective date with respect to the Representatives pursuant to Rule 430B of the Rules and Regulations or otherwise under the Securities Act), at all other subsequent times until the expiration of the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), and at each Closing Date (as defined below), and the Prospectus, at the time of filing or the time of first use within the meaning of the Rules and Regulations, at all subsequent times until expiration of the Prospectus Delivery Period, and at each Closing Date complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements and provisions of the Securities Act, the Rules and Regulations, the Exchange Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder (collectively the "**Trust Indenture Act**"). Each part of the Registration Statement at the time such part became effective, did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as of its date, or the time of first use within the meaning of the Rules and Regulations, at all subsequent times until the expiration of the Prospectus Delivery Period, and at each Closing Date did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties set forth in the two immediately preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to the Representatives furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use therein; it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by the Representatives consists of the information described as such in Section 12 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Neither (A) any Issuer General-Use Free Writing Prospectus(es) issued at or prior to the Time of Sale and set forth on <u>Schedule II</u> attached hereto and the Statutory Prospectus at the Time of Sale, all considered together (collectively, the "**Time of Sale Disclosure Package**"), nor (B) any individual Issuer Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, includes or included as of the Time of Sale any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or omitted as of the Time of Sale to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Statutory Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use therein; it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter through the Representatives consists of the information described as such in Section 12 hereof. As used in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Agreement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) "**Time of Sale**" means 3:30 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) "**Statutory Prospectus**" means the Base Prospectus, as amended and supplemented immediately prior to the Time of Sale, including any document incorporated by reference therein and any prospectus supplement deemed to be a part thereof. For purposes of this definition, Rule 430B Information contained in a form of prospectus that is deemed retroactively to be a part of the Registration Statement shall be considered to be included in the Statutory Prospectus as of the actual time that such form of prospectus is filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) "**Issuer Free Writing Prospectus**" means any "issuer free writing prospectus," as defined in Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations, relating to the Securities that (A) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (B) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) of the Rules and Regulations because it contains a description of the Securities or of the Offering that does not reflect the final terms, or (C) is a "*bona fide* electronic roadshow," as defined in Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company's records pursuant to Rule 433(g) of the Rules and Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) "**Issuer General-Use Free Writing Prospectus**" means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors (other than a "*bona fide* electronic road show," as defined in Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations), as evidenced by its being specified in <u>Schedule II</u> attached hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) "**Issuer Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus**" means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General-Use Free Writing Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) (A) Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the Prospectus Delivery Period or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Representatives as prescribed in Section 11 hereof, did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any Statutory Prospectus or the Prospectus. The foregoing sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished in writing to the Company by any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use therein; it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter through the Representatives consists of the information described as such in Section 12 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) (1) At the earliest time after the filing of the Registration Statement that the Company or another offering participant made a *bona fide* offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the Rules and Regulations) of the Securities and (2) at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an "ineligible issuer," as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations (without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer), nor an "excluded issuer" as defined in Rule 164 of the Rules and Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus satisfied, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the Prospectus Delivery Period, all other conditions to use thereof as set forth in Rules 164 and 433 of the Rules and Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Company has not distributed and will not distribute, prior to the later of the Option Closing Date (as defined below) and the completion of the Underwriters' distribution of the Securities, any offering material in connection with the Offering other than any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus reviewed and consented to by the Representatives and listed in <u>Schedule II</u> attached hereto, or the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Grant Thornton LLP ("**Grant Thornton**"), whose reports are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, and are included or incorporated by reference in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act, the Rules and Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (including the rules and regulations promulgated by such entity, the "**PCAOB**"). To the knowledge of the Company, Grant Thornton is duly registered and in good standing with the PCAOB. Grant Thornton has not during the periods covered by the financial statements incorporated by reference or included in the Registration Statement and in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is defined in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act, except for such non-audit services as have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The financial statements and schedules (including the related notes) incorporated by reference or included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus present fairly the financial condition, the results of the operations and changes in financial condition of the entities purported to be shown thereby at the dates or for the periods indicated and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States and on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated. All adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods have been made. The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, together with related notes and schedules as set forth or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act. The selected financial, operating and statistical data set forth or incorporated by reference in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption "*Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations*" fairly present, when read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements and the related notes and schedules and on the basis stated in the Registration Statement, the information set forth therein and such data has been compiled on a basis consistent with the financial statements presented therein and the books and records of the Company. There are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under applicable law or the Rules and Regulations that are not so included. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus fairly present the information called for in all material respects and have been prepared in accordance with the Commission's rules and guidelines applicable thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Each of the Company and each entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect majority equity or voting interest that is consolidated with the Company for financial reporting purposes under generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States (each, a "**Subsidiary**" and, together, the "**Subsidiaries**") has been duly incorporated or organized and is validly existing as a corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company or statutory trust, as the case may be, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, with full corporate, partnership or limited liability company power, as the case may be, and authority to own, lease or operate its respective properties and conduct its respective business as presently conducted and as described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which the character of the business conducted by it or the location of the properties owned or leased by it makes such qualification necessary and, except where any failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or otherwise), business, prospects, properties or results of operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "**Material Adverse Effect**"); each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is in possession of and operating in compliance with all necessary authorizations, licenses, permits, consents, certificates and orders required for the conduct of its business, all of which are valid and in full force and effect, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such authorization, license, permit, consent, certificate or order which, individually or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, would reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The capitalization of the Company as of September 30, 2025 is as set forth in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, as filed with the Commission on November 4, 2025, incorporated by reference into the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Indenture and the Securities will conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained under the captions "*Description of the Notes*" and "*Description of Debt Securities*" in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The outstanding shares of capital stock have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable. There are no preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any restriction upon the voting or transfer of, any shares of capital stock pursuant to the Company's charter, bylaws or other governing documents or any agreement or other instrument to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them may be bound other than those described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. None of the outstanding shares of the Company's capital stock were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase, or equity or debt securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any capital stock of the Company other than those specifically described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Company has no obligations to register for resale under the Securities Act any of its outstanding securities, including, but not limited to, any that would, as a result of the filing of the Registration Statement or the Offering as contemplated by this Agreement, give rise to any rights for or relating to the registration of any shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or other securities. All of the outstanding limited liability company, partnership or other equity interests of each Subsidiary of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and, except for the Subsidiaries listed on <u>Schedule I(j)</u> of this Agreement, are owned by the Company directly or through Subsidiaries, free and clear of any claim, lien, encumbrance or security interest. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase, or other interests convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any limited liability company, partnership or other equity interests of any Subsidiary other than those described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and except as described or contemplated in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or otherwise disclosed to the Representatives in writing, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, nor entered into any transactions not in the ordinary course of business, which are material to the Company and the Subsidiaries, considered as one entity; there has not been any Material Adverse Effect nor any development or event that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and there has been no dividend or other distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would be, in violation of or in default under, nor will the execution or delivery hereof or consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (i) the charter, bylaws or other governing documents of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (ii) any agreement, contract, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, note, lease, indenture or other instrument, to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is bound, or to which any of their properties is subject, (iii) any law, rule, administrative regulation or decree of any court, or any governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of their properties, or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge, claim or encumbrance upon any property or asset of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, except with respect to clauses (ii) through (iv) above, any such breach or violation or default that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) The Base Indenture has been duly authorized and executed by the Company, and duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. The Base Indenture constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar legal requirements affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity and except to the extent that the indemnification provisions of the Base Indenture may be limited by federal or state securities laws and public policy considerations in respect thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) The Supplemental Indenture has been duly authorized by the Company and, at the First Closing Date (as defined below), the Supplemental Indenture will have been duly executed by the Company and duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and will constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar legal requirements affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity and except to the extent that the indemnification provisions of the Supplemental Indenture may be limited by federal or state securities laws and public policy considerations in respect thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, issue, sell and perform its obligations under the Indenture and the Securities. The Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized and, at the applicable Closing Date (as defined below), will have been duly executed by the Company and, when authenticated, issued and delivered in the manner provided for in the Indenture and delivered against payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers), reorganization, moratorium or other similar legal requirements affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and except to the extent that the indemnification provisions thereof may be limited by federal or state securities laws and public policy considerations in respect thereof, and will be in the form contemplated by, and entitled to the benefits of, the Indenture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property, if any, owned by them and good title to all personal property, if any, owned by them, in each case clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described or referred to in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and Prospectus or such as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and the Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, existing and enforceable leases with such exceptions (A) as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (B) as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and by general principles of equity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) There is no litigation or governmental proceeding to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is a party or to which any property of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject or that is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, which would materially and adversely affect the consummation of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or which is required to be disclosed in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and Prospectus but is not so disclosed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation or any court decree, ruling or order to which it or any of its assets may be subject which violation would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) Except for permitted activity under Regulation M, the Company has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or which has constituted or which would reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company, to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) The Company and the Subsidiaries have filed (i) all federal and state franchise and income tax returns and (ii) all other material income tax returns, and all such tax returns are complete and correct in all material respects, except where any omission or inaccuracy would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and the Company and the Subsidiaries have not failed to pay any material taxes which were payable pursuant to said returns or any assessments with respect thereto. The Company has no knowledge of any tax deficiency which has been or is likely to be threatened or asserted against the Company or the Subsidiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The Company maintains a system or systems of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus fairly present the information called for in all material respects and are prepared in accordance with the Commission's rules and guidelines applicable thereto. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, since the date of the most recent evaluation of such system of internal accounting controls, there has been no material change in internal control over financial reporting, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company is made known to the Company's principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared. To the Company's knowledge, such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer to material information required to be included in the Company's periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) The Company maintains insurance of the types and in the amounts as are, in the reasonable opinion of management, prudent for its business, all of which insurance is in full force and effect. The Company has not been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for, and the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries: (i) has used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) has made any direct or indirect unlawful contribution or payment to any official of, or candidate for, or any employee of, any federal, state or foreign office from corporate funds; (iii) has made any bribe, unlawful rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment; or (iv) is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the OECD Convention on Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the "**FCPA**") or any similar law or regulation to which the Company, any of the Subsidiaries, any director, officer, agent, employee, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject. Each of the Company, the Subsidiaries and their respective affiliates has conducted its businesses in compliance with the FCPA and any applicable similar law or regulation and has instituted and maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith. None of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the Offering in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of any anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(z) The operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by Title III of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act), the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the applicable anti-money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Company or any Subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar applicable rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the "**Anti-Money Laundering Laws**"), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries with respect to the Anti-Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(aa) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is, or is owned or controlled by one or more persons that are, (A) currently subject to any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("**OFAC**"), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty's Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is subject (collectively, "**Sanctions**") or (B) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions (including, without limitation, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Belarus and the regions of Ukraine consisting of Crimea, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, the so-called Luhansk People's Republic and the non-government controlled areas of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia), and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the Offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any Sanctions or in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any person (including any person participating in the Offering, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). Since April 24, 2019, the Company and the Subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in, are not now knowingly engaged in, and will not engage in, any dealings or transactions with any person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(bb) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the Offering and the application of the proceeds thereof as described under the caption "*Use of Proceeds*" in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, will not be required to register as an "investment company" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(cc) The Company has applied to have the Securities listed for trading on the NASDAQ (as defined below).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(dd) The Company is in material compliance with all applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that are currently effective and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith. There are no outstanding loans or other extensions of credit made by the Company to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or director of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ee) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of the Firm Securities by the Company, except such as have been obtained or made, or will be obtained or made on or before the First Closing Date, under the Securities Act and such as may be required by the Nasdaq Global Select Market or Nasdaq Global Market (collectively, "**NASDAQ**"), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("**FINRA**") or under state securities laws or the laws of any foreign jurisdiction. No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any governmental agency or body is required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of the Optional Securities by the Company, except such as have been obtained or made, or will be obtained or made on or before any Option Closing Date, under the Securities Act and such as may be required by NASDAQ, FINRA or under state securities laws or the laws of any foreign jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ff) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the issuance and sale of the Securities will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under: (i) any statute, any rule, regulation or order of any governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company, except in the case of this clause (i) for such breaches, violations or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) any agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound, except in the case of this clause (ii) for such breaches, violations or defaults which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or (iii) the charter or bylaws of the Company, and the Company has full power and authority to authorize, issue and sell the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(gg) No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or the Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent, that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(hh) The Company or the Subsidiaries own or possess the right to use any trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, domain names, licenses, approvals, trade secrets, inventions, technology, know-how and other similar rights (collectively, "**Intellectual Property Rights**") that would reasonably be deemed necessary or material to conduct its business as now conducted and as described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding, or claim by others challenging the rights of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries in or to any Intellectual Property Rights. There is no pending, or to the Company's knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding, or claim by others that the Company's or any Subsidiaries' use of the Intellectual Property Rights infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any intellectual property rights of others.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has breached and is currently in breach of any provision of any license, contract or other agreement governing the use by the Company or the Subsidiaries of Intellectual Property Rights owned by third parties (collectively, the "**Licenses**") and, except as described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no third party has alleged any such breach and the Company is unaware of any facts that would form a reasonable basis for such a claim. Each of the Licenses is in full force and effect and constitutes a valid and binding agreement between the parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, and there has not occurred any breach or default under any such Licenses or any event that with the giving of notice or lapse of time would constitute a breach or default thereunder. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has been and is currently involved in any disputes regarding the Licenses. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and the Subsidiaries own or have a valid right to access and use all computer systems, networks, hardware, software, databases, websites, and equipment used to process, store, maintain and operate data, information, and functions used in connection with the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries (the "**Company IT Systems**"). The Company IT Systems are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with, the operation of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries as currently conducted, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and the Subsidiaries have implemented commercially reasonable backup, security and disaster recovery technology, and to the Company's knowledge there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to the Company IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data), nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(jj) The Company is organized and has operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust (a "**REIT**") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "**Code**"); the Company qualified as a REIT for the taxable years ended December 31, 2004 through December 31, 2025 and the present and contemplated method of operation of the Company and the Subsidiaries will enable the Company to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code for its tax year ending December 31, 2026 and subsequent taxable years; the Company intends to continue to qualify as a REIT until the Board of Directors of the Company determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT; and neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has taken any action that would reasonably be expected to cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT under the Code at any time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(kk) The description of the Company's organization and actual and proposed method of operation and its qualification and taxation as a REIT set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus is accurate and presents fairly the matters referred to therein in all material respects; the Company's operating policies described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus accurately reflect in all material respects the current intentions of the Company with respect to the operation of its business, and no material deviation from such policies is currently contemplated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ll) There are no relationships or related-party transactions involving the Company or any Subsidiary or any other person required by the Securities Act to be described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus that have not been so described.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(mm) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or foreign law or regulation relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including without limitation, laws and regulations relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum and petroleum products (collectively, "**Materials of Environmental Concern**"), or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Materials of Environmental Concern (collectively, "**Environmental Laws**"), which violation includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with any permits or other governmental authorizations required for the operation of the business of the Company under applicable Environmental Laws, or noncompliance with the terms and conditions thereof, nor has the Company or any of the Subsidiaries received any written communication, whether from a governmental authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is in violation of any Environmental Law; (ii) there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with a court or governmental authority, no investigation with respect to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries has received written notice, and no written notice by any person or entity alleging potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental responses costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, attorneys' fees or penalties arising out of, based on or resulting from the presence, or release into the environment, of any Material of Environmental Concern at any location owned, leased or operated by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, now or in the past (collectively, "**Environmental Claims**"), pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company, any of the Subsidiaries, or any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any of the Subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law; and (iii) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including, without limitation, the release, emission, discharge, presence or disposal of any Material of Environmental Concern, that reasonably could result in a violation of any Environmental Law or form the basis of a potential Environmental Claim against the Company, any of the Subsidiaries, or against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any of the Subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(nn) The Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all presently applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (collectively, "**ERISA**"). No "reportable event" (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any "pension plan" (as defined under ERISA) for which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries would have any material liability. Neither the Company, nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any "pension plan" or (ii) Sections 412 or 4971 of the Code. Each "pension plan" for which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification, the result of which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(oo) The market data and industry forecasts included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus were obtained or derived from industry publications that are and were not at any time under the Company's control and that the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(pp) All "non-GAAP financial measures" (as defined in the Rules and Regulations), if any, included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Prospectus comply with the requirements of Regulation G and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Rules and Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(qq) To the knowledge of the Company, no director, officer or other key person of the Company, the Subsidiaries or their respective affiliates named in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, plans to terminate his or her employment with the Company, the Subsidiaries or their respective affiliates. None of the directors, officers or other key persons of the Company named in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package is subject to any noncompete, nondisclosure, confidentiality, employment, consulting or similar agreement that would be violated by the present or proposed business activities of the Company as described in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(rr) The Company has not offered, or caused the Underwriters to offer, the Securities to any person or entity with the intention of unlawfully influencing a journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or any such affiliate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ss) Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Prospectus or as contemplated by this Agreement, there are no (1) claims, payments, arrangements, agreements or understandings relating to the payment of a finder's, consulting or origination fee or commission or similar payment by the Company of any Underwriter with respect to the sale of the Securities hereunder or (2) arrangements, agreements or understandings of the Company or any affiliate of the Company that may affect such Underwriter's compensation, as determined by FINRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(tt) Except for those subsidiaries of the Company listed on <u>Schedule I(tt)</u> hereto, no Subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such Subsidiary's capital stock, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such Subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such Subsidiary's property or assets to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company.

Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters set forth therein.

The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered pursuant to Section 6 hereof, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Underwriters will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **Representations and Warranties of the Underwriters**. Each Underwriter severally represents and agrees that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) It has not and will not use, authorize use of, refer to or participate in the planning for use of, any "free writing prospectus," as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations (which term includes use of any written information furnished to the Commission by the Company and not incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement and any press release issued by the Company) required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations, other than (i) any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or (ii) any other free writing prospectus that the parties hereto shall hereafter expressly agree in writing to treat as part of the Time of Sale Disclosure Package.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) It will retain copies of each free writing prospectus used or referred to by it to the extent required by Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **Purchase of the Securities by the Underwriters.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to the terms and conditions and upon the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company the respective principal amount of Firm Securities set forth opposite such Underwriter's name in <u>Schedule I</u> attached hereto, subject to such adjustment as the Representatives may determine to ensure that the Firm Securities are issued in minimum denominations of $25 and whole multiples of $25 in excess thereof, and subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 8 hereof, at a price equal to 96.85% of the principal amount thereof (the "**Purchase Price**"). Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to offer the Firm Securities to the public as set forth in the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company hereby grants to the Representatives and its designees an option to purchase from the Company all or any portion of the Optional Securities for a period of thirty (30) days from the date hereof at a price equal to the Purchase Price, to cover over-allotments, if any. The Optional Securities shall be purchased from the Company for the accounts of the several Underwriters in proportion to the number of Firm Securities set forth opposite such Underwriter's name in <u>Schedule I</u> hereto (subject to such adjustment as the Representatives may determine to ensure that the Optional Securities are issued in minimum denominations of $25 and whole multiples of $25 in excess thereof). No Optional Securities shall be sold and delivered unless the Firm Securities previously have been, or simultaneously are, sold and delivered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **Delivery of and Payment for Securities.** Delivery of a global note representing the Firm Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company against payments for such securities shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("**DTC**") or at the offices of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, One Manhattan West, New York, New York 10001 (or such other place as mutually may be agreed upon) at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the fifth full Business Day following the date hereof or, if the pricing of the Firm Securities occurs after 4:30 p.m., New York City time, at such time on the fifth full Business Day thereafter, or at such other date and time as shall be determined by the Representatives and the Company (the "**First Closing Date**").

The option to purchase Optional Securities granted in Section 3(b) hereof may be exercised during the term thereof by written notice to the Company from the Representatives. The option may be exercised in whole or part, and if in part, the option may be exercised on multiple occasions. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate principal amount of Optional Securities as to which the option is being exercised and the time and date, not earlier than either the First Closing Date or the second Business Day after the date on which the option shall have been exercised nor later than the fifth Business Day after the date of such exercise, as determined by the Representatives, when the Optional Securities are to be delivered (the "**Option Closing Date**"). Delivery and payment for such Optional Securities is to be at the offices set forth above for delivery and payment of the Firm Securities. The First Closing Date and the Option Closing Date are herein individually referred to as the "**Closing Date**" and collectively referred to as the "**Closing Dates**."

Delivery of a global note representing the Firm Securities and a global note representing the Optional Securities shall be made through the facilities of DTC by or on behalf of the Company to the Representatives, for the respective accounts of the Underwriters, against payment by the Representatives, for the several accounts of the Underwriters, of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by the Company. The global notes representing the Firm Securities and the Optional Securities shall be registered in such names and denominations as the Representatives shall have requested at least one full Business Day prior to the applicable Closing Date and shall be made available for checking and packaging at a location in New York, New York as may be designated by the Representatives at least one full Business Day prior to such Closing Date. Time shall be of the essence and delivery at the time and place specified in this Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of each Underwriter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. **Covenants of the Company.** The Company covenants and agrees with each Underwriter as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) During such period beginning on the Time of Sale and ending on the later of the Closing Date or such date, as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with sales as contemplated by this Agreement by an Underwriter or dealer, including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172 of the Rules and Regulations (the "**Prospectus Delivery Period**"), prior to amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, the Company shall furnish to the Representatives for review a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) After the date of this Agreement and through the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company shall promptly advise the Representatives in writing (i) when the Registration Statement, if not effective at the date and time this Agreement is executed and delivered to the parties, shall have become effective, (ii) of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission, (iii) of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, (iv) of the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective, (v) of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding pursuant to Section 8A of the Securities Act and (vi) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or of any order or notice preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Common Stock from any securities exchange upon which it is listed (or approved for listing) for trading or included or designated (or approved for inclusion or designation) for quotation, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any such stop order or prevention or suspension of such use. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order or order or notice of prevention or suspension at any time, the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the earliest possible moment or will file a new registration statement and use its commercially reasonable efforts to have such new registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with the provisions of Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations, including with respect to the timely filing of documents thereunder, and will use its commercially reasonable efforts to confirm that any filings made by the Company under such Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations were received in a timely manner by the Commission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) (i) If any event or development shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Disclosure Package in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made or then prevailing, as the case may be, not misleading (in which case the Company agrees to notify the Representatives of any such event or condition), or if in the reasonable opinion of the Representatives it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Disclosure Package to comply with law, the Company agrees to promptly prepare, file with the Commission and furnish to the Underwriters, at its own expense, amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, and to furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request, so that the statements in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package as so amended or supplemented will not be, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made or then prevailing, as the case may be, misleading or so that the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law; (ii) if, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, any event or development shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made or then prevailing, as the case may be, not misleading (in which case the Company agrees to notify the Representatives of any such event or condition), or if in the reasonable opinion of the Representatives it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or the Prospectus to comply with law, including in connection with the delivery of the Prospectus, the Company agrees to promptly prepare, file with the Commission (and use its best efforts to have any amendment to the Registration Statement or any new registration statement to be declared effective) and furnish to the Underwriters, amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any new registration statement, and to furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request, so that the statements in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not be, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made or then prevailing, as the case may be, misleading or so that the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The Company agrees that, until the Option Closing Date, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representatives, it will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a "free writing prospectus" (as defined in Rule 405 of the Rules and Regulations) required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433 of the Rules and Regulations; provided that the prior written consent of the Representatives shall be deemed to have been given in respect of any Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses included in <u>Schedule II</u> attached hereto. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Representatives is hereinafter referred to as a "**Permitted Free Writing Prospectus**." The Company agrees that it (i) has treated and will treat, as the case may be, each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and (ii) has complied and will comply, as the case may be, with the requirements of Rules 164 and 433 of the Rules and Regulations applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including in respect of timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company shall furnish to the Underwriters upon request, from time to time and without charge, copies of the Registration Statement of which three shall be signed and shall include exhibits and all amendments and supplements to any of such Registration Statement, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The Company shall take or cause to be taken all necessary action and furnish to whomever the Representatives may direct such information as may be required in qualifying the Securities for sale under the laws of such jurisdictions which the Representatives shall designate and to continue such qualifications in effect for as long as may be necessary for the distribution of the Securities; except that in no event shall the Company be obligated in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign corporation, to execute a general consent for service of process or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The Company shall make generally available to its securityholders, in the manner contemplated by Rule 158(b) of the Rules and Regulations, as soon as practicable but in any event not later than 60 days after the end of its fiscal quarter in which the first anniversary date of the effective date of the Registration Statement occurs, an earning statement which will comply with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act covering a period of at least 12 consecutive months beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Except for the Securities to be issued hereunder or any debt securities to be issued by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries in an asset securitization transaction, during the period beginning on the date hereof and continuing to and including 30 days after the date hereof (the "**Lock-Up Period**"), without the prior written consent of the Representatives (which consent may be withheld in the Representatives' sole discretion) on behalf of the Underwriters, the Company will not sell, offer to sell, contract or agree to sell, hypothecate, pledge, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or agree to dispose of, directly or indirectly, any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or the Subsidiaries or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or the Subsidiaries or file or cause to be declared effective a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The Company shall maintain, at its expense, a registrar and paying agent for the Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The Company shall apply the net proceeds of the sale of the Securities substantially in the manner specified in the Prospectus under the heading "*Use of Proceeds.*"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) The Company will furnish to its securityholders annual reports containing financial statements audited by independent public accountants and quarterly reports containing financial statements and financial information which may be unaudited. During the period of two years from the date hereof, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and, upon request, to each of the other Underwriters, copies of each annual report of the Company and each other report furnished by the Company to its securityholders and will deliver to the Representatives, as soon as they are available, copies of any other reports (financial or otherwise) which the Company shall publish or otherwise make available to any of its securityholders as such, and as soon as they are available, copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission. Provided that any materials described in this Section 5(k) that are filed with the Commission and available through EDGAR shall be deemed automatically furnished without any further action by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Securities to be listed for trading on the NASDAQ within the time period specified in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and to maintain such listing and to file with NASDAQ all documents and notices required by NASDAQ of companies that have securities that are listed on NASDAQ. Prior to the time of the Initial Closing, the Company will cause the Securities to be registered under the Exchange Act by filing with the Commission a registration statement on Form 8-A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) The Company will use its best efforts to enable the Company to meet the requirements to qualify as a REIT under the Code until the Board of Directors of the Company determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Company to qualify as a REIT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) Except for activity permitted under Regulation M, the Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) During the period of five (5) years hereafter, the Company will furnish to the Representatives and, upon request, to each of the other Underwriters, as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, a copy of its annual report to shareholders for such year; and the Company will furnish to the Representatives (A) as soon as available, a copy of each report and any definitive proxy statement of the Company filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act or mailed to shareholders, and (B) from time to time, such other information concerning the Company as the Representatives may reasonably request. However, so long as the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of either Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act and is timely filing reports with the Commission on EDGAR, it is not required to furnish such reports or statements to the Underwriters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid (A) all expenses (including stock transfer taxes) incurred in connection with the delivery to the several Underwriters of the Securities, (B) all fees and expenses (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company's accountants and counsel) in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, delivery and shipping of the Registration Statement (including the financial statements therein and all amendments and exhibits thereto), each preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus as amended or supplemented, (C) any applicable listing fees, (D) to the extent necessary, the cost of printing global notes representing the Securities, (E) the fees and expenses of the Trustee and any paying agent (including related fees and expenses of any counsel to such parties) (F) the cost and charges of any paying agent or registrar for the Securities, (G) the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters, up to $150,000 and (H) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder which are not otherwise provided for in this subsection. The Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be responsible for their own expenses in connection with any road shows and other presentations undertaken in connection with the Offering (including all travel, hotel and food expenses for their respective personnel). The Company shall not in any event be liable to any of the Underwriters for loss of anticipated profits from the transactions covered by this Agreement. The Representatives may deduct, after providing the Company with an itemized list and supporting documentation of expenses actually incurred, from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to the Company on the applicable Closing Date the expenses set forth above (which shall be mutually agreed upon between the Company and the Representatives prior to the applicable Closing Date) to be paid by the Company to the Underwriters and others. If the Offering is not consummated for any reason whatsoever, other than a breach of this Agreement by the Underwriters, a default pursuant to Section 8 hereof or a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9(iii), (v), (vi), (vii) or (viii), then the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters in full for their respective out-of-pocket accountable expenses actually incurred through such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.** The respective obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy, at and as of the date hereof and the First Closing Date (as if made at the First Closing Date) and, with respect to the Optional Securities, the Option Closing Date (as if made at the Option Closing Date), of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Registration Statement shall be effective and remain effective on the date of this Agreement, or such later time and date as the Representatives shall approve, and all filings required by Rules 424, 430A and 433 of the Rules and Regulations shall have been timely made; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof shall have been issued; no proceedings for the issuance of such an order shall have been initiated or threatened; and any request of the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the Representatives' satisfaction. The Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission in a timely manner in accordance with Section 5(b) hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) On each Closing Date, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinions of (i) Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., counsel for the Company, dated as of such Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, substantially to the effect set forth in <u>Exhibits A-1</u>, <u>A-2</u> and <u>A-3</u> attached hereto and (ii) Venable LLP, special Maryland counsel to the Company, dated as of such Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, substantially to the effect set forth in <u>Exhibit A-4</u> attached hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) On each Closing Date, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated as of such Closing Date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) There shall have been furnished to the Representatives a certificate of the Company, dated as of each Closing Date and addressed to the Representatives, signed by the Chief Executive Officer or the President and by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to the effect that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement, are true and correct, as if made at and as of such Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties speak as of another date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such other date);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The Company has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied, in each case with respect to the Offering, at or prior to such Closing Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or are pending or, to their knowledge, contemplated by the Commission;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Any and all filings required of the Company by Rules 424, 430A, 430B and 430C of the Rules and Regulations have been timely made;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The signers of said certificate have carefully examined the Registration Statement and the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and any amendments or supplements thereto, and such documents contain all statements and information required to be included therein; the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto does not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or any supplements thereto do not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Since the effective date of the Registration Statement, there has occurred no event required to be set forth in an amendment to the Registration Statement which has not been so set forth.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) On the date hereof, and on each Closing Date, the Representatives shall have received from Grant Thornton a letter dated such date addressed to the Representatives, on behalf of the several Underwriters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters, delivered according to Statement of Auditing Standards No. 72 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial information included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Since the date of the Prospectus, there has not been a Material Adverse Effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Between the date of this Agreement and the applicable Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any downgrading in the rating of debt securities, if any, of the Company by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" (as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act), or any public announcement that any such organization has under surveillance or review its rating of any debt securities of the Company (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible upgrading, and no implication of a possible downgrading, of such rating).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The Securities shall be eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) On or before each Closing Date, the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters shall have received such information, certificates, agreements, opinions and other documents as they may reasonably require.

The Company shall furnish the Representatives with such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents as the Representatives shall reasonably request. If any of the conditions specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required by this Agreement, this Agreement and all obligations of the Underwriters hereunder may be canceled at, or at any time prior to, the First Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case may be, by the Representatives. Any such cancellation shall be without liability of the Underwriters to the Company. Notice of such cancellation shall be given to the Company in writing, or by email or telephone and promptly confirmed in writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. **Indemnification and Contribution.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Underwriter and any person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the respective directors, officers, employees, affiliates and agents of each Underwriter from and against any loss, expense, liability, damage or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which, jointly or severally, any such Underwriter or controlling person may incur under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim arises out of or is based upon (A) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereof), the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or the Prospectus, (B) any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in any such Registration Statement, or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading, (C) any omission or alleged omission from the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus of a material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; except in the case of (A), (B) and (C) above for any such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim that arises out of or is based upon information furnished in writing by any Underwriter through the Representatives to the Company expressly for use in such Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus, it being understood and agreed that the only such information consists of the information described as such in Section 12 hereof; and to reimburse the Underwriters or any such director, officer, employee, agent or controlling person for any legal and other expense reasonably incurred by the Underwriters or any such director, officer, employee or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim. The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 7(a) shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company, and its respective directors and officers that signed the Registration Statement, and any person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss, expense, liability, damage or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which the Company or any such person may incur under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim arises out of or is based upon (A) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereof), the Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus, (B) any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in any such Registration Statement, or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading, or (C) any omission or alleged omission from the Preliminary Prospectus, any such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus of a material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, but in each case only insofar as such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in such Registration Statement, Preliminary Prospectus, Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives to the Company expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter through the Representatives consists of the information described as such in Section 12 hereof; and to reimburse the Company or any such director, officer, employee or controlling person for any legal and other expense reasonably incurred by the Company or any such director, officer, employee or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, expense, liability, damage or claim. The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 7(b) shall be in addition to any liabilities that each Underwriter may otherwise have.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 7(a) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Representatives, and, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 7(b) above, counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; provided, however, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this Section 7 (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 7 in respect of any losses, expenses, liabilities, damages or claims referred to therein, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, expenses, liabilities, damages or claims (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, from the Offering or (ii) if (but only if) the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, expenses, liabilities, damages or claims, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportion as (i) the total net proceeds (before deducting expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) the difference between (x) the aggregate price to the public received by the Underwriters from the sale of the Securities and (y) the aggregate price paid by the Underwriters to the Company for the Securities purchased pursuant to this Agreement, bear to the aggregate price to the public received by the Underwriters from the sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement. The relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Company, on the one hand, or by the Underwriters, on the other hand, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, expenses, liabilities, damages and claims referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any claim or action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in subsection (d)(i) and, if applicable (ii), above. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the aggregate difference between (x) the aggregate price to the public received by the Underwriter from the sale of the Securities and (y) the aggregate price paid by the Underwriter to the Company for the Securities purchased by such Underwriter pursuant to this Agreement. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint. For purposes of this Section 7, each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and such Underwriters' directors, officers, employees, and agents shall have the same rights to contribution as the Underwriters, and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. **Substitution of Underwriters.** If any Underwriter defaults in its obligation to purchase the aggregate principal amount of Securities which it has agreed to purchase under this Agreement, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated to purchase (in the respective proportions which the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite the name of each non-defaulting Underwriter in <u>Schedule I</u> hereto bears to the total aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite the names of all the non-defaulting Underwriters in <u>Schedule I</u> hereto) the aggregate principal amount of Securities which the defaulting Underwriter agreed but failed to purchase (the "**Default Securities**"); except that the non-defaulting Underwriters shall not be obligated to purchase any of the aggregate principal amount of Securities if the total aggregate principal amount of Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase exceeds 10% of the total aggregate principal amount of Firm Securities, and any non-defaulting Underwriter shall not be obligated to purchase more than 110% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite its name in <u>Schedule I</u> attached hereto purchasable by it pursuant to the terms of Section 3 hereof. If the foregoing maximums are exceeded, (i) the non-defaulting Underwriters, and any other underwriters satisfactory to the Representatives who so agree, shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to purchase (in such proportions as may be agreed upon among them) all the Default Securities on the terms contained herein. If the non-defaulting Underwriters or the other underwriters satisfactory to the Representatives do not elect to purchase the Default Securities, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company except for the payment of expenses to be borne by the Company and the Underwriters as provided in Section 5 hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements of the Company and the Underwriters contained in Section 7 hereof.

Nothing contained herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of any liability it may have for damages caused by its default. If the other underwriters satisfactory to the Representatives are obligated or agree to purchase the aggregate principal amount of Securities of a defaulting Underwriter, either the Representatives or the Company may postpone the First Closing Date for up to five full Business Days in order to effect any changes that may be necessary in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any other document or agreement, and to file promptly any amendments or any supplements to the Registration Statement or the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Prospectus which in the Representatives' opinion may thereby be made necessary. The term "Underwriter" as used in this Agreement shall include any party substituted under this Section 8 with like effect as if it had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to the Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. **Effective Time and Termination.** Until the First Closing Date, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by giving notice as hereinafter provided to the Company, if (i) the Company shall have failed, refused or been unable, at or prior to the First Closing Date, to perform any agreement on its part to be performed hereunder unless the failure to perform any agreement is due to the default or omission by any Underwriter; (ii) any other condition of the obligations of the Underwriters hereunder is not fulfilled; (iii) trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange (the "**NYSE**") or NASDAQ shall have been suspended or minimum or maximum prices shall have been established on either of such exchanges by the Commission or by such exchange or other regulatory body or governmental authority having jurisdiction; (iv) trading or quotation in any of the Company's securities shall have been suspended or materially limited by the Commission or by the NYSE or Nasdaq Stock Market or other regulatory body of governmental authority having jurisdiction; (v) a general banking moratorium has been declared by Federal or New York authorities; (vi) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred; (vii) there shall have been any material adverse change in general economic, political or financial conditions or if the effect of international conditions on the financial markets in the United States which, in the Representatives' reasonable judgment, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the delivery of the Securities; or (viii) any attack on, outbreak or escalation of hostilities, declaration of war or act of terrorism involving the United States or any other national or international calamity or emergency has occurred if, in the Representatives' reasonable judgment, the effect of any such attack, outbreak, escalation, declaration, act, calamity or emergency makes it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the completion of the public offering or the delivery of the Securities. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9 shall be without liability on the part of the Company or any Underwriter, except as otherwise provided in Sections 5 and 7 hereof.

Any notice referred to above may be given at the address of the Company as specified in Section 11 hereof in writing or by email or telephone, and if by email or telephone, shall be promptly confirmed in writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. **Survival of Indemnities, Contribution, Warranties and Representations.** All representations, warranties and agreements of the Company and the Underwriters herein or in certificates delivered pursuant hereto, and the agreements of the several Underwriters and the Company contained in Section 7 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any affiliate or selling agent thereof, or any person controlling an Underwriter, any officers or directors of the Company or any of the Company's officers, directors or controlling persons, and shall survive delivery of, and payment for, the Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. **Notices.** All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, hand delivered or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication to the parties hereto as follows:

If to the Representatives:

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

1585 Broadway, 29th Floor

New York, New York 10036

Attn: Investment Banking Division

Fax: (212) 507-8999

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

787 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Attn: Capital Markets

Piper Sandler & Co.

1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor

New York, New York 10020

Email: LegalCapMarkets@psc.com

RBC Capital Markets, LLC

Brookfield Place

200 Vesey Street, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10281

Telephone: (212) 618-7706

Email: TMGUS@rbccm.com

Attn: DCM Transaction Management/Scott Primrose

UBS Securities LLC

11 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10010

Attn: Fixed Income Syndicate

Telephone: (203) 719-1088

Email: dl-synd-stamford@ubs.com

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

550 South Tryon Street, 5th Floor

Charlotte, NC 28202

Attention: Transaction Management

Email: tmgcapitalmarkets@wellsfargo.com

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

One Manhattan West

New York, New York 10001

Attention: David J. Goldschmidt<br> Email: David.Goldschmidt@skadden.com

If to the Company:

Adamas Trust, Inc.<br> 90 Park Avenue, 23<sup>rd</sup> Floor<br> New York, New York 10016<br> Attention: Jason T. Serrano, CEO<br> Facsimile: (732) 559-8250

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.<br> 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW<br> Suite 500 West<br> Washington, D.C. 20037-1701<br> Attention: Christopher C. Green, Esq.<br> Facsimile: (202) 879-8941

The Company shall be entitled to act and rely upon any request, consent, notice or agreement given or made on behalf of the Underwriters by the Representatives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. **Information Furnished by Underwriters.** The statements set forth under the caption "Underwriting" in the fourth paragraph and the tenth paragraph constitute the only written information furnished by or on behalf of any Underwriter referred to in paragraphs (c), (d), (e) and (f) of Section 1 hereof and in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 7 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. **Parties.** This Agreement is made solely for the benefit of the several Underwriters, the Company, any officer, director or controlling person referred to in Section 7 hereof, and their respective successors and assigns or heirs and legal representatives, as applicable, and no other person shall acquire or have any right by virtue of this Agreement. The term "successors and assigns," as used in this Agreement, shall not include any purchaser of any of the Securities from any of the Underwriters merely by reason of such purchase.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. **Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) For purposes of this Section 14, a "**BHC Act Affiliate**" has the meaning assigned to the term "affiliate" in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k). "**Covered Entity**" means any of the following: (i) a "covered entity" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a "covered bank" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a "covered FSI" as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b). "**Default Right**" has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable. "**U.S. Special Resolution Regime**" means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. **Definition of "Business Day."** For purposes of this Agreement, "Business Day" means any day on which NASDAQ is open for trading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. **Governing Law.** This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute relating to or arising out of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal law of the State of New York, including Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law, but otherwise without regard to conflict of laws principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. **Partial Unenforceability.** The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be permitted to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. **Absence of Fiduciary Relationship.** The Company acknowledges and agrees that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Underwriters have been retained solely to act as underwriters in connection with the sale of the Securities and that no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, irrespective of whether the Underwriters have advised or are advising the Company on other matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the price of the Securities set forth in this Agreement was established by the Company following discussions and arm's length negotiations with the Underwriters, and the Company is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the Company has been advised that the Underwriters and their affiliates are engaged in a broad range of transactions which may involve interests that differ from those of the Company, and that the Underwriters have no obligation to disclose such interests and transactions to the Company by virtue of any fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the Company waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims it may have against the Underwriters for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty and agrees that the Underwriters shall have no liability (whether direct or indirect) to the Company in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim or to any person asserting a fiduciary duty claim on behalf of or in right of the Company, including stockholders, employees or creditors of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19. **General Provisions.** This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. Electronic signatures complying with the New York Electronic Signatures and Records Act (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), as amended from time to time, or other applicable law will be deemed original signatures for purposes of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit. The section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20. **JURY TRIAL**. THE COMPANY (ON ITS BEHALF AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND AFFILIATES) AND EACH OF THE UNDERWRITERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21. **Submission to Jurisdiction**. Except as set forth below, no claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in New York County, which courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters, and the Company and each Underwriter consent to the jurisdiction of such courts and personal service with respect thereto. The Company consents to personal jurisdiction, service and venue in any court in which any claim arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement is brought by any third party against any Underwriter or any indemnified party. The Company agrees that a final judgment in any such action, proceeding or counterclaim brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any other courts to the jurisdiction of which the Company is or may be subject by suit upon such judgment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. **Compliance with USA Patriot Act**. In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the Underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the Underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.

[*Signature page follows.*]

Please confirm, by signing and returning to us a counterpart of this Agreement, that the Representatives are acting on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters and that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement among the Company and the several Underwriters.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Very truly yours, | Very truly yours, |
| ADAMAS TRUST, INC. | ADAMAS TRUST, INC. |
| By: | /s/ Jason T. Serrano |
|  | Name: Jason T. Serrano |
|  | Title: Chief Executive Officer |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Confirmed and accepted as of the date first above mentioned: | Confirmed and accepted as of the date first above mentioned: |
| MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC | MORGAN STANLEY & CO. LLC |
| By: | /s/ Hector Vazquez |
| Name: | Hector Vazquez |
| Title: | Executive Director |
| KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC. | KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC. |
| By: | /s/ Edward B. Conway |
| Name: | Edward B. Conway |
| Title: | Managing Director |
| PIPER SANDLER & CO. | PIPER SANDLER & CO. |
| By: | /s/ James Furey |
| Name: | James Furey |
| Title: | Managing Director |
| RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC | RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Saurabh Monga |
| Name: | Saurabh Monga |
| Title: | Managing Director |

---

[*Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement*]

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| UBS SECURITIES LLC | UBS SECURITIES LLC |
| By: | /s/ Todd Mahoney |
| Name: | Todd Mahoney |
| Title: | Managing Director |
| By: | /s/ Igor Grinberg |
| Name: | Igor Grinberg |
| Title: | Managing Director |
| WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC | WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC |
| By: | /s/ Carolyn Hurley |
| Name: | Carolyn Hurley |
| Title: | Managing Director |

---

As Representatives of the Several Underwriters named in <u>Schedule I</u> hereto

[*Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement*]

**<u>SCHEDULE I</u>**

Underwriting Agreement dated January 6, 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Underwriters** | **Principal Amount <br> of Firm Securities to<br> be Purchased** |
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC | $15000000 |
| Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. | $15000000 |
| Piper Sandler & Co. | $15000000 |
| RBC Capital Markets, LLC | $15000000 |
| UBS Securities LLC | $15000000 |
| Wells Fargo Securities, LLC | $15000000 |
| Total | $90000000 |

---

**<u>SCHEDULE I(j)</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Entity | Company Ownership |
| 828 ASCENT JV, LLC | 27.28% |

---

**<u>SCHEDULE I(tt)</u>**

New York Mortgage Trust 2005-1

New York Mortgage Trust 2005-2

New York Mortgage Trust 2005-3

NYM Preferred Trust I

NYM Preferred Trust II

NYMT Loan Trust 2022-CP1

NYMT Loan Trust 2022-INV1

NYMT Loan Trust, Series 2024-BPL1

NYMT Loan Trust 2024-CP1

NYMT Loan Trust, Series 2024-BPL2

NYMT Loan Trust, Series 2024-BPL3

NYMT Loan Trust 2024-INV1

NYMT 2024-RR1

NYMT Loan Trust Series 2025-R1Q

NYMT Loan Trust Series 2025-R1T

NYMT Loan Trust 2025-INV1

NYMT Loan Trust 2025-CP1

NYMT Loan Trust 2025-INV2

**<u>SCHEDULE II</u>**

**Issuer General-Use Free Writing Prospectus**

See attached.

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](tm262799d2_ex5-1img01.jpg) | 750 E. PRATT STREET SUITE 900 BALTIMORE, MD 21202<br> **T** 410.244.7400 **F** 410.244.7742 www.Venable.com |

---

January 13, 2026

Adamas Trust, Inc.

90 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Re: <u>Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-290073)</u>

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have served as Maryland counsel to Adamas Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the filing of the above-referenced registration statement, and all amendments thereto (collectively, the "Registration Statement"), by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), relating to the registration of the offering and issuance of up to $103,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Company's 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "Notes"), including up to $13,500,000 in Notes issuable upon the exercise of an overallotment option.

In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Documents"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Registration Statement and the related form of prospectus included therein, in the form in which it was transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Prospectus Supplement, dated January 6, 2026, in the form filed with the Commission under the 1933 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The charter of the Company (the "Charter"), certified by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "SDAT");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. The Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Resolutions (the "Resolutions") adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and a duly authorized committee thereof (a) at a meeting duly called and held or (b) in an action by unanimous consent, relating to, among other matters, (i) the authorization of the offering and issuance of the Notes and (ii) the Indenture (as defined below), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. A certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;

![](tm262799d2_ex5-1img01.jpg)

Adamas Trust, Inc.

January 13, 2026

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. A certificate executed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. The Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2017 (the "Base Indenture"), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, predecessor to U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. The Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 13, 2026 (the "Fifth Supplemental Indenture, and, together with the Base Indenture, the "Indenture"), by and between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein.

In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Each of the parties (other than the Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party's obligations set forth therein are legal, valid and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information as to matters of fact contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver of any of the provisions of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise.

The phrase "known to us" is limited to the actual knowledge, without independent inquiry, of the lawyers currently at our firm who have performed legal services in connection with the issuance of this opinion.

![](tm262799d2_ex5-1img01.jpg)

Adamas Trust, Inc.

January 13, 2026

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Company is a corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing with the SDAT.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Company has the corporate power to enter into and perform its obligations under the Indenture. The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and, so far as is known to us, delivered by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The issuance of the Notes has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company.

The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. We express no opinion as to compliance with any federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland, or as to federal or state laws regarding fraudulent transfers or the laws, codes or regulations of any municipality or other local jurisdiction. To the extent that any matter as to which our opinion is expressed herein would be governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on such matter. The opinion expressed herein is subject to the effect of any judicial decision which may permit the introduction of parol evidence to modify the terms or the interpretation of agreements.

The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.

This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K relating to the issuance of the Notes (the "Current Report"), which is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Current Report and to the use of the name of our firm in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Venable LLP |

---

## Exhibit 5.2

**Exhibit 5.2**

![](tm262799d2_ex5-2img01.jpg)

January 13, 2026

Board of Directors

Adamas Trust, Inc.

90 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10016

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Re: | <u>Adamas Trust, Inc. – 9.250% Senior Notes Due 2031</u> |

---

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to Adamas Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with the issuance and sale by the Company of up to $103,500,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.250% Senior Notes Due 2031 of the Company (the "<u>Notes</u>") to be issued under a fifth supplemental indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the "<u>Trustee</u>"), dated as of the date hereof (the "<u>Fifth Supplemental Indenture</u>"), to the indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as predecessor to the Trustee, dated January 23, 2017 (the "<u>Base Indenture</u>" and, together with the Fifth Supplemental Indenture, the "<u>Indenture</u>"), and sold to the Underwriters (as defined below) pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated January 6, 2026 (the "<u>Underwriting Agreement</u>"), by and among the Company, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Piper Sandler & Co., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (collectively, the "<u>Underwriters</u>"), on the other hand, including up to an additional $13,500,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes to be issued to the Underwriters upon their exercise of the option to purchase additional Notes set forth in Section 3(b) of the Underwriting Agreement.

This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>").

In connection with the foregoing, we have examined the following documents:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-290073), as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " <u>Commission</u> ") on September 5, 2025 and declared effective by
the Commission on September 16, 2025 (such registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, the
 " <u>Registration Statement</u> ") pursuant to the Securities Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the base prospectus, dated September 16, 2025 (such base prospectus, including the documents incorporated
by reference therein, the " <u>Base Prospectus</u> "), which forms a part of and is included in the Registration Statement,
as supplemented by the preliminary prospectus supplement, dated January 6, 2026, relating to the offering of the Notes, as filed
with the Commission on January 6, 2026 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act (including the documents incorporated
by reference therein);

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Vinson & Elkins LLP Attorneys at Law**<br> Austin Dallas Denver Dubai Dublin Houston London Los Angeles<br> New York Richmond San Francisco Tokyo Washington<br>| 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 500 West<br> Washington, DC 20037-1701<br> **Tel** +1.202.639.6500 **Fax** +1.202.639.6604 **www.velaw.com** |

---

January 13, 2026 Page 2

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, dated January 6, 2026, relating to the offering of the Notes,
as filed with the Commission on January 6, 2026 pursuant to Rule 433 under the Securities Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the final prospectus supplement, dated January 6, 2026, relating to the offering of the Notes, as
filed with the Commission on January 7, 2026 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act (such final prospectus supplement,
including the documents incorporated by reference therein, the " <u>Final Prospectus Supplement,</u> " and the Final Prospectus
Supplement together with the Base Prospectus, the " <u>Prospectus</u> ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) an executed copy of the Underwriting Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) executed copies of the Base Indenture and the Fifth Supplemental Indenture;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company (the " <u>Board</u> "), dated as of December 22,
2025, with respect to, among other things, the issuance, sale and due authorization of the Notes and the formation of a pricing committee
of the Board (the " <u>Pricing Committee</u> ") in connection therewith, as certified by the Secretary of the Company as of
the date hereof (the " <u>Board Resolutions</u> ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) resolutions of the Pricing Committee, dated as of January 6, 2026, with respect to the pricing of
the issuance and sale of the Notes, as certified by the Secretary of the Company as of the date hereof (the " <u>Pricing Committee Resolutions</u> " and, together with the Board Resolutions, the " <u>Resolutions</u> ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ix) a copy of the certificate executed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, dated as of the date hereof, as to certain factual matters (the " <u>Officers' Certificate</u> ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) a copy of the certificate executed by the Secretary of the Company, dated as of the date hereof, as to
certain factual matters; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(xi) the global certificate used to evidence the Notes, as certified by the Secretary of the Company on the
date hereof.

January 13, 2026 Page 3

In addition to our examination of the documents referred to above, we also have examined originals or reproductions or certified copies of certain records of the Company and certificates of officers of the Company and of public officials. In these examinations and for purposes of the opinions expressed below, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents and records and other papers submitted to us as originals, (ii) the conformity to the originals of all documents and records and other papers submitted to us as copies and the authenticity of the originals of such documents and records and other papers, (iii) the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents and records and other papers by all parties, and, except to the extent expressly stated in the opinions contained herein, the validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof, (iv) the full legal capacity of natural persons, (v) the genuineness of all signatures, (vi) the conformity of the documents filed with the Commission via the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System, as supplemented by its Interactive Data Electronic Applications system ("<u>EDGAR</u>"), except for required EDGAR formatting changes, to physical copies of the documents and records and other papers submitted for our examination, (vii) that the Notes have been duly authenticated, issued and delivered by the Trustee, (viii) the accuracy of the representations and warranties, and the respective performance of the agreements, of each of the Company and of the Underwriters in the Underwriting Agreement and (ix) that the parties to the Base Indenture have not acted in a manner since the date of its effectiveness that would effect an amendment to, or modify the interpretation of, the Base Indenture.

As to factual matters, we have relied upon the accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the Underwriting Agreement, upon certificates of officers of the Company and upon certificates and oral advice of public officials, without independent investigation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, for purposes of our opinion, we have not searched any electronic or other databases, nor have we conducted a search of the dockets of any court or administrative or other regulatory agency.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications and limitations stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Notes, when executed and delivered by the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and the Resolutions, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company under the laws of the State of New York in accordance with their terms, subject to the qualification that the enforceability of obligations of the Company thereunder may be limited or otherwise affected by (a) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, fraudulent transfer, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally, (b) general principles of equity, whether considered at law or in equity, and (c) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

January 13, 2026 Page 4

We express no opinion concerning or as to (i) the validity or enforceability of any provisions contained in the Indenture that purport to waive or not give effect to rights to notices, defenses, subrogation or other rights or benefits that cannot be effectively waived under applicable law, (ii) the enforceability of indemnification provisions to the extent they purport to relate to liabilities resulting from or based upon negligence or any violation of federal or state securities or blue sky laws, or (iii) the enforceability of provisions of the Indenture or the Notes (a) that provide for liquidated damages or any "make whole," "yield maintenance" or "premium amount" to the extent they may be deemed a penalty or (b) relating to amounts payable on the Notes upon acceleration that may be deemed to be unearned interest.

We do not purport to express any opinion on any laws other than the statutory laws of the State of New York. We express no opinion as to any matter other than as expressly set forth above, and no opinion on any other matter may be inferred or implied from this opinion.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion of counsel as Exhibit 5.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated on or about the date hereof, to the incorporation by reference of this opinion of counsel into the Registration Statement and to the reference to our Firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. This opinion is given as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake to advise you of any changes in the opinions expressed herein from matters that might hereafter arise or be brought to our attention.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

## Exhibit 8.1

**Exhibit 8.1**

![Vinson&Elkins_black](tm262799d2_ex8-1img01.jpg)

January 13, 2026

Adamas Trust, Inc.

90 Park Avenue, 23rd Floor

New York, New York 10016

Re: Adamas Trust, Inc. Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Adamas Trust, Inc., previously known as New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with the offer and sale of up to $103,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of 9.250% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "<u>Notes</u>"), pursuant to a preliminary prospectus supplement dated January 6, 2026, and a final prospectus supplement dated January 6, 2026 (together, the "<u>Prospectus Supplement</u>") to the prospectus dated September 16, 2025 (the "<u>Prospectus</u>"), forming part of a registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>") on September 5, 2025 and declared effective by the SEC on September 16, 2025 (File No. 333-290073) (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>"), with respect to the offer and sale of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, and debt securities of the Company that may be offered and sold from time to time by the Company. You have requested our opinion regarding certain U.S. federal income tax matters.

In giving this opinion letter, we have examined the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. the Company's Articles of Amendment and Restatement, as amended and supplemented;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. the Company's Bylaws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. the Limited Liability Company Agreement of NYMT Securitization Sub-REIT, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("<u>Sub-REIT</u>"), dated as of November 15, 2021;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. the organizational documents for New York Mortgage Funding, LLC ("<u>NYMF</u>"), Hypotheca Capital, LLC ("<u>Hypotheca</u>"), NYMT Residential Tax, LLC ("<u>NYMT Residential</u>"), NYMT Residential Tax 2013-RP1, LLC ("<u>Residential Tax 1</u>"), NYMT Residential Tax 2013-RP2, LLC ("<u>Residential Tax 2</u>"), NYMT Residential Tax 2013-RP3, LLC ("<u>Residential Tax 3</u>"), NYMT Residential Tax 2016-RP1, LLC ("<u>Residential Tax 4</u>"), Headlands Asset Management Fund III (Cayman), LP, Headlands Flagship Opportunity Fund Series I ("Headlands"), NYMT Commercial Management, LLC ("<u>Commercial Management</u>"), NYMT Securitization Company, LLC ("<u>Securitization Company</u>"), and Aaro Asset Management, LLC ("<u>Aaro</u>");

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| &nbsp;&nbsp; **Vinson & Elkins LLP Attorneys at Law**<br> Austin Dallas Denver Dubai Dublin Houston London<br> Los Angeles New York Richmond San Francisco Tokyo Washington<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp; 901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1500<br> Richmond, VA 23219<br> **Tel** +1.804.327.6300 **Fax** +1.804.327.6301 **velaw.com** |

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| ![](tm262799d2_ex8-1img02.jpg) | January 13, 2026 Page 2 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, and the Prospectus Supplement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. the Underwriting Agreement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. the "taxable REIT subsidiary" ("<u>TRS</u>") election for Hypotheca, which election, as amended, lists The New York Mortgage Company, Inc. and NYMC Loan Corporation as greater than 35%-owned subsidiaries;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. the TRS election for NYMF;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. the TRS election for NYMT Residential;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. the TRS election for Residential Tax 1;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. the TRS election for Residential Tax 2;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. the TRS election for Residential Tax 3;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. the TRS election for Residential Tax 4;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. the TRS election for Headlands;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. the TRS election for Commercial Management;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. the TRS election for Securitization Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. the TRS election for Aaro; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion.

In connection with the opinions rendered below, we have assumed, with your consent, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. each of the documents referred to above has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered; is authentic, if an original, or is accurate, if a copy; and has not been amended;

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| ![](tm262799d2_ex8-1img02.jpg) | January 13, 2026 Page 3 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. during its taxable year ending December 31, 2026, and future taxable years, the Company has operated and will operate in a manner that will make the representations contained in a certificate, dated the date hereof and executed by a duly appointed officer of the Company (the "<u>Company Officer's Certificate</u>"), true for such years, without regard to any qualifications as to knowledge or belief;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. during its taxable year ending December 31, 2026, and future taxable years, Sub-REIT has operated and will operate in a manner that will make the representations contained in a certificate, dated the date hereof and executed by a duly appointed officer of Sub-REIT (the "<u>Sub-REIT Officer's Certificate</u>" and together with the Company Officer's Certificate, the "<u>Officer's Certificates</u>"), true for such years, without regard to any qualifications as to knowledge or belief;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. the Company will not make any amendments to its organizational documents or the organizational documents of NYMF, Hypotheca, Residential Tax 4, Commercial Management, Securitization Company, Aaro or any other subsidiary after the date of this opinion that would affect the Company's qualification as a real estate investment trust (a "<u>REIT</u>") for any taxable year;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Sub-REIT will not make any amendments to its organizational documents or the organizational documents of any subsidiary after the date of this opinion that would affect Sub-REIT's qualification as a REIT for any taxable year; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. no action will be taken by the Company, Sub-REIT, NYMF, Hypotheca, Residential Tax 4, Commercial Management, Securitization Company, Aaro or any other subsidiary after the date hereof that would have the effect of altering the facts upon which the opinions set forth below are based.

In connection with the opinions rendered below, we have also relied upon the correctness, without regard to any qualification as to knowledge or belief, of the factual representations and covenants contained in the Officer's Certificates and the factual matters discussed in the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement that relate to the Company's status as a REIT. We are not aware of any facts that are inconsistent with the representations contained in the Officer's Certificates. Furthermore, where the factual representations in the Officer's Certificates involve terms defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "<u>Code</u>"), the Treasury regulations thereunder (the "<u>Regulations</u>"), published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the "<u>Service</u>"), or other relevant authority, we have reviewed with the individuals making such representations the relevant provisions of the Code, the applicable Regulations, the published rulings of the Service, and other relevant authority.

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| ![](tm262799d2_ex8-1img02.jpg) | January 13, 2026 Page 4 |

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Based on the documents and assumptions set forth above, the representations and covenants set forth in the Officer's Certificates, and the factual matters discussed in the Prospectus under the caption "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" (which are incorporated herein by reference), we are of the opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Company qualified to be taxed as a REIT pursuant to sections 856 through 860 of the Code, for its short taxable year ended December 31, 2004 and its taxable years ended December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2025, and the Company's organization and current and proposed method of operation (as described in the Company Officer's Certificate) will enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT under the Code for its taxable year ending December 31, 2026 and thereafter; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the descriptions of law and the legal conclusions in the Prospectus under the caption "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and in the Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Additional Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" are correct in all material respects.

We will not review on a continuing basis the Company's or Sub-REIT's compliance with the documents or assumptions set forth above, or the representations set forth in the Officer's Certificates. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company's operations for any given taxable year will satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. Although we have made such inquiries and performed such investigations as we have deemed necessary to fulfill our professional responsibilities as counsel, we have not undertaken an independent investigation of all the facts referred to in this opinion letter or the Officer's Certificates.

The foregoing opinions are based on current provisions of the Code and the Regulations, published administrative interpretations thereof; and published court decisions. The Service has not issued Regulations or administrative interpretations with respect to various provisions of the Code relating to REIT qualification. No assurance can be given that the law will not change in a way that will prevent the Company from qualifying as a REIT.

The foregoing opinions are limited to the U.S. federal income tax matters addressed herein, and no other opinions are rendered with respect to other federal tax matters or to any issues arising under the tax laws of any other country, or any state or locality. Additional issues may exist that could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the transaction or matter that is the subject of this opinion, and this opinion letter does not consider or provide a conclusion with respect to any such additional issues. We undertake no obligation to update the opinions expressed herein after the date of this letter. This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof. Except as provided in the next paragraph, this opinion letter may not be distributed, quoted in whole or in part or otherwise reproduced in any document, or filed with any governmental agency without our express written consent.

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| ![](tm262799d2_ex8-1img02.jpg) | January 13, 2026 Page 5 |

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We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the captions "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "Certain Legal Matters" in the Prospectus and under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus Supplement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC.

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| Sincerely, |
| /s/ Vinson & Elkins LLP |
| VINSON & ELKINS LLP |

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