EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1717547
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1717547_10-K_2024_0001717547-24-000008.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Our Company
References to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” refer to BrightSpire Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context specifically requires otherwise. References to the “OP” refer to BrightSpire Capital Operating Company, LLC a Delaware limited liability company, the operating company of the Company.
We are a commercial real estate (“CRE”) credit real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on originating, acquiring, financing and managing a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of CRE debt investments and net leased properties predominantly in the United States. CRE debt investments primarily consist of first mortgage loans, which is our primary investment strategy. Additionally, we may also selectively originate mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments, which may include profit participations. The mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments may be in conjunction with our origination of corresponding first mortgages on the same properties. Net leased properties consist of CRE properties with long-term leases to tenants on a net-lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance capital expenditures and real estate taxes. We continue to target net leased equity investments on a selective basis.
We were organized in the state of Maryland on August 23, 2017 and maintain key offices in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. We conduct all our activities and hold substantially all our assets and liabilities through our operating subsidiary, BrightSpire Capital Operating Company, LLC.
Our Investment Strategy
Our objective is to generate consistent and attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. We seek to achieve this objective primarily through cash distributions and the preservation of invested capital. We believe our investment strategy provides flexibility through economic cycles to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns. This approach is driven by a disciplined investment strategy, focused on:
•leveraging long standing relationships, our organization structure and the experience of the team;
•the underlying real estate and market dynamics to identify investments with attractive risk-return profiles;
•primarily originating and structuring CRE senior loans and selective investments in mezzanine loans and preferred equity with attractive return profiles relative to the underlying value and financial operating performance of the real estate collateral, given the strength and quality of the sponsorship;
•structuring transactions with a prudent amount of leverage, if any, given the risk of the underlying asset’s cash flows, attempting to match the structure and duration of the financing with the underlying asset’s cash flows, including through the use of hedges, as appropriate; and
•operating our net leased real estate investments and selectively pursuing new investments based on property location and purpose, tenant credit quality, market lease rates and potential appreciation of, and alternative uses for, the real estate.
The period for which we intend to hold our investments will vary depending on the type of asset, interest rates, investment performance, micro and macro real estate environment, capital markets and credit availability, among other factors. We generally expect to hold debt investments until the stated maturity and equity investments in accordance with each investment’s proposed business plan. We may sell all or a partial ownership interest in an investment before the end of the expected holding period if we believe that market conditions have maximized its value to us, or the sale of the asset would otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our investment strategy is flexible, enabling us to adapt to shifts in economic, real estate and capital market conditions and to exploit market inefficiencies. We may expand or change our investment strategy or target assets over time in response to opportunities available in different economic and capital market conditions. This flexibility in our investment strategy allows us to employ a customized, solutions-oriented approach, which we believe is attractive to borrowers and tenants. We believe that our diverse portfolio, our ability to originate, acquire and manage our target assets and the flexibility of our investment strategy positions us to capitalize on market inefficiencies and generate attractive long-term risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders through a variety of market conditions and economic cycles.
Our Target Assets
Our investment strategy is to originate and selectively acquire our target assets, which consist of the following:
•Senior Loans. Our primary focus is originating and selectively acquiring senior loans that are backed by CRE assets. These loans are secured by a first mortgage lien on a commercial property and provide mortgage financing to a commercial property developer or owner. The loans may vary in duration, bear interest at a fixed or floating rate and amortize, if at all, over varying periods, often with a balloon payment of principal at maturity. Senior loans may include junior participations in our originated senior loans for which we have syndicated the senior participations to other investors and retained the junior participations for our portfolio. We believe these junior participations are more like the senior loans we originate than other loan types given their credit quality and risk profile.
•Mezzanine Loans. We may originate or acquire mezzanine loans, which are structurally subordinate to senior loans, but senior to the borrower’s equity position. Generally, we will originate or acquire these loans if we believe we have the ability to protect our position and fund the first mortgage, if necessary. Mezzanine loans may be structured such that our return accrues and is added to the principal amount rather than paid on a current basis. We may also pursue equity participation opportunities in instances when the risk-reward characteristics of the investment warrant additional upside participation in the possible appreciation in value of the underlying assets securing the investment.
•Preferred Equity. We may make investments that are subordinate to senior and mezzanine loans, but senior to the common equity in the mortgage borrower. Preferred equity investments may be structured such that our return accrues and is added to the principal amount rather than paid on a current basis. We also may pursue equity participation opportunities in preferred equity investments, like such participations in mezzanine loans.
•Net Leased and Other Real Estate. We may occasionally invest directly in well-located commercial real estate with long-term leases to tenants on a net lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance capital expenditures and real estate taxes. In addition, tenants of our properties typically pay rent increases based on: (1) increases in the consumer price index (typically subject to ceilings), (2) fixed increases, or (3) additional rent calculated as a percentage of the tenants’ gross sales above a specified level. We believe that a portfolio of properties under long-term, net lease agreements generally produces a more predictable income stream than many other types of real estate portfolios, while continuing to offer the potential for growth in rental income.
Our operating segments include senior and mezzanine loans and preferred equity, net leased and other real estate, all of which are included in our target assets, and corporate and other.
The allocation of our capital among our target assets will depend on prevailing market conditions at the time we invest and may change over time in response to different prevailing market conditions. In addition, in the future, we may invest in assets other than our target assets or change our target assets. With respect to all our investments, we invest so as to maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exclusion or exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).
We believe that events in the financial markets from time to time, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have created and will continue to create dislocation between price and intrinsic value in certain asset classes as well as a supply and demand imbalance of available credit to finance these assets. We believe that our in-depth understanding of CRE and real estate-related investments, in-house underwriting, asset management and resolution capabilities, provides an extensive platform to regularly evaluate our investments and determine primary, secondary or alternative disposition strategies. This includes intermediate servicing and negotiating, restructuring of non-performing investments, foreclosure considerations, management or development of owned real estate, in each case to reposition and achieve optimal value realization for us and our stockholders. Depending on the nature of the underlying investment, we may pursue repositioning strategies through judicious capital investment in order to extract maximum value from the investment or recognize unanticipated losses to reinvest resulting liquidity in higher-yielding performing investments.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we distinguish ourselves from other CRE finance and investment companies in a number of ways, including the following:
Large diversified portfolio.
We are a large publicly-traded CRE credit/mortgage REIT. Our portfolio is composed of a diverse set of CRE assets across the capital stack, including senior loans as well as select mezzanine loans and preferred equity. We will also occasionally invest in single tenant net leased properties. We believe that the scale of our portfolio gives us a competitive advantage by providing us with significant portfolio diversification, economies of scale and advantageous access to capital.
Disciplined investment strategy.
We focus on originating, acquiring, financing and managing CRE senior loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, and net leased properties. Our investment strategy is dynamic and flexible, enabling us to adapt to shifts in economic, real estate and capital market conditions and to exploit market inefficiencies. This flexible investment strategy will allow us to employ a customized, solutions-oriented approach to investment, which we believe is attractive to our borrowers and tenants and which will allow us to deploy capital across a broader opportunity set.
Our Financing Strategy
We have a multi-pronged financing strategy that included an up to $165 million secured revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2023, up to approximately $2.0 billion in secured revolving repurchase facilities, $913.9 million in non-recourse securitization financing, $617.4 million in commercial mortgages and $34.5 million in other asset-level financing structures.
In addition, we may use other forms of financing, including additional warehouse facilities, public and private secured and unsecured debt issuances and equity or equity-related securities issuances by us or our subsidiaries. We may also finance a portion of our investments through the syndication of one or more interests in a whole loan. We will seek to match the nature and duration of the financing with the underlying asset’s cash flow, including using hedges, as appropriate.
Leverage Policies
While we limit our use of leverage and believe we can achieve attractive yields on an unleveraged basis, we may use prudent amounts of leverage to increase potential returns to our stockholders and/or to finance future investments. Given current market conditions, to the extent that we use borrowings to finance our assets, we currently expect that such leverage would not exceed on a debt-to-equity basis, a 3-to-1 ratio for us as a whole. We consider these leverage ratios to be prudent for our target asset classes. Our decision to use leverage currently or in the future to finance our assets will be based on our assessment of a variety of factors, including, among others, the anticipated credit quality, liquidity and price volatility of the assets in our investment portfolio, the potential for losses and extension risk in our portfolio, the ability to raise additional equity to reduce leverage and create liquidity for future investments, the availability of credit at favorable prices or at all, the credit quality of our assets and our outlook for borrowing costs relative to the interest income earned on our assets. Our decision to use leverage in the future to finance our assets will be at the discretion of our management and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders, and we are not restricted by our governing documents or otherwise in the amount of leverage that we may use. To the extent that we use leverage in the future, we may mitigate interest rate risk through utilization of hedging instruments, primarily interest rate swap and cap agreements, to serve as a hedge against future interest rate increases on our borrowings.
Investment Guidelines
We have no prescribed limitation on any particular investment type. However, the Company’s board of directors (“Board of Directors”) has adopted the following investment guidelines:
•no investment shall be made that would cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
•no investment shall be made that would cause the Company or any subsidiary to be required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act;
•until appropriate investments can be identified, we may invest the proceeds of any future offerings of the Company in interest-bearing, short-term investments, including money market accounts and/or U.S. treasury securities, that are consistent with the Company’s intention to qualify as a REIT and maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act;
•any investment with a total net commitment by the OP of greater than 5% of the OP’s net equity (computed using the most recently available publicly filed balance sheet) shall require the approval of the Board of Directors or a duly constituted committee of the Board of Directors (with total net commitment by the OP being the aggregate amount of funds directly or indirectly committed by the OP to such investment net of any upfront fees received by the Company or any subsidiary in connection with such investment); and
•any investment with a total net commitment by the OP of between 3% and 5% of the OP’s net equity (computed using the most recently available publicly filed balance sheet) shall require the approval of the Board of Directors or a duly constituted committee of the Board of Directors (with total net commitment by the OP being the aggregate amount of funds directly or indirectly committed by the OP to such investment net of any upfront fees received by the Company or any subsidiary in connection with such investment), unless the investment falls within specific parameters approved by the Board of Directors and in effect at the time such commitment is made.
The investment guidelines can be amended or waived with the approval of the Board of Directors (which must include a majority of the independent directors).
Operating and Regulatory Structure
REIT Qualification
We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the “REIT taxable income” that we distribute annually to our stockholders.
Investment Company Act Matters
We and our subsidiaries conduct our operations so that we are not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
We believe we are not an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because we do not engage primarily, or hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, we, through our subsidiaries, are primarily engaged in non-investment company businesses related to real estate. In addition, we intend to conduct our operations so that we do not come within the definition of an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act because less than 40% of our total assets on an unconsolidated basis will consist of “investment securities.” Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act defines an investment company as any issuer that is engaged or proposes to engage in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and that owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of the issuer’s total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items). Excluded from the term “investment securities” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act) are securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are themselves not investment companies and are not relying on the exclusion from the definition of investment company set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. Under the Investment Company Act, a subsidiary is majority-owned if a company owns 50% or more of its outstanding voting securities. To avoid the need to register as an investment company, the securities issued to us by any wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries that we may form in the future that are excluded from the definition of investment company under Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities we may own, may not have a value in excess of 40% of the value of our total assets on an unconsolidated basis. We monitor our holdings to ensure ongoing compliance with this test.
We hold our assets primarily through direct or indirect wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, certain of which are excluded from the definition of investment company pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C) or Section 3(c)(6) of the Investment Company Act. To qualify for the exclusion pursuant to Section 3(c)(5)(C), based on positions set forth by the staff of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), each such subsidiary, considered on an individual basis, is generally required to hold at least (i) 55% of its assets in “qualifying” real estate assets and (ii) at least 80% of its assets in “qualifying” real estate assets and real estate-related assets. For our subsidiaries that maintain this exclusion or another exclusion or exception under the Investment Company Act (other than Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) thereof), our interests in these subsidiaries do not and will not constitute “investment securities.” “Qualifying” real estate assets for this purpose include senior loans, certain B-notes and certain mezzanine loans that satisfy various conditions as set forth in SEC staff no-action letters and other guidance, and other assets that the SEC staff in various no-action letters and other guidance has determined are the functional equivalent of senior loans for the purposes of the Investment Company Act. We treat as real estate-related assets B-pieces and mezzanine loans that do not satisfy the conditions set forth in the relevant SEC staff no-action letters and other guidance, and debt and equity securities of companies primarily engaged in real estate businesses. Unless a relevant SEC no-action letter or other guidance applies, we expect to treat preferred equity interests as real estate-related assets. The SEC has not published guidance with respect to the treatment of CMBS for purposes of the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion. Unless the SEC or
its staff issues guidance with respect to CMBS, we intend to treat CMBS as a real estate-related asset. To the extent that the SEC staff publishes new or different guidance with respect to these matters, we may be required to adjust our strategy accordingly. For our subsidiaries that maintain this exclusion or another exclusion or exception under the Investment Company Act (other than Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) thereof), our interests in these subsidiaries do not and will not constitute “investment securities.”
Our subsidiaries that rely on the exclusion provided for in Section 3(c)(6) do so because they are primarily engaged, directly or through majority-owned subsidiaries, in Section 3(c)(5)(C) businesses or in one or more of such businesses (from which not less than 25 percent of such company’s gross income during its last fiscal year was derived) together with an additional business or businesses other than investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading in securities. Although there is limited guidance from the staff of the SEC interpreting Section 3(c)(6), we believe that it is commonly understood that the term “primarily” has the same numerical connotation as under Section 3(c)(5), as described in the preceding paragraph with the determination for any subsidiary including the assets of its majority owned subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
If we were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration, and other matters.
As a consequence of our seeking to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act on an ongoing basis, we and/or our subsidiaries may be restricted from making certain investments or may structure investments in a manner that would be less advantageous to us than would be the case in the absence of such requirements. In particular, a change in the value of any of our assets could negatively affect our ability to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act and cause the need for a restructuring of our investment portfolio. For example, these restrictions may limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to invest directly in mortgage-backed securities (“MBSs”) that represent less than the entire ownership in a pool of senior loans, debt and equity tranches of securitizations and certain asset-backed securities, noncontrolling equity interests in real estate companies or in assets not related to real estate. In addition, seeking to avoid the need to register under the Investment Company Act may cause us and/or our subsidiaries to acquire or hold additional assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or held or dispose of investments that we and/or our subsidiaries might not have otherwise disposed of, which could result in higher costs or lower proceeds to us than we would have paid or received if we were not seeking to comply with such requirements. Thus, avoiding registration under the Investment Company Act may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
There can be no assurance that we and our subsidiaries will be able to successfully avoid operating as an unregistered investment company. If it were established that we were an unregistered investment company, there would be a risk that we would be subject to monetary penalties and injunctive relief in an action brought by the SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties, that third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions undertaken during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment company, and that we would be subject to limitations on corporate leverage that would have an adverse impact on our investment returns.
Government Regulation Relating to the Environment
Our properties are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations. Such laws and other regulations relate to a variety of environmental hazards, including asbestos-containing materials (“ACM”), toxins or irritants, mold, regulated substances, emissions to the environment, fire codes and other hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes. These laws are subject to change and may be more stringent in the future. Under current laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate (including, in certain circumstances, a secured lender if it participates in management or succeeds to ownership or control of a property) may become liable for costs and liabilities related to contamination or other environmental issues at or with respect to the property, including in connection with the activities of a tenant. Such cleanup laws typically impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator party knew of or was responsible for the release or presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, parties may be liable for costs of remediating contamination at an off-site disposal or treatment facilities where they arrange for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances. These liabilities and costs, including for investigation, remediation or removal of those substances or natural resource damages, third party tort claims resulting from personal injury or property damage, restrictions on the manner in which the property is used, liens in favor of the government for damages and costs the government incurs related to cleanup of contamination, and costs to properly manage or abate asbestos or mold may be substantial. Absent participating in management or succeeding to ownership, operation or other control of real property, a secured lender is not likely to be directly subject to any of these forms of environmental liability, although a borrower could be subject to these liabilities impacting its ability to make loan payments.
Prior to closing any property acquisition, we obtain environmental assessments in a manner we believe prudent in order to attempt to identify potential environmental concerns with respect to such properties. These assessments are carried out in accordance with an appropriate level of due diligence and generally include a physical site inspection, a review of relevant federal, state and local environmental and health agency database records, one or more interviews with appropriate site-related personnel, review of the property’s chain of title and review of historic aerial photographs and other information on past uses of the property. We may also conduct limited subsurface investigations and test for substances of concern where the result of the first phase of the environmental assessments or other information indicates possible contamination or where our consultants recommend such procedures.
We are not currently aware of any environmental liabilities that could materially affect the Company. Refer to the risk factor “Environmental compliance costs and other potential environmental liabilities associated with our current or former properties or our CRE debt or real estate-related investments could materially impair the value of our investments and expose us to material liability” in the section entitled “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business and Our Investments” for more details regarding potential environmental liabilities and risk related to the Company.
Other Regulation
Our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by state and federal governmental authorities and may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions, which, among other things: (1) regulate credit granting activities; (2) establish maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; (3) require disclosures to customers; (4) govern secured transactions; (5) set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling procedures and other trade practices; and (6) regulate affordable housing rental activities. Although most states do not regulate commercial finance, certain states impose limitations on interest rates and other charges and on certain collection practices and creditor remedies, and require licensing of lenders and financiers and adequate disclosure of certain contract terms. We are also required to comply with certain provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act that are applicable to commercial loans and the Fair Housing Act. We intend to conduct our business so that we comply with such laws and regulations.
Competition
We are engaged in a competitive business. In our lending and investing activities, we compete for opportunities with a variety of institutional lenders and investors, including other REITs, specialty finance companies, public and private funds, commercial and investment banks, commercial finance and insurance companies and other financial institutions. Several other REITs have raised, or are expected to raise, significant amounts of capital, and may have similar acquisition objectives that overlap with ours. These other REITs will increase competition for the available supply of mortgage assets suitable for purchase and origination. Furthermore, this competition in our target asset classes may lead to the yields of such assets decreasing, which may further limit our ability to generate satisfactory returns.
Some of our competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us, such as the U.S. Government. Many of our competitors are not subject to the operating constraints associated with REIT rule compliance or maintenance of an exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of loans and investments, offer more attractive pricing or other terms and establish more relationships than us.
Federal regulators have modified restrictions on the activity of banks and other deposit-taking institutions that previously prohibited such entities from competing for certain investment opportunities. The changes to this regulatory scheme, commonly referred to as the Volcker Rule, became effective on October 1, 2020 and may allow these financial institutions to compete with us for investment opportunities that were not previously available to them, thus increasing competition with our business. In the face of this competition, we believe our investment professionals and their industry expertise and relationships provide us with competitive advantages in assessing risks and determining appropriate pricing for potential investments. We believe these relationships enable us to compete more effectively for attractive investment opportunities.
Human Capital Management
Experienced Management and Employees
On December 31, 2023, we had 54 full-time employees and one part-time employee. Our 55 employees are located throughout the United States as follows: 32 in New York, New York at our Headquarters, 19 in Los Angeles, California, one in Florida, one in Texas, one in Georgia and one in New Hampshire.
Employee Matters and Culture
We are committed to maintaining a positive work environment in which employee accountability, growth, advancement, diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunity are very important. We strive to recognize and reward noteworthy performance, evaluated through periodic (no less frequent than annual) reviews with each employee. We seek to attract and retain the most relevant and skilled employees by offering competitive compensation and benefits, including fixed and variable pay, including base salary, cash bonuses, equity-based compensation consistent with employee position and seniority, 401(k) matching and opportunities for merit-based increases.
We maintain policies that reinforce and enhance our commitment to high ethical standards, corporate governance and internal controls, to provide the best and most competitive service to our customers in order to enhance stockholder value. We promote a workplace that is free of harassment and discriminatory and retaliatory practices. In keeping with these priorities, we maintain an open-door policy for conflict management and requires periodic (no less frequent than annual) interactive harassment prevention training for both managers and employees consistent with applicable state and local laws. We regularly re-evaluate our policies covering codes of ethics, corporate governance, disclosure controls, anti-discrimination, harassment, retaliation and related complaint procedures, insider trading, and related party transaction activity.
We maintain a co-employer partnership with TriNet (a professional employer organization). TriNet administers pay and other employment services, allowing us to maximize human resource administration and enhance the diversity and strength of benefits provided to employees. Through TriNet, employees have access to an extensive health and wellness platform, including live, personal and mental health counseling, family, financial and career planning resources, as well as a broad-based marketplace offering technology products, travel, entertainment, dining, fitness and other services at significantly discounted prices.
Our Commitment to Charity
We maintain a commitment to corporate giving to national and local associations in the communities in which we live and conduct business. We proudly launched a charitable gift matching program in December 2022, where we utilize an enterprise philanthropy platform that connects employees to over 1.5 million charities. With the aid of our new philanthropy platform, we can match employee donations to certified 501(c)(3) organizations. Additionally, our employees have teamed up to provide annual support for Toys for Tots and have participated in charitable fundraising endeavors such as Cycle for Survival. Certain departments have worked together in volunteer efforts to give back to the community as well.
Corporate Information
The Company was formed as a Maryland corporation on August 23, 2017. Our principal executive offices are located at 590 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, and our telephone number is (212) 547-2631. Our website is www.brightspire.com. We make available, free of charge, on our website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after these forms are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our website address is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as a textual reference only and the information on the website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All of our reports, proxy and information statements filed with the SEC can also be obtained at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
The Company emphasizes the importance of professional business conduct and ethics through our corporate governance initiatives. Our Board of Directors consists of a majority of independent directors; the audit, compensation, and nominating and corporate governance committees of the Board of Directors are composed exclusively of independent directors. Additionally, the following documents relating to corporate governance are available on our website under “Shareholders-Corporate Governance”:
• Corporate Governance Guidelines
• Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
• Code of Ethics for Principal Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers
• Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters
• Audit Committee Charter
• Compensation Committee Charter
• Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter
These corporate governance documents are also available in print free of charge to any security holder who requests them in writing to: BrightSpire Capital, Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, 590 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, New York, 10022. Within the time period required by the rules of the SEC and the NYSE, we will post on our website any amendment to such corporate governance documents.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below before deciding to purchase shares of our common stock. If any of the events, contingencies, circumstances or conditions described in the risks below actually occurs, they could have a material adverse effect in our business, results of operations and financial conditions or cause our stock price to decline.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Investments
The real estate investment business is highly competitive and our success depends on our ability to compete, including attracting and retaining qualified executives and key personnel in our vertically integrated investment and asset management business structure.
We believe that our success depends significantly upon the experience, skill, resources, relationships and contacts of the executive officers and key personnel in our vertically integrated investment and asset management business structure. The departure of any one or more of these persons from our management team could have a material adverse effect on our performance. Taken together, our ability to achieve our stated objectives and to grow and maintain our business and relationships may be meaningfully compromised by any one or more departures.
We may not be able to hire and retain qualified loan originators or grow and maintain our relationships with key loan brokers, and if we are unable to do so, our ability to implement our business and growth strategies could be limited.
We depend on our loan originators to generate borrower clients by, among other things, developing relationships with commercial property owners, real estate agents and brokers, developers and others, which we believe leads to repeat and referral business. Accordingly, we must be able to attract, motivate and retain skilled loan originators. The market for loan originators is highly competitive and may lead to increased costs to hire and retain them. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to attract or retain qualified loan originators. If we cannot attract, motivate or retain a sufficient number of skilled loan originators, at a reasonable cost or at all, our business could be materially and adversely affected. We also depend on our network of loan brokers, who generate a significant portion of our loan originations. While we strive to cultivate long-standing relationships that generate repeat business for us, brokers are free to transact business with other lenders. Our competitors also have relationships with some of our brokers and actively compete with us in bidding on loans shopped by these brokers. We also cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain or develop new relationships with additional brokers.
Our ability to achieve our investment objectives and to pay distributions depends in substantial part upon our performance and the performance of our third-party servicers.
Our success depends on the identification and origination or acquisition of investments and the management of our assets and operation of our day-to-day activities. If we perform poorly and as a result are unable to originate and/or acquire our investments successfully, we may be unable to achieve our investment objectives or to pay distributions to stockholders at presently contemplated levels, if at all. Our platform may not be scalable if our business grows substantially, we may be unable to make significant investments on a timely basis or at reasonable costs, or our service providers may be strained by our growth, which could disrupt our business and operations. Similarly, if our third-party servicers perform poorly, we may be unable to realize all cash flow associated with our real estate debt and debt-like investments.
Our CRE debt, select equity and securities investments are subject to the risks typically associated with real estate.
Our CRE debt, select equity and securities investments are subject to the risks typically associated with real estate, including:
•tenant mix;
•real estate conditions, such as an oversupply of or a reduction in demand for real estate space in an area;
•lack of liquidity inherent in the nature of the assets;
•borrower/tenant/operator mix and the success of the borrower/tenant/operator business;
•success of tenant businesses;
•ability to collect interest/loan obligation/principal, including income recognition and recovery of payment-in-kind interest on applicable loan investments;
•property management decisions;
•property location, condition and design;
•competition from comparable types of properties;
•changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;
•changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, including the credit and securitization markets;
•declines in regional or local real estate values;
•declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates;
•fluctuations (including increases) in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses;
•compliance with environmental laws;
•costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions;
•the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses;
•changes in governmental laws and regulations, including fiscal policies, zoning ordinances and environmental legislation and the related costs of compliance; and
•acts of God, terrorist attacks, social unrest and civil disturbances.
The value of each investment is affected significantly by its ability to generate cash flow and net income, which in turn depends on the amount of financing/interest payments, rental or other income that can be generated net of expenses required to be incurred with respect to the investment. Many expenses associated with properties (such as operating expenses and capital expenses) cannot be reduced when there is a reduction in income from the properties. Some of our CRE securities may be subject to the risk of first loss and therefore could be adversely affected by payment defaults, delinquencies and others of these risks.
These factors may have a material adverse effect on the value and the return that we can realize from our assets, as well as the ability of our borrowers to pay their loans and the ability of the borrowers on the underlying loans securing our securities to pay their loans.
The mezzanine loan assets that we have acquired and may acquire in the future will involve greater risks of loss than senior loans secured by income-producing properties.
We have and may continue to acquire mezzanine loans, which take the form of subordinated loans secured by second mortgages on the underlying property or loans secured by a pledge of the ownership interests of either the entity owning the property or a pledge of the ownership interests of the entity that owns the interest in the entity owning the property. These types of assets involve a higher degree of risk than long-term senior mortgage lending secured by income-producing real property, because the loan may become unsecured as a result of foreclosure by the senior lender. In addition, mezzanine loans may have higher loan-to-value ratios than conventional mortgage loans, resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt is paid in full. Where debt senior to our loan exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements between the holder of the mortgage loan and us, as the mezzanine lender, may limit our ability to amend our loan documents, assign our loans, accept prepayments, exercise our remedies and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to borrowers. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment, which could result in losses. In addition, even if we are able to foreclose on the underlying collateral following a default on a mezzanine loan, we would be substituted for the defaulting borrower and, to the extent income generated on the underlying property is insufficient to meet outstanding debt obligations on the property, may need to commit substantial additional capital to stabilize the property and prevent additional defaults to lenders with existing liens on the property. Significant losses related to our mezzanine loans could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Participating interests may not be available and, even if obtained, may not be realized.
In connection with the origination or acquisition of certain structured finance assets, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we have obtained and may continue to obtain participating interests, or equity “kickers,” in the owner of the property that entitle us to payments based upon a development’s cash flow or profits or any increase in the value of the property that would be realized upon a refinancing or sale thereof. Competition for participating interests is dependent to a large degree upon market conditions. Participating interests are more difficult to obtain when real estate financing is available at relatively low interest rates. Participating interests are not insured or guaranteed by any governmental entity and are therefore subject to the general risks inherent in real estate investments. Therefore, even if we are successful in making investments that provide for participating interests, there can be no assurance that such interests will result in additional payments to us.
Any distressed loans or investments we make, or loans and investments that later become distressed, may subject us to losses and other risks relating to bankruptcy proceedings.
While our investment strategy focuses primarily on investments in “performing” real estate-related interests, our investment program may include making distressed investments from time to time (e.g., investments in defaulted, out-of-favor or distressed bank loans and debt securities) or may involve investments that become “non-performing” following our acquisition thereof. Certain of our investments may, therefore, include specific securities of companies that typically are highly leveraged, with significant burdens on cash flow and, therefore, involve a high degree of financial risk. During an economic downturn or recession, securities of financially troubled or operationally troubled issuers are more likely to go into default than securities of other issuers. Securities of financially troubled issuers and operationally troubled issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of companies not experiencing financial difficulties. The market prices of such securities are subject to erratic and abrupt market movements and the spread between bid and asked prices may be greater than normally expected. Investment in the securities of financially troubled issuers and operationally troubled issuers involves a high degree of credit and market risk.
In certain limited cases (e.g., in connection with a workout, restructuring and/or foreclosing proceedings involving one or more of our debt investments), the success of our investment strategy with respect thereto will depend, in part, on our ability to effectuate loan modifications and/or restructures. Identifying and implementing any such restructuring programs entails a high degree of uncertainty. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully identify and implement restructuring programs. Further, such modifications and/or restructuring may entail, among other things, a substantial reduction in the interest rate and a substantial writedown of the principal of such loan, debt securities or other interests. However, even if a restructuring were successfully accomplished, a risk exists that, upon maturity of such real estate loan, debt securities or other interests replacement “takeout” financing will not be available.
These financial difficulties may never be overcome and may cause borrowers to become subject to bankruptcy or other similar administrative proceedings. There is a possibility that we may incur substantial or total losses on our investments and in certain circumstances, become subject to certain additional potential liabilities that may exceed the value of our original investment therein. For example, under certain circumstances, a lender who has inappropriately exercised control over the management and policies of a debtor may have its claims subordinated or disallowed or may be found liable for damages suffered by parties as a result of such actions. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to our investments, we may lose our entire investment, may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than our original investment and/or may be required to accept payment over an extended period of time. In addition, under certain circumstances, payments to us and distributions by us to the stockholders may be reclaimed if any such payment or distribution is later determined to have been a fraudulent conveyance, preferential payment or similar transaction under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Furthermore, bankruptcy laws and similar laws applicable to administrative proceedings may delay our ability to realize on collateral for loan positions held by us or may adversely affect the priority of such loans through doctrines such as equitable subordination or may result in a restructure of the debt through principles such as the “cramdown” provisions of the bankruptcy laws.
Provisions for loan losses and impairment charges are difficult to estimate, particularly in a challenging economic environment and if they turn out to be incorrect, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely impacted.
In a challenging economic environment, we may experience an increase in provisions for loan losses and asset impairment charges, as borrowers may be unable to remain current in payments on loans and declining property values weaken our collateral. Our determination of provision for loan losses requires us to make certain estimates and judgments based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, execution of business plan and projected cash flow from the collateral securing our CRE debt, structure, including the availability of reserves and recourse guarantees, likelihood of repayment in full at the maturity of a loan, potential for refinancing and expected market discount rates for varying property types, all of which remain uncertain and are subjective. Some of our investments have limited liquidity or are not publicly traded and so we estimate the fair value of these investments on a quarterly basis. Also, the analysis of the value or income-producing ability of commercial property is highly subjective. Our estimates and judgments may not be correct, particularly during challenging economic environments when market volatility may make it difficult to determine the fair value of certain of our assets and liabilities or the likelihood of repayment of loans we originate. Subsequent valuations and estimates, in light of factors then prevailing, may result in decreases in the values of our assets resulting in impairment charges or increases in loan loss provisions and therefore our results of operations, financial condition and our ability to make distributions to stockholders could be materially and adversely impacted.
Prepayment rates may adversely affect the value of our portfolio of assets.
Generally, our borrowers may repay their loans prior to their stated final maturities. In periods of declining interest rates and/or credit spreads, prepayment rates on loans generally increase. If general interest rates or credit spreads decline at the same time, the proceeds of such prepayments received during such periods are likely to be reinvested by us in assets yielding less than the
yields on the assets that were prepaid. Conversely, prepayment rates generally decrease in periods of increasing or high interest rates. In such circumstances, our borrowers may hold onto their assets for extended periods of time, have difficulty refinancing their assets, and subject our loans to risks of non-performance, payment and/or maturity defaults and potential losses. In addition, the value of our assets may be affected by prepayment rates on loans. If we originate or acquire mortgage-related securities or a pool of mortgage securities, we anticipate that the underlying mortgages will prepay at a projected rate generating an expected yield. If we purchase assets at a premium to par value, when borrowers prepay their loans faster than expected, the corresponding prepayments on the mortgage-related securities may reduce the expected yield on such securities because we will have to amortize the related premium on an accelerated basis. Conversely, if we purchase assets at a discount to par value, when borrowers prepay their loans slower than expected, the decrease in corresponding prepayments on the mortgage-related securities may reduce the expected yield on such securities because we will not be able to accrete the related discount as quickly as originally anticipated. In addition, as a result of the risk of prepayment, the market value of the prepaid assets may benefit less than other fixed income securities from declining interest rates.
Prepayment rates on loans may be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the then-current level of interest rates and credit spreads, fluctuations in asset values, the availability of mortgage credit, the relative economic vitality of the area in which the related properties are located, the servicing of the loans, possible changes in tax laws, other opportunities for investment, and other economic, social, geographic, demographic and legal factors and other factors beyond our control. Consequently, such prepayment rates cannot be predicted with certainty and no strategy can completely insulate us from prepayment or other such risks.
We invest in preferred equity interests, which involve a greater risk than conventional senior, junior or mezzanine debt financing.
Our preferred equity investments involve a higher degree of risk than conventional debt financing due to a variety of factors, including their non-collateralized nature and subordinated ranking to other loans and liabilities of the entity in which such preferred equity is held. Accordingly, if the issuer defaults on our investment, we would only be able to proceed against such entity in accordance with the terms of the preferred security, and not against any property owned by such entity. Furthermore, in the event of bankruptcy or foreclosure, we would only be able to recoup our investment after all lenders to, and other creditors of, such entity are paid in full. As a result, we may lose all or a significant part of our investment, which could result in significant losses, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We invest in commercial properties subject to net leases, which could subject us to losses.
We invest in commercial properties subject to net leases. Typically, net leases require the tenants to pay substantially all of the operating costs associated with the properties. As a result, the value of, and income from, investments in commercial properties subject to net leases will depend, in part, upon the tenant maintaining or renewing its lease and the ability of the applicable tenant to meet its obligations to maintain the property under the terms of the net lease. If a tenant fails or becomes unable to maintain a property or maintain or renew its lease, we will be subject to all risks associated with owning the underlying real estate. Under many net leases, however, the owner of the property retains certain obligations with respect to the property, including, among other things, the responsibility for maintenance and repair of the property, to provide adequate parking, maintenance of common areas and compliance with other affirmative covenants in the lease. If we were to fail to meet any such obligations, the applicable tenant could abate rent or terminate the applicable lease, which could result in a loss of our capital invested in, and anticipated profits from, the property.
Some commercial properties subject to net leases in which we invest are and will be occupied by a single tenant and, therefore, the success of these investments will be materially dependent on the financial stability of each such tenant and, in certain circumstances, renewing or extending its lease. A default of any such tenant on its lease payments to us or failure to renew would cause us to lose the revenue from the property and cause us to have to find an alternative source of revenue to meet operating expenses or any mortgage payment and prevent a foreclosure if the property is subject to a mortgage. In the event of a default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting our property. If a lease is terminated, we may also incur significant losses to make the leased premises ready for another tenant and experience difficulty or a significant delay in re-leasing such property.
In addition, net leases typically have longer lease terms and, thus, there is an increased risk that contractual rental increases or renewal rights and associated rates in future years will fail to result in fair market rental rates during those years.
We may acquire these investments through sale-leaseback transactions, which involve the purchase of a property and the leasing of such property back to the seller thereof. If we enter into a sale-leaseback transaction, we will seek to structure any such sale-leaseback transaction such that the lease will be characterized as a “true lease” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, thereby allowing us to be treated as the owner of the property for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, we cannot assure
you that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not challenge such characterization. In the event that any such sale-leaseback transaction is challenged and recharacterized as a financing transaction or loan for U.S. federal income tax purposes, deductions for depreciation and cost recovery relating to such property would be disallowed. If a sale-leaseback transaction were so recharacterized, we might fail to satisfy the REIT qualification “asset tests” or “income tests” and, consequently, lose our REIT status effective with the year of recharacterization. Alternatively, the amount of our REIT taxable income could be recalculated, which might also cause us to fail to meet the REIT distribution requirement for a taxable year.
We invest in CRE securities, including CMBS and CDOs, which entail certain heightened risks and are subject to losses.
We have invested and may invest in a variety of CRE securities, including CMBS, CDOs and other subordinate securities. The market for CRE securities is dependent upon liquidity for refinancing and may be negatively impacted by a slowdown in new issuance. For example, the equity interests of CDOs are illiquid and often must be held by a REIT. CRE securities such as CMBS may be subject to particular risks, including lack of standardized terms and payment of all or substantially all of the principal only at maturity rather than regular amortization of principal. The value of CRE securities may change due to interest rates, credit spreads, as well as shifts in the market’s perception of issuers and regulatory or tax changes adversely affecting the CRE debt market as a whole. The exercise of remedies and successful realization of liquidation proceeds relating to CRE securities may be highly dependent upon the performance of the servicer or special servicer. Ratings for CRE securities can also adversely affect their value.
Our investments in CMBS and CDOs are also subject to losses. In general, losses on a mortgaged property securing a mortgage loan included in a securitization will be borne first by the equity holder of the property, then by a cash reserve fund or letter of credit, if any, then by the holder of a mezzanine loan or B-Note, if any, then by the “first loss” subordinated security holder (generally, the “B-Piece” buyer) and then by the holder of a higher-rated security. In the event of default and the exhaustion of any equity support, reserve fund, letter of credit, mezzanine loans or B-Notes, and any classes of securities junior to those in which we invest, we will not be able to recover all of our investment in the securities we purchase. In addition, if the underlying mortgage portfolio has been overvalued by the originator, or if the values subsequently decline and, as a result, less collateral is available to satisfy interest and principal payments due on the related CMBS or CDO, there would be an increased risk of loss. The prices of lower credit quality securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual issuer developments.
Adverse changes in general economic conditions could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is closely tied to general economic conditions of the areas where our investments are located and in the real estate industry generally. As a result, our economic performance, the value of our CRE debt and debt-like investments, real estate and real estate-related investments, and our ability to implement our business strategies may be significantly and adversely affected by changes in economic conditions in the United States where a substantial number of our investments are located and in international geographic areas, as applicable. The condition of the real estate markets in which we operate is cyclical and depends on the condition of the economy in the United States and Europe and elsewhere as a whole and to the perceptions of investors of the overall economic outlook. Rising interest rates, declining employment levels, declining demand for real estate, declining real estate values or periods of general economic slowdown or recession, public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing political instability or uncertainty, or the perception that any of these events may occur have negatively impacted the real estate market in the past and may in the future negatively impact our operating performance. Declining real estate values could reduce our level of new loan originations and make borrowers less likely to service the principal and interest on our CRE debt investments. Slower than expected economic growth pressured by a strained labor market, could result in lower occupancy rates and lower lease rates across many property types, which could create obstacles for us to achieve our business plans. Unforeseen global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic may create significant dislocation in the financial markets, which could impact our lenders’ willingness or ability to provide us with financing and we could be forced to sell our assets at an inopportune time when prices are depressed. In addition, the economic condition of each local market where we operate may depend on one or more key industries within that market, which, in turn, makes our business sensitive to the performance of those industries.
Adverse changes in general economic conditions may also disrupt the debt and equity capital markets and lack of access to capital or prohibitively high costs of obtaining or replacing capital may materially and adversely affect our business.
We have only a limited ability to change our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions. Certain significant expenditures, such as debt service costs, real estate taxes, and operating and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when market conditions are poor. These factors impede us from responding quickly to changes in the performance of our investments and could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Inflation, along with government measures to control inflation, may have an adverse effect on our investments.
The United States and other countries have in the past experienced extremely high rates of inflation. Inflation, along with governmental measures to control inflation, coupled with public speculation about possible future governmental measures to be adopted, has had significant negative effects on national, regional and local economies in the past and this could occur again in the future. The introduction of governmental policies to curb inflation can have an adverse effect on our business. High inflation in the United States and other countries in which we conduct our investment activities and hold our investments could increase our expenses and we may not be able to pass these increased costs on to our borrowers. Additionally, warehouse lenders may take a more conservative stance by increasing funding costs, which may also lead to margin calls causing a negative impact on our liquidity. Similarly, inflationary factors may have a negative impact on our underlying borrowers, collateral and business plans, which could adversely affect the performance of our investments and results from operations.
Shifts in consumer patterns, work from home policies and advances in communication and information technology that affect the use of traditional retail, hotel and office space may have an adverse impact on the value of certain of our debt and equity investments.
In recent periods, sales by online retailers have increased, and many retailers operating brick and mortar stores have made online sales a vital piece of their businesses, which have been influenced by consumer habits associated with COVID-19. Some of our debt and equity investments involve exposure to the ongoing operations of brick and mortar retailers. Our loans collateralized by hotels, retail and office properties and mezzanine loans and preferred equity interests are disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19.
Technology and work from home policies have and will continue to impact the use of office space and the adaption and evolution of such policies and technology have accelerated due to the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The office market has seen a shift in the use of space due to the availability of practices such as telecommuting, videoconferencing and, prior to the pandemic, renting shared work spaces. These trends have led to more efficient workspace layouts and higher percentages of employees working from home and, therefore, a decrease in square feet leased per employee. The continuing impact of technology could result in tenant downsizings upon renewal, or in tenants seeking office space outside of the typical central business district. These trends could continue to cause an increase in vacancy rates and a decrease in demand for new supply, and could impact the value of our debt and equity investments.
Technology platforms such as AirBnB and VRBO have provided leisure and business travelers with lodging options outside of the hotel industry. These services effectively have increased the supply of rooms available in many major markets. This additional supply could negatively impact the occupancy and room rates at more traditional hotels.
As a result of the foregoing, the value of our debt and equity investments, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We are subject to significant competition, and we may not be able to compete successfully for investments, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to significant competition for attractive investment opportunities from other financing institutions and investors, including those focused primarily on real estate and real estate-related investment activities, some of which have greater financial resources than we do, including publicly traded REITs, non-traded REITs, insurance companies, commercial and investment banking firms, private institutional funds, hedge funds, private equity funds and other investors. Our competitors, including other REITs, may raise significant amounts of capital, and may have investment objectives that overlap with our investment objectives, which may create additional competition for lending and other investment opportunities. Some of our competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may not be available to us or are only available to us on substantially less attractive terms. Many of our competitors are not subject to the operating constraints associated with REIT tax compliance or maintenance of an exclusion or exemption from the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more lending relationships than we can. If we pay higher prices for investments or originate loans on less advantageous terms to us, our returns may be lower and the value of our assets may not increase or may decrease significantly below the amount we paid for such assets. As we reinvest capital, we may not realize risk adjusted returns that are as attractive as those we have realized in the past. In addition, further changes in the financial regulatory regime could decrease the current restrictions on banks and other financial institutions and allow them to compete with us for investment opportunities that were previously not available to them.
As a result of this competition, desirable loans and investments in our target assets may be limited in the future, and we may not be able to take advantage of attractive lending and investment opportunities from time to time. In addition, reduced CRE transaction volume could increase competition for available investment opportunities. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to identify and originate loans or make investments that are consistent with our investment objectives. We cannot assure
you that the competitive pressures we face will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not have control over certain of our loans and investments.
Our ability to manage our portfolio of loans and investments may be limited by the form in which they are made. In certain situations, we may:
•acquire investments subject to rights of senior classes, special servicers or collateral managers under intercreditor, servicing agreements or securitization documents;
•pledge our investments as collateral for financing arrangements;
•acquire only a minority and/or a noncontrolling participation in an underlying investment;
•co-invest with others through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, thereby acquiring noncontrolling interests; or
•rely on independent third-party management or servicing with respect to the management of an asset.
Therefore, we may not be able to exercise control over all aspects of our loans or investments. Such financial assets may involve risks not present in investments where senior creditors, junior creditors, servicers or third parties controlling investors are not involved. Our rights to control the process following a borrower default may be subject to the rights of senior or junior creditors or servicers whose interests may not be aligned with ours. A partner or co-venturer may have financial difficulties resulting in a negative impact on such asset, may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours, or may be in a position to take action contrary to our investment objectives. In addition, we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our partners or co-venturers.
Most of the commercial mortgage loans that we originate or acquire are non-recourse loans.
Except for customary non-recourse carve-outs for certain actions and environmental liability, most commercial mortgage loans are effectively non-recourse obligations of the sponsor and borrower, meaning that there is no recourse against the assets of the borrower or sponsor other than the underlying collateral. In the event of any default under a commercial mortgage loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal of and accrued interest on the mortgage loan, which could materially and adversely affect us. There can be no assurance that the value of the assets securing our commercial mortgage loans will not deteriorate over time due to factors beyond our control, as was the case during the credit crisis and the economic recession that began in 2008 or in asset volatility experienced during and continuing from the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if a commercial mortgage loan is recourse to the borrower (or if a non-recourse carve-out to the borrower applies), in most cases, the borrower’s assets are limited primarily to its interest in the related mortgaged property. Further, although a commercial mortgage loan may provide for limited recourse to a principal or affiliate of the related borrower, there is no assurance that any recovery from such principal or affiliate will be made or that such principal’s or affiliate’s assets would be sufficient to pay any otherwise recoverable claim. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, the loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law.
We may be subject to risks associated with future advance or capital expenditure obligations, such as declining real estate values and operating performance.
Our CRE debt investments may require us to advance future funds. We may also need to fund capital expenditures and other significant expenses for our real estate property investments. Future funding obligations subject us to significant risks, such as a decline in value of the property, cost overruns and the borrower or tenant may be unable to generate enough cash flow and execute its business plan, or sell or refinance the property, in order to repay its obligations to us. We could determine that we need to fund more money than we originally anticipated in order to maximize the value of our investment even though there is no assurance additional funding would be the best course of action. Further, future funding obligations may require us to maintain higher liquidity than we might otherwise maintain and this could reduce the overall return on our investments. We could also find ourselves in a position with insufficient liquidity to fund future obligations.
We may be unable to restructure our investments in a manner that we believe maximizes value, particularly if we are one of multiple creditors in a large capital structure.
In order to maximize value, we may be more likely to extend and work out an investment rather than pursue other remedies such as taking title to collateral. However, in situations where there are multiple creditors in large capital structures, it can be particularly difficult to assess the most likely course of action that a lender group or the borrower may take and it may also be
difficult to achieve consensus among the lender group as to major decisions. Consequently, there could be a wide range of potential principal recovery outcomes, the timing of which can be unpredictable, based on the strategy pursued by a lender group or other applicable parties. These multiple creditor situations tend to be associated with larger loans. If we are one of a group of lenders, we may not independently control the decision-making. Consequently, we may be unable to restructure an investment in a manner that we believe would maximize value.
We have invested in, and may continue to invest in, certain assets with lower credit quality, which will increase our risk of losses and may reduce distributions to stockholders and may adversely affect the value of our common stock.
We have invested in, and may continue to invest in, unrated or non-investment grade CRE securities or investments whose ratings have been downgraded or withdrawn, enter into leases with unrated tenants or participate in subordinate, unrated or distressed mortgage loans. The non-investment grade ratings for these assets typically result from the overall leverage of the loans, the lack of a strong operating history for the borrower owners or the properties underlying the loans or securities, the borrowers’ credit history, the properties’ underlying cash flow or other factors. Because the ability of obligors of properties and mortgages, including mortgage loans underlying CMBS, to make rent or principal and interest payments may be impaired during an economic downturn, prices of lower credit quality investments and CRE securities may decline. As a result, these investments may have a higher risk of default and loss than investment grade rated assets and may significantly decline in value. The existing credit support in the securitization structure may be insufficient to protect us against loss of our principal on these investments. Any loss we incur may be significant, reduce distributions to stockholders and adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Insurance may not cover all potential losses on CRE investments, which may impair the value of our assets.
We generally require that each of the borrowers under our CRE debt investments obtain comprehensive insurance covering the collateral, including liability, fire and extended coverage. We also generally obtain insurance directly on any property we acquire. However, there are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. We may not obtain, or require borrowers to obtain, certain types of insurance if it is deemed commercially unreasonable. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also might make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed. Further, it is possible that our borrowers could breach their obligations to us and not maintain sufficient insurance coverage. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds, if any, might not be adequate to restore the economic value of the property, which might decrease the value of the property and in turn impair our investment.
The leases at the properties underlying CRE debt investments or the properties held by us may not be relet or renewed on favorable terms, or at all, which may result in a reduction in our net income, and as a result we may be required to reduce or eliminate cash distributions to stockholders.
Our investments in real estate will be pressured if economic conditions and rental markets continue to be challenging. For instance, upon expiration or early termination of leases for space located at our properties, the space may not be relet or, if relet, the terms of the renewal or reletting (including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants) may be less favorable than current lease terms. We may be receiving above market rental rates which will decrease upon renewal, which will adversely impact our income and could harm our ability to service our debt and operate successfully. Weak economic conditions would likely reduce tenants’ ability to make rent payments in accordance with the contractual terms of their leases and lead to early termination of leases. Furthermore, commercial space needs may contract, resulting in lower lease renewal rates and longer releasing periods when leases are not renewed. Any of these situations may result in extended periods where there is a significant decline in revenues or no revenues generated by a property. Additionally, to the extent that market rental rates are reduced, property-level cash flow would likely be negatively affected as existing leases renew at lower rates. If we are unable to relet or renew leases for all or substantially all of the space at these properties, if the rental rates upon such renewal or reletting are significantly lower than expected, or if our reserves for these purposes prove inadequate, we will experience a reduction in net income and may be required to reduce or eliminate cash distributions to stockholders.
Our investment strategy may not be successful, or there may be delays, in locating or allocating suitable investments, which could limit our ability to make distributions and lower the overall return on stockholders’ investment.
Our investment strategy may not be successful in locating suitable investments on financially attractive terms. If we, are unable to find and allocate suitable investments promptly, we may hold the funds available for investment in an interest-bearing account or invest the proceeds in short-term assets. We expect that the income we earn on these temporary investments will not be substantial. In the event we are unable to timely locate suitable investments, we may be unable or limited in our ability to pay distributions, and we may not be able to meet our investment objectives. Further, the more money we have available for investment, the more difficult it will be to invest the funds promptly and on attractive terms. If we are able to identify suitable
investments, it may not be successful in consummating the investment, resulting in increased costs and diversion in the investment professionals’ time, or if consummated, the returns on the investments may be below expectations.
The due diligence process that we undertake in regard to investment opportunities may not reveal all facts that may be relevant in connection with an investment and if we incorrectly evaluate the risks of our investments, we may experience losses.
The success of our origination or acquisition of investments significantly depends on the financial stability of the borrowers and tenants underlying such investments. Before making a loan to a borrower, we assess the strength and skills of an entity’s management and other factors that we believe are material to the performance of the investment. In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, we rely on the resources available to us and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. Appraisals and engineering and environmental reports, as well as a variety of other third-party reports are not guarantees of present or future value. One appraiser may reach a different conclusion than the conclusion that would be reached if a different appraiser were appraising that property. Moreover, the values of the properties may have fluctuated significantly since the appraisals were performed. In addition, any third-party report, including any engineering report, environmental report, site inspection or appraisal represents only the analysis of the individual consultant, engineer or inspector preparing such report at the time of such report, and may not reveal all necessary or desirable repairs, maintenance, remediation and capital improvement items. There can be no assurance that our due diligence processes will uncover all relevant facts or that any investment will be successful. The inability of a single major borrower or tenant, or a number of smaller borrowers or tenants, to meet their payment obligations could result in reduced revenue or losses.
Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, we may not be able to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions, which may result in losses to us.
Many of our investments are illiquid. A variety of factors could make it difficult for us to dispose of any of our assets on acceptable terms even if a disposition is in the best interests of stockholders. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by us or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a property. Certain properties may also be subject to transfer restrictions that materially restrict us from selling that property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of financing that can be placed or repaid on that property. We may be required to expend cash to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold, and we cannot provide assurance that we will have cash available to correct those defects or to make those improvements. The Code also places limits on our ability as a REIT to sell certain properties held for fewer than two years.
Borrowers under certain of our CRE debt investments may give their tenants or other persons similar rights with respect to the collateral. Similarly, we may also determine to give our tenants a right of first refusal or similar options. Such rights could negatively affect the residual value or marketability of the property and impede our ability to sell the collateral or the property.
As a result, our ability to sell investments in response to changes in economic and other conditions could be limited. To the extent we are unable to sell any property for its book value or at all, we may be required to take a non-cash impairment charge or loss on the sale, either of which would reduce our earnings. Limitations on our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our investments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Our joint venture partners could take actions that decrease the value of an investment to us and lower our overall return.
We currently have, and may in the future enter into, joint ventures with third parties. We may also make investments in partnerships or other co-ownership arrangements or participations. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present with other methods of investment, including, for instance, the following risks:
•our joint venture partner in an investment could become insolvent or bankrupt;
•fraud or other misconduct by our joint venture partners;
•we may share decision-making authority with our joint venture partners regarding certain major decisions affecting the ownership of the joint venture and the joint venture investment, such as the management of the CRE debt, sale of the property or the making of additional capital contributions for the benefit of the loan or property, which may prevent us from taking actions that are opposed by our joint venture partner;
•such joint venture partner may at any time have economic or business interests or goals that are or that become in conflict with our business interests or goals, including for example the management of the CRE debt or operation of the properties;
•such joint venture partner may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives;
•our joint venture partners may be structured differently than us for tax purposes and this could create conflicts of interest and risk to our REIT status;
•we may rely upon our joint venture partners to manage the day-to-day operations of the joint venture and underlying loans or assets, as well as to prepare financial information for the joint venture and any failure to perform these obligations may have a negative impact our performance and results of operations;
•our joint venture partner may experience a change of control, which could result in new management of our joint venture partner with less experience or conflicting interests to ours and be disruptive to our business;
•the terms of our joint ventures could restrict our ability to sell or transfer our interest to a third party when we desire on advantageous terms, which could result in reduced liquidity; and
•our joint venture partners may not have sufficient personnel or appropriate levels of expertise to adequately support our initiatives.
Any of the above might subject us to liabilities and thus reduce our returns on our investment with that joint venture partner. In addition, disagreements or disputes between us and our joint venture partner could result in litigation, which could increase our expenses and potentially limit the time and effort our officers and directors are able to devote to our business.
Further, in some instances, we and/or our partner may have the right to trigger a buy-sell arrangement, which could cause us to sell our interest, or acquire our partner’s interest, at a time when we otherwise would not have initiated such a transaction. Our ability to acquire our partner’s interest may be limited if we do not have sufficient cash, available borrowing capacity or other capital resources. In such event, we may be forced to sell our interest in the joint venture when we would otherwise prefer to retain it.
Our investments that are not denominated in U.S. dollars subject us to currency rate exposure and may adversely impact our status as a REIT.
We have investments in triple net leases, other real estate investments and loans that are denominated in euros and the Norwegian kroner, and may in the future have investments denominated in other foreign currencies, which expose us to foreign currency risk due to potential fluctuations in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. A change in foreign currency exchange rates may have an adverse impact on the valuation of our equity in foreign investments and loans denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We may not be able to successfully hedge the foreign currency exposure and may incur losses on these investments as a result of exchange rate fluctuations.
In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates used to value a REIT’s foreign assets may be considered changes in the value of the REIT’s assets. These changes may adversely affect our status as a REIT. Further, bank accounts in foreign currency which are not considered cash or cash equivalents may adversely affect our status as a REIT.
Our operations in Europe and elsewhere expose our business to risks inherent in conducting business in foreign markets.
A portion of our revenues are sourced from our foreign operations in Europe and elsewhere or other foreign markets. Accordingly, our firm-wide results of operations depend in part on our foreign operations. Conducting business abroad carries significant risks, including:
•our REIT tax status not being respected under foreign laws, in which case any income or gains from foreign sources could be subject to foreign taxes and withholding taxes;
•changes in real estate and other tax rates, the tax treatment of transaction structures and other changes in operating expenses in a particular country where we have an investment;
•restrictions and limitations relating to the repatriation of profits;
•complexity and costs of staffing and managing international operations;
•the burden of complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws;
•changes in relative interest rates;
•translation and transaction risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency and exchange rates;
•lack of uniform accounting standards (including availability of information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”));
•unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
•the impact of different business cycles and economic instability;
•inflation and governmental measures to control inflation;
•political instability and civil unrest;
•legal and logistical barriers to enforcing our contractual rights, including in perfecting our security interests, collecting accounts receivable, foreclosing on secured assets and protecting our interests as a creditor in bankruptcies in certain geographic regions;
•share ownership restrictions on foreign operations;
•compliance with U.S. laws affecting operations outside of the United States, including sanctions laws, or anti-bribery laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”); and
•geographic, time zone, language and cultural differences between personnel in different areas of the world.
Each of these risks might adversely affect our performance and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders required to qualify and remain qualified as a REIT. In addition, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and a lack of uniform financial accounting standards and practices (including the availability of information in accordance with GAAP) which could impair our ability to analyze transactions and receive timely and accurate financial information from our investments necessary to meet our reporting obligations to financial institutions or governmental or regulatory agencies.
Concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations. These concerns could materially adversely affect the value of our euro-denominated assets and obligations.
Uncertainty about global or regional economic conditions, and the regulation and availability of financial services, poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, negative financial news, and declines in income or asset values, which could adversely affect the availability of financing, our business and our results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Company and Our Structure
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level, and we cannot assure you of our ability to pay distributions in the future.
We are generally required to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year for us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”). We have not established a minimum distribution payment level, and our ability to make distributions may be materially and adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described herein. Distributions to our stockholders, if any, will be authorized by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and declared by us out of funds legally available therefore and will be dependent upon a number of factors, including our targeted distribution rate, access to cash in the capital markets and other financing sources, historical and projected results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, our view of our ability to realize gains in the future through appreciation in the value of our assets, general economic conditions and economic conditions that more specifically impact our business or prospects, our financing covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification, applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) and such other factors as our Board of Directors deems relevant.
We believe that a change in any one of the following factors could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders:
•our ability to make attractive investments;
•margin calls or other expenses that reduce our cash flows;
•defaults or prepayments in our investment portfolio or decreases in the value of our investment portfolio; and
•the fact that anticipated operating expense levels may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates.
No assurance can be given that we will continue to make distributions to our stockholders in the future or that the level of any distributions we do make to our stockholders will achieve a market yield or increase or even be maintained over time, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.
In addition, distributions out of our current earnings and profits that we make to our stockholders will generally be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary income. However, a portion of our distributions may be designated by us as (i) “capital gain
dividends” to the extent that they are attributable to capital gain income recognized by us, (ii) “qualified dividend income,” or (iii) may constitute a return of capital to the extent that they exceed our current earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A return of capital is not taxable, but has the effect of reducing the basis of a stockholder’s investment in our common stock.
Certain provisions of Maryland law may limit the ability of a third party to acquire control of us.
Certain provisions of the MGCL may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from acquiring our Company or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our Company’s stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our common stock, including:
•“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our Company’s outstanding shares of voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of any interested stockholder and our Company for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder and thereafter imposes two super-majority stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and
•“control share” provisions that provide that holders of “control shares” of our Company (defined as outstanding voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the acquisition of issued and outstanding “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of the holders entitled to cast two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.
In accordance with Maryland Business Combination Act our Board of Directors has exempted any business combinations between us and any person, provided that any such business combination is first approved by our Board of Directors. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to any future business combinations between us and any of our interested stockholders (or their affiliates) that are first approved by our Board of Directors, including any future business combination with the OP or any current or future affiliates of the OP. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting us from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act. If this resolution is revoked or repealed, the statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer. There can be no assurance that these resolutions or exemptions will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
Additionally, Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permits our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what currently is provided in our charter and our bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, such as a classified board, some of which we do not have.
Ownership limitations may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
In order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our Board of Directors to take the actions that are necessary or appropriate to preserve our qualification as a REIT. Unless exempted by our Board of Directors, no person may actually or constructively own more than 9.8% of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our capital stock (as defined in our charter) by value or 9.8% of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of our common stock (as defined in our charter) by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive. Our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a person from this limitation if it obtains such representations, covenants and undertakings as it deems appropriate to conclude that granting the exemption will not cause us to lose our status as a REIT. These ownership limitations in our charter are standard in REIT charters and are intended to provide added assurance of compliance with the tax law requirements, and to reduce administrative burdens. However, these ownership limits might also delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders or result in the transfer of shares acquired in excess of the ownership limits to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary and, as a result, the forfeiture by the acquirer of the benefits of owning the additional shares.
Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which makes it more difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management and may prevent a change in control of our Company that is otherwise in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our charter provides that a director may be removed only for cause and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors then in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and directors elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred. These requirements make it more difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management by removing and replacing directors and may prevent a change in control of our company that is otherwise in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our charter permits our Board of Directors to issue stock with terms that may subordinate the rights of our common stockholders or discourage a third party from acquiring us in a manner that could result in a premium price to stockholders.
Our Board of Directors may classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock, classify any unissued shares of our preferred stock, as applicable, and reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of our preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and set the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of any such stock. Thus, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with priority as to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation over the rights of the holders of our common stock. Such preferred stock could also have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price to holders of our common stock. Additionally, our Board of Directors may amend our charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of authorized shares of any class or series of stock without stockholder approval.
Failure to obtain, maintain or renew required licenses and authorizations necessary to operate our mortgage-related activities may have a material adverse effect on us.
We are required to obtain, maintain or renew certain licenses and authorizations (including “doing business” authorizations and licenses to act as a commercial mortgage lender) from U.S. federal or state governmental authorities, government sponsored entities or similar bodies in connection with some or all of our mortgage-related activities. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain, maintain or renew any or all of the licenses and authorizations that we require or that we will avoid experiencing significant delays in connection therewith. Our failure to obtain, maintain or renew licenses will restrict our options and ability to engage in desired activities, and could subject us to fines, suspensions, terminations and various other adverse actions if it is determined that we have engaged without the requisite licenses or authorizations in activities that required a license or authorization, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are highly dependent on information systems and third-parties, and system failures or cybersecurity incidents incurred by us or the third-parties that we rely on could significantly disrupt our ability to operate our business.
Computer malware, viruses, computer hacking and phishing attacks have become more prevalent in our industry and we may be subject to such attempted attacks from time to time. We rely heavily on financial, accounting and other data processing systems maintained by us and by third parties with whom we contract for information technology, network, data storage and other related services. Even with appropriate security measures and procedures in place, not every breach can be prevented or detected. There is no assurance that we, or the third parties that facilitate our business activities, have not or will not experience a breach. An externally caused information security incident or an internally caused issue, such as failure to control access to sensitive systems, could materially interrupt business operations, interfere with our ability to comply with financial reporting requirements or cause disclosure or modification of sensitive or confidential information and could result in material financial loss, loss of competitive position, regulatory actions, breach of contracts, reputational harm or legal liability. While we maintain cybersecurity specific insurance for both first-party losses (breach response, ransomware, data loss, business interruption, contingent business interruption, social engineering coverage, system failure and hardware replacement) and third-party losses (breach demands, regulatory penalties, media liability), such insurance may not be sufficient to address any such losses.
Risks Related to Our Financing Strategy
Our indebtedness may subject us to increased risk of loss and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We use a variety of structures to finance the origination and acquisition of our investments, including our credit facilities, securitization financing transactions and other term borrowings, including repurchase agreements. Subject to market conditions and availability, we may incur a significant amount of debt through bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving
facilities), warehouse facilities and structured financing arrangements, public and private debt issuances and derivative instruments, in addition to transaction or asset-specific funding arrangements and additional repurchase agreements. We may also issue debt or equity securities to fund our growth. The type and percentage of leverage we employ will vary depending on our available capital, our ability to obtain and access financing arrangements with lenders, the type of asset we are funding, whether the financing is recourse or nonrecourse, debt restrictions contained in those financing arrangements and the lenders’ and rating agencies’ estimate of the stability of our investment portfolio’s cash flow. We may significantly increase the amount of leverage we utilize at any time without approval of our Board of Directors. In addition, we may leverage individual assets at substantially higher levels. We may be unable to obtain necessary additional financing on favorable terms or, with respect to our investments, on terms that parallel the maturities of the debt originated or acquired, if we are able to obtain additional financing at all. If our strategy is not viable, we will have to find alternative forms of long-term financing for our assets, as secured revolving credit facilities and repurchase agreements may not accommodate long-term financing. Because repurchase agreements are short-term commitments of capital, lenders may respond to market conditions making it more difficult for us to renew or replace on a continuous basis our maturing short-term borrowings and have and may continue to impose more onerous conditions when rolling such financings. If we are not able to renew our existing facilities or arrange for new financing on terms acceptable to us, or if we default on our covenants or are otherwise unable to access funds under our financing facilities or if we are required to post more collateral or face larger haircuts, we may have to curtail our asset acquisition activities and/or dispose of assets. If we do obtain additional debt or financing, the substantial debt could subject us to many risks that, if realized, would materially and adversely affect us, including the risk that:
•our cash flow from operations may be insufficient to make required payments of principal of and interest on our debt or we may fail to comply with covenants contained in our debt agreements, which is likely to result in (1) acceleration of such debt (and any other debt containing a cross-default or cross-acceleration provision), which we then may be unable to repay from internal funds or to refinance on favorable terms, or at all, (2) our inability to borrow undrawn amounts under our financing arrangements, even if we are current in payments on borrowings under those arrangements, which would result in a decrease in our liquidity, and/or (3) the loss of some or all of our collateral assets to foreclosure or sale;
•our debt may increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions with no assurance that investment yields will increase in an amount sufficient to offset the higher financing costs;
•we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for operations, future business opportunities, stockholder distributions or other purposes;
•we may not be able to refinance any debt that matures prior to the maturity (or realization) of an underlying investment it was used to finance on favorable terms or at all; and
•we will have increased exposure to risks if the counterparties of our debt obligations are impacted by credit market turmoil or exposure to financial or other pressures.
There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful and may subject us to increased risk of loss, harm our liquidity and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our master repurchase agreements impose, and additional lending facilities may impose, restrictive covenants, which would restrict our flexibility to determine our operating policies and investment strategy and to conduct our business.
We borrow funds under master repurchase agreements with various counterparties. The documents that govern these master repurchase agreements and the related guarantees contain, and additional lending facilities may contain, customary affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants applicable to us that may restrict our ability to further incur borrowings, restrict our distributions to stockholders prohibit us from discontinuing insurance coverage and restrict our flexibility to determine our operating policies and investment strategy. In particular, our master repurchase agreements require us to maintain a certain amount of cash or set aside assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position that would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would otherwise choose, which could reduce our return on assets. If we fail to meet or satisfy any of these covenants, we would be in default under these agreements, and our lenders could elect to declare outstanding amounts due and payable, terminate their commitments, require the posting of additional collateral and enforce their interests against existing collateral. We may also be subject to cross-default and acceleration rights in our other debt facilities. Further, this could also make it difficult for us to satisfy the requirements necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes or to maintain our exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act. In addition, in the event that the lender files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, our loans may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, thus depriving us, at least temporarily, of the benefit of these assets. Such an event could restrict our access to bank credit facilities and increase our cost of capital. Our master repurchase agreements also grant certain consent rights to the lenders thereunder, which give them the right to consent to
certain modifications to the pledged collateral. This could limit our ability to manage a pledged investment in a way that we think would provide the best outcome for our stockholders.
These types of financing arrangements also involve the risk that the market value of the assets pledged or sold by us to the provider of the financing may decline in value, in which case the lender or counterparty may require us to provide additional collateral or lead to margin calls that may require us to repay all or a portion of the funds advanced. Typically, repurchase agreements grant the lender the absolute right to reevaluate the fair market value of the assets that cover outstanding borrowings at any time. These valuations may be different than the values that we ascribe to these assets and may be influenced by recent asset sales and distressed levels by forced sellers. In these circumstances, we may not have the funds available to repay our debt at that time, which would likely result in defaults unless we are able to raise the funds from alternative sources including by selling assets at a time when we might not otherwise choose to do so, which we may not be able to achieve on favorable terms or at all.
Posting additional collateral would reduce our cash available to make other, higher yielding investments (thereby decreasing our return on equity). If we cannot meet these requirements, the lender or counterparty could accelerate our indebtedness, increase the interest rate on advanced funds and terminate our ability to borrow funds from it, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and ability to implement our investment strategy. In the case of repurchase transactions, if the value of the underlying security has declined as of the end of that term, or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we will likely incur a loss on our repurchase transactions.
Significant margin calls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, business, liquidity and ability to make distributions to our stockholders, and could cause the value of our common stock to decline. In addition, we experienced an increase in haircuts on financings we have rolled. As haircuts are increased, we will be required to post additional collateral. We may also be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices to meet such margin calls and to maintain adequate liquidity. As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced and may in the future experience margins calls well beyond historical norms. Margin calls may also be the result of CRE asset volatility and downward pressures on CRE valuations caused by rising interest rates, inflation and/or recessionary factors. These trends, if continued, will have a negative adverse impact on our assets or liquidity.
Interest rate fluctuations could reduce our ability to generate income on our investments and may cause losses.
Our financial performance is influenced by changes in interest rates, in particular, as such changes may affect our CRE securities, floating-rate borrowings and CRE debt to the extent such debt does not float as a result of floors or otherwise. Changes in interest rates affect our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning investments and the interest expense we incur in financing these investments. Changes in the level of interest rates also may affect our ability to originate and acquire assets, the value of our assets and our ability to realize gains from the disposition of assets. Changes in interest rates may also affect our borrowers’ default rates and their ability to refinance loans. In a period of rising interest rates, our interest expense could increase, while the interest we earn on our fixed-rate debt investments would not change, adversely affecting our profitability. A period of lower interest rates may result in generating less income on our loans and may impact our ability to redeploy funds in a timely manner, or to supplement earnings loss. Our operating results depend in large part on differences between the income from our assets, net of credit losses, and our financing costs. We anticipate that for any period during which our assets are not match-funded (when we match maturities and interest rates of our liabilities with our assets to manage risks of being forced to refinance), the income from such assets will respond more slowly to interest rate fluctuations than the cost of our borrowings. We may fail to appropriately employ a match-funded structure on favorable terms or at all. Consequently, changes in interest rates particularly short term interest rates may significantly influence our net income. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Interest rate fluctuations resulting in our interest expense exceeding interest income would result in operating losses for us.
Hedging against interest rate and currency exposure, and conversely, closing out of such hedges, may adversely affect our earnings, limit our gains or result in losses, which could adversely affect cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
We may enter into swap, cap or floor agreements or pursue other interest rate or currency hedging strategies. Our hedging activity will vary in scope based on interest rate levels, currency exposure, the type of investments held and other changing market conditions. Interest rate and/or currency hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
•interest rate and/or currency hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of rising and volatile interest rates;
•available interest rate and/or currency hedging may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;
•the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related liability or asset;
•our hedging opportunities may be limited by the treatment of income from hedging transactions under the rules determining REIT qualification;
•the credit quality of the party owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction;
•the counterparties with which we trade may cease making markets and quoting prices in such instruments, which may render us unable to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to an open position;
•the party owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay;
•we may purchase a hedge that turns out not to be necessary (i.e., a hedge that is out of the money); and
•we may enter into hedging arrangements that would require us to fund cash payments in certain circumstances (such as the early termination of the hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the hedging instrument).
Any hedging activity we engage in may adversely affect our earnings, which could adversely affect cash available for distribution to stockholders. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce interest rate and/or currency risks, unanticipated changes in interest rates or exchange rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged or liabilities being hedged may vary materially. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not be able to establish a perfect correlation between hedging instruments and the investments being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. We may also be exposed to liquidity issues as a result of margin calls or settlement of derivative hedges. Our hedging activities, if not undertaken in compliance with certain U.S. federal income tax requirements, could also adversely affect our ability to qualify for taxation as a REIT. In addition, hedging instruments involve risk since they often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities. Consequently, there are no regulatory or statutory requirements with respect to record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements underlying derivative transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory, commodity and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements.
Conversely, we may decide from time to time to close out, or terminate a portion of, our outstanding hedges upon the determination that they are no longer effective, which may result in incurring realized losses and increased exposure to interest rate and currency risks, which may have an adverse effect on the value of our loans, securities, long-term debt obligations and other assets we own that are sensitive to changes in benchmark interest and currency rates.
We use short-term borrowings to finance our investments, and we may need to use such borrowings for extended periods of time to the extent we are unable to access long-term financing. This may expose us to increased risks associated with decreases in the fair value of the underlying collateral, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
While we have and may continue to seek non-recourse, non-mark-to-market, matched-term, long-term financing through securitization financing transactions or other structures, such financing may be unavailable to us on favorable terms or at all. Consequently, we may be dependent on short-term financing arrangements that are not matched in duration to our financial assets. Short-term borrowing through repurchase arrangements, credit facilities and other types of borrowings may put our assets and financial condition at risk. Repurchase agreements economically resemble short-term, floating rate financing and usually require the maintenance of specific loan-to-collateral value ratios. Posting additional collateral to support our financing arrangements could significantly reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets. Furthermore, the cost of borrowings may increase substantially if lenders view us as having increased credit risk during periods of market distress. Any such short-term financing may also be recourse to us, which will increase the risk of our investments.
In addition, the value of assets underlying any such short-term financing may be marked-to-market periodically by the lender, including on a daily basis. To the extent these financing arrangements contain mark-to-market provisions, if the market value of the investments pledged by us declines due to credit quality deterioration, we may be required by our lenders to provide additional collateral or pay down a portion of our borrowings. In a weakening economic environment, we would generally expect credit quality and the value of the investment that serves as collateral for our financing arrangements to decline, and in such a scenario, it is likely that the terms of our financing arrangements would require partial repayment from us, which could be substantial.
These facilities may also be restricted to financing certain types of assets, such as first mortgage loans, which could impact our asset allocation. In addition, such short-term borrowing facilities may limit the length of time that any given asset may be used as eligible collateral. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would choose, which could reduce our return on assets. Further, such borrowings may require us to maintain a certain amount of cash reserves or to set aside unleveraged assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position that would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. In the event that we are unable to meet the collateral obligations for our short-term borrowings, our financial condition could deteriorate rapidly.
We are subject to risks associated with obtaining mortgage financing on our real estate, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
As of December 31, 2023, our portfolio had $617.4 million of total mortgage financing. We are subject to risks normally associated with financing, including the risks that our cash flow is insufficient to make timely payments of interest or principal, that we may be unable to refinance existing borrowings or support collateral obligations and that the terms of refinancing may not be as favorable as the terms of existing borrowing. If we are unable to refinance or extend principal payments due at maturity or pay them with proceeds from other capital transactions or the sale of the underlying property, our cash flow may not be sufficient in all years to make distributions to stockholders and to repay all maturing borrowings. Furthermore, if prevailing interest rates or other factors at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, the interest expense relating to that refinanced borrowing would increase, which could reduce our profitability, result in losses and negatively impact the amount of distributions we are able to pay to stockholders. Moreover, additional financing increases the amount of our leverage, which could negatively affect our ability to obtain additional financing in the future or make us more vulnerable in a downturn in our results of operations or the economy generally.
Any warehouse facilities that we may obtain in the future may limit our ability to acquire assets, and we may incur losses if the collateral is liquidated.
In the event that securitization financings become available, we may utilize, if available, warehouse facilities pursuant to which we would accumulate mortgage loans in anticipation of a securitization financing, which assets would be pledged as collateral for such facilities until the securitization transaction is consummated. In order to borrow funds to acquire assets under any future warehouse facilities, we expect that our lenders thereunder would have the right to review the potential assets for which we are seeking financing. We may be unable to obtain the consent of a lender to acquire assets that we believe would be beneficial to us, and we may be unable to obtain alternate financing for such assets. In addition, no assurance can be given that a securitization structure would be consummated with respect to the assets being warehoused. If the securitization is not consummated, the lender could liquidate the warehoused collateral and we would then have to pay any amount by which the original purchase price of the collateral assets exceeds its sale price, subject to negotiated caps, if any, on our exposure. In addition, regardless of whether the securitization is consummated, if any of the warehoused collateral is sold before the consummation, we would have to bear any resulting loss on the sale. Currently, we have no warehouse facilities in place, and no assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain one or more.
Risks Related to Regulatory Matters
The loss of our Investment Company Act exclusion could require us to register as an investment company or substantially change the way we conduct our business, either of which may have an adverse effect on us and the value of our common stock.
On August 31, 2011, the SEC published a concept release (Release No. 29778, File No. S7-34-11, Companies Engaged in the Business of Acquiring Mortgages and Mortgage Related Instruments), pursuant to which it is reviewing whether certain companies that invest in MBSs and rely on the exclusion from registration under Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, such as us, should continue to be allowed to rely on such an exclusion from registration. If the SEC or its staff takes action with respect to this exclusion, these changes could mean that certain of our subsidiaries could no longer rely on the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion, and would have to rely on Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7), which would mean that our investment in those subsidiaries would be investment securities. This could result in our failure to maintain our exclusion from registration as an investment company. If we fail to maintain an exclusion from registration as an investment company, either because of SEC interpretational changes or otherwise, we could, among other things, be required either: (i) to substantially change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company; or (ii) to register as an investment company, either of which could have an adverse effect on us and the value of our common stock. If we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration and other matters.
We, through our subsidiary, are subject to extensive regulation, including as an investment adviser in the United States, which could adversely affect our ability to manage our business.
Our subsidiary, BrightSpire Capital Advisors, LLC (“BrightSpire Advisors”) is subject to regulation as an investment adviser by various regulatory authorities. Instances of criminal activity and fraud by participants in the investment management industry and disclosures of trading and other abuses by participants in the financial services industry have led the U.S. government and regulators in foreign jurisdictions to consider increasing the rules and regulations governing, and oversight of, the financial system. This activity is expected to result in continued changes to the laws and regulations governing the investment management industry and more aggressive enforcement of the existing laws and regulations. BrightSpire Advisors could be subject to civil liability, criminal liability, or sanction, including revocation of its registration as an investment adviser in the United States, revocation of the licenses of its employees, censures, fines or temporary suspension or permanent bar from conducting business if it is found to have violated any of these laws or regulations. Any such liability or sanction could adversely affect our business.
Risks Related to Taxation
We may pay taxable dividends in our common stock and cash, in which case stockholders may sell shares of our common stock to pay tax on such dividends, placing downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (subject to certain adjustments and excluding any net capital gain), in order to qualify as a REIT, and any REIT taxable income that we do not distribute will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax at regular rates. The Board of Directors will evaluate dividends in future periods based upon customary consideration, such as our cash balances, and cash flows and market conditions and could consider paying future dividends in shares of common stock, cash, or a combination of shares of common stock and cash. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to make distributions to our stockholders at any time in the future or that the level of any distributions we do make to our stockholders will achieve a market yield or increase or even be maintained over time.
On August 11, 2017, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45, authorizing elective stock dividends to be made by public REITs. Pursuant to this revenue procedure, effective for distributions declared on or after August 11, 2017, the IRS will treat the distribution of stock pursuant to an elective stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Code (i.e., as a dividend to the extent of our earnings and profits), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other requirements outlined in the revenue procedure are met.
If we make a taxable dividend payable in cash and common stock, taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, stockholders may be required to pay income tax with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the common stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. If we make a taxable dividend payable in cash and our common stock and a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.
Our qualification as a REIT involves complying with highly technical and complex provisions of the Code.
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. Our qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our REIT qualification. New legislation, court decisions or administrative guidance, in each case possibly with retroactive effect, may make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT.
Our qualification as a REIT depends on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis:
•With respect to the gross income and asset tests, our compliance depends upon our analysis of the characterization and fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for which we will not obtain independent appraisals. Moreover, we invest in certain assets with respect to which the rules applicable to REITs are particularly difficult to interpret or to apply, including, but not limited to, the rules applicable to financing arrangements that are structured as sale and repurchase agreements; mezzanine loans; CRE securities; and investments in real estate mortgage loans that are acquired at a discount, subject to work-outs or modifications, or reasonably expected to be in default at the time of acquisition. If the IRS challenged our treatment of these assets as real estate
assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and if such a challenge were sustained, we could fail to meet the asset tests applicable to REITs and thus fail to qualify as a REIT.
•The fact that we own direct or indirect interests in a number of entities that have elected to be taxed as REITs under the U.S. federal income tax laws (each, a “Subsidiary REIT”), further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us. Each Subsidiary REIT is subject to the various REIT qualification requirements that are applicable to us. If a Subsidiary REIT were to fail to qualify as a REIT, then (i) that Subsidiary REIT would become subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax, (ii) our interest in such Subsidiary REIT would cease to be a qualifying asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and (iii) it is possible that we would fail certain of the REIT asset tests, in which event we also would fail to qualify as a REIT unless we could avail ourselves of certain relief provisions.
•Our ability to satisfy the distribution and other requirements to qualify as a REIT depends in part on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence, including in cases where we own limited partner or non-managing member interests in partnerships and limited liability companies that are joint ventures or funds.
If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Additionally, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, we would possibly also be subject to certain taxes enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that are applicable to non-REIT corporations, including the nondeductible one percent excise tax on certain stock repurchases. Any resulting corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock. In addition, we would no longer be required to make distributions to stockholders. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT.
We may incur adverse tax consequences if NorthStar I or NorthStar II were to have failed to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes prior to the Mergers.
In connection with the closing of the Mergers, we received an opinion of counsel to each of NorthStar I and NorthStar II to the effect that it qualified as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the Code through the time of the Mergers. Neither NorthStar I nor NorthStar II, however, requested a ruling from the IRS that it qualified as a REIT. If, notwithstanding these opinions, NorthStar I’s or NorthStar II’s REIT status for periods prior to the Mergers were successfully challenged, we would face serious adverse tax consequences that would substantially reduce our core funds from operations, and cash available for distribution, including cash available to pay dividends to our stockholders, because:
•NorthStar I or NorthStar II, as applicable, would be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax on its net income at regular corporate rates for the years it did not qualify as a REIT (and, for such years, would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing its taxable income) and we would succeed to the liability for such taxes;
•if we were considered to be a “successor” of such entity, we would not be eligible to elect REIT status until the fifth taxable year following the year during which such entity was disqualified, unless it were entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions;
•even if we were eligible to elect REIT status, we would be subject to tax (at the highest corporate rate in effect at the date of the sale) on the built-in gain on each asset of NorthStar I or NorthStar II, as applicable, existing at the time of the Mergers if we were to dispose of such asset for up to five years following the Mergers; and
•we would succeed to any earnings and profits accumulated by NorthStar I or NorthStar II, as applicable, for tax periods that such entity did not qualify as a REIT and we would have to pay a special dividend and/or employ applicable deficiency dividend procedures (including interest payments to the IRS) to eliminate such earnings and profits to maintain our REIT qualification.
As a result of these factors, NorthStar I’s or NorthStar II’s failure to qualify as a REIT prior to the Mergers could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital and could materially adversely affect the value of our common stock. In addition, even if they qualified as REITs for the entirety of their existence, if there is an adjustment to NorthStar I’s or NorthStar II’s taxable income or dividends-paid deductions for periods prior to the Mergers, we could be required to elect to use the deficiency dividend procedure to maintain NorthStar I’s or NorthStar II’s, as applicable, REIT status for periods prior to the Mergers. That deficiency dividend procedure could require us to make significant distributions to our stockholders and to pay significant interest to the IRS.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the preferential tax rates available for some dividends.
The maximum rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” paid by non-REIT “C” corporations to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates generally is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs to those U.S. stockholders, however, generally are not eligible for the current reduced rate, except to the extent that certain holding requirements have been met and a REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received by a REIT from taxable corporations (such as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”)), to income that was subject to tax at the REIT/corporate level, or to dividends properly designated by the REIT as “capital gains dividends.” Effective for taxable years before January 1, 2026, those U.S. stockholders may deduct 20% of their dividends from REITs (excluding qualified dividend income and capital gains dividends). For those U.S. stockholders in the top marginal tax bracket of 37%, the deduction for REIT dividends yields an effective income tax rate of 29.6% on REIT dividends, which is higher than the 20% tax rate on qualified dividend income paid by non-REIT “C” corporations, but still lower than the effective rate that applied prior to 2018, which is the first year that this special deduction for REIT dividends is available. Although the reduced rates applicable to dividend income from non-REIT “C” corporations do not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, it could cause investors who are non-corporate taxpayers to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the shares of non-REIT “C” corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.
We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (subject to certain adjustments and excluding any net capital gain), in order to qualify as a REIT, and any REIT taxable income that we do not distribute will be subject to U.S. corporate income tax at regular rates. In addition, from time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our income for financial reporting purposes prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash may occur. For example,
•we may be required to accrue income from mortgage loans, MBSs, and other types of debt securities or interests in debt securities before we receive any payments of interest or principal on such assets;
•we may acquire distressed debt investments that are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower, which could cause us to have to recognize gain in certain circumstances;
•we may recognize substantial amounts of “cancellation of debt” income for U.S. federal income tax purposes (but not for U.S. GAAP purposes) due to discount repurchases of our liabilities, which could cause our REIT taxable income to exceed our U.S. GAAP income;
•we or our TRSs may recognize taxable “phantom income” as a result of modifications, pursuant to agreements with borrowers, of debt instruments that we acquire if the amendments to the outstanding debt are “significant modifications” under the applicable Treasury regulations. In addition, our TRSs may be treated as a “dealer” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which case the TRS would be required to mark-to-market its assets at the end of each taxable year and recognize taxable gain or loss on those assets even though there has been no actual sale of those assets;
•we may deduct our capital losses only to the extent of our capital gains and not against our ordinary income, in computing our REIT taxable income for a given taxable year;
•certain of our assets and liabilities are marked-to-market for U.S. GAAP purposes but not for tax purposes, which could result in losses for U.S. GAAP purposes that are not recognized in computing our REIT taxable income; and
•under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, we generally must accrue income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken into account as revenue in our financial statements, which could create additional differences between REIT taxable income and the receipt of cash attributable to such income.
As a result of both the requirement to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income each year (and to pay tax on any income that we do not distribute) and the fact that our taxable income may well exceed our cash income due to the factors mentioned above as well as other factors, we may find it difficult to meet the REIT distribution requirements in certain circumstances while also having adequate cash resources to execute our business plan. In particular, where we experience differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our taxable income could cause us to: (i) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (ii) borrow on unfavorable terms, (iii) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt or (iv) make a taxable distribution of our shares of common stock as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive shares of common stock or (subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution) cash, in order to comply with REIT requirements. These alternatives could increase our costs, reduce our equity, and/or result in stockholders being taxed on
distributions of shares of stock without receiving cash sufficient to pay the resulting taxes. Thus, compliance with the REIT distribution requirements may hinder our ability to grow, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Even if we continue to qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash available for distribution to stockholders.
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes. We also are subject to U.S. federal and state income tax (and any applicable non-U.S. taxes) on the net income earned by our TRSs. In addition, we have substantial operations and assets outside of the U.S. that are subject to tax in those countries. Those taxes, unless incurred by a TRS, are not likely to generate an offsetting credit for taxes in the U.S. In addition, if we have net income from “prohibited transactions,” that income will be subject to a 100% tax. In general, “prohibited transactions” are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, but including mortgage loans, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We might be subject to this tax if we were to dispose of, modify or securitize loans in a manner that was treated as a sale or deemed exchange of the loans for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is subject to the prohibited transactions tax. In order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may choose not to engage in certain sales or modifications of loans at the REIT-level, and may limit the structures we utilize for our securitization transactions, even though such sales or structures might otherwise be beneficial to us. Finally, we could, in certain circumstances, be required to pay an excise or penalty tax (which could be significant in amount) in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain our qualification as a REIT. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
Complying with REIT requirements may force us to forgo and/or liquidate otherwise attractive investment opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT, we must ensure that we meet the REIT gross income tests annually and that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified REIT real estate assets, including certain mortgage loans and certain kinds of MBS. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than qualified 75% asset test assets) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our assets (other than qualified 75% asset test assets) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 20% of the value of our total assets can be represented by stock or securities of one or more TRSs. Debt instruments issued by “publicly offered REITs,” to the extent not secured by real property or interests in real property, qualify for the 75% asset test but the value of such debt instruments cannot exceed 25% of the value of our total assets. The compliance with these limitations, particularly given the nature of some of our investments, may hinder our ability to make, and, in certain cases, maintain ownership of certain attractive investments that might not qualify for the 75% asset test. If we fail to comply with the REIT asset tests requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate from our portfolio, or contribute to a TRS, otherwise attractive investments in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income, increasing our income tax liability, and reducing amounts available for distribution to our stockholders. In addition, we may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, and may be unable to pursue investments (or, in some cases, forego the sale of such investments) that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying as a REIT.
The “taxable mortgage pool” rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders may incur, and may limit the manner in which we effect future securitizations.
Securitizations by us or our subsidiaries could result in the creation of taxable mortgage pools for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, we could have “excess inclusion income.” In general, dividend income that a tax-exempt entity receives from us should not constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”), as defined in Section 512 of the Code. If, however, we realize excess inclusion income and allocate it to stockholders, then this income would be fully taxable as UBTI to a tax-exempt entity under Section 512 of the Code. A foreign stockholder would generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding on this excess inclusion income without reduction pursuant to any otherwise applicable income tax treaty. U.S. stockholders would not be able to offset such income with their net operating losses.
Although the law is not entirely clear, the IRS has taken the position that we are subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on the portion of our excess inclusion income equal to the percentage of our stock held in record name by “disqualified organizations” (generally tax-exempt investors, such as certain state pension plans and charitable remainder trusts, that are not subject to the tax on unrelated business taxable income). To the extent that our stock owned by “disqualified organizations” is held in street name by a broker-dealer or other nominee, the broker-dealer or nominee would be liable for a tax at the highest
corporate rate on the portion of our excess inclusion income allocable to the stock held on behalf of the “disqualified organizations.” A regulated investment company or other pass-through entity owning our stock may also be subject to tax at the highest corporate tax rate on any excess inclusion income allocated to their record name owners that are “disqualified organizations.”
Excess inclusion income could result if a REIT held a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit (“REMIC”). In addition, excess inclusion income also may be generated if a REIT issues debt with two or more maturities and the terms of the payments of those debt instruments bear a relationship to the payments that the REIT received on mortgage loans or MBSs securing those liabilities. If any portion of our dividends is attributable to excess inclusion income, then the tax liability of tax-exempt stockholders, non-U.S. stockholders, stockholders with net operating losses, regulated investment companies and other pass-through entities whose record name owners are disqualified organizations and brokers-dealers and other nominees who hold stock on behalf of disqualified organizations will very likely increase.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code limit our ability to hedge certain of our liabilities. Under these provisions, any income from a hedging transaction that we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets, or to manage the risk of certain currency fluctuations, and that is properly identified under applicable Treasury Regulations, does not constitute “gross income” for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we intend to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques that do not qualify for the exclusion from the REIT gross income tests or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS would be subject to tax on gains or expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, losses in our TRS will generally not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward against future taxable income in the TRS.
There is a risk of changes in the tax law applicable to REITs.
The IRS, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review U.S. federal income tax legislation, regulations and other guidance. We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify our tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect our taxation or our stockholders. We urge you to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our shares. Although REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as C corporations, it is possible that future legislation would result in a REIT having fewer tax advantages, and it could become more advantageous for a company that invests in real estate to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a C corporation.
Our ownership of assets and conduct of operations through our TRSs is limited and involves certain risks for us.
We use our TRSs to hold assets and earn income that would not be qualifying assets or income if held or earned directly by us. Apart from the fact that income from those TRSs may be subject to U.S. federal, foreign, state and local income tax on their taxable income and only their after-tax net income is available for distribution to us, our use of the TRS for this purpose is subject to certain costs, risks and limitations:
•No more than 20% of the value of our gross assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs.
•The TRS rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis.
•We treat income that we earn from certain foreign TRSs, including issuers in CDO transactions, as qualifying dividend income for purposes of the REIT income tests, based on several private letter rulings that the IRS has issued to other taxpayers (which technically may be relied upon only by those taxpayers), but there can be no assurance that the IRS might not successfully challenge our treatment of such income as qualifying income, in which event we might not satisfy the REIT 95% gross income test, and we either could be subject to a penalty tax with respect to some or all of that income we could fail to continue to qualify as a REIT.
•We generally structure our foreign TRSs with the intent that their income and operations will not be subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax. If the IRS successfully challenged that tax treatment, it would reduce the amount that those foreign TRSs would have available to pay to their creditors and to distribute to us.
We are mindful of all of these limitations and analyze and structure the income and operations of our TRSs to mitigate these costs and risks to us to the extent practicable, but we may not always be successful in all cases.
Risks Related to COVID-19 and Pandemics
The COVID-19 pandemic and risks of other pandemics, measures intended to prevent their spread and government actions to mitigate economic impacts have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused and continues to cause significant disruptions to the U.S. and global economies and has contributed to volatility and negative pressure in financial markets, the significance, extent and duration of which on our business, the market and consumer behavior, remains largely uncertain and dependent on near-term and future developments that cannot be accurately predicted at this time. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted us and may continue to negatively impact our business. To the extent current conditions persist or worsen, we expect there to be a materially negative effect on the value of our assets and our results of operations, and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our stockholders. The same adverse impacts would occur as a result of other similar pandemics in the future. Moreover, many risk factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be interpreted as heightened risks as a result of the ongoing and numerous adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics, if any.
Difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, and severe disruption or instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics may affect our ability to access capital necessary to fund business operations or replace liabilities on a timely basis. This may also adversely affect the valuation of financial assets and liabilities, any of which could result in the inability to make payments under our credit and other borrowing facilities, affect our ability to meet liquidity, net worth, and leverage covenants under such facilities or have a material adverse effect on the value of investments we hold. In addition, the insolvency of one or more of our counterparties could reduce the amount of financing available to us, which would make it more difficult for us to leverage the value of our assets and obtain substitute financing on attractive terms or at all. We have experienced declines in the value of our target assets, as well as adverse developments with respect to the terms and cost of financing available to us, and have previously received margin calls, default notices and deficiency letters from certain of our financing counterparties, which have been resolved. Any or all of these impacts could result in reduced net investment income and cash flow, as well as an impairment of our investments, which reductions and impairments could be material.
Additionally, the economic impacts of the pandemic may continue to impact the financial stability of certain loans and loan borrowers underlying the residential and commercial securities and loans that we own, leading to loan delinquencies and/or defaults, or requests for concessions or forbearance. Elevated levels of delinquency or default would have an adverse impact on our income and the value of our assets and may require us to repay amounts under our master repurchase facilities or other financing arrangements and we can provide no assurance that we will have funds available to make such payments. Any forced sales of loans, securities or other assets that secure our repurchase and other financing arrangements in the current environment would likely be on terms less favorable to us than might otherwise be available in a regularly functioning market and could result in deficiency judgments and other claims against us.
In response to the pandemic, the U.S. government has taken various actions to support the economy and the continued functioning of the financial markets. There can be no assurance as to how, in the long term, such actions by the U.S. government will affect the efficiency, liquidity and stability of the financial and mortgage markets. To the extent the financial or mortgage markets do not respond favorably to any of these actions, or such actions do not function as intended, our business, results of operations and financial condition may continue to be materially adversely affected. Moreover, certain actions taken by U.S. or other governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve, that are intended to ameliorate the macroeconomic effects of COVID-19 or other pandemic events may harm our business. Changes in short-term interest rates may have a negative impact on our investments (including underlying collateral and associated business plans) and therefore our results, as we have certain assets and liabilities which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Specifically, rising and higher interest rates may adversely impact the value of our fixed-rate and variable-rate investments, result in higher interest expense on our variable rate debt and in disruptions to our borrowers’ and tenants’ ability to finance their activities, on whom we depend for a substantial portion of our revenue. These market interest rate increases may impact commercial real estate transaction volumes and negatively affect our results of operations.
The rapid development and fluidity of the circumstances resulting from this pandemic preclude any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19 on our business. Nevertheless, the current financial, economic and capital markets environment, and future developments in these and other areas present material uncertainty and risk with respect to our performance, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our inability to access funding or the terms on which such funding is available could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, particularly in light of ongoing market dislocations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or other pandemics.
Issues related to financing are exacerbated in times of significant dislocation in the financial markets, such as those being experienced now and unforeseen related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible our lenders will become unwilling or unable to provide us with financing and we could be forced to sell our assets at an inopportune time when prices are depressed. In addition, if the regulatory capital requirements imposed on our lenders change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us. Our lenders also have revised and may continue to revise their eligibility requirements for the types of assets they are willing to finance or the terms of such financings, including haircuts and requiring additional collateral in the form of cash, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of actual and perceived risk, particularly with respect to assignee liability. These events may negatively impact our ability to fund our operations, meet financial obligation and finance target asset acquisitions.
In connection with the market disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we changed our interest rate hedging strategy and closed out of, or terminated a portion of our interest rate hedges, incurring realized losses. As a result, interest rate risk exposure that is associated with certain of our assets and liabilities is no longer being hedged in the manner that we previously used to address interest rate risk and our revised strategy to address interest rate risk may not be effective and could result in the incurrence of future realized losses.
In response to the market dislocations resulting from the global pandemic of COVID-19, we made the determination that certain of our interest rate hedges were no longer effective in hedging asset market values and terminated or closed out a portion of our outstanding interest rate hedges. While we are monitoring market conditions and determining when we believe or whether it would be appropriate and effective to re-implement interest rate hedging strategies, including by taking into account our future business activities and assets and liabilities, we have and will continue to be exposed to the impact that changes in benchmark interest rates may have on the value of the loans, securities and other assets we own that are sensitive to interest rate changes, as well as long-term debt obligations that are sensitive to interest rate changes. Moreover, to the extent the value of loans and securities we own fluctuate as a result of changes in benchmark interest rates, we may be exposed to margin calls under lending facilities that we use to finance these assets. In the past, our prior interest rate hedging strategy was intended to be a source of liquidity in meeting margin calls that resulted from asset valuation changes attributable to changes in benchmark interest rates; however, because we have terminated or closed out a portion of our outstanding interest rate hedges, we will not be able to rely on these or similar hedges as such a source of liquidity. Operating our business and maintaining a portfolio of interest rate sensitive loans, securities and other assets without an interest rate risk hedging program in place could expose us to losses and liquidity risks, which could be material and which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurance that future market conditions and our financial condition in the future will enable us to re-establish an effective interest rate risk hedging program, even if in the future we believe it would otherwise be appropriate or desirable to do so.
General Risk Factors
Stockholders have limited control over changes in our policies and operations, which increases the uncertainty and risks they face as stockholders.
Our Board of Directors determines our major policies, including our policies regarding corporate governance, investment objectives, REIT qualification and distributions. Our Board of Directors may amend or revise these and other policies without a vote of the stockholders. We may change our investment policies without stockholder notice or consent, which could result in investments that are riskier or different than our current investments. Our Board of Directors’ broad discretion in setting policies and stockholders’ inability to exert control over those policies increases the uncertainty and risks stockholders face.
If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected.
As a public company, we are required to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. The process of designing, implementing and testing the internal controls over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation is time consuming, costly and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner or to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, and the market price of our common stock could be negatively affected. We could also become subject to investigations by the stock
exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.
Accounting standards prescribe a model to measure expected credit losses (“CECL”) that may require us to increase our level of allowance for loan losses, which may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments requires us to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans held for investment, at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of CECL is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This measurement takes place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and updated quarterly thereafter. Accordingly, the CECL model requires us to increase our allowance and recognize provisions for loan losses earlier in the lending cycle. Moreover, the CECL model creates volatility in the level of our allowance for loan losses. If we are required to increase our level of allowance for loan losses for any reason, such increase may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental compliance costs and other potential environmental liabilities associated with our current or former properties or our CRE debt or real estate-related investments could materially impair the value of our investments and expose us to material liability.
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, a current or previous owner or operator of real property, such as us, our borrowers and our tenants, may be liable in certain circumstances for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of contamination, or related to hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, including petroleum and materials containing asbestos or, mold, present or released at, under, on, or from such property. In addition, we also may be liable for costs of remediating contamination at off-site disposal or treatment facilities where we arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at such facilities. Potential liabilities relating to the forgoing also include government fines and penalties, natural resource damages, and damages for injuries to persons and property. In addition, some environmental laws can create a lien on the contaminated site in favor of the government for damages and the costs it incurs in connection with the contamination. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence, release or disposal of such substances, may be joint and several, and may be imposed on the current or former owner or operator of a property in connection with the activities of a tenant or a prior owner or operator at the property. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may adversely affect our or our tenants’ ability to sell, develop, operate or lease real estate, or to borrow using the real estate as collateral, which, in turn, could reduce our revenues. As an owner or operator of a site, including if we take ownership through foreclosure, we also can be liable under common law to third parties for damages and injuries resulting from environmental contamination at or emanating from the site (e.g., for cleanup costs, natural resource damages, bodily injury or property damage). Some of our properties are or have been used for commercial or industrial purposes involving the use or presence of hazardous substances, materials or waste, which could have resulted in environmental impacts at or from these properties, including contamination of which we are not presently aware.
We are also subject to federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations and zoning requirements, including those regarding the handling of regulated substances and wastes, emissions to the environment and fire codes. If we, or our tenants or borrowers, fail to comply with these various laws and requirements, we might incur costs and liabilities, including governmental fines and penalties. Moreover, we do not know whether existing laws and requirements will change or, if they do, whether future laws and requirements will require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures that could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our tenants are subject to the same environmental, health and safety and zoning laws and also may be liable for cleanup or remediation of contamination. Such liability could affect a tenant’s ability to make rental payments to us.
Some of our properties may contain, or may have contained, asbestos-containing building materials. Environmental, health and safety laws require that owners or operators of or employers in buildings with ACM properly manage and maintain these materials, adequately inform or train those who may come into contact with ACM and undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, in the event that ACM is disturbed during building maintenance, renovation or demolition. These laws may impose fines and penalties on employers, building owners or operators for failure to comply with these requirements. In addition, third parties may seek recovery from employers, owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos.
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues also can stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants
above certain levels can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property or increase indoor ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our tenants and others if property damage or personal injury occurs.
These costs and liabilities, including for any required investigation, remediation, removal, fines, penalties, costs to comply with environmental law or personal or property injury or damages and our or our tenants’ or borrowers’ liability could significantly exceed the value of the property without any limits.
The scope of any indemnification our tenants or borrowers have agreed to provide us for environmental liabilities may be limited. For instance, some of our agreements with our tenants or borrowers do not require them to indemnify us for environmental liabilities arising before such tenant or borrower took possession of the premises. Further, we cannot assure stockholders that any such tenant or borrower would be able to fulfill its indemnification obligations. If we were deemed liable for any such environmental liabilities and were unable to seek recovery against our tenant or borrower, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Furthermore, we may invest in real estate, or CRE debt secured by real estate or subordinate interests, with environmental impacts or issues that materially impair the value of the real estate. Even as a lender, if we participate in management or take title to collateral with environmental problems or if other circumstances arise, we could be subject to environmental liability. There are substantial risks associated with such an investment.
Laws, regulations, corporate responsibility and/or environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) initiatives or other issues related to climate change could have a material adverse effect on us.
If we, our borrowers or other companies with which we do business, particularly utilities that provide our facilities with electricity, become subject to laws or regulations related to climate change, it could have a material adverse effect on us. The United States may enact new laws, regulations and interpretations relating to climate change, corporate responsibility and/or ESG initiatives, including potential cap-and-trade systems, carbon taxes and other requirements relating to reduction of carbon footprints and/or greenhouse gas emissions. Other countries have enacted climate change laws and regulations, and the United States has been involved in discussions and agreements regarding international climate change treaties. The federal government and some of the states and localities in which we operate have enacted certain climate change laws and regulations and/or have begun regulating carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions. Localities may enact laws that require mortgaged properties to comply with certain green building certification programs (e.g., LEED and EnergyStar) and other laws which may impact commercial real estate as a result of efforts to mitigate the factors contributing to climate change. Although these laws and regulations have not had any known material adverse effect on us to date, they could limit our ability to operate our business, maintain our investments or to develop properties or result in substantial costs, including compliance costs, retrofit costs and construction costs, monitoring and reporting costs and capital expenditures for environmental control facilities and other new equipment. In addition, these laws and regulations could lead to increased costs for the electricity that our tenants require to conduct operations. Furthermore, our reputation could be damaged if we violate climate change laws or regulations at the corporate and/or investment level. We cannot predict how future laws and regulations, or future interpretations of current laws and regulations, related to climate change, corporate responsibility and/or ESG initiatives will affect our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. These matters may also subject us to regulator and reporting obligations that could impact the price of our common stock, cause us to incur added costs or expose us to new risks, such as the risk of scrutiny and criticism by ESG detractors for the scope or nature of any ESG-related initiatives or goals we may establish, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation. Lastly, the potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain, and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These potential impacts may include changes in rainfall and storm patterns and intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels and changing temperatures, any of which could increase our or our borrowers’ operating costs. Any of these matters could have a material adverse effect on us.
We cannot predict the effects of the transition away from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) on our existing floating rate debt and hedging arrangements.
Certain of our floating-rate debt and hedging arrangements determined the applicable interest rate or payment amount by reference to LIBOR, which we have fully transitioned to SOFR in connection with LIBOR’s discontinuation. Although the transition was intended to maintain the economic terms of the existing arrangements, there can be no assurance that the methodologies and adjustments will not result in mismatches in hedging, or that SOFR will be similar to or produce the economic equivalent of, or be more or less favorable than, LIBOR, particularly during times of economic stress. As such, the effect of the transition to SOFR could have a material adverse effect on our financing costs, and as a result, on our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
In addition, we cannot predict other potential unforeseen impacts of the transition away from LIBOR. SOFR has a limited history, having first been published in April 2018. The future performance of SOFR, and SOFR-based rates, cannot be predicted based on SOFR’s history or by historical levels of LIBOR or other rates. The composition and characteristics of SOFR are not the same as those of LIBOR and the differences may be material. SOFR is a secured rate backed by government securities, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate that that incorporates bank credit risk, and SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding over different maturities. SOFR has been more volatile than other benchmark or market rates, including LIBOR, during certain periods. Also, more than one SOFR-based rate is used in the financial markets, such as term SOFR or compounded SOFR, which will result in different interest rates. Mismatches between SOFR-based rates, and between SOFR-based rates and other rates, may cause economic inefficiencies, particularly if market participants seek to hedge one kind of SOFR-based rate by entering into hedge transactions based on another SOFR-based rate or another rate. We can provide no assurance that SOFR, or rates derived from SOFR, will perform in the same or a similar way as LIBOR would have performed at any time, and there is no assurance that SOFR-based rates will be a suitable substitute for LIBOR.
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations and any failure by us to comply with these laws or regulations, could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flow or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, subject us to increased competition or otherwise adversely affect our business.
The laws and regulations governing our operations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. For example, from time to time the market for real estate debt transactions has been adversely affected by a decrease in the availability of senior and subordinated financing for transactions, in part in response to regulatory pressures on providers of financing to reduce or eliminate their exposure to such transactions. Furthermore, if regulatory capital requirements-whether under the Dodd-Frank Act, Basel III (voluntary minimum requirements for internationally active banks) or other regulatory action-are imposed on private lenders that provide us with funds, or were to be imposed on us, they or we may be required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they provide to us or that we provide to others. Among other things, this could potentially increase our financing costs, reduce our ability to originate or acquire loans and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price.
There has been increasing commentary amongst regulators and intergovernmental institutions on the role of nonbank institutions in providing credit and, particularly, so-called “shadow banking,” a term generally referring to credit intermediation involving entities and activities outside the regulated banking system and increased oversight and regulation of such entities. In the United States, the Dodd-Frank Act established the Financial Stability Oversight Council (the “FSOC”), which is comprised of representatives of all the major U.S. financial regulators, to act as the financial system’s systemic risk regulator. The FSOC has the authority to review the activities of non-bank financial companies predominantly engaged in financial activities and designate those companies as “systemically important” for supervision by the Federal Reserve. Although the FSOC has raised the “systemically important financial institution” asset threshold to $250 billion in total consolidated assets, compliance with any increased regulation of non-bank credit extension could require changes to certain of our business practices, negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition or impose additional costs on us.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
The capital and credit markets have from time to time experienced periods of extreme volatility and disruption. The market price and liquidity of the market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect the market price of our common stock include:
•our actual or projected operating results, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity, or changes in business strategy or prospects;
•equity issuances by us, or resales of our shares by our stockholders, or the perception that such issuances or resales may occur;
•loss of a major funding source;
•actual or anticipated accounting problems;
•publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry;
•changes in market valuations of similar companies;
•adverse market reaction to the level of leverage we employ;
•additions to or departures of our key personnel or adverse effects on the business or operations of DigitalBridge;
•speculation in the press or investment community;
•our failure to meet, or the lowering of, our earnings estimates or those of any securities analysts;
•increases in market interest rates, which may lead investors to demand a higher distribution yield for our common stock and would result in increased interest expenses on our debt;
•a compression of the yield on our investments and an increase in the cost of our liabilities;
•failure to operate in a manner consistent with our intention to qualify as a REIT or exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act;
•price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
•general market and economic conditions and trends including inflationary concerns, and the current state of the credit and capital markets;
•significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of publicly traded REITs or other companies in our sector, which is not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;
•changes in law, regulatory policies or tax guidelines, or interpretations thereof, particularly with respect to REITs;
•changes in the value of our portfolio;
•any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;
•operating performance of companies comparable to us;
•short-selling pressure with respect to shares of our common stock or REITs generally; and
•uncertainty surrounding the strength of the U.S. economic recovery, particularly in light of the recent debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns, and other U.S. and international political and economic affairs.
Any of the foregoing factors could negatively affect our stock price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common stock.
Future offerings of debt or equity securities, which would rank senior to our common stock, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
If we decide to issue debt or equity securities in the future, which would rank senior to our common stock, it is likely that they will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock and may result in dilution to owners of our common stock. We and, indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus holders of our common stock will bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting the value of their stock holdings in us.
We may issue additional equity securities, which may dilute your interest in us.
Stockholders do not have preemptive rights to any shares we issue in the future. Our charter authorizes us to issue a total of 1,000,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 950,000,000 shares are classified as common stock and 50,000,000 shares are classified as preferred stock. Our Board of Directors, with the approval of a majority of our entire Board of Directors and without stockholder approval, may amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of capital stock or the number of shares of capital stock of any class or series that we are authorized to issue. Our Board of Directors may elect to: (i) sell additional shares in one or more future public offerings; (ii) issue equity interests in private offerings; (iii) issue shares of our common stock to sellers of assets we acquire in connection with an exchange of limited partnership interests of our operating company; or (iv) issue shares of our common stock to pay distributions to existing stockholders. If we issue and sell additional shares of our common stock, the ownership interests of our existing stockholders will be diluted to the extent they do not participate in the offering.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Information regarding our investment properties at December 31, 2023 are included in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -Net Leased and Other Real Estate” and “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules-Schedule III. Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The Company is not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. We anticipate that we may from time to time be involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, the outcome of which we would not expect to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II-Other Information

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our Class A common stock began trading on the NYSE on February 1, 2018 under the symbol “CLNC.” Prior to February 1, 2018, our Class A common stock was not listed on a national securities exchange and there was no established public trading market for such shares. On June 24, 2021, we changed our ticker symbol to BRSP concurrent with our name change to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. from Colony Credit Real Estate, Inc., and continue to trade on the NYSE.
As of February 20, 2024, the closing price of our Class A common stock was $6.63 and we had approximately 130.0 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding held by a total of 2,932 holders of record. This figure does not reflect the beneficial ownership of shares held in nominee name.
Distributions
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive distributions if and when the Board of Directors authorizes and declares a distribution. The Board of Directors has not established any minimum distribution level. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we intend to pay dividends to our stockholders that, on an annual basis, will represent at least 90% of our taxable income (which may not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains.
Dividends paid to stockholders, for income tax purposes, represent distributions of ordinary income, capital gains, return of capital or a combination thereof. The following table presents the income tax treatment of dividends per share of common and preferred stock.
Common Stock
Ordinary income $ -
Return of capital 0.80
Total $ 0.80
Ordinary income $ 0.64
Return of capital 0.13
Total $ 0.77
Ordinary income $ 0.29
Return of capital 0.11
Total $ 0.40
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid aggregate dividends of $104.0 million to our Class A common stockholders. The Board of Directors will evaluate dividends in future periods based upon customary considerations, including market conditions.
The credit agreement governing our revolving credit facility limits our ability to make dividends and other payments with respect to our shares of common stock. The credit agreement limits dividends to an amount required to maintain REIT status or to avoid income tax and restricts stock repurchases, each for liquidity preservation purposes. The credit agreement also generally provides that if a default occurs and is continuing, we will be precluded from making distributions on our common stock (other than those required to allow the Company to qualify and maintain its status as a REIT, so long as such default does not arise from a payment default or event of insolvency).
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no sales of unregistered securities of our Company during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Purchases of Equity Securities by Issuer
The Company did not repurchase any of its Class A common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2023.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total return on our class A common stock with the cumulative total returns on the Russell 2000 Index (the “Russell 2000”) and the Bloomberg REIT Mortgage Index (the “BBREMTG Index”), a published industry index from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. The cumulative total return on our class A common stock as presented is not necessarily indicative of future performance of our class A common stock.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes, “Risk Factors” and “Business” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Introduction
We are a commercial real estate (“CRE”) credit real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on originating, acquiring, financing and managing a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of CRE debt investments and net leased properties predominantly in the United States. CRE debt investments primarily consist of first mortgage loans, which is our primary investment strategy. Additionally, we may also selectively originate mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments, which may include profit participations. The mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments may be in conjunction with our origination of corresponding first mortgages on the same properties. Net leased properties consist of CRE properties with long-term leases to tenants on a net-lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance capital expenditures and real estate taxes. We continue to target net leased equity investments on a selective basis.
We were organized in the state of Maryland on August 23, 2017 and maintain key offices in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. We conduct all our activities and hold substantially all our assets and liabilities through our operating subsidiary, BrightSpire Capital Operating Company, LLC (the “OP”).
Our Business Segments
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we realigned the business and reportable segment information to reflect how the Chief Operating Decision Makers now regularly review and manage the business. As a result, we present our business as one portfolio through the following business segments:
•Senior and Mezzanine Loans and Preferred Equity-CRE debt investments including senior loans, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity interests as well as participations in such loans.
•Net Leased and Other Real Estate-direct investments in commercial real estate with long-term leases to tenants on a net lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance, capital expenditures and real estate taxes. It also includes other real estate, currently consisting of two investments with direct ownership in commercial real estate, with an emphasis on properties with stable cash flow and five additional properties that we acquired through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
•Corporate and Other-includes corporate-level asset management and other fees including expenses related to our secured revolving credit facility (the “Bank Credit Facility”) and compensation and benefits. It also includes a sub-portfolio of private equity funds.
There were no changes in the structure of our internal organization that prompted the change in reportable segments. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current year presentation. Accordingly, we realigned the discussion and analysis of our portfolio and results of operations to reflect these reportable segments.
Significant Developments
During the year ended December 31, 2023, and through February 20, 2024, significant developments affecting our business and results of operations of our portfolio included the following:
Capital Resources
•As of the date of this report, we have approximately $368.0 million of liquidity, consisting of $203.0 million cash and cash equivalents on hand and $165.0 million available on our Bank Credit Facility; and
•Declared total quarterly dividends of $0.80 per share during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Our Portfolio
•Generated GAAP net loss of $15.5 million, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, Distributable Earnings of $66.1 million, or $0.51 per share and Adjusted Distributable Earnings of $138.2 million or $1.06 per share for the year ended December 31, 2023;
•For the year ended December 31, 2023, we:
◦Received loan repayment proceeds of $453.5 million from 13 loans;
◦Recorded $81.2 million in specific current expected credit loss (“CECL”) reserves related to four senior loans and one mezzanine loan. At December 31, 2023, there were no specific CECL reserves on our consolidated balance sheet (refer to “Our Portfolio - Asset Specific Loan Summaries” section for further discussion);
◦Recorded a net increase in our general CECL reserves of $27.0 million. At December 31, 2023, our general CECL reserve for our outstanding loans and future loan funding commitments is $76.5 million, which is 2.46% of the aggregate commitment amount of our loan portfolio;
◦Placed five senior loans on nonaccrual status; four of which were acquired through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure;
◦Acquired the following through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure:
▪Two Long Island City, New York office properties with an initial aggregate fair value of $73.1 million (one of the underlying office senior loans was previously placed on nonaccrual status in 2022);
▪One Oakland, California office property with an initial fair value of $13.9 million;
▪One Washington, D.C. office property with an initial fair value of $19.6 million, which is classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2023;
▪One Phoenix, Arizona multifamily property with an initial fair value of $35.2 million;
◦Extended 28 loans eligible for certain maturity events, which represent $988.7 million of unpaid principal balance at December 31, 2023; and
•Subsequent to December 31, 2023, we received loan repayment proceeds of $26.7 million from three loans.
Trends Affecting Our Business
Global Markets
Although global markets showed signs of stabilization and inflationary pressure may be moderating due to increased interest rates through the third quarter of 2023, CRE value uncertainties, aftershock of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical unrest continue to contribute to market volatility. Generationally high interest rates have continued to negatively impact transaction activity in the real estate market and correspondingly the loan financing market. To the extent certain of our borrowers are experiencing significant financial dislocation as a result of economic conditions, we have and may continue to use interest and other reserves and/or replenishment obligations of the borrower and/or guarantors to meet current interest payment obligations for a limited period. The market for office properties was particularly negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to experience headwinds driven by the normalization of work from home and hybrid work arrangements and elevated costs to operate or reconfigure office properties. These factors have largely resulted in lower demand for office space and driven rising vacancy rates. Given the uncertainty in the office market, there is risk of future valuation impairment or investment loss on our loans secured by office properties.
While macroeconomic conditions are expected to continue to normalize, we cannot predict whether they will in fact improve or even intensify. Due to the inherent uncertainty of these conditions, their impact on our business is difficult to predict and quantify.
Factors Impacting Our Operating Results
Our results of operations are affected by a number of factors and depend primarily on, among other things, the ability of the borrowers of our assets to service our debt as it is due and payable, the ability of our tenants to pay rent and other amounts due under their leases, our ability to actively and effectively service any sub-performing and non-performing loans and other assets we may have from time to time in our portfolio, the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, CRE senior loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity, debt securities, net leased properties and our other assets, and the level of our net operating income (“NOI”). Our net interest income, which includes the amortization of purchase premiums and the accretion of purchase discounts, varies primarily as a result of changes in market interest rates, prepayment rates and frequency on our CRE loans and the ability of our borrowers to make scheduled interest payments. Interest rates and prepayment rates vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets, creditworthiness of our borrowers, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Our net property operating income depends on our ability to maintain the historical occupancy rates of our real estate equity investments, lease currently available space and continue to attract new tenants.
Changes in fair value of our assets
We consider and treat our assets as long-term investments. As a result, we do not expect that changes in market value will impact our operating results. However, at least on a quarterly basis, we assess both our ability and intent to hold such assets for the long-term. As part of this process, we monitor our assets for impairment. A change in our ability and/or intent to continue to hold any of our assets may result in our recognizing an impairment charge or realizing losses upon the sale of such investments.
Changes in market interest rates
With respect to our business operations, increases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause:
•the value of our fixed-rate investments to decrease;
•prepayments on certain assets in our portfolio to slow, thereby slowing the amortization of our purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts;
•coupons on our floating and adjustable-rate mortgage loans to reset, although on a delayed basis, to higher interest rates;
•interest rate caps required by our borrowers to increase in cost;
•borrowers’ unwillingness to purchase new interest rate caps at loan maturity to qualify for an extension;
•financial hardship to our borrowers, whose ability to service their debt as it is due and payable and to pass maturity extension tests may be materially adversely impacted, resulting in foreclosures;
•to the extent we use leverage to finance our assets, the interest expense associated with our borrowings to increase; and
•to the extent we enter into interest rate swap agreements as part of our hedging strategy, the value of these agreements to increase.
Conversely, decreases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause:
•the value of the fixed-rate assets in our portfolio to increase;
•prepayments on certain assets in our portfolio to increase, thereby accelerating the amortization of our purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts;
•to the extent we enter into interest rate swap agreements as part of our hedging strategy, the value of these agreements to decrease;
•coupons on our floating and adjustable-rate mortgage loans to reset, although on a delayed basis, to lower interest rates; and
•to the extent we use leverage to finance our assets, the interest expense associated with our borrowings to decrease.
Credit risk
We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our target assets. We seek to mitigate this risk by seeking to acquire high quality assets, at appropriate prices given anticipated and unanticipated losses and by employing a comprehensive review and asset selection process and by careful ongoing monitoring of acquired assets. Nevertheless, unanticipated credit losses could occur, which could adversely impact our operating results.
Size of investment portfolio
The size of our portfolio, as measured by the aggregate principal balance of our commercial mortgage loans, other commercial real estate-related debt investments and the other assets we own, is also a key revenue driver. Generally, as the size of our portfolio grows, the amount of interest income we earn increases. However, a larger portfolio may result in increased expenses to the extent that we incur additional interest expense to finance our assets.
Our Portfolio
As of December 31, 2023, our portfolio consisted of 103 investments representing approximately $3.8 billion in carrying value (based on our share of ownership and excluding cash, cash equivalents and certain other assets). Our senior and mezzanine loans consisted of 87 senior and mezzanine loans with a weighted average cash coupon of 3.7% and a weighted average all-in unlevered yield of 9.3%. Our net leased and other real estate consisted of approximately 7.0 million total square feet of space and total 2023 NOI of that portfolio was approximately $66.5 million. Refer to “Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Measures” below for further information on NOI.
As of December 31, 2023, our portfolio consisted of the following investments (dollars in thousands):
Count(1)
Carrying value
(Consolidated) Carrying value
(at BRSP share)(2)
Net carrying value (Consolidated)(3)
Net carrying value (at BRSP share)(4)
Our Portfolio
Senior loans 82 $ 2,855,774 $ 2,855,774 $ 774,458 $ 774,458
Mezzanine loans 5 80,732 80,732 80,732 80,732
Subtotal 87 2,936,506 2,936,506 855,190 855,190
Net leased real estate 8 579,366 579,366 132,532 132,532
Other real estate 7 303,052 289,941 112,677 112,254
Private equity interests 1 2,251 2,251 2,251 2,251
Total/Weighted average Our Portfolio 103 $ 3,821,175 $ 3,808,064 $ 1,102,650 $ 1,102,227
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(1)Count for net leased real estate and other real estate represents number of investments.
(2)Carrying value at our share represents the proportionate carrying value based on ownership by asset as of December 31, 2023.
(3)Net carrying value represents carrying value less any associated financing as of December 31, 2023.
(4)Net carrying value at our share represents the proportionate carrying value based on asset ownership less any associated financing based on ownership as of December 31, 2023.
Underwriting Process
We use an investment and underwriting process that has been developed by our senior management team leveraging their extensive commercial real estate expertise over many years and real estate cycles. The underwriting process focuses on some or all of the following factors designed to ensure each investment is evaluated appropriately: (i) macroeconomic conditions that may influence operating performance; (ii) fundamental analysis of underlying real estate, including tenant rosters, lease terms, zoning, necessary licensing, operating costs and the asset’s overall competitive position in its market; (iii) real estate market factors that may influence the economic performance of the investment, including leasing conditions and overall competition; (iv) the operating expertise and financial strength and reputation of a tenant, operator, partner or borrower; (v) the cash flow in place and projected to be in place over the term of the investment and potential return; (vi) the appropriateness of the business plan and estimated costs associated with tenant buildout, repositioning or capital improvements; (vii) an internal and third-party valuation of a property, investment basis relative to the competitive set and the ability to liquidate an investment through a sale or refinancing; (viii) review of third-party reports including appraisals, engineering and environmental reports; (ix) physical inspections of properties and markets; (x) the overall legal structure of the investment, contractual implications and the lenders’ rights; and (xi) the tax and accounting impact.
Loan Risk Rankings
In addition to reviewing loans held for investment for impairment quarterly, we evaluate loans held for investment to determine if a current expected credit losses reserve should be established. In conjunction with this review, we assess the risk factors of each senior and mezzanine loan and assign a risk ranking based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, underlying real estate performance and asset value, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. Based on a five-point scale, our loans held for investment are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk. At the time of origination or purchase, loans held for investment are ranked as a “3” and will move accordingly going forward based on the ratings which are defined as follows:
1.Very Low Risk
2.Low Risk
3.Medium Risk
4.High Risk/Potential for Loss-A loan that has a high risk of realizing a principal loss.
5.Impaired/Loss Likely-A loan that has a very high risk of realizing a principal loss or has otherwise incurred a principal loss.
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company simplified its risk ranking definitions. The Company re-evaluated its risk rankings based on the simplified definitions and concluded that there was no impact to prior period risk rankings.
At December 31, 2023, our weighted average risk ranking remained unchanged at 3.2 compared to September 30, 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we had the following risk ranking activity for risk ranked 4 and 5 assets:
•Repayments: one hotel loan with a risk ranking of 4 was partially repaid (refer to “Our Portfolio - Asset Specific Loan Summaries” section for further discussion);
•Downgrades: one multifamily loan was downgraded to a risk ranking of 5 from a risk ranking of 4;
•Other: one multifamily loan with a risk ranking of 5 was resolved when the property was acquired through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure and reclassified to real estate owned; and one office loan with a risk ranking of 5 was resolved when the property was acquired through legal foreclosure and reclassified to real estate held for sale.
Senior and Mezzanine Loans
The following tables provides a summary of our senior and mezzanine loans based on our internal risk rankings, collateral property type and geographic distribution as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Carrying Value (at BRSP share)(1)
Risk Ranking Count Senior loans Mezzanine loans Total % of Total
3 77 $ 2,398,273 $ 80,732 $ 2,479,005 84.4 %
4 9 428,692 - 428,692 14.6 %
5 1 28,809 - 28,809 1.0 %
87 $ 2,855,774 $ 80,732 $ 2,936,506 100.0 %
Weighted average risk ranking 3.2
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(1)Carrying value at our share represents the proportionate carrying value based on ownership by asset as of December 31, 2023.
Carrying value (at BRSP share)
Collateral property type Count Senior loans Mezzanine loans Total % of Total
Multifamily 51 $ 1,483,524 $ 64,280 $ 1,547,804 52.7 %
Office 27 956,162 4,002 960,164 32.7 %
Hotel 3 208,979 12,450 221,429 7.5 %
Other (Mixed-use)(1)
3 152,500 - 152,500 5.2 %
Industrial 3 54,609 - 54,609 1.9 %
Total 87 $ 2,855,774 $ 80,732 $ 2,936,506 100.0 %
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(1)Other includes commercial and residential development assets.
Carrying value (at BRSP share)
Region Count Senior loans Mezzanine loans Total % of Total
US West 35 $ 1,184,293 $ 59,855 $ 1,244,148 42.4 %
US Southwest 34 1,059,000 4,425 1,063,425 36.2 %
US Northeast 10 398,894 16,452 415,346 14.1 %
US Southeast 8 213,587 - 213,587 7.3 %
Total 87 $ 2,855,774 $ 80,732 $ 2,936,506 100.0 %
The following table provides asset level detail for our senior and mezzanine loans as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Loan Type Origination Date City, State Carrying value(1)
Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon(2)
Unlevered all-in yield(3)
Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(4)
Q4 Risk ranking(5)
Multifamily
Loan 1(6)
Senior 6/18/2019 Santa Clara, CA $ 57,244 $ 57,443 Floating 5.5% 10.9% 6/18/2024 69% 3
Loan 2 Senior 5/17/2022 Las Vegas, NV 53,871 53,966 Floating 3.6% 9.4% 6/9/2027 74% 4
Loan 3 Senior 3/8/2022 Austin, TX 50,381 50,323 Floating 3.3% 9.2% 3/9/2027 75% 3
Loan 4 Senior 7/19/2021 Dallas, TX 50,333 50,200 Floating 3.4% 8.7% 8/9/2026 74% 3
Loan 5 Senior 5/26/2021 Las Vegas, NV 46,944 46,798 Floating 3.5% 9.2% 6/9/2026 70% 4
Loan 6 Senior 2/3/2021 Arlington, TX 44,418 44,207 Floating 3.7% 9.6% 2/9/2026 81% 4
Loan 7 Senior 3/1/2021 Richardson, TX 43,387 43,411 Floating 3.5% 9.2% 3/9/2026 75% 3
Loan 8 Senior 7/15/2021 Jersey City, NJ 43,025 43,000 Floating 3.1% 8.8% 8/9/2026 66% 3
Loan 9 Senior 12/21/2020 Austin, TX 42,840 42,850 Floating 3.8% 9.5% 1/9/2026 54% 3
Loan 10 Senior 3/31/2022 Louisville, KY 42,208 42,176 Floating 3.7% 9.6% 4/9/2027 72% 3
Subtotal top 10 multifamily $ 474,651 $ 474,374 16% of total loans
Loan 11 Senior 3/22/2021 Fort Worth, TX $ 42,109 $ 42,046 Floating 3.6% 9.3% 4/9/2026 83% 3
Loan 12 Senior 7/15/2021 Dallas, TX 40,011 40,011 Floating 3.2% 8.6% 8/9/2026 77% 3
Loan 13 Senior 12/7/2021 Denver, CO 39,598 39,598 Floating 3.3% 9.0% 12/9/2026 74% 3
Loan 14 Senior 3/31/2022 Long Beach, CA 38,848 38,900 Floating 3.4% 9.3% 4/9/2027 74% 3
Loan 15 Senior 7/12/2022 Irving, TX 37,848 37,946 Floating 3.6% 9.5% 8/9/2027 73% 3
Loan 16 Senior 1/18/2022 Dallas, TX 36,584 36,460 Floating 3.5% 9.4% 2/9/2027 75% 3
Loan 17 Senior 9/28/2021 Carrollton, TX 36,190 36,282 Floating 3.2% 8.9% 10/9/2025 73% 3
Loan 18 Senior 1/12/2022 Los Angeles, CA 36,017 36,159 Floating 3.4% 9.0% 2/9/2027 65% 3
Loan 19 Senior 7/29/2021 Phoenix, AZ 33,044 33,117 Floating 3.4% 9.0% 8/9/2026 74% 3
Loan 20(6)
Mezzanine 12/9/2019 Milpitas, CA 32,643 32,643 Fixed n/a 10.2% 3/3/2026 58% - 79% 3
Subtotal top 20 multifamily $ 847,543 $ 847,536 29% of total loans
Loan 21 Senior 3/31/2021 Mesa, AZ $ 31,482 $ 31,434 Floating 3.8% 9.6% 4/9/2026 83% 3
Loan 22 Senior 4/29/2021 Las Vegas, NV 30,114 30,079 Floating 3.2% 8.9% 5/9/2026 76% 3
Loan 23 Senior 4/15/2022 Mesa, AZ 29,917 30,049 Floating 3.4% 9.0% 5/9/2027 75% 3
Loan Type Origination Date City, State Carrying value(1)
Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon(2)
Unlevered all-in yield(3)
Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(4)
Q4 Risk ranking(5)
Loan 24 Senior 7/13/2021 Plano, TX 29,154 29,142 Floating 3.2% 8.9% 2/9/2025 77% 3
Loan 25 Senior 2/17/2022 Long Beach, CA 29,077 29,120 Floating 3.4% 9.2% 3/9/2027 67% 3
Loan 26(7)
Senior 5/19/2022 Denver, CO 28,809 28,809 n/a(7)
n/a(7)
n/a(7)
6/9/2027 73% 5
Loan 27 Senior 8/31/2021 Glendale, AZ 28,191 28,262 Floating 3.3% 8.9% 9/9/2026 75% 3
Loan 28 Senior 5/27/2021 Houston, TX 28,000 28,000 Floating 3.1% 8.5% 6/9/2026 67% 3
Loan 29 Senior 12/16/2021 Fort Mill, SC 27,347 27,366 Floating 3.3% 8.9% 1/9/2027 71% 3
Loan 30(6)
Mezzanine 2/8/2022 Las Vegas, NV 27,211 27,263 Fixed 7.0% 12.3% 2/8/2027 56% - 79% 3
Loan 31 Senior 12/21/2021 Phoenix, AZ 25,350 25,442 Floating 3.6% 9.3% 1/9/2027 75% 3
Loan 32 Senior 7/12/2022 Irving, TX 25,097 25,165 Floating 3.6% 9.5% 8/9/2027 72% 3
Loan 33 Senior 3/8/2022 Glendale, AZ 24,797 24,900 Floating 3.5% 9.1% 3/9/2027 73% 3
Loan 34 Senior 7/1/2021 Aurora, CO 23,956 24,002 Floating 3.2% 8.9% 7/9/2026 73% 3
Loan 35 Senior 3/31/2022 Phoenix, AZ 23,586 23,691 Floating 3.7% 9.3% 4/9/2027 75% 3
Loan 36 Senior 11/4/2021 Austin, TX 23,207 23,279 Floating 3.4% 9.0% 11/9/2026 71% 3
Loan 37 Senior 6/22/2021 Phoenix, AZ 22,093 22,136 Floating 3.3% 8.9% 7/9/2026 75% 3
Loan 38 Senior 7/13/2021 Oregon City, OR 21,774 21,764 Floating 3.4% 9.1% 8/9/2026 73% 3
Loan 39 Senior 1/12/2022 Austin, TX 20,178 20,187 Floating 3.4% 9.2% 2/9/2027 75% 3
Loan 40 Senior 9/22/2021 Denton, TX 19,758 19,761 Floating 3.3% 9.0% 10/9/2025 70% 3
Loan 41 Senior 8/6/2021 La Mesa, CA 19,752 19,752 Floating 3.0% 8.3% 8/9/2025 70% 3
Loan 42 Senior 12/21/2021 Gresham, OR 19,447 19,455 Floating 3.6% 9.5% 1/9/2027 74% 3
Loan 43 Senior 9/1/2021 Bellevue, WA 19,308 19,308 Floating 3.0% 8.4% 9/9/2025 64% 3
Loan 44 Senior 6/24/2021 Phoenix, AZ 19,236 19,236 Floating 3.5% 8.8% 7/9/2026 63% 4
Loan 45 Senior 5/5/2022 Charlotte, NC 18,474 18,500 Floating 3.5% 9.4% 5/9/2027 61% 3
Loan 46 Senior 7/14/2021 Salt Lake City, UT 18,323 18,315 Floating 3.4% 9.1% 8/9/2026 73% 3
Loan 47 Senior 4/29/2022 Tacoma, WA 18,077 18,110 Floating 3.3% 9.2% 5/9/2027 72% 3
Loan 48 Senior 6/25/2021 Phoenix, AZ 17,488 17,518 Floating 3.2% 8.9% 7/9/2026 75% 3
Loan 49 Senior 7/21/2021 Durham, NC 15,199 15,228 Floating 3.4% 9.1% 8/9/2026 58% 3
Loan 50 Senior 3/8/2022 Glendale, AZ 11,434 11,482 Floating 3.5% 9.1% 3/9/2027 73% 3
Loan 51 Mezzanine 7/30/2014 Various - TX 4,425 4,425 Fixed 9.5% 9.5% 8/11/2024 71% - 83% 3
Total/Weighted average multifamily loans $ 1,547,804 $ 1,548,716 53% of total loans 3.4% 9.1% 2.6 years 3.1
Loan Type Origination Date City, State Carrying value(1)
Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon(2)
Unlevered all-in yield(3)
Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(4)
Q4 Risk ranking(5)
Office
Loan 52 Senior 2/17/2022 Boston, MA $ 87,450 $ 87,533 Floating 3.8% 9.7% 3/9/2027 54% 3
Loan 53 Senior 12/7/2018 Carlsbad, CA 75,604 75,581 Floating 3.9% 9.7% 12/9/2024 75% 3
Loan 54 Senior 8/28/2018 San Jose, CA 74,071 74,071 Floating 2.6% 7.9% 8/28/2025 75% 3
Loan 55 Senior 1/19/2021 Phoenix, AZ 73,574 73,616 Floating 3.7% 9.3% 2/9/2026 70% 3
Loan 56 Senior 2/13/2019 Baltimore, MD 59,154 59,154 Floating 3.6% 9.0% 2/9/2025 74% 3
Loan 57 Senior 5/23/2022 Plano, TX 40,491 40,494 Floating 4.3% 10.0% 6/9/2027 64% 3
Loan 58 Senior 4/27/2022 Plano, TX 39,852 39,825 Floating 4.1% 9.8% 5/9/2027 70% 3
Loan 59 Senior 11/23/2021 Tualatin, OR 39,432 39,372 Floating 4.0% 12.1% 12/9/2026 66% 4
Loan 60 Senior 9/28/2021 Reston, VA 38,165 38,165 Floating 4.1% 9.5% 10/9/2026 71% 4
Loan 61 Senior 11/17/2021 Dallas, TX 36,967 36,967 Floating 4.0% 9.3% 12/9/2025 61% 4
Subtotal top 10 office loans $ 564,760 $ 564,778 19% of total loans
Loan 62 Senior 6/2/2021 South Pasadena, CA $ 33,893 $ 33,808 Floating 5.0% 10.4% 6/9/2026 69% 3
Loan 63 Senior 4/7/2022 San Jose, CA 33,861 33,906 Floating 4.2% 10.0% 4/9/2027 70% 3
Loan 64 Senior 4/30/2021 San Diego, CA 33,109 33,148 Floating 3.6% 9.3% 5/9/2026 55% 3
Loan 65 Senior 6/16/2017 Miami, FL 30,348 30,008 Floating 5.8% 11.1% 4/9/2024 73% 3
Loan 66 Senior 3/31/2022 Blue Bell, PA 28,555 28,555 Floating 4.2% 9.5% 4/9/2025 59% 3
Loan 67 Senior 10/21/2021 Blue Bell, PA 28,210 28,210 Floating 3.8% 9.1% 4/9/2025 78% 3
Loan 68 Senior 2/26/2019 Charlotte, NC 26,441 26,490 Floating 3.3% 8.7% 7/9/2025 51% 3
Loan 69 Senior 12/7/2021 Hillsboro, OR 25,953 25,953 Floating 4.0% 9.6% 12/9/2024 71% 3
Loan 70 Senior 7/30/2021 Denver, CO 23,873 23,931 Floating 4.4% 10.1% 8/9/2026 66% 3
Loan 71 Senior 9/16/2019 San Francisco, CA 23,543 23,543 Floating 3.3% 8.6% 10/9/2024 77% 3
Subtotal top 20 office loans $ 852,546 $ 852,330 29% of total loans
Loan 72 Senior 8/27/2019 San Francisco, CA $ 22,121 $ 22,121 Floating 2.9% 8.3% 9/9/2024 79% 3
Loan 73 Senior 10/29/2020 Denver, CO 19,937 19,937 Floating 3.7% 9.1% 11/9/2025 64% 3
Loan 74 Senior 10/13/2021 Burbank, CA 16,584 16,639 Floating 4.0% 9.7% 11/9/2026 57% 3
Loan 75 Senior 8/31/2021 Los Angeles, CA 15,888 15,888 Floating 4.1% 9.5% 9/9/2026 58% 3
Loan 76 Senior 11/16/2021 Charlotte, NC 15,407 15,466 Floating 4.5% 10.2% 12/9/2026 67% 3
Loan 77 Senior 11/10/2021 Richardson, TX 13,679 13,648 Floating 4.1% 9.8% 12/9/2026 71% 4
Loan 78 Mezzanine 2/13/2023 Baltimore, MD 4,002 4,002 Fixed n/a(8)
13.0% 2/7/2025 74% - 75% 3
Total/Weighted average office loans $ 960,164 $ 960,031 33% of total loans 3.8% 9.6% 2.1 years 3.1
Loan Type Origination Date City, State Carrying value(1)
Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon(2)
Unlevered all-in yield(3)
Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(4)
Q4 Risk ranking(5)
Hotel
Loan 79 Senior 1/2/2018 San Jose, CA $ 135,979 $ 135,979 Floating 4.8% 10.1% 11/9/2026 73% 4
Loan 80 Senior 6/25/2018 Englewood, CO 73,000 73,000 Floating 3.5% 8.9% 2/9/2025 62% 3
Loan 81 Mezzanine 1/9/2017 New York, NY 12,450 12,330 Floating 11.0% 16.4% 4/9/2024 67% - 80% 3
Total/Weighted average hotel loans $ 221,429 $ 221,309 4.7% 10.0% 2.1 years 3.6
Other (Mixed-use)
Loan 82 Senior 10/24/2019 Brooklyn, NY $ 77,802 $ 77,802 Floating 4.2% 9.5% 11/9/2024 70% 3
Loan 83 Senior 1/13/2022 New York, NY 46,071 46,090 Floating 3.5% 9.4% 2/9/2027 67% 3
Loan 84 Senior 5/3/2022 Brooklyn, NY 28,627 28,665 Floating 4.4% 10.2% 5/9/2027 68% 3
Total/Weighted average other (mixed-use) loans $ 152,500 $ 152,557 4.0% 9.6% 2.0 years 3.0
Industrial
Loan 85 Senior 7/13/2022 Ontario, CA $ 23,556 $ 23,680 Floating 3.3% 9.0% 8/9/2027 66% 3
Loan 86 Senior 3/25/2022 City of Industry, CA 19,693 19,719 Floating 3.4% 9.2% 4/9/2027 67% 3
Loan 87 Senior 3/21/2022 Commerce, CA 11,360 11,374 Floating 3.3% 9.1% 4/9/2027 71% 3
Total/Weighted average industrial loans $ 54,609 $ 54,773 3.3% 9.1% 3.4 years 3.0
Total/Weighted average senior and mezzanine loans - Our Portfolio $ 2,936,506 $ 2,937,386 3.7% 9.3% 2.4 years 3.2
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(1)Represents carrying values at our share as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Represents the stated coupon rate for loans; for floating rate loans, does not include Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which was 5.35% as of December 31, 2023.
(3)In addition to the stated cash coupon rate, unlevered all-in yield includes non-cash payment-in-kind interest income and the accrual of origination and exit fees. Unlevered all-in yield for the loan portfolio assumes the applicable floating benchmark rate as of December 31, 2023, for weighted average calculations.
(4)Except for construction loans, senior loans reflect the initial loan amount divided by the as-is value as of the date the loan was originated, or the principal amount divided by the appraised value for the in place collateral as of the date of the most recent as-is appraisal. Mezzanine loans include attachment loan-to-value and detachment loan-to-value, respectively. Attachment loan-to-value reflects initial funding of loans senior to our position divided by the as-is value as of the date the loan was originated, or the principal amount divided by the appraised value for the in place collateral as of the date of the most recent appraisal. Detachment loan-to-value reflects the cumulative initial funding of our loan and the loans senior to our position divided by the as-is value as of the date the loan was originated, or the cumulative principal amount divided by the appraised value for the in place collateral as of the date of the most recent appraisal.
(5)On a quarterly basis, the Company’s senior and mezzanine loans are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk. Represents risk ranking as of December 31, 2023.
(6)Construction senior loans’ loan-to-value reflect the total commitment amount of the loan divided by as-completed appraised value, or the total commitment amount of the loan divided by the projected total cost basis. Construction mezzanine loans include attachment loan-to-value and detachment loan-to-value. Attachment loan-to-value reflects the total commitment amount of loans senior to our position divided by as-completed appraised value, or the total commitment amount of loans senior to our position divided by projected total cost basis. Detachment loan-to-value reflect the cumulative commitment amount of our loan and the loans senior to our position divided by as-completed appraised value, or the cumulative commitment amount of our loan and loans senior to our position divided by projected total cost basis.
(7)Loan 26 was placed on nonaccrual status in December 2023; as such, no income is being recognized.
(8)Loan 78 has a payment-in-kind provision and accrues interest at 13.0%.
At December 31, 2023, our general CECL reserve for our outstanding loans and future loan funding commitments is $76.5 million, which is 2.46% of the aggregate commitment amount of our loan portfolio. This represents an increase of $21.5 million from $55.0 million or 1.67% of the aggregate commitment amount of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily driven by the operating performance of certain office and hotel assets. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we recorded $10.0 million of specific CECL reserves related to one Phoenix, Arizona multifamily senior loan prior to acquiring the asset through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. As a result, the $10.0 million in specific CECL reserves were charged off. At December 31, 2023, there are no specific CECL reserves on our consolidated balance sheet.
Asset Specific Loan Summaries
San Jose, California Hotel Senior Loan
Loan Type Collateral type Origination Date Carrying value Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon Unlevered all-in yield Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(1)
Q4 Risk ranking
Loan 79 Senior Hotel 1/2/2018 $ 135,979 $ 135,979 Floating 4.8% 10.1% 11/9/2026 73% 4
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(1)Loan-to-value is calculated using the as-is value on the date of loan origination.
We originated a $173.5 million senior loan for the sponsor’s purchase of an 805-room San Jose hotel (the “San Jose Hotel Loan”) in 2018. At closing, the borrower contributed approximately $90.0 million of equity toward the acquisition.
After the hotel was closed in August 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrower filed for bankruptcy and emerged from bankruptcy in November 2021 with an upsized $184.9 million senior loan and a $25.0 million mezzanine loan. The hotel reopened in April 2022 and in 2023 we increased the loan balance twice to $193.4 million to fund debt service payments. Hotel occupancy was below 40% throughout 2023.
The hotel guest rooms are located in the 541-room main tower and a 264-room south tower. In November 2023, the south tower was sold for $73.1 million and will be converted to graduate student housing for San Jose State University. The net proceeds from the sale totaled $66.9 million, of which $9.4 million was used to fund reserves and $57.5 million was used to pay down the loan principal balance.
Tualatin, Oregon Office Park Senior Loan
Loan Type Collateral type Origination Date Carrying value Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon Unlevered all-in yield Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(1)
Q4 Risk ranking
Loan 59 Senior Office 11/23/2021 $ 39,432 $ 39,372 Floating 4.0% 12.1% 12/9/2026 66% 4
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(1)Loan-to-value is calculated using the as-is value on the date of loan origination.
We originated a $45.8 million senior loan to refinance the sponsor’s existing loan on a Tualatin office complex (the “Tualatin Office Loan”) in 2021. The Tualatin Office Loan included an initial funding of $38.6 million with an additional $7.2 million of future advances.
The Tualatin office properties consist of ten buildings averaging 34,000 square feet each. The Tualatin office buildings were 70% occupied when the Tualatin Office Loan was originated and included future advances to finance additional tenant improvements for the anticipated new leasing activity. Prior to our origination of the Tualatin Office Loan, the sponsor had invested $6.0 million into an upgraded fitness center, new heating, ventilation, and cooling system, resurfaced parking lots, and signage.
The lack of new leasing at the Tualatin office properties combined with rising interest rates has led to debt service exceeding monthly net operating income. The loan was modified in December 2023 to extend the maturity to December 2024, reduce the loan spread from 3.96% to 1.5%, and include an exit fee upon repayment of the loan of 2.5% of the principal balance. The modification allows the sponsor to utilize tenant improvements and leasing commission funds for capital improvements such as rezoning the collateral for additional commercial uses, and exploring rezoning certain parcels for multifamily use. Additionally, the sponsor funded $0.3 million into a reserve to fund operating shortfalls.
To the extent that leasing projections for the Tualatin office properties worsen, and given the uncertainty in the office market, this may result in a valuation impairment or investment loss.
Denver, Colorado Multifamily Senior Loan
Loan Type Collateral type Origination Date Carrying value Principal balance Coupon type Cash Coupon Unlevered all-in yield Extended maturity date Loan-to-value(1)
Q4 Risk ranking
Loan 26 Senior Multifamily 5/19/2022 $ 28,809 $ 28,809 n/a(2)
n/a(2)
n/a(2)
6/9/2027 73% 5
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(1)Loan-to-value is calculated using the as-is value on the date of loan origination.
(2)Loan 26 was placed on nonaccrual status in December 2023; as such, no income is being recognized.
We originated a $30.9 million senior loan in 2022 to finance the acquisition and capital improvement of a 142-unit multifamily property located in Denver, Colorado. The loan included an initial funding of $27.9 million with an additional $2.9 million of future funding.
The property cash flow is insufficient to cover the debt service and interest reserves have been exhausted. The sponsor is unwilling to further support the asset due to the challenges at the property level which include low occupancy, delinquent rent payments and tenant evictions. Additionally, the current capital market environment is unlikely to allow for a return of equity to the sponsor.
The loan defaulted as of the January 9, 2024 payment date. However, the sponsor is cooperating with a consensual sale process through a national commercial real estate sales advisor and the sale process was launched in January 2024. The sale resolution may result in a valuation impairment or investment loss.
Net Leased and Other Real Estate
Our net leased real estate investment strategy focuses on direct ownership in commercial real estate with an emphasis on properties with stable cash flow, which may be structurally senior to a third-party partner’s equity. As part of our net leased real estate strategy, we explore a variety of real estate investments including multi-tenant office, multifamily, student housing and industrial. Additionally, we have two investments in direct ownership of commercial real estate and own these operating real estate investments through joint ventures with one or more partners. We also own five properties included in other real estate that were acquired through deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure and foreclosure.
As of December 31, 2023, $869.3 million or 22.8% of our assets were invested in net leased and other real estate properties and these properties were 88.1% occupied. The following table presents our net leased and other real estate investments as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Count(1)
Carrying Value(2)
NOI for the year ended December 31, 2023(3)
Net leased real estate 8 $ 579,366 $ 41,878
Other real estate 7 289,941 24,625
Total/Weighted average net leased and other real estate 15 $ 869,307 $ 66,503
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(1)Count represents the number of investments.
(2)Represents carrying values at our share as of December 31, 2023; includes real estate tangible assets, deferred leasing costs and other intangible assets less intangible liabilities.
(3)Refer to “Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Measures” for further information on NOI.
The following table provides asset-level detail of our net leased and other real estate as of December 31, 2023:
Collateral type City, State Number of properties Rentable square feet (“RSF”) / units/keys(1)
Weighted average % leased(2)
Weighted average lease term (yrs)(3)
Principal amount of debt(4)
Final debt maturity date
Net leased real estate
Net lease 1 Industrial Various - U.S. 2 2,787,343 RSF 100% 14.6 $ 200,000 Sep-33
Net lease 2 Office Stavanger, Norway 1 1,290,926 RSF 100% 6.4 157,216 Jun-25
Net lease 3 Office Aurora, CO 1 183,529 RSF 100% 3.9 29,352 Aug-26
Net lease 4 Office Indianapolis, IN 1 338,000 RSF 100% 7.0 21,976 Oct-27
Net lease 5(5)
Retail Various - U.S. 7 319,600 RSF 100% 4.0 28,353 Nov-26 & Mar-28
Net lease 6 Retail Keene, NH 1 45,471 RSF 100% 5.1 6,787 Nov-26
Net lease 7 Retail South Portland, ME 1 52,900 RSF 100% 8.1 - -
Net lease 8 Retail Fort Wayne, IN 1 50,000 RSF 100% 0.7 3,146 Nov-26
Total/Weighted average net leased real estate 15 5,067,769 RSF 100% 9.7 $ 446,830
Other real estate
Other real estate 1 Office Creve Coeur, MO 7 847,604 RSF 85% 2.9 $ 96,197 Oct-24
Other real estate 2 Office Warrendale, PA 5 496,414 RSF 83% 5.5 61,690 Jan-25
Other real estate 3(6)
Office Long Island City, NY 1 128,195 RSF 9% 6.9 - -
Other real estate 4(6)
Multifamily Phoenix, AZ 1 236 units 78% n/a - -
Other real estate 5(6)
Office Long Island City, NY 1 220,872 RSF 30% 5.2 - -
Other real estate 6(7)
Office Washington, D.C. 1 186,181 RSF 42% 1.1 - -
Other real estate 7(6)
Office Oakland, CA 1 90,693 RSF 44% 3.0 - -
Total/Weighted average other real estate 17 n/a 64% 4.3 $ 157,887
Total net leased and other real estate 32
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(1)Rentable square feet based on carrying value at our share as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Represents the percent leased as of December 31, 2023. Weighted average calculation based on carrying value at our share as of December 31, 2023.
(3)Based on in-place leases (defined as occupied and paying leases) as of December 31, 2023, and assumes that no renewal options are exercised. Weighted average calculation based on carrying value at our share as of December 31, 2023.
(4)Represents principal amount of debt at our share as of December 31, 2023.
(5)Net lease 5 consists of two separate mortgage notes.
(6)Property was acquired through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
(7)Property was acquired through foreclosure.
Asset Specific Net Leased and Other Real Estate Summaries
Warehouse Distribution Portfolio Net Lease
Collateral type City, State Number of properties Rentable square feet (“RSF”) / units/keys Weighted average % leased Weighted average lease term (yrs) Principal amount of debt Final debt maturity date
Net lease 1 Industrial Various - U.S. 2 2,787,343 RSF 100% 14.6 $ 200,000 Sep-33
In August 2018 we acquired two warehouse distribution facilities located in Tracy, California and Tolleson, Arizona (the “Warehouse Distribution Portfolio”) for $292 million. These two properties are 100% occupied by a creditworthy single tenant. The tenant is a national grocer and these properties form a part of its national distribution network. The Warehouse Distribution Portfolio lease (the “Warehouse Distribution Portfolio Lease”) requires the tenant to pay for all real estate-related expenses, including operational expenditures, capital expenditures and taxes. The tenant has invested a significant amount of capital expenditures into each property over the past few years. The Warehouse Distribution Portfolio Lease has a remaining lease term of 14.6 years ending in 2038. The tenant has the option to extend the lease for nine five-year periods at the same terms with rent adjusted to market rent. The Warehouse Distribution Portfolio Lease also has annual rent increases of 1.5%. Financing on the Warehouse Distribution Portfolio consists of mortgage and mezzanine debt for a total combined amount payable of $200 million. The debt is interest only at a blended fixed rate of 4.8% and matures in September 2028. The debt has a defeasance provision for any early loan prepayment. The tenant has made all rent payments and is current on all its financial obligations under the Warehouse Distribution Portfolio Lease. The tenant has announced a merger with another national grocer, which is pending regulatory approval. If the merger is approved, it is not expected to impact our lease agreement.
The Warehouse Distribution Portfolio has generated net operating income for the year ended December 31, 2023, of $20.2 million and the asset value on our consolidated balance sheet is $245.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
Stavanger, Norway Office Net Lease
Collateral type City, State Number of properties Rentable square feet (“RSF”) / units/keys Weighted average % leased Weighted average lease term (yrs) Principal amount of debt Final debt maturity date
Net lease 2 Office Stavanger, Norway 1 1,290,926 RSF 100% 6.4 $ 157,216 Jun-25
In July 2018, we acquired a class A office campus in Stavanger, Norway (the “Norway Net Lease”) for $320 million (NOK 2.6 billion). This property is 100% occupied by a creditworthy single tenant. The property serves as their global headquarters. The Norway Net Lease requires the tenant to pay for all real estate-related expenses, including operational expenditures, capital expenditures and municipality taxes. The Norway Net Lease has a weighted average remaining lease term of six years and the tenant has the option to extend for two five-year periods at the same terms with rent adjusted to market rent, with the ability to reduce their total occupied space, and there is a risk that the rent can decrease at that time. The Norway Net Lease also has annual rent increases based on the Norwegian CPI Index through 2030. The rent increase in 2023 was 6.1%. Our tenant has injected a significant amount of capital into improvements of the property over the past 10 years.
Financing on the Norway Net Lease consists of a mortgage payable of $157.2 million (NOK 1.6 billion) with a fixed rate of 3.9%, which matures in June 2025, at which time there will be five years remaining on the initial lease term. The financing includes a provision for annual appraisal valuation each May with loan-to-value (“LTV”) tests declining from 75% LTV beginning in year five, to 70% LTV after year eight and 65% LTV after year nine. The most recent valuation in May 2023 resulted in an LTV above the current 70% threshold. As a result, we contributed $3.5 million of cash to our entity thereby putting us in compliance with the LTV test. The $3.5 million is included in cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheet and remains available for our use. Market conditions could impact property valuations and continuing compliance with these annual tests, resulting in a cash trap subject to LTV rebalancing.
This five-year remaining lease term along with risk of a downward rent adjustment at the 2030 renewal, and the increase in interest rates, could adversely impact the refinancing or sale of the asset. Furthermore, we have no assurances that the tenant will remain at the property beyond 2030. The tenant has made all rent payments and is current on all its financial obligations under the lease. Both the lease payments and mortgage debt service are NOK denominated currency. We maintain a series of USD-NOK forward swaps in order to minimize our foreign currency cash flow risk. These forward swaps occur quarterly through May 2024, where we have agreed to sell NOK and buy USD at a locked in forward curve rate. However, only the lease payments are hedged through May 2024. The net equity and lease payments beyond May 2024 are not hedged at this time. Therefore, the Norway Net Lease net book value may be subject to fluctuations based on the USD-NOK impact on unhedged values.
Phoenix, Arizona Multifamily Property
Collateral type City, State Number of Properties Rentable square feet (“RSF”) / units/keys Weighted average % leased Weighted average lease term (yrs) Principal Amount of Debt Final Debt Maturity Date
Other real estate 4 Multifamily Phoenix, AZ 1 236 units 78% n/a $ - -
We originated a $47.0 million senior loan to finance the sponsor’s acquisition of a 236 unit multifamily property located in Phoenix, AZ (the “Multifamily Property”) in 2021. The loan’s initial term was two years with three one-year extension options. The loan initially funded $43.5 million to partially capitalize the Multifamily Property acquisition by the sponsor for $59.1 million. In addition, the loan was structured with a $3.5 million future funding component for capital expenditures.
The Multifamily Property was built in 1973 and later renovated in 2021 by the previous owner. The Multifamily Property consists of 23 two-story apartment buildings situated on ten acres. The common amenities include covered parking, swimming pool, gym, picnic area, secured access gate, on-site laundry and a fenced in dog park. Of the 236 units, the previous ownership renovated 110 units. The sponsor’s business plan was to renovate the remaining units at the same scope of the previous owner’s renovation program. The sponsor spent $1.4 million of future funding to address deferred maintenance and to renovate 30 incremental units.
In April 2023, occupancy dropped significantly and cash flow was not sufficient to cover debt service. The sponsor raised $1.6 million in additional capital from their limited partners to cover the monthly shortfalls and purchase an interest rate cap at the December 2023 maturity. In October 2023, the additional capital was depleted and the sponsor went back to their limited partners for a second capital raise, which was unsuccessful and the sponsor did not have the funds to cover the monthly shortfalls.
A mutual decision was made between us and the sponsor to deed the Multifamily Property to us. The deed-in-lieu of foreclosure was finalized in December 2023. In connection with the deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, we obtained a valuation and purchase price allocation from a third-party valuation expert. The valuation resulted in a $10.0 million valuation loss during the fourth quarter of 2023, and the Multifamily Property has a carrying value of $35.4 million at December 31, 2023. We are currently operating the property with a plan to increase occupancy, renovate vacant units, and address additional deferred maintenance.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our portfolio results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, Change
2023 2022 2021 2023 compared to 2022 2022 compared to 2021
Net interest income
Interest income $ 298,702 $ 236,181 $ 168,845 $ 62,521 $ 67,336
Interest expense (173,309) (111,806) (55,484) (61,503) (56,322)
Interest income on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts - 32,163 51,609 (32,163) (19,446)
Interest expense on mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts - (29,434) (45,460) 29,434 16,026
Net interest income 125,393 127,104 119,510 (1,711) 7,594
Property and other income
Property operating income 93,403 90,191 102,634 3,212 (12,443)
Other income 13,921 6,058 2,333 7,863 3,725
Total property and other income 107,324 96,249 104,967 11,075 (8,718)
Expenses
Management fee expense - - 9,596 - (9,596)
Property operating expense 26,640 24,222 30,286 2,418 (6,064)
Transaction, investment and servicing expense 2,499 3,434 4,556 (935) (1,122)
Interest expense on real estate 25,909 28,717 32,278 (2,808) (3,561)
Depreciation and amortization 33,504 34,099 36,399 (595) (2,300)
Increase (decrease) of current expected credit loss reserve 108,149 70,635 (1,432) 37,514 72,067
Impairment of operating real estate 7,590 - - 7,590 -
Compensation and benefits 39,501 33,031 32,143 6,470 888
Operating expense 13,150 14,641 17,868 (1,491) (3,227)
Restructuring charges - - 109,321 - (109,321)
Total expenses 256,942 208,779 271,015 48,163 (62,236)
Other income
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - 854 41,904 (854) (41,050)
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - (854) (36,623) 854 35,769
Other gain, net 613 34,630 74,067 (34,017) (39,437)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures and income taxes (23,612) 49,204 32,810 (72,816) 16,394
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures 9,055 25 (131,115) 9,030 131,140
Income tax expense (1,062) (2,440) (6,276) 1,378 3,836
Net income (loss) $ (15,619) $ 46,789 $ (104,581) $ (62,408) $ 151,370
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2023 and Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net Interest Income
Interest income
Interest income increased by $62.5 million to $298.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to $72.6 million related to higher interest rates and $31.3 million due to 2022 loan originations partially offset by $36.8 million due to loan repayments.
Interest expense
Interest expense increased by $61.5 million to $173.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to $66.2 million from higher interest rates in 2023, partially offset by $7.8 million due to paydowns on financings.
Net interest income on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net
Net interest income on mortgage loans and obligation held in securitization trusts, net decreased by $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the sale of our final retained interest in a securitization trust in November 2022.
Property and other income
Property operating income
Property operating income increased by $3.2 million to $93.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to $4.0 million from five real estate foreclosures in 2023 and a tax refund and higher reimbursement income of $1.0 million at two office properties partially offset by $1.7 million from two real estate properties sold in the first quarter of 2022.
Other income
Other income increased by $7.9 million to $13.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher interest rates on money market investments.
Expenses
Property operating expense
Property operating expense increased by $2.4 million to $26.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to $2.7 million from five real estate foreclosures in 2023 and $0.8 million in higher utilities, insurance and property taxes incurred at two office properties in the year ended December 31, 2023. This was partially offset by $1.5 million from two real estate properties sold in the first quarter of 2022.
Transaction, investment and servicing expense
Transaction, investment and servicing expense decreased by $0.9 million to $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to $0.7 million related to lower loan servicing fees and $0.5 million of costs associated with the sale of a joint venture in the first quarter of 2022.
Interest expense on real estate
Interest expense on real estate decreased by $2.8 million to $25.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily due to amortization income recorded on above-market debt during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.6 million to $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to fully depreciated and amortized assets associated with two office properties of $1.9 million and foreign currency translation of $0.9 million partially offset by $1.9 million from real estate foreclosures.
Increase of current expected credit loss reserve
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded CECL reserves of $108.1 million as compared to reserves of $70.6 million for year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in specific reserves related to three office senior loans, one multifamily senior loan and one multifamily mezzanine loan, in addition to an increase in general reserves.
Impairment of operating real estate
We recorded impairment of $7.6 million on one office property following a reduction in the estimated holding period during the year ended December 31, 2023. We recorded no impairment for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and benefits increased by $6.5 million to $39.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to fully recognizing stock compensation on performance stock units issued in March 2023 and stock compensation on restricted stock grants issued in March 2023.
Operating expense
Operating expense decreased by $1.5 million to $13.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to lower third-party fees.
Other income (loss)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded an unrealized gain of $0.9 million on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net due to the sale of retained investments in the subordinate tranches of a securitization trust. Following the sale, we no longer hold any mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts.
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a realized loss of $0.9 million on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net due to the sale of retained investments in the subordinate tranches of a securitization trust. Following the sale, we no longer hold any mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts.
Other gain, net
Other gain, net decreased by $34.0 million to $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to $32.8 million in realized gains associated with asset sales in 2022.
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we realized a one-time gain from our ratable share of dispute resolution proceeds of approximately $9.0 million from the senior mezzanine lender at our prior Los Angeles, California mixed-use project construction mezzanine loan and retained B-participation investment. In connection with the settlement, effective January 26, 2023, we have no further interest in the loan or investment. We recorded de minimis equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense decreased by $1.4 million to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to return to provision adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2022 and Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net Interest Income
Interest income
Interest income increased by $67.3 million to $236.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to $108.5 million from 2022 loan originations and the full-year impact of 2021 originations in addition to higher interest rates, partially offset by $42.4 million related to loan repayments.
Interest expense
Interest expense increased by $56.3 million to $111.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was driven by $69.8 million related to 2022 financings and the full-year impact of 2021 financings for new loan originations, as well as higher interest rates. This was partially offset by $10.1 million in payoffs of financings in connection with loan repayments and reduced costs associated with the amendment and restatement of our Bank Credit Facility of $3.2 million.
Net interest income on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net
Net interest income on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net decreased by $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 due to the sale of the retained interests of two securitization trusts in April 2021 and November 2022.
Property and other income
Property operating income
Property operating income decreased by $12.4 million to $90.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily the result of two property sales in the first quarter of 2022 and the sale of an industrial portfolio in the first quarter of 2021.
Other income
Other income of $6.1 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022, which primarily relates to income from money market investments and special servicing income associated with a securitization trust. Other income of $2.3 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021, which primarily relates to a one-time reimbursement received upon the winding down of a joint venture investment.
Expenses
Management fee expense
Management fee expense decreased by $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease is due to the termination of the management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) with our former manager (the “Manager”), a subsidiary of DigitalBridge Group, Inc., that occurred in April 2021.
Property operating expense
Property operating expense decreased by $6.1 million to $24.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily the result of two property sales in the first quarter of 2022 and the sale of an industrial portfolio in the first quarter of 2021.
Transaction, investment and servicing expense
Transaction, investment and servicing expense decreased by $1.1 million to $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to lower franchise tax expense partially offset by higher securitization expenses incurred following the execution of the BRSP 2021-FL1 securitization in July 2021.
Interest expense on real estate
Interest expense on real estate decreased by $3.6 million to $28.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the repayments of mortgage loans secured by two properties sold in the first quarter of 2022 and an industrial portfolio that was sold in the first quarter of 2021.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $2.3 million to $34.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily the result of two property sales in the first quarter of 2022.
Increase (decrease) of CECL reserve
We recorded CECL reserves of $70.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to a reversal of reserves of $1.4 million for year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a net increase of $44.9 million on two Long Island City, New York office senior loans recorded during the third quarter of 2022 and an increase in reserves on office loans during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and benefits increased by $0.9 million to $33.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. This was primarily due to an increase in employee compensation following the internalization of our management and operating functions (the “Internalization”) on April 30, 2021, partially offset by lower stock compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Operating expense
Operating expense decreased by $3.2 million to $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. This decrease was due to lower operating expenses following the Internalization on April 30, 2021.
Restructuring Charges
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded $109.3 million in restructuring costs related to the termination of our Management Agreement with our previous Manager. This consisted of a one-time cash payment of $102.3 million to our previous Manager paid on April 30, 2021 and $7.0 million in additional restructuring costs consisting primarily of fees paid for legal and investment banking advisory services.
Other income (loss)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded an unrealized gain of $0.9 million on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net due to the sale of retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a $41.9 million unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net. This was primarily due to the sale of the retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust in the second quarter of 2021 and the second and fourth quarter 2021 sales of two underlying loans held within one of our retained investments in the subordinate tranches of another securitization trust. Upon the sales, the accumulated unrealized losses relating to the retained investments were reversed and subsequently recorded to realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net.
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a realized loss of $0.9 million on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net due to the sale of retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a $36.6 million realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net, primarily due to the $19.5 million realized loss upon sale of the retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust in the second quarter of 2021. We also recorded a realized loss of $17.1 million related to the sale of two underlying loans held within one of our retained investments in the subordinate tranches of another securitization trust in the second and fourth quarters of 2021.
Other gain, net
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded other gain, net of $34.6 million, primarily due to realized gains on two property sales in the first quarter of 2022 and the sale of a preferred equity investment in the second quarter of 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded other gain, net of $74.1 million primarily due to the $52.9 million realized gain on the sale of five co-investment assets to managed vehicles of Fortress Investment Group LLC in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the “Co-Investment Portfolio Sale”) and a realized gain of $11.8 million on the sale of an industrial portfolio in the first quarter of 2021.
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures was de minimis during the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2021 equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures was $131.1 million, primarily due to fair value loss adjustments recorded on three equity method investments during the second quarter of 2021.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense decreased by $3.8 million to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. This was primarily due to a $6.1 million expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021 related to the sale of a hotel investment in Austin, TX, partially offset by higher income tax resulting from growth in taxable income and return to provision adjustments recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Book Value Per Share
The following table calculates our GAAP book value per share and undepreciated book value per share ($ in thousands, except per share data):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Stockholders’ Equity excluding noncontrolling interests in investment entities $ 1,277,335 $ 1,387,768
Shares
Class A common stock 129,985 128,872
Total outstanding 129,985 128,872
GAAP book value per share $ 9.83 $ 10.77
Accumulated depreciation and amortization per share $ 1.52 $ 1.29
Undepreciated book value per share(1)
$ 11.35 $ 12.06
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(1)Excludes the impact of our pro-rata share of accumulated depreciation and amortization on real estate investments (including related intangible assets and liabilities).
Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Measures
Distributable Earnings
We present Distributable Earnings, which is a non-GAAP supplemental financial measure of our performance. We believe that Distributable Earnings provides meaningful information to consider in addition to our net income and cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, and this metric is a useful indicator for investors in evaluating and comparing our operating performance to our peers and our ability to pay dividends. We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. As a REIT, we are required to distribute substantially all of our taxable income and we believe that dividends are one of the principal reasons investors invest in credit or commercial mortgage REITs such as our company. Over time, Distributable Earnings has been a useful indicator of our dividends per share and we consider that measure in determining the dividend, if any, to be paid. This supplemental financial measure also helps us to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments that we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current portfolio and operations.
We define Distributable Earnings as GAAP net income (loss) attributable to our common stockholders (or, without duplication, the owners of the common equity of our direct subsidiaries, such as our OP) and excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) the expenses incurred in connection with our formation or other strategic transactions, (iii) the incentive fee, (iv) acquisition costs from successful acquisitions, (v) gains or losses from sales of real estate property and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate, including unconsolidated joint ventures and preferred equity investments, (vi) general CECL reserves determined by probability of default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”) model, (vii) depreciation and amortization, (viii) any unrealized gains or losses or other similar non-cash items that are included in net income for the current quarter, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income, (ix) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and (x) certain material non-cash income or expense items that in the judgment of management should not be included in Distributable Earnings. For clauses (ix) and (x), such exclusions shall only be applied after approval by a majority of our independent directors. Distributable Earnings include specific CECL reserves when realized. Loan losses are realized when such amounts are deemed nonrecoverable at the time the loan is repaid, or if the underlying asset is sold following foreclosure, or if we determine that it is probable that all amounts due will not be collected; realized loan losses to be included in Distributable Earnings is the difference between the cash received, or expected to be received, and the book value of the asset.
Additionally, we define Adjusted Distributable Earnings as Distributable Earnings excluding (i) realized gains and losses on asset sales, (ii) fair value adjustments, which represent mark-to-market adjustments to investments in unconsolidated ventures based on an exit price, defined as the estimated price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants, (iii) unrealized gains or losses, (iv) realized specific CECL reserves and (v) one-time gains or losses that in the judgement of management should not be included in Adjusted Distributable Earnings. We believe Adjusted Distributable Earnings is a useful indicator for investors to further evaluate and compare our operating performance to our peers and our ability to pay dividends, net of the impact of any gains or losses on assets sales or fair value adjustments, as described above.
Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings do not represent net income or cash generated from operating activities and should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP net income or an indication of our cash flows from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP, a measure of our liquidity, or an indication of funds available to fund our cash
needs. In addition, our methodology for calculating Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings may differ from methodologies employed by other companies to calculate the same or similar non-GAAP supplemental financial measures, and accordingly, our reported Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings may not be comparable to the Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings reported by other companies.
The following tables present a reconciliation of net income (loss) attributable to our common stockholders to Distributable Earnings and Adjusted Distributable Earnings attributable to our common stockholders and noncontrolling interest of the Operating Partnership (dollars and share amounts in thousands, except per share data) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders $ (15,549) $ 45,788 $ (101,046)
Adjustments:
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest of the Operating Partnership - 1,013 (1,803)
Non-cash equity compensation expense 14,056 7,888 14,016
Transaction costs - - 109,321
Depreciation and amortization 32,050 33,949 36,447
Net unrealized loss (gain):
Impairment of operating real estate 7,590 - -
Other unrealized loss (gain) on investments 1,747 (1,155) (47,352)
General CECL reserves 26,983 13,692 (2,684)
Gain on sales of real estate, preferred equity and investments in unconsolidated joint ventures - (30,709) (66,827)
Adjustments related to noncontrolling interests (805) (730) 1,254
Distributable Earnings (Loss) attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders and noncontrolling interest of the Operating Partnership $ 66,072 $ 69,736 $ (58,674)
Distributable Earnings (Loss) per share(1)
$ 0.51 $ 0.53 $ (0.44)
Adjustments:
Specific CECL reserves $ 81,166 $ 56,944 $ 1,251
Fair value adjustments (9,055) - 133,200
Realized loss on hedges - - 1,466
Realized loss on CRE debt securities and B-piece - 797 38,842
Adjusted Distributable Earnings attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders and noncontrolling interest of the Operating Partnership $ 138,183 $ 127,477 $ 116,085
Adjusted Distributable Earnings per share(1)
$ 1.06 $ 0.98 $ 0.87
Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock and OP units(1)
129,794 130,539 132,807
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(1)We calculate Distributable Earnings (Loss) per share, and Adjusted Distributable Earnings per share, non-GAAP financial measures, based on a weighted-average number of common shares and OP units (held by members other than us or our subsidiaries). For the year ended December 31, 2022 includes 3.1 million OP units until their redemption in May 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2021 weighted average number of common shares includes 3.1 million OP units.
NOI
We believe NOI to be a useful measure of operating performance of our net leased and other real estate portfolios as they are more closely linked to the direct results of operations at the property level. NOI excludes historical cost depreciation and amortization, which are based on different useful life estimates depending on the age of the properties, as well as adjustments for the effects of real estate impairment and gains or losses on sales of depreciated properties, which eliminate differences arising from investment and disposition decisions. Additionally, by excluding corporate level expenses or benefits such as interest expense, any gain or loss on early extinguishment of debt and income taxes, which are incurred by the parent entity and are not directly linked to the operating performance of the Company’s properties, NOI provides a measure of operating
performance independent of the Company’s capital structure and indebtedness. However, the exclusion of these items as well as others, such as capital expenditures and leasing costs, which are necessary to maintain the operating performance of the Company’s properties, and transaction costs and administrative costs, may limit the usefulness of NOI. NOI may fail to capture significant trends in these components of GAAP net income (loss) which further limits its usefulness.
NOI should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), determined in accordance with GAAP, as an indicator of operating performance. In addition, our methodology for calculating NOI involves subjective judgment and discretion and may differ from the methodologies used by other companies, when calculating the same or similar supplemental financial measures and may not be comparable with other companies.
The following tables present a reconciliation of net income (loss) on our net leased and other real estate portfolios attributable to our common stockholders to NOI attributable to our common stockholders (dollars in thousands) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders $ (15,549) $ 45,788 $ (101,046)
Adjustments:
Net (income) loss attributable to non-net leased and other real estate portfolios(1)
14,426 (32,342) 109,565
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in investment entities (70) (12) (79)
Amortization of above- and below-market lease intangibles (126) (364) (97)
Interest income (71) - 18
Interest expense on real estate 26,024 28,717 32,278
Other income (437) (18) (3)
Transaction, investment and servicing expense 317 681 (35)
Depreciation and amortization 33,321 33,886 36,162
Impairment of operating real estate 7,590 - -
Operating expense 95 231 233
Other (gain) loss on investments, net 1,660 (10,287) (4,691)
Income tax (benefit) expense 527 231 (68)
NOI attributable to noncontrolling interest in investment entities (1,204) (1,200) (15,323)
Total NOI, at share $ 66,503 $ 65,311 $ 56,914
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(1)Net (income) loss attributable to non-net leased and other real estate portfolios includes net (income) loss on our senior and mezzanine loans and preferred equity and corporate and other business segments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Our material cash commitments include commitments to repay borrowings, finance our assets and operations, meet future funding obligations, make distributions to our stockholders and fund other general business needs. We use significant cash to make investments, meet commitments to existing investments, repay the principal of and interest on our borrowings and pay other financing costs, make distributions to our stockholders and fund our operations.
Our primary sources of liquidity include cash on hand, cash generated from our operating activities and cash generated from asset sales and investment maturities. However, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our Investment Company Act exclusion, we may use several sources to finance our business, including bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities), master repurchase facilities and securitizations, as described below. In addition to our current sources of liquidity, there may be opportunities from time to time to access liquidity through public offerings of debt and equity securities. We have sufficient sources of liquidity to meet our material cash commitments for the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.
Financing Strategy
We have a multi-pronged financing strategy that includes an up to $165.0 million secured revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2023, up to approximately $2.0 billion in secured revolving repurchase facilities, $913.9 million in non-recourse securitization financing, $617.4 million in commercial mortgages and $34.5 million in other asset-level financing structures.
In addition, we may use other forms of financing, including additional warehouse facilities, public and private secured and unsecured debt issuances and equity or equity-related securities issuances by us or our subsidiaries. We may also finance a portion of our investments through the syndication of one or more interests in a whole loan. We will seek to match the nature and duration of the financing with the underlying asset’s cash flow, including using hedges, as appropriate.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio
The following table presents our debt-to-equity ratio:
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Debt-to-equity ratio(1)
1.9x 2.0x
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(1)Represents (i) total consolidated outstanding secured debt less cash and cash equivalents of $257.5 million and $306.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively to (ii) total equity, in each case, at period end.
Potential Sources of Liquidity
As discussed in greater detail above under “Trends Affecting our Business,” and “Factors Impacting Our Operating Results” overall market uncertainty coupled with rising inflation and interest rates have tempered the loan financing markets recently. A rising interest rate environment will result in increased interest expense on our variable rate debt that is not hedged and may result in disruptions to our borrowers’ and tenants’ ability to finance their activities, which would similarly adversely impact their ability to make their monthly mortgage payments and meet their loan obligations. Additionally, due to the current market conditions, warehouse lenders may take a more conservative stance by increasing funding costs, which may lead to margin calls.
Our primary sources of liquidity include borrowings available under our credit facilities, master repurchase facilities and monthly mortgage payments from our borrowers.
Bank Credit Facilities
We use bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities) to finance our business. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or more lenders. Credit facilities typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates.
On January 28, 2022, the OP (together with certain subsidiaries of the OP from time to time party thereto as borrowers, collectively, the “Borrowers”) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and the several lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”), pursuant to which the Lenders agreed to provide a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $165.0 million, of which up to $25.0 million is available as letters of credit. Loans under the Credit Agreement may be advanced in U.S. dollars and certain foreign currencies, including euros, pounds sterling and Swiss francs. The Credit Agreement amended and restated the OP’s prior $300.0 million revolving credit facility that would have matured on February 1, 2022.
The Credit Agreement also includes an option for the Borrowers to increase the maximum available principal amount of up to $300.0 million, subject to one or more new or existing Lenders agreeing to provide such additional loan commitments and satisfaction of other customary conditions.
Advances under the Credit Agreement accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to, at the applicable Borrower’s election, either (x) an adjusted SOFR rate plus a margin of 2.25%, or (y) a base rate equal to the highest of (i) the Wall Street Journal’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the adjusted SOFR rate plus 1.00%, plus a margin of 1.25%. An unused commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% or 0.35%, per annum, depending on the amount of facility utilization, applies to un-utilized borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement. Amounts owed under the Credit Agreement may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs in the case of borrowings with respect to which a SOFR rate election is in effect.
The maximum amount available for borrowing at any time under the Credit Agreement is limited to a borrowing base valuation of certain investment assets, with the valuation of such investment assets generally determined according to a percentage of adjusted net book value. As of date hereof, the borrowing base valuation is sufficient to permit borrowings of up to
$165.0 million. If any borrowing is outstanding for more than 180 days after its initial draw, the borrowing base valuation will be reduced by 50% until all outstanding borrowings are repaid in full. The ability to borrow new amounts under the Credit Agreement terminates on January 31, 2026, at which time the OP may, at its election and by written notice to the Administrative Agent, extend the termination date for two (2) additional terms of six (6) months each, subject to the terms and conditions in the Credit Agreement, resulting in a latest termination date of January 31, 2027.
The obligations of the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed pursuant to a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement by substantially all material wholly owned subsidiaries of the OP (the “Guarantors”) in favor of the Administrative Agent (the “Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) and, subject to certain exceptions, secured by a pledge of substantially all equity interests owned by the Borrowers and the Guarantors, as well as by a security interest in deposit accounts of the Borrowers and the Guarantors in which the proceeds of investment asset distributions are maintained.
The Credit Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, the obligation of the Company to maintain REIT status and be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and limitations on debt, liens and restricted payments. In addition, the Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants applicable to the OP and its consolidated subsidiaries: (a) minimum consolidated tangible net worth of the OP to be greater than or equal to the sum of (i) $1,112,000,000 and (ii) 70% of the net cash proceeds received by the OP from any offering of its common equity after September 30, 2021 and of the net cash proceeds from any offering by the Company of its common equity to the extent such proceeds are contributed to the OP, excluding any such proceeds that are contributed to the OP within ninety (90) days of receipt and applied to acquire capital stock of the OP; (b) the OP’s ratio of EBITDA plus lease expenses to fixed charges for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to be not less than 1.50 to 1.00; (c) the OP’s minimum interest coverage ratio to be not less than 3.00 to 1.00; and (d) the OP’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total assets to be not more than 0.80 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, including, among other things, failure to make payments when due, breach of covenants or representations, cross default to material indebtedness, material judgment defaults, bankruptcy matters involving any Borrower or any Guarantor and certain change of control events. The occurrence of an event of default will limit the ability of the OP and its subsidiaries to make distributions and may result in the termination of the credit facility, acceleration of repayment obligations and the exercise of remedies by the Lenders with respect to the collateral.
As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
Master Repurchase Facilities
Currently, our primary source of financing is our Master Repurchase Facilities, which we use to finance the origination of senior loans. Repurchase agreements effectively allow us to borrow against loans that we own in an amount generally equal to (i) the market value of such loans multiplied by (ii) the applicable advance rate. Under these agreements, we sell our loans to a counterparty and agree to repurchase the same loans from the counterparty at a price equal to the original sales price plus an interest factor. During the term of a repurchase agreement, we receive the principal and interest on the related loans and pay interest to the lender under the master repurchase agreement. We intend to maintain formal relationships with multiple counterparties to obtain master repurchase financing.
The following table presents a summary of our Master Repurchase and Bank Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Maximum Facility Size Current Borrowings Weighted Average Final Maturity (Years) Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
Master Repurchase Facilities
Bank 1 $ 600,000 $ 490,261 3.3 SOFR + 2.13%
Bank 2 600,000 261,753 2.3 SOFR + 1.96%
Bank 3 400,000 237,985 3.4 SOFR + 1.74%
Bank 4 400,000 162,724 3.5 SOFR + 1.79%
Total Master Repurchase Facilities 2,000,000 1,152,723
Bank Credit Facility 165,000 - 3.0 SOFR + 2.25%
Total Facilities $ 2,165,000 $ 1,152,723
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(1)All facilities utilize Term SOFR at December 31, 2023.
The following table presents the quarterly average unpaid principal balance (“UPB”), end of period UPB and the maximum UPB at any month-end related to our Master Repurchase Facilities and Bank Credit Facility (dollars in thousands):
Quarter Ended Quarterly Average UPB End of Period UPB Maximum UPB at Any Month-End
December 31, 2023 $ 1,179,953 $ 1,152,723 $ 1,205,475
September 30, 2023 1,212,217 1,207,182 1,208,898
June 30, 2023 1,254,714 1,217,251 1,281,899
March 31, 2023 1,778,135 1,292,176 1,320,246
December 31, 2022 1,436,829 1,339,993 1,434,901
September 30, 2022 1,510,616 1,533,664 1,537,511
June 30, 2022 1,343,678 1,487,567 1,503,297
March 31, 2022 1,052,455 1,199,789 1,199,789
The decrease in our end of period UPB from September 30, 2023 to December 31, 2023 was driven by payoffs of loans during the period.
Securitizations
We may seek to utilize non-recourse long-term securitizations of our investments in mortgage loans, especially loan originations, to the extent consistent with the maintenance of our REIT qualification and exclusion from the Investment Company Act in order to generate cash for funding new investments. This would involve conveying a pool of assets to a special purpose vehicle (or the issuing entity), which would issue one or more classes of non-recourse notes pursuant to the terms of an indenture. The notes would be secured by the pool of assets. In exchange for the transfer of assets to the issuing entity, we would receive the cash proceeds on the sale of non-recourse notes and a 100% interest in the equity of the issuing entity. The securitization of our portfolio investments might magnify our exposure to losses on those portfolio investments because any equity interest we retain in the issuing entity would be subordinate to the notes issued to investors and we would, therefore, absorb all of the losses sustained with respect to a securitized pool of assets before the owners of the notes experience any losses.
CLNC 2019-FL1
In October 2019, we executed a securitization transaction through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, CLNC 2019-FL1, Ltd. and CLNC 2019-FL1, LLC, which resulted in the sale of $840.4 million of investment grade notes.
On March 5, 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority of the U.K. (the “FCA”) announced that LIBOR tenors relevant to CLNC 2019-FL1 would cease to be published or no longer be representative after June 30, 2023. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the “ARRC”) interpreted this announcement to constitute a benchmark transition event. As of June 17, 2021, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from LIBOR to compounded SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points with a lookback period equal to the number of calendar days in the applicable Interest Accrual Period plus two SOFR business days, conforming with the indenture agreement and recommendations from the ARRC. Compounded SOFR for any interest accrual period shall be the “30-Day Average SOFR” as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on each benchmark determination date.
As of February 19, 2022, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from Compounded SOFR to Term SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points, conforming with the indenture agreement. Term SOFR for any interest accrual period shall be the one-month CME Term SOFR Reference Rate as published by the CME Group Benchmark Administration on each benchmark determination date.
CLNC 2019-FL1 included a two-year reinvestment feature that allowed us to contribute existing or newly originated loan investments in exchange for proceeds from repayments or repurchases of loans held in CLNC 2019-FL1, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the indenture. The reinvestment period for CLNC 2019-FL1 expired on October 19, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and through February 20, 2024, three loans held in CLNC 2019-FL1 were fully repaid and one loan was partially repaid totaling $149.2 million. Two loans held in CLNC 2019-FL1 were removed as a result of the loans becoming defaulted collateral interests, totaling $97.7 million. We exchanged/purchased the two defaulted collateral interests for substitute loan investments and cash equal to the par purchase price of the defaulted collateral interests. The proceeds from the repayments were used to amortize the securitization bonds in accordance with the securitization priority of repayments. As of December 31, 2023, we had $478.4 million of unpaid principal balance of CRE debt investments financed with CLNC 2019-FL1. As of December 31, 2023, the securitization reflects an advance rate of 65.3% at a weighted average
cost of funds of Adjusted Term SOFR plus 2.17% (before transaction expenses) and is collateralized by a pool of 14 senior loan investments.
Additionally, CLNC 2019-FL1 contains note protection tests that can be triggered as a result of contributed loan defaults, losses, and certain other events outlined in the indenture, beyond established thresholds. A note protection test failure that is not remedied can result in the redirection of interest proceeds from the below investment grade tranches to amortize the most senior outstanding tranche. We did not fail any note protection tests during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. While we continue to closely monitor all loan investments contributed to CLNC 2019-FL1, a deterioration in the performance of an underlying loan could negatively impact our liquidity position.
In the second quarter of 2023, we had transitioned the CLNC 2019-FL1 mortgage assets to SOFR, eliminating the basis difference between CLNC 2019-FL1 assets and liabilities. The transition to SOFR did not have a material impact to CLNC 2019-FL1’s assets and liabilities and related interest expense.
BRSP 2021-FL1
In July 2021, we executed a securitization transaction through our subsidiaries, BRSP 2021-FL1, Ltd. and BRSP 2021-FL1, LLC, which resulted in the sale of $670.0 million of investment grade notes.
As of May 26, 2023, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from LIBOR to Term SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points, pursuant to the indenture agreement. Term SOFR for any interest accrual period shall be the one-month CME Term SOFR reference rate as published by the CME Group benchmark administration on each benchmark determination date.
BRSP 2021-FL1 included a two-year reinvestment feature that allowed us to contribute existing or newly originated loan investments in exchange for proceeds from repayments or repurchases of loans held in BRSP 2021-FL1, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the indenture. The reinvestment period for BRSP 2021-FL1 expired on July 20, 2023. From January 1, 2023 through the reinvestment date of July 20, 2023, three loans held in BRSP 2021-FL1 were fully repaid, totaling $62.1 million. We replaced the repaid loans by contributing existing loan investments of equal value. Since the expiration of the reinvestment period on July 20, 2023 and through February 20, 2024, two loans held in BRSP 2021-FL1 were fully repaid and one loan was partially repaid, totaling $74.4 million. The proceeds from the repayment were used to amortize the securitization bonds in accordance with the securitization priority of repayments. As of December 31, 2023, we had $731.6 million of unpaid principal balance of CRE debt investments financed with BRSP 2021-FL1. As of December 31, 2023, the securitization reflects an advance rate of 82.2% at a weighted average cost of funds of Term SOFR plus 1.53% (before transaction costs), and is collateralized by a pool of 26 senior loan investments.
Additionally, BRSP 2021-FL1 contains note protection tests that can be triggered as a result of contributed loan defaults, losses, and certain other events outlined in the indenture, beyond established thresholds. A note protection test failure that is not remedied can result in the redirection of interest proceeds from the below investment grade tranches to amortize the most senior outstanding tranche. We did not fail any note protection tests during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. We will continue to closely monitor all loan investments contributed to BRSP 2021-FL1, as a deterioration in the performance of an underlying loan could negatively impact our liquidity position.
Other potential sources of financing
In the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the acquisition of our target assets, including secured and unsecured forms of borrowing and selective wind-down and dispositions of assets. We may also seek to raise equity capital or issue debt securities in order to fund our future investments.
Liquidity Needs
In addition to our loan origination activity and general operating expenses, our primary liquidity needs include interest and principal payments under our Bank Credit Facility, securitization bonds, and secured debt. Information concerning our contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments, including our commitments to repay borrowings, is included in the following table as of December 31, 2023. This table excludes our obligations that are not fixed and determinable (dollars in thousands):
Payments Due by Period
Total Less than a Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than 5 Years
Bank credit facility(1)
$ 1,239 $ 413 $ 825 $ 1 $ -
Secured debt(2)
2,157,198 1,309,356 551,691 50,841 245,310
Securitization bonds payable(3)
923,048 843,684 79,364 - -
Ground lease obligations(4)
24,247 2,213 4,312 3,649 14,073
Office leases 6,992 1,293 2,631 2,494 574
$ 3,112,724 $ 2,156,959 $ 638,823 $ 56,985 $ 259,957
Lending commitments(5)
168,247
Total $ 3,280,971
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(1)Future interest payments were estimated based on the applicable index at December 31, 2023 and unused commitment fee of 0.25% per annum, assuming principal is repaid on the current maturity date of January 2027.
(2)Amounts include minimum principal and interest obligations through the initial maturity date of the collateral assets. Interest on floating rate debt was determined based on the applicable index at December 31, 2023.
(3)The timing of future principal payments was estimated based on expected future cash flows of underlying collateral loans. Repayments are estimated to be earlier than contractual maturity only if proceeds from underlying loans are repaid by the borrowers.
(4)The amounts represent minimum future base rent commitments through initial expiration dates of the respective noncancellable operating ground leases, excluding any contingent rent payments. Rents paid under ground leases are recoverable from tenants.
(5)Future lending commitments may be subject to certain conditions that borrowers must meet to qualify for such fundings. Commitment amount assumes future fundings meet the terms to qualify for such fundings.
Share Repurchases
In April 2023, our board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program (“Stock Repurchase Program”) under which we may repurchase up to $50.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock until April 30, 2024. The Stock Repurchase Program replaces the prior stock repurchase program authorization which expired on April 30, 2023. Under the Stock Repurchase Program, we may repurchase shares in open market purchases, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. We have a written trading plan as part of the Share Repurchase Program that provides for share repurchases in open market transactions that is intended to comply with Rule 10b-18 under the “Exchange Act”. The Stock Repurchase Program will be utilized at our discretion and in accordance with the requirements of the SEC. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate requirements and other conditions.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we did not make any share repurchases, and as of December 31, 2023, there was $50.0 million remaining available to make repurchases under the prior stock repurchase program.
Cash Flows
The following presents a summary of our consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flow provided by (used in): 2023 2022 2021
Operating activities $ 137,624 $ 125,277 $ (21,270)
Investing activities 384,160 89,337 (555,789)
Financing activities (558,600) (161,451) 384,356
Operating Activities
Cash inflows from operating activities are generated primarily through interest received from loans and preferred equity held for investment, and property operating income from our real estate portfolio. This is partially offset by payment of interest expenses for credit facilities and mortgages payable, and operating expenses supporting our various lines of business, including property management and operations, loan servicing and workout of loans in default, investment transaction costs, as well as general administrative costs.
Our operating activities provided net cash inflows of $137.6 million and $125.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to higher income earned as a result of higher interest rates. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our operating activities used net cash outflows of $21.3 million.
We believe cash flows from operations, available cash balances and our ability to generate cash through short and long-term borrowings are sufficient to fund our operating liquidity needs.
Investing Activities
Investing activities include cash outlays for acquisition of real estate and disbursements on new and/or existing loans, which are partially offset by repayments and sales of loans and preferred equity held for investment, proceeds from sale of real estate, as well as proceeds from maturity or sale of securities.
Investing activities generated net cash inflows of $384.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net cash provided by investing activities in 2023 resulted primarily from repayments on loans held for investment, net of $455.9 million partially offset by origination and fundings on our loans held for investment, net of $77.2 million.
Investing activities generated net cash inflows of $89.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net cash provided by investing activities in 2022 resulted primarily from originations and future advances on our loans held for investment, net of $972.1 million partially offset by repayments on loans held for investment of $909.8 million, proceeds from sales of real estate of $55.6 million, proceeds from sales of investments in unconsolidated ventures of $38.1 million, proceeds from sales of beneficial interests of securitization trusts of $36.2 million and repayments of principal in mortgage loans held in securitization trusts of $18.7 million.
Investing activities used net cash outflows of $555.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net cash used in investing activities in 2021 resulted primarily from originations and future advances on our loans and preferred equity held for investment, net of $1.8 billion partially offset by repayments on loan and preferred equity held for investment of $485.4 million, proceeds from sales of real estate of $332.0 million, proceeds from the sale of investments in unconsolidated ventures of $198.4 million and repayments of principal in mortgage loans held in securitization trusts of $78.9 million.
Financing Activities
We finance our investing activities largely through borrowings secured by our investments along with capital from third party or affiliated co-investors. We also have the ability to raise capital in the public markets through issuances of common stock, as well as draw upon our corporate credit facility, to finance our investing and operating activities. Accordingly, we incur cash outlays for payments on third party debt, dividends to our common stockholders and through May 27, 2022, on distributions to our noncontrolling interests.
Financing activities used net cash of $558.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, which resulted primarily from repayment of credit facilities of $320.6 million, repayment of securitization bonds of $258.8 million and distributions paid on common stock of $104.0 million, partially offset by borrowings from credit facilities of $133.1 million.
Financing activities used net cash of $161.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which resulted primarily from borrowings from credit facilities of $771.5 million partially offset by repayment of securitization bonds of $337.7 million, repayment of credit facilities of $336.8 million, distributions paid on common stock of $100.5 million, repayment of mortgage notes of $85.2 million, redemption of OP units of $25.4 million, repayment of mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts of $18.7 million and repurchase of common stock of $18.3 million.
Financing activities provided net cash of $384.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2021 resulted primarily from borrowings from credit facilities and securitization bonds in the amounts of $1.3 billion and of $670.0 million, respectively, partially offset by repayment of credit facilities of $955.3 million, repayment of mortgage notes of $266.6 million, distributions to noncontrolling interests in the amount of $255.5 million and repayment of mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts of $78.9 million.
Underwriting, Asset and Risk Management
We closely monitor our portfolio and actively manage risks associated with, among other things, our assets and interest rates. Prior to investing in any particular asset, the underwriting team, in conjunction with third party providers, undertakes a rigorous asset-level due diligence process, involving intensive data collection and analysis, to ensure that we understand fully the state of the market and the risk-reward profile of the asset. Beginning in 2021, our investment and portfolio management and risk assessment practices diligence the environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) standards of our business counterparties, including borrowers, sponsors and that of our investment assets and underlying collateral, which may include sustainability
initiatives, recycling, energy efficiency and water management, volunteer and charitable efforts, anti-money laundering and know-your-client policies, and diversity, equity and inclusion practices in workforce leadership, composition and hiring practices. Prior to making a final investment decision, we focus on portfolio diversification to determine whether a target asset will cause our portfolio to be too heavily concentrated with, or cause too much risk exposure to, any one borrower, real estate sector, geographic region, source of cash flow for payment or other geopolitical issues. If we determine that a proposed acquisition presents excessive concentration risk, we may determine not to acquire an otherwise attractive asset.
For each asset that we acquire, our asset management team engages in active management of the asset, the intensity of which depends on the attendant risks. The asset manager works collaboratively with the underwriting team to formulate a strategic plan for the particular asset, which includes evaluating the underlying collateral and updating valuation assumptions to reflect changes in the real estate market and the general economy. This plan also generally outlines several strategies for the asset to extract the maximum amount of value from each asset under a variety of market conditions. Such strategies may vary depending on the type of asset, the availability of refinancing options, recourse and maturity, but may include, among others, the restructuring of non-performing or sub-performing loans, the negotiation of discounted pay-offs or other modification of the terms governing a loan, and the foreclosure and management of assets underlying non-performing loans in order to reposition them for profitable disposition. We continuously track the progress of an asset against the original business plan to ensure that the attendant risks of continuing to own the asset do not outweigh the associated rewards. Under these circumstances, certain assets will require intensified asset management in order to achieve optimal value realization.
Our asset management team engages in a proactive and comprehensive on-going review of the credit quality of each asset it manages. In particular, for debt investments on at least an annual basis, the asset management team will evaluate the financial wherewithal of individual borrowers to meet contractual obligations as well as review the financial stability of the assets securing such debt investments. Further, there is ongoing review of borrower covenant compliance including the ability of borrowers to meet certain negotiated debt service coverage ratios and debt yield tests. For equity investments, the asset management team, with the assistance of third-party property managers, monitors and reviews key metrics such as occupancy, same store sales, tenant payment rates, property budgets and capital expenditures. If through this analysis of credit quality, the asset management team encounters declines in credit quality not in accordance with the original business plan, the team evaluates the risks and determines what changes, if any, are required to the business plan to ensure that the attendant risks of continuing to hold the investment do not outweigh the associated rewards.
In addition, the audit committee of our Board of Directors, in consultation with management, periodically reviews our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including key risks to which we are subject, including credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk, and the steps that management has taken to monitor and control such risks.
Inflation
Virtually all of our assets and liabilities are interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance significantly more than inflation does. A change in interest rates may correlate with the inflation rate. Substantially all of the leases at our multifamily properties allow for monthly or annual rent increases which provide us with the opportunity to achieve increases, where justified by the market, as each lease matures. Such types of leases generally minimize the risks of inflation on our multifamily properties.
Refer to Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for additional details.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that involve the exercise of judgment and that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Certain accounting policies are considered to be critical accounting policies. Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require subjective and complex judgments, and for which the impact of changes in estimates and assumptions could have a material effect on our financial statements.
During 2023, we reviewed and evaluated our critical accounting policies and estimates and we believe they are appropriate. The following is a summary of our credit losses policy, which we believe is the most affected by our judgments, estimates, and assumptions.
Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL” reserve)
The CECL reserve for our financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans, loan commitments and trade receivables, represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. Factors considered by us when
determining the CECL reserve include loan-specific characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, vintage year, loan term, property type, occupancy and geographic location, financial performance of the borrower, expected payments of principal and interest, as well as internal or external information relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The general CECL reserve is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist for multiple financial instruments. If similar risk characteristics do not exist, we measure the specific CECL reserve on an individual instrument basis. The determination of whether a particular financial instrument should be included in a pool can change over time. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics change, we evaluate whether it is appropriate to continue to keep the financial instrument in its existing pool or evaluate it individually.
In measuring the general CECL reserve for financial instruments that share similar risk characteristics, we primarily apply a probability of default (“PD”)/loss given default (“LGD”) model for instruments that are collectively assessed, whereby the CECL reserve is calculated as the product of PD, LGD and exposure at default (“EAD”). Our model principally utilizes historical loss rates derived from a commercial mortgage-backed securities database with historical losses from 1998 through December 2023 provided by a third party, Trepp LLC, forecasting the loss parameters using a scenario-based statistical approach over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of twelve months, followed by a straight-line reversion period of twelve-months back to average historical losses.
For determining a specific CECL reserve, financial instruments are assessed outside of the PD/LGD model on an individual basis. This occurs when it is probable that we will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest on the instrument. We record a reserve to reduce the carrying value of the instrument to the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the instrument’s effective rate or to the fair value of the collateral. We apply a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology to determine the fair value of the collateral where it is probable that we will foreclose or the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on our assessment at the reporting date, and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Determining fair value of the collateral, including utilization of a practical expedient, may take into account a number of assumptions including, but not limited to, rents and cash flow projections, capitalization rates and discount rates. Such assumptions are generally based on current market conditions and are subject to economic and market uncertainties.
In connection with developing the CECL reserve for our loans held for investment, we determine the risk ranking of each loan as a key credit quality indicator. The risk rankings are based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, underlying real estate performance and asset value, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. Based on a five-point scale, our loans and preferred equity held for investment are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, and the ratings are updated quarterly. At the time of origination or purchase, loans and preferred equity held for investment are ranked as a “3” and will move accordingly going forward based on the ratings which are defined as follows:
1.Very Low Risk
2.Low Risk
3.Medium Risk
4.High Risk/Potential for Loss-A loan that has a high risk of realizing a principal loss.
5.Impaired/Loss Likely-A loan that has a very high risk of realizing a principal loss or has otherwise incurred a principal loss.
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we simplified our risk ranking definitions. We re-evaluated our risk rankings based on the simplified definitions and concluded that there was no impact to prior period risk rankings.
We also consider qualitative factors, including, but not limited to, economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, lending terms, volume and severity of past due loans, concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations in its determination of the CECL reserve.
We have elected to not measure a CECL reserve for accrued interest receivable as it is reversed against interest income when a loan investment is placed on nonaccrual status. Loans are charged off when all or a portion of the principal amount is determined to be uncollectible.
Changes in the CECL reserve for our financial instruments are recorded in increase/decrease in current expected credit loss reserve on the consolidated statement of operations with a corresponding offset to the loans held for investment or as a component of other liabilities for future loan fundings recorded on our consolidated balance sheets.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our primary market risks are interest rate risk, prepayment risk, extension risk, credit risk, real estate market risk, capital market risk and foreign currency risk, either directly through the assets held or indirectly through investments in unconsolidated ventures.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk relates to the risk that the future cash flow of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental, monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations, international conflicts, inflation and other factors beyond our control. Credit curve spread risk is highly sensitive to the dynamics of the markets for loans and securities we hold. Excessive supply of these assets combined with reduced demand will cause the market to require a higher yield. This demand for higher yield will cause the market to use a higher spread over the U.S. Treasury securities yield curve, or other benchmark interest rates, to value these assets.
As U.S. Treasury securities are priced to a higher yield and/or the spread to U.S. Treasuries used to price the assets increases, the price at which we could sell some of our fixed rate financial assets may decline. Conversely, as U.S. Treasury securities are priced to a lower yield and/or the spread to U.S. Treasuries used to price the assets decreases, the value of our fixed rate financial assets may increase. Fluctuations in SOFR may affect the amount of interest income we earn on our floating rate borrowings and interest expense we incur on borrowings indexed to SOFR, including under credit facilities and investment-level financing.
We utilize a variety of financial instruments on some of our investments, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate exchange contracts, in order to limit the effects of fluctuations in interest rates on their operations. The use of these types of derivatives to hedge interest-earning assets and/or interest-bearing liabilities carries certain risks, including the risk that losses on a hedge position will reduce the funds available for distribution and that such losses may exceed the amount invested in such instruments. A hedge may not perform its intended purpose of offsetting losses of rising interest rates. Moreover, with respect to certain of the instruments used as hedges, there is exposure to the risk that the counterparties may cease making markets and quoting prices in such instruments, which may inhibit the ability to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to an open position. Our profitability may be adversely affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates.
As of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the applicable interest rate benchmark on our loan portfolio would increase or decrease interest income by $7.4 million annually, net of interest expense.
See the “Factors Impacting Our Operating Results” section in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion on interest rates.
Prepayment risk
Prepayment risk is the risk that principal will be repaid at a different rate than anticipated, resulting in a less than expected return on an investment. As prepayments of principal are received, any premiums paid on such assets are amortized against interest income, while any discounts on such assets are accreted into interest income. Therefore, an increase in prepayment rates has the following impact: (i) accelerates amortization of purchase premiums, which reduces interest income earned on the assets; and conversely, (ii) accelerates accretion of purchase discounts, which increases interest income earned on the assets.
Extension risk
The weighted average life of assets is projected based on assumptions regarding the rate at which borrowers will prepay or extend their mortgages. If prepayment rates decrease or extension options are exercised by borrowers at a rate that deviates significantly from projections, the life of fixed rate assets could extend beyond the term of the secured debt agreements. This in turn could negatively impact liquidity to the extent that assets may have to be sold and losses may be incurred as a result.
Credit risk
Investment in loans held for investment is subject to a high degree of credit risk through exposure to loss from loan defaults. Default rates are subject to a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to, borrower financial condition, property performance, property management, supply/demand factors, construction trends, consumer behavior, regional economics, interest rates, the strength of the U.S. economy and other factors beyond our control, all of which have and may continue to be
detrimentally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All loans are subject to a certain probability of default. We manage credit risk through the underwriting process, acquiring investments at the appropriate discount to face value, if any, and establishing loss assumptions. Performance of the loans is carefully monitored, including those held through joint venture investments, as well as external factors that may affect their value.
We are also subject to the credit risk of the tenants in our properties, including business closures, occupancy levels, meeting rent or other expense obligations, lease concessions, and ESG standards and practices among other factors, all of which have and may continue to be detrimentally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We seek to undertake a rigorous credit evaluation of the tenants prior to acquiring properties. This analysis includes an extensive due diligence investigation of the tenants’ businesses, as well as an assessment of the strategic importance of the underlying real estate to the respective tenants’ core business operations. Where appropriate, we may seek to augment the tenants’ commitment to the properties by structuring various credit enhancement mechanisms into the underlying leases. These mechanisms could include security deposit requirements or guarantees from entities that are deemed credit worthy.
We are working closely with our borrowers and tenants to address any impact of COVID-19 on their businesses. Our in-depth understanding of CRE and real estate-related investments, and in-house underwriting, asset management and resolution capabilities, provides us and management with a sophisticated full-service platform to regularly evaluate our investments and determine primary, secondary or alternative strategies to manage the credit risks described above. This includes intermediate servicing and complex and creative negotiating, restructuring of non-performing investments, foreclosure considerations, intense management or development of owned real estate, in each case to manage the risks faced to achieve value realization events in our interests and our stockholders. Solutions considered may include defensive loan or lease modifications, temporary interest or rent deferrals or forbearances, converting current interest payment obligations to payment-in-kind, repurposing reserves and/or covenant waivers. Depending on the nature of the underlying investment and credit risk, we may pursue repositioning strategies through judicious capital investment in order to extract value from the investment or limit losses.
There can be no assurance that the measures taken will be sufficient to address the negative impact the ongoing effects of COVID-19 may have on our future operating results, liquidity and financial condition.
Real estate market risk
We are exposed to the risks generally associated with the commercial real estate market. The market values of commercial real estate are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, national, regional, and local economic conditions, as well as changes or weakness in specific industry segments, and other macroeconomic factors beyond our control, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which have and may continue to affect occupancy rates, capitalization rates and absorption rates. This in turn could impact the performance of tenants and borrowers. We seek to manage these risks through our underwriting due diligence and asset management processes and the solutions-oriented process described above.
Capital markets risk
We are exposed to risks related to the debt capital markets, specifically the ability to finance our business through borrowings under secured revolving repurchase facilities, secured and unsecured warehouse facilities or other debt instruments. We seek to mitigate these risks by monitoring the debt capital markets to inform our decisions on the amount, timing and terms of our borrowings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a direct and volatile impact on the global markets, including the commercial real estate equity and debt capital markets. The continued disruption caused by COVID-19 has led to a negative impact on asset valuations and significant constraints on liquidity in the capital markets, which have led to restrictions on lending activity, downward pressure on covenant compliance and requirements to post margin or repayments under master repurchase financing arrangements. Our Master Repurchase Facilities are partial recourse, and margin call provisions do not permit valuation adjustments based on capital markets events; rather they are limited to collateral-specific credit marks generally determined on a commercially reasonable basis. For the year ended December 31, 2023, and through February 20, 2024, we have not received any margin calls under our Master Repurchase Facilities.
We have amended our Bank Credit Facility and Master Repurchase Facilities to adjust certain covenants (such as the tangible net worth covenant), reduce advance rates on certain financed assets, obtain margin call holidays and permitted modification flexibilities, in an effort to mitigate the risk of future compliance issues, including margin calls, under our financing arrangements.
Foreign Currency Risk
We have foreign currency rate exposures related to our foreign currency-denominated investments held by our foreign subsidiaries. Changes in foreign currency rates can adversely affect the fair values and earning of our non-U.S. holdings. We generally mitigate this foreign currency risk by utilizing currency instruments to hedge our net investments in our foreign subsidiaries. The type of hedging instruments that we employ on our foreign subsidiary investments are put options.
At December 31, 2023, we had approximately NOK 588.9 million or a total of $57.9 million, in net investments in our European subsidiaries. A 1.0% change in the foreign currency rate would result in a $0.6 million increase or decrease in translation gain or loss included in other comprehensive income in connection with our European subsidiary.
A summary of the foreign exchange contracts in place at December 31, 2023, including notional amount and key terms, is included in Note 14, “Derivatives,” to Part IV, Item 15, “Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules.” The maturity dates of these instruments approximate the projected dates of related cash flows for specific investments. Termination or maturity of currency hedging instruments may result in an obligation for payment to or from the counterparty to the hedging agreement. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by counterparties for these contracts. To manage this risk, we select major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties and perform a quarterly review of the financial health and stability of our trading counterparties. Based on our review at December 31, 2023, we do not expect any counterparty to default on its obligations.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements
The financial statements and the supplementary financial data required by this item appear in Item 15 of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (2013 framework). Our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and our Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in this Annual Report and has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited BrightSpire Capital, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, BrightSpire Capital, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 21, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 21, 2024

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the period ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or a “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (in each case, as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
Recent Developments
Mazzei Employment Agreement
On February 16, 2024, the Company entered into a second amended and restated employment agreement with Michael J. Mazzei, Chief Executive Officer (the “Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement”).
Mr. Mazzei’s term of employment has been extended for an additional three years, expiring on March 31, 2027. During such term, Mr. Mazzei will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and will be nominated for election as a director of the Company at each applicable meeting of the stockholders of the Company. Mr. Mazzei will continue to receive an annual base salary of $800,000, an annual target cash bonus opportunity of no less than $1,750,000, and an annual target long-term equity incentive opportunity (“LTIP Award”) of no less than $3,000,000. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Mazzei is eligible to participate in employee benefit programs made available to the Company’s employees generally from time to time and to receive payments upon termination or change in control of the Company, or death or disability, in addition to any accrued and unpaid salary, vacation and benefits, as set forth in further detail below.
In the event that Mr. Mazzei is terminated by the Company without Cause or he terminates his employment for Good Reason (in each case, as such terms are defined in his employment agreement), and subject to his execution of a release of claims in favor of the Company, he is entitled to (a) a lump sum cash payment equal to the product of one and one-half times (the “Severance Multiple”) his most recent (i) base salary and (ii) target annual bonus (the “Cash Severance Payment”); (b) payment of the prior calendar year’s annual bonus, if not paid as of such termination; (c) if termination in a calendar year occurs before the date on which his LTIP Award is made, a grant of the then-current target LTIP Award; (d) a lump sum payment in respect of his bonus for the year of termination equal to his target annual bonus, prorated for the period of time worked during the year; and (e) full vesting of all then-outstanding and unvested LTIP Awards at the full target award amount on a non-pro-rated basis (including the LTIP Award granted as described above) (collectively, the “Severance Benefits”). All payments are to be made once the release is effective. In the event that Mr. Mazzei is terminated by the Company without Cause or he terminates his employment for Good Reason during the period beginning ninety (90) days prior to the consummation of a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan) or within one year following a Change in Control, his Severance Benefits remain the same, except that the Severance Multiple of his Cash Severance Payment is increased to two.
In the event of Mr. Mazzei’s death or disability (as defined in his employment agreement), he or his estate is entitled to (a) payment of the prior calendar year’s annual bonus, if not paid as of such termination; (b) a lump sum payment in respect of his bonus for the year of termination equal to his target annual bonus, prorated for the period of time worked during the year; and (c) full vesting of all then-outstanding and unvested LTIP awards at the full target award amount on a non-pro-rated basis.
This employment agreement expires on March 31, 2027. If the Company and Mr. Mazzei do not agree to extend the term of the employment agreement, the Company will provide Mr. Mazzei with all of the Severance Benefits other than the Cash Severance Payment, and with all LTIP awards vesting on their regularly scheduled vesting dates, subject to compliance with the restrictive covenants in the restrictive covenant agreement to which he is also a party.
Compensation Matters for other Named Executive Officers
On February 16, 2024, the Compensation Committee approved an increased annual base salary for certain named executive officers of the Company effective March 1, 2024, as follows: (i) $500,000 for Andrew E. Witt, President and Chief Operating Officer and (ii) $425,000 for Frank V. Saracino, Chief Financial Officer.
On February 21, 2024, the letter agreements with each of our named executive officers were amended and restated (the “Amended Form of Executive Employment Letter”) to provide certain incremental severance terms, as supplemental benefits to the Company’s amended severance plan (the “Amended and Restated Severance Plan"). Specifically, the severance termination payment in connection with an involuntary termination shall equal one times the sum of the annual base salary plus target annual bonus for each such executive. In addition, if an involuntary termination in a calendar year (including in connection with a change in control) occurs before the date on which an LTIP Award is made, each such executive shall receive a grant of the then-current target LTIP Award.
Equity Incentive Plan and Form of Award Agreement
On February 21, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment to the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “First Amendment to Equity Plan”), to provide the Compensation Committee discretion in setting vesting conditions upon a change in control of the Company of performance awards made or to be made by the Company.
On February 21, 2024, the Company amended and restated the BrightSpire Capital, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan Performance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the “Amended 2022 PSU Agreement”) with each recipient to cause any such awards, upon a change in control event, to vest at the greater of one (1) times the target award amount or the actual performance result of such award.
The foregoing summary descriptions of the Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, Amended Form of Executive Employment Letter, Amended and Restated Severance Plan, First Amendment to Equity Plan, and Amended 2022 PSU Agreement, do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, Amended Form of Executive Employment Letter, Amended and Restated Severance Plan, First Amendment to Equity Plan, and Amended 2022 PSU Agreement, copies of which are included as Exhibit 10.58, Exhibit 10.59, Exhibit 10.11, Exhibit 10.7, Exhibit 10.10, respectively, to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to our qualification and taxation as a REIT and the acquisition, holding, and disposition of our Class A common stock (for purposes of this section only “stock”). As used in this section, references to the terms “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” mean only BrightSpire Capital, Inc. and not its subsidiaries or other lower-tier entities, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code), the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department (“Treasury Regulations”), rulings and other administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) (including administrative interpretations and practices expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings), and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. BrightSpire Capital Operating Company, LLC (the “Operating Partnership”) has not sought and will not seek an advance ruling from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this section. The summary is also based upon the assumption that we have operated and will operate the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities in accordance with their applicable organizational documents and various statements made in that section as to our intended method of operation. This summary is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular investor in light of its investment or tax circumstances, or to investors subject to special tax rules, including:
•insurance companies;
•tax-exempt organizations (except to the extent discussed in “Considerations Relating to BrightSpire Capital, Inc.’s Class A Common Stock-Taxation of Holders of Class A Common Stock-Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders” below);
•financial institutions or broker-dealers;
•non-U.S. individuals and non-U.S. corporations (except to the extent discussed in “Considerations Relating to BrightSpire Capital, Inc.’s Class A Common Stock-Taxation of Holders of Class A Common Stock-Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders” below);
•U.S. expatriates;
•persons who mark-to-market our stock;
•subchapter S corporations;
•U.S. holders, as defined below, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
•regulated investment companies;
•REITs;
•trusts and estates;
•holders who receive our stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;
•persons holding our stock as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction,” “synthetic security” or other integrated investment;
•persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;
•persons holding our stock through a partnership or similar pass-through entity or arrangement; and
•persons holding a 10% or more (by vote or value) beneficial interest in our stock.
This summary assumes that holders hold shares of our stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which generally means property held for investment.
The statements in this section are based on the current U.S. federal income tax laws, are for general information purposes only and are not tax advice. We cannot assure you that new laws, interpretations of law or court decisions, any of which may take effect retroactively, will not cause any statement in this section to be inaccurate.
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF US AS A REIT AND OF YOU AS A HOLDER OF OUR STOCK DEPENDS IN SOME INSTANCES ON DETERMINATIONS OF FACT AND INTERPRETATIONS OF COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW FOR WHICH NO CLEAR PRECEDENT OR AUTHORITY MAY BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ANY PARTICULAR HOLDER OF OUR STOCK WILL DEPEND ON SUCH HOLDER’S PARTICULAR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES.
YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF OUR STOCK AND OF ITS INTENDED ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REIT. SPECIFICALLY, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH OWNERSHIP, SALE AND ELECTION, AND REGARDING POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this discussion, a ‘‘U.S. holder’’ is a beneficial holder of stock who is:
•a citizen or resident of the United States;
•a corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or a political subdivision thereof or the District of Columbia;
•an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
•a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.
For purposes of this discussion, a ‘‘non-U.S. holder’’ is a beneficial holder of stock who is neither a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) nor a U.S. holder.
If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner as a U.S. holder or non-U.S. holder and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding stock should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of stock by the partnership.
CONSIDERATIONS RELATING TO OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK
Taxation of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. We believe that we are organized and have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner so as to
qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. This section discusses the laws governing the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its holders. These laws are highly technical and complex.
Qualification and taxation as a REIT depends on our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual operating results, distribution levels, and diversity of ownership by holders of our securities and asset ownership, and various other qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. In addition, our ability to qualify as a REIT may depend in part upon the operating results, organizational structure and entity classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes of certain entities or arrangements in which we invest. Our ability to qualify as a REIT also requires that we satisfy certain asset tests, some of which depend upon the fair market values of assets that we own directly or indirectly. Such values may not be susceptible to a precise determination, whether for past, current, or future periods, and based upon the types of assets that we own and intend to own, such values can vary rapidly, significantly and unpredictably. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations for any taxable year will satisfy such requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. Similarly, the income we earn from our assets may not be earned when or in the proportions anticipated. For example, we may encounter situations in which a relatively small investment generates a higher than expected return in a particular year (or vice versa). A discussion of the tax consequences of the failure to qualify as a REIT and certain alternatives is included below in the section entitled “-Failure to Qualify.”
As indicated above, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. The material qualification requirements are summarized below under “-Requirements for Qualification.” While we intend to operate so that we qualify as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification, or that we have been or will be able to operate in accordance with the REIT requirements in the future. See “-Requirements for Qualification-Failure to Qualify.”
Taxation of REITs in General
Provided that we qualify as a REIT, we will be entitled at the REIT level to a deduction from our taxable income for dividends that we pay and, therefore, will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax at the REIT level on our taxable income that is currently distributed to holders of our securities. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” at the corporate and holder levels that generally results from an investment in a non-REIT C corporation. A non-REIT C corporation is a corporation that generally is required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the holder level when the income is distributed. In general, the income that we generate is taxed only at the holder level upon a distribution of dividends to our holders.
U.S. holders generally will be subject to taxation on dividends distributed by us (other than designated capital gain dividends and “qualified dividend income”) at rates applicable to ordinary income, instead of at lower capital gain rates. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, generally, U.S. holders that are individuals, trusts or estates may deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. Capital gain dividends and qualified dividend income will continue to be subject to a maximum 20% rate. See “-Taxation of Holders of Class A Common Stock-Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders-Taxation of U.S. Holders on Distributions of Our Stock.”
Any net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of a REIT generally do not pass through to holders, subject to special rules for certain items such as the capital gains that we recognize. See “-Taxation of Holders of Class A Common Stock-Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders.”
Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company will be subject to U.S. federal tax in the following circumstances:
•the Company will pay U.S. federal income tax on any taxable income, including net capital gain, that we do not distribute to holders during, or within a specified time period after, the calendar year in which the income is earned.
•the Company will pay income tax at the highest corporate rate on:
•net income from the sale or other disposition of property acquired through foreclosure, or foreclosure property, that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business; and
•other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property.
•the Company will pay a 100% tax on net income earned from sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, by an entity other than a taxable REIT subsidiary, or a TRS, if such property is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.
•if the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as described below in the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Gross Income Tests,” and nonetheless continues to
qualify as a REIT because we meet other requirements, we will pay a 100% tax on: the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, multiplied, in either case, by
•a fraction intended to reflect its profitability.
•if the Company fails any of the asset tests (other than a de minimis failure of the 5% asset test or the 10% vote or value test, as described below in the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Asset Tests”), as long as the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, we file a description of each asset that caused such failure with the IRS, and we dispose of the assets or otherwise comply with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which we identify such failure, we will pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest U.S. federal income tax rate then applicable to U.S. corporations (currently 21%) on the net income from the non-qualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the asset tests in order to remain qualified as a REIT.
•if the Company fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, and such failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure in order to remain qualified as a REIT.
•if the Company fails to distribute during a calendar year at least the sum of: (i) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for the year; (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for the year; and (iii) any undistributed taxable income required to be distributed from earlier periods, we will pay a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amount it actually distributed, plus any retained amounts on which income tax has been paid at the corporate level.
•the Company may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that case, to the extent that we made a timely designation of such gain, a U.S. holder would be taxed on its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gain and would receive a credit or refund for its proportionate share of the tax we paid.
•the Company will be subject to a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis.
•if the Company acquires any asset from a non-REIT C corporation in a merger or other transaction in which we acquire a basis in the asset that is determined by reference either to the non-REIT C corporation’s basis in the asset or to another asset, we will pay tax at the highest regular corporate rate applicable if we recognize a gain on the sale or disposition of the asset during the five-year period after we acquire the asset, provided no election is made for the transaction to be taxable on a current basis. This tax will generally apply to gain recognized with respect to assets that we hold as of the effective date of our REIT election if such gain is recognized during the five-year period following such effective date or it may apply if we were to engage in (or, potentially, become a successor to an entity that had engaged in) a tax-free spin-off transaction under Section 355 of the Code within five years of such effective date. The amount of gain on which we would pay tax in the foregoing circumstances is the lesser of:
•the amount of gain that the Company recognizes at the time of the sale or disposition (or would have recognized if, at the time of a spin-off transaction described above, we had disposed of the applicable asset); and
•the amount of gain that the Company would have recognized if we had sold the asset at the time we acquired it, assuming that the non-REIT C corporation will not elect in lieu of this treatment an immediate tax when the asset is acquired.
•the Company may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if we fail to meet recordkeeping requirements intended to monitor our compliance with rules relating to the composition of a REIT’s holders, as described below in the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Recordkeeping Requirements.”
•the earnings of the Company’s lower-tier entities that are subchapter C corporations, excluding any qualified REIT subsidiaries, or QRSs, but including domestic TRSs, are subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.
•if the Company owns a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit, or a REMIC, we will be taxable at the highest corporate rate on the portion of any excess inclusion income that it derives from the REMIC residual interests equal to the percentage of our stock that is held in record name by “disqualified organizations.” Although the law is unclear, IRS guidance indicates that similar rules may apply to a REIT that owns an equity interest in a taxable mortgage pool. To the extent that we own a REMIC residual interest or a taxable mortgage pool through a TRS, we will not be subject to this tax. For a discussion of “excess inclusion income,” refer below to the section entitled “- Requirements for Qualification-Taxable Mortgage Pools.” A “disqualified organization” includes:
•the United States;
•any state or political subdivision of the United States;
•any foreign government;
•any international organization;
•any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing;
•any other tax-exempt organization, other than a farmer’s cooperative described in Section 521 of the Code, that is exempt both from income taxation and from taxation under the unrelated business taxable income provisions of the Code; and
•any rural electrical or telephone cooperative.
In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes, including payroll taxes and state, local and non-U.S. income, property and other taxes on its assets and operations. The Company could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated. Moreover, as described further below, the Company’s TRSs will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income tax on their taxable income.
Requirements for Qualification
A REIT is a corporation, trust or association that meets each of the following requirements:
1.It is managed by one or more trustees or directors.
2.Its beneficial ownership is evidenced by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest.
3.It would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for the REIT provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws.
4.It is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to special provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws.
5.At least 100 persons are beneficial owners of its shares or ownership certificates.
6.Not more than 50% in value of its outstanding shares or ownership certificates is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals, which the Code defines to include certain entities, during the last half of any taxable year.
7.It elects to be a REIT, or has made such election for a previous taxable year, and satisfies all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS that must be met to elect and maintain REIT status.
8.It meets certain other qualification tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions to holders.
9.It uses a calendar year for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The Company must meet requirements 1 through 4, 8 and 9 during its entire taxable year and must meet requirement 5 during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months. Requirements 5 and 6 began applying to the Company with its 2019 taxable year. If the Company complies with all the requirements for ascertaining the ownership of its outstanding shares in a taxable year and has no reason to know that it violated requirement 6, it will be deemed to have satisfied requirement 6 for that taxable year. For purposes of determining share ownership under requirement 6, an “individual” generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefits plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes. An “individual,” however, generally does not include a trust that is a qualified employee pension or profit-sharing trust under the U.S. federal income tax laws, and beneficiaries of such a trust will be treated as holding our stock in proportion to their actuarial interests in the trust for purposes of requirement 6. The Company expects to issue sufficient stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to satisfy requirements 5 and 6. In addition, the Company’s charter restricts the ownership and transfer of our stock so that it should continue to satisfy these requirements. To monitor compliance with the stock ownership requirements, we are generally required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our stock. To do so, we must demand written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of our stock pursuant to which the record holders must disclose the actual owners of the stock (i.e., the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us). We must maintain a list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand as part of our records. We could be subject to monetary
penalties if we fail to comply with these record-keeping requirements. A holder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of our stock and other information. For purposes of requirement 9, we have adopted December 31 as our year end, and thereby satisfy this requirement.
Relief from Violations; Reasonable Cause
The Code provides relief from violations of the REIT gross income requirements, as described below under “-Requirements for Qualification-Gross Income Tests,” in cases where a violation is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, and other requirements are met, including the payment of a penalty tax that is based upon the magnitude of the violation. In addition, certain Code provisions extend similar relief in the case of certain violations of the REIT asset requirements (see “-Requirements for Qualification-Asset Tests” below) and other REIT requirements, again provided that the violation is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and other conditions are met, including the payment of a penalty tax. If we did not have reasonable cause for a failure, we would fail to qualify as a REIT. Whether we would have reasonable cause for any such failure cannot be known with certainty because the determination of whether reasonable cause exists depends on the facts and circumstances at the time and we cannot provide any assurance that we in fact would have reasonable cause for a particular failure or that the IRS would not successfully challenge our view that a failure was due to reasonable cause. Moreover, we may be unable to actually rectify a failure and restore asset test compliance within the required timeframe due to the inability to transfer or otherwise dispose of assets, including as a result of restrictions on transfer imposed by our lenders or undertakings with our co-investors and/or the inability to acquire additional qualifying assets due to transaction risks, access to additional capital or other considerations. If we fail to satisfy any of the various REIT requirements, there can be no assurance that these relief provisions would be available to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, and, if such relief provisions are available, the amount of any resultant penalty tax could be substantial.
Effect of Subsidiary Entities
Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. A corporation that is a QRS is not treated as a corporation separate from its parent REIT. All assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a QRS are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT. A QRS is a corporation, other than a TRS, all the stock of which is owned by the REIT. Thus, in applying the requirements described herein, any QRS that the Company owns will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of such subsidiary will be treated as the Company’s assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit.
Other Disregarded Entities and Partnerships. An unincorporated domestic entity, such as a partnership or limited liability company, that has a single owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally is not treated as an entity separate from its owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An unincorporated domestic entity with two or more owners is generally treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership that has other partners, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. Thus, the Company’s proportionate share of the assets, liabilities and items of income of the Operating Partnership, and any other partnership, joint venture or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which it has acquired or will acquire an interest, directly or indirectly, or a subsidiary partnership, will be treated as its assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements. For purposes of the 10% value test (described in the section entitled “- Asset Tests”), the Company’s proportionate share is based on its proportionate interest in the equity interests and certain debt securities issued by the partnership. For all of the other asset and income tests, the Company’s proportionate share is based on its proportionate interest in the capital of the partnership.
The Company, through its Operating Partnership, holds and expects to acquire limited partner or non-managing member interests in partnerships and limited liability companies that are joint ventures or investment funds. If a partnership or limited liability company in which the Company owns a direct or indirect interest takes or expects to take actions that could jeopardize its qualification as a REIT or require it to pay tax, the Company may be forced to dispose of its interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause the Company to fail a REIT gross income or asset test, and that the Company would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of its interest in the partnership or limited liability company or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, the Company could fail to qualify as a REIT unless it was able to qualify for a statutory REIT “savings” provision, which may require it to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain its REIT qualification.
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. A TRS is a fully taxable corporation that may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by its parent REIT or through a disregarded or partnership subsidiary. The subsidiary corporation and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a
TRS. Any corporation of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS.
A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or as receiving any income that the TRS earns. Rather, the stock issued by the TRS is an asset in the hands of the parent REIT and the REIT recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the TRS. This treatment can affect the income and asset test calculations that apply to the REIT. Because a parent REIT does not include the assets and income of such TRSs in determining the parent REIT’s compliance with the REIT requirements, TRSs may be used by the parent REIT to undertake indirectly activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude it from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries (for example, activities that give rise to certain categories of income such as management fees). Other than activities relating to the operation or management of lodging and healthcare facilities, a TRS may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants without causing the parent REIT to receive impermissible tenant service income under the REIT gross income tests.
Domestic TRSs are subject to U.S. federal income tax, and state and local income tax, where applicable, on their taxable income. To the extent that a domestic TRS is required to pay taxes, it will have less cash available for distribution to the Company. If dividends are paid to the Company by its domestic TRSs, then the dividends it pays to our holders who are taxed at individual rates, up to the amount of dividends it receives from its domestic TRSs, will generally be eligible to be taxed at the reduced 20% rate applicable to qualified dividend income.
The TRS rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. Further, the rules impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT or the REIT’s tenants that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. See “-New Interest Deduction Limitation.”
The Company is subject to the limitation that securities in TRSs may not represent more than 20% of the value of the Company’s total assets. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the 20% limitation.
In general, the Company intends that any loans that are originated or acquired with an intention of selling such loans in a manner that might expose us to a 100% tax on “prohibited transactions” if originated or acquired by us directly, will instead be originated or acquired by a TRS. Refer to the section entitled “-Gross Income Tests-Prohibited Transactions.” It is possible that such a TRS through which sales of securities are made may be treated as a “dealer” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a dealer, a TRS would generally mark all the securities it holds on the last day of each taxable year to their market value, and will recognize ordinary income or loss on such securities with respect to such taxable year as if they had been sold for that value on that day. In addition, a TRS may further elect to be subject to the mark-to-market regime described above in the event that the TRS is properly classified as a “trader” as opposed to a “dealer” for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Subsidiary REITs. We own interests (directly or indirectly) in one or more entities that qualify as REITs. We believe that each such REIT has operated, and will continue to operate, in a manner to permit us to qualify for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that stock in any such REIT will thus be a qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. However, if any such REIT fails to qualify as a REIT then (i) the entity would become subject to regular corporate income tax, as described herein (refer below to the section entitled “-Failure to Qualify”) and (ii) the Company’s equity interest in such entity would cease to be a qualifying real estate asset for purposes of the 75% asset test and, if our protective TRS elections were ineffective, would become subject to the 5% asset test and the 10% vote or value test generally applicable to the Company’s ownership in corporations other than REITs, QRSs or TRSs (refer below to the section entitled “-Asset Tests”). If such an entity failed to qualify as a REIT, it is possible that we would not meet the 75% asset test, the 5% asset test, and/or the 10% vote or value test with respect to its interest in such entity, in which event we would fail to qualify as a REIT, unless we qualify for certain relief provisions.
Taxable Mortgage Pools. An entity, or a portion of an entity, may be classified as a taxable mortgage pool, or a TMP under the Code if:
•substantially all of its assets consist of debt obligations or interests in debt obligations;
•more than 50% of those debt obligations are real estate mortgages or interests in real estate mortgages as of specified testing dates;
•the entity has issued debt obligations that have two or more maturities; and
•the payments required to be made by the entity on its debt obligations “bear a relationship” to the payments to be received by the entity on the debt obligations that it holds as assets.
Under the Treasury Regulations, if less than 80% of the assets of an entity (or a portion of an entity) consists of debt obligations, these debt obligations are considered not to comprise “substantially all” of its assets and therefore the entity would
not be treated as a TMP. Financing arrangements entered into, directly or indirectly, by the Company may give rise to TMPs, with the consequences described in the next paragraph.
A TMP generally is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, special rules apply to a REIT, a portion of a REIT, or a QRS that is a TMP. If a REIT owns directly, or indirectly through one or more QRSs or other entities that are disregarded as separate entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, 100% of the equity interests in the TMP, the TMP will be a QRS and, therefore, ignored as an entity separate from the REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and would not generally affect the tax qualification of the REIT.
If the Company has an investment in an arrangement that is classified as a TMP, that TMP arrangement will be subject to tax as a separate corporation unless the Company owns 100% of the equity in such TMP arrangement so that it is treated as a QRS, as discussed above. Whether an arrangement is or is not a TMP may not be susceptible to precise determination. If an investment in which the Company owns an interest is characterized as a TMP and thus as a separate corporation, the Company will satisfy the 100% ownership requirement only so long as it owns all classes of securities that for tax purposes are characterized as equity, which is often an uncertain factual issue and in any event is unlikely in the Company’s case given that it generally holds its assets through the Company’s Operating Partnership. Accordingly, if an investment in which the Company owns an interest is characterized as a TMP that does not qualify as a QRS, the Company may be unable to comply with the REIT asset tests that restrict its ability to own most corporations. In addition, a portion of the REIT’s income from a TMP arrangement that is not taxed as a separate corporation, which might be non-cash accrued income, could be treated as “excess inclusion income.” The manner in which excess inclusion income is calculated is not clear under current law. However, as required by IRS guidance, the Company intends to make such determinations based on what it believes to be a reasonable method. Under the IRS guidance, a REIT’s excess inclusion income, including any excess inclusion income from a residual interest in a REMIC, must be allocated among its holders in proportion to dividends paid. A REIT is required to notify holders of the amount of “excess inclusion income” allocated to them. A holder’s share of excess inclusion income:
•cannot be offset by any net operating losses otherwise available to the holder;
•in the case of a holder that is a REIT, a regulated investment company or a common trust fund or other pass-through entity, is considered excess inclusion income of such entity;
•is subject to tax as unrelated business taxable income in the hands of most types of holders that are otherwise generally exempt from U.S. federal income tax;
•results in the application of U.S. federal income tax withholding at the maximum rate (30%), without reduction for any otherwise applicable income tax treaty or other exemption, to the extent allocable to most types of non-U.S. holders; and
•is taxable (at the highest corporate tax rate, currently 21%) to the REIT, rather than its holders, to the extent allocable to the REIT’s stock held in record name by holders that are disqualified organizations (generally, tax-exempt entities not subject to unrelated business income tax, including governmental organizations), in which case such disqualified organization could be obligated to reimburse the Company for that tax.
Tax-exempt investors, regulated investment company or REIT investors, non-U.S. investors and taxpayers with net operating losses should carefully consider the tax consequences described above, and are urged to consult their tax advisors.
Gross Income Tests
The Company must satisfy two gross income tests annually to qualify as a REIT. First, at least 75% of the Company’s gross income for each taxable year must consist of defined types of income that it derives, directly or indirectly, from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property or qualified temporary investment income. Qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test generally includes:
•rents from real property;
•interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property (including certain types of mortgage-backed securities);
•dividends or other distributions on, and gain from the sale of, shares in other REITs;
•gain from the sale of real estate assets;
•income and gain derived from foreclosure property;
•income derived from a REMIC in proportion to the real estate assets held by the REMIC, unless at least 95% of the REMIC’s assets are real estate assets, in which case all of the income derived from the REMIC; and
•income derived from the temporary investment of new capital that is attributable to the issuance of our stock or a public offering of our debt with a maturity date of at least five years that is received during the one-year period beginning on the date on which the Company received such new capital.
Although a debt instrument issued by a “publicly offered REIT” (i.e., a REIT that is required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) is treated as a “real estate asset” for purposes of the asset tests, the interest income and gain from the sale of such debt instruments is not treated as qualifying income for the 75% gross income test unless the debt instrument is secured by real property or an interest in real property.
Second, in general, at least 95% of the Company’s gross income for each taxable year must consist of income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, other types of interest and dividends, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities or any combination of these. For purposes of the 95% gross income test, gain from the sale of securities includes gain from the sale of a debt instrument issued by a “publicly offered REIT” even if not secured by real property or an interest in real property. Gross income from the sale of property that the Company holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business and cancellation of indebtedness, or COD income is excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both income tests. Income and gain from “qualified hedging transactions,” as defined below in “-Hedging Transactions,” that are clearly and timely identified as such are excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. In addition, certain foreign currency gains are excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests. Refer below to the section entitled “-Foreign Currency Gain.” The following paragraphs discuss the specific application of the gross income tests to the Company.
Rents from Real Property
Rent that the Company receives from its real property will qualify as “rents from real property” which is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, only if the following conditions are met:
•First, the rent must not be based, in whole or in part, on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from rents from real property solely by reason of being based on fixed percentages of receipts or sales.
•Second, rents the Company receives from a “related party tenant” will not qualify as rents from real property in satisfying the gross income tests unless the tenant is a TRS, and either: (i) at least 90% of the property is leased to unrelated tenants and the rent paid by the TRS is substantially comparable to the rent paid by the unrelated tenants for comparable space; or (ii) the TRS leases a qualified lodging facility or qualified health care property and engages an eligible independent contractor, as defined above in “-Taxable REIT Subsidiaries,” to operate such facility or property on its behalf. A tenant is a related party tenant if the REIT, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more of the REIT, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of the tenant.
•Third, if rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property is 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease, then the rent attributable to personal property will qualify as rents from real property. However, if the 15% threshold is exceeded, the rent attributable to personal property will not qualify as rents from real property.
•Fourth, the Company generally must not operate or manage its real property or furnish or render services to its tenants, other than through an “independent contractor” who is adequately compensated and from whom the Company does not derive revenue. However, the Company may provide services directly to tenants if the services are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not considered to be provided for the tenants’ convenience. In addition, the Company may directly provide a minimal amount of “noncustomary” services to the tenants of a property as long as its income from the services (valued at not less than 150% of the Company’s direct cost of performing such services) does not exceed 1% of its income from the related property in which case only the amounts for noncustomary services are not treated as rents from real property. If, however, the gross income from such noncustomary services exceeds this 1% threshold, none of the gross income derived from the relevant property will qualify as rents from real property. Furthermore, the Company may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS that provides customary and noncustomary services to its tenants without tainting the rental income for the related properties. Refer to the section entitled “-Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.”
Unless the Company determines that the resulting non-qualifying income under any of the following circumstances, taken together with all other non-qualifying income earned by it in the taxable year, will not jeopardize its qualification as a REIT, the Company does not intend to:
•derive rental income attributable to personal property other than personal property leased in connection with the lease of real property, the amount of which is less than 15% of the total rent received under the lease;
•rent any property to a related party tenant, including, except with respect to qualified health care properties and qualified lodging facilities, a TRS;
•charge rent for any property that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person, except by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales, as described above; or
•directly or indirectly perform services considered to be noncustomary or provided for the tenant’s convenience other than through a TRS or independent contractor.
Interest
The term “interest,” as defined for purposes of both gross income tests, generally excludes any amount that is based, in whole or in part, on the income or profits of any person. However, interest generally includes the following:
•an amount that is based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales; and
•an amount that is based on the income or profits of a debtor, as long as the debtor derives substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially all of its interest in the property and only to the extent that the amounts received by the debtor would be qualifying “rents from real property” if received directly by a REIT.
If a loan contains a provision that entitles a REIT to a percentage of the borrower’s gain upon the sale of the real property securing the loan or a percentage of the appreciation in the property’s value as of a specific date, income attributable to that loan provision will be treated as gain from the sale of the property securing the loan, which generally is qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests, provided that the property is not inventory or dealer property in the hands of the borrower or the REIT.
Interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property (including, in the case of a loan secured by real property and personal property, such personal property to the extent that it does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all such property securing the loan), including, for this purpose, prepayment penalties, loan assumption fees and late payment charges that are not compensation for services, generally is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. In general, under applicable Treasury Regulations, if a loan is secured by real property and other property and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan determined as of: (i) the date the Company agreed to acquire or originate the loan; or (ii) as discussed further below, in the event of a “significant modification,” the date the Company modified the loan, then a portion of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. The portion of the interest income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test will be equal to the portion of the principal amount of the loan that is not secured by real property-that is, the amount by which the loan exceeds the value of the real property that is security for the loan. As discussed further below, IRS guidance provides that the Company does not need to redetermine fair market value of the real property securing the loan in connection with a loan modification that is occasioned by a borrower default or made at a time when the Company reasonably believes that the modification to the loan will substantially reduce a significant risk of default on the loan.
The Company invests in loans secured by real property that is under construction or being significantly improved, in which case the value of the real estate that is security for the loan will be the fair market value of the land plus the reasonably estimated cost of the improvements or developments (including, in the case of a loan secured by real property and personal property, such personal property to the extent that it does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all such property securing the loan) which will secure the loans and which are to be constructed from proceeds of the loan.
The Company holds certain mezzanine loans and may originate or acquire other mezzanine loans. Mezzanine loans are loans secured by equity interests in an entity that directly or indirectly owns real property, rather than by a direct mortgage of the real property. In Revenue Procedure 2003-65, the IRS established a safe harbor under which loans secured by a first priority security interest in ownership interests in a partnership or limited liability company owning real property will be treated as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests described below, and interest derived from those loans will be treated as qualifying income for both the 75% and 95% gross income tests, provided several requirements are satisfied.
Although Revenue Procedure 2003-65 provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax law. Moreover, the Company expects that some of its mezzanine loans may not meet all of the requirements for reliance on the safe harbor. To the extent any mezzanine loans that the Company originates or acquires do not qualify for the safe harbor described above, the interest income from the loans will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income
test, but there is a risk that such interest income will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. We believe that we currently invest in mezzanine loans, and intend to continue to invest in mezzanine loans, in a manner that will enable us to satisfy the REIT gross income and asset tests.
The Company and its subsidiaries hold certain participation interests, or subordinated mortgage interests, in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans originated by other lenders. A subordinated mortgage interest is an interest created in an underlying loan by virtue of a participation or similar agreement, to which the originator of the loan is a party, along with one or more participants. The borrower on the underlying loan is typically not a party to the participation agreement. The performance of a participant’s investment depends upon the performance of the underlying loan and if the underlying borrower defaults, the participant typically has no recourse against the originator of the loan. The originator often retains a senior position in the underlying loan and grants junior participations, which will be a first loss position in the event of a default by the borrower. The Company expects that its (and its subsidiaries’) participation interests generally will qualify as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests described below and that interest derived from such investments generally will be treated as qualifying interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test. The appropriate treatment of participation interests for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not entirely certain, however, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the Company’s treatment of its participation interests.
Many of the terms of the mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and subordinated mortgage interests and the loans supporting the MBSs that the Company holds or expects to acquire have been modified and may in the future be modified. Under the Code, if the terms of a loan are modified in a manner constituting a “significant modification,” such modification triggers a deemed exchange of the original loan for the modified loan. Revenue Procedure 2014-51 provides a safe harbor pursuant to which the Company will not be required to redetermine the fair market value of the real property securing a loan for purposes of the gross income and asset tests in connection with a loan modification that is: (i) occasioned by a borrower default; or (ii) made at a time when the Company reasonably believes that the modification to the loan will substantially reduce a significant risk of default on the original loan. No assurance can be provided that all of the Company’s loan modifications will qualify for the safe harbor in Revenue Procedure 2014-51. To the extent the Company significantly modifies loans in a manner that does not qualify for that safe harbor, it will be required to redetermine the value of the real property securing the loan at the time it was significantly modified. In determining the value of the real property securing such a loan, the Company generally will not obtain third-party appraisals but rather will rely on internal valuations. No assurance can be provided that the IRS will not successfully challenge the Company’s internal valuations. If the terms of the Company’s mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and subordinated mortgage interests and loans supporting its MBSs are significantly modified in a manner that does not qualify for the safe harbor in Revenue Procedure 2014-51 and the fair market value of the real property securing such loans has decreased significantly, the Company could fail the 75% gross income test, the 75% asset test and/or the 10% value test.
The Company and its subsidiaries also hold, and may in the future, acquire distressed mortgage loans. Revenue Procedure 2014-51 provides that the IRS will treat distressed mortgage loans acquired by a REIT that are secured by real property and other property as producing in part non-qualifying income for the 75% gross income test. Specifically, Revenue Procedure 2014-51 indicates that interest income on such a distressed mortgage loan will be treated as qualifying income based on the ratio of: (i) the fair market value of the real property securing the debt determined as of the date the REIT committed to acquire the loan; and (ii) the face amount of the loan (and not the purchase price or current value of the debt). The face amount of a distressed mortgage loan will typically exceed the fair market value of the real property securing the mortgage loan on the date the REIT commits to acquire the loan. It is unclear how the safe harbor in Revenue Procedure 2014-51 is affected by the recent legislative changes regarding the treatment of personal property securing a mortgage loan. The Company intends to invest in distressed mortgage loans in a manner that consistent with qualifying as a REIT.
The Company and its subsidiaries have entered into certain sale and repurchase agreements under which it nominally sells certain mortgage assets to a counterparty and simultaneously enters into an agreement to repurchase the sold assets. Based on positions the IRS has taken in analogous situations, the Company believes that it will be treated for purposes of the REIT gross income and asset tests (refer below to the section entitled “-Asset Tests”) as the owner of the mortgage assets that are the subject of any such agreement notwithstanding that record ownership of the assets is transferred to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that the Company does not own the mortgage assets during the term of the sale and repurchase agreement, in which case its ability to qualify as a REIT could be adversely affected.
The Company may invest in other agency securities that are pass-through certificates. The Company expects that any such agency securities will be treated as either interests in a grantor trust or as interests in a REMIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that all interest income from such agency securities will be qualifying income for the 95% gross income test. In the case of agency securities treated as interests in grantor trusts, the Company would be treated as owning an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the mortgage loans held by the grantor trust. The interest on such mortgage loans would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test to the extent that such loan is secured by real property, as discussed above. In the case of agency securities treated as interests in a REMIC, income derived from such REMIC interests
generally will be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. As discussed above, however, if less than 95% of the assets of the REMIC are real estate assets then only a proportionate part of the income derived from the Company’s interest in the REMIC will qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income tests. To the extent that a REMIC interest includes an imbedded interest swap or cap contract or other derivative instrument, such derivative instrument could produce non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. The Company expects that substantially all of its income from agency securities will be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
Dividends; Subpart F Income
The Company’s share of any dividends received from any corporation (including any TRS, but excluding any REIT) in which it owns an equity interest will qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. The Company’s share of any dividends received from any other REIT in which it owns an equity interest, including any subsidiary REIT, will be qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.
In addition, the Company may be required to include in gross income its share of “Subpart F income” of one or more foreign (non-U.S.) corporations in which it invests, including its foreign TRSs, regardless of whether it receives distributions from such corporations. Pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2018-48, the Company will treat certain income inclusions received with respect to equity investments in foreign TRSs as qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test but not the 75% gross income test.
Fee Income
The Company expects to receive various fees in connection with its operations. Fee income will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests if it is received in consideration for entering into an agreement to make a loan secured by mortgages on or interests in real property, and the fees are not determined by the income and profits of any person. Other fees, such as origination and servicing fees, fees for acting as a broker-dealer and fees for managing investments for third parties, are not qualifying income for purposes of either gross income test. Any fees earned by a TRS are not included for purposes of the gross income tests.
Hedging Transactions
From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries expect to enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of its assets or liabilities. The Company’s hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps and floors, options to purchase such items and futures and forward contracts. Income and gain from “qualified hedging transactions” are excluded from gross income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. A “qualified hedging transaction” includes: (i) any transaction entered into in the normal course of the Company’s trade or business primarily to manage the risk of interest rate, price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets; (ii) any transaction entered into primarily to manage the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test (or any property which generates such income or gain); and (iii) any transaction entered into to “offset” a transaction described in (i) or (ii) if a portion of the hedged indebtedness is extinguished or the related property disposed of. The Company will be required to clearly identify any such hedging transaction before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated or entered into and to satisfy other identification requirements in order to be treated as a qualified hedging transaction. The Company intends to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize its qualification as a REIT.
COD Income
From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries may recognize COD income, in connection with repurchasing debt at a discount. COD income is excluded from gross income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
Foreign Currency Gain
Certain foreign currency gain is excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests. “Real estate foreign exchange gain” is excluded from gross income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Real estate foreign exchange gain generally includes foreign currency gain attributable to any item of income or gain that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of (or becoming or being the obligor under) obligations and certain foreign currency gain attributable to certain “qualified business units” of a REIT. “Passive foreign exchange gain” is excluded from gross income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. Passive foreign exchange gain generally includes real estate foreign exchange gain as described above and also includes foreign currency gain attributable to any item of income or gain that is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test and foreign currency gain attributable to the acquisition or ownership of (or becoming or being the obligor under) obligations secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property. Because passive foreign exchange gain includes real estate foreign
exchange gain, real estate foreign exchange gain is excluded from gross income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests. These exclusions for real estate foreign exchange gain and passive foreign exchange gain do not apply to certain foreign currency gain derived from dealing, or engaging in substantial and regular trading, in securities, which is treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
Prohibited Transactions
A REIT will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that the REIT holds primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. The Company believes that none of its assets are held or will be held primarily for sale to customers and that a sale of any of its assets has not been, and will not be, in the ordinary course of its business. Whether a REIT holds an asset “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business” depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. A safe harbor to the characterization of the sale of property by a REIT as a prohibited transaction and the 100% prohibited transaction tax is available if the following requirements are met:
•the REIT has held the property for not less than two years;
•the aggregate expenditures made by the REIT, or any partner of the REIT, during the two-year period preceding the date of the sale that are includable in the basis of the property do not exceed 30% of the net selling price of the property;
•either: (i) during the year in question, the REIT did not make more than seven sales of property other than foreclosure property or sales to which Section 1031 or 1033 of the Code applies; (ii) the aggregate adjusted bases of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 10% of the aggregate bases of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year; (iii) the aggregate fair market value of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 10% of the aggregate fair market value of all of the assets of the REIT at the beginning of the year; (iv)(A) the aggregate adjusted tax bases of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 20% of the aggregate adjusted bases of all property of the REIT at the beginning of the year and (B) the three-year average percentage of properties sold by the REIT compared to all the REIT’s properties (measured by adjusted bases) taking into account the current and two prior years did not exceed 10%; or (v)(A) the aggregate fair market value of all such properties sold by the REIT during the year did not exceed 20% of the aggregate fair market value of all property of the REIT at the beginning of the year and (B) the three-year average percentage of properties sold by the REIT compared to all the REIT’s properties (measured by fair market value) taking into account the current and two prior years did not exceed 10%;
•in the case of property not acquired through foreclosure or lease termination, the REIT has held the property for at least two years for the production of rental income; and
•if the REIT has made more than seven sales of non-foreclosure property during the taxable year, substantially all of the marketing and development expenditures with respect to the property were made through an independent contractor from whom the REIT derives no income or a TRS.
No assurance can be given that any property that the Company sells will not be treated as property held “primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business” or that the Company will be able to comply with the safe harbor when disposing of assets. The 100% tax will not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a TRS or other taxable corporation, although such income will be taxed to the corporation at regular corporate income tax rates. The Company intends to structure its activities to avoid transactions that would result in a material amount of prohibited transaction tax.
Foreclosure Property
The Company will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property, which includes certain foreign currency gains and related deductions recognized, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income. However, gross income from foreclosure property will qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Foreclosure property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:
•that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid on such property at foreclosure or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a lease of such property or on indebtedness that such property secured;
•for which the related loan was acquired by the REIT at a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and
•for which the REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property.
A REIT will not be considered to have foreclosed on a property where the REIT takes control of the property as a mortgagee-in-possession and cannot receive any profit or sustain any loss except as a creditor of the mortgagor. Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. However, this grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:
•on which a lease is entered into for the property that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, or any amount is received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease entered into on or after such day that will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test;
•on which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a building or any other improvement, where more than 10% of the construction was completed before default became imminent; or
•which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property and the property is used in a trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does not derive or receive any income or a TRS.
The Company may acquire properties as a result of foreclosure or otherwise reducing the property to ownership when default has occurred or is imminent and may make foreclosure property elections with respect to some or all of those properties if such election is available (which may not be the case with respect to acquired “distressed loans”).
Cash/Income Differences/Phantom Income
Due to the nature of the assets in which the Company invests, the Company may be required to recognize taxable income from those assets in advance of its receipt of cash flow on or proceeds from disposition of such assets, and may be required to report taxable income in early periods that exceeds the economic income ultimately realized on such assets.
The Company may acquire debt instruments in the secondary market for less than their face amount. The amount of such discount generally will be treated as “market discount” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company may elect to include in taxable income accrued market discount as it accrues rather than as it is realized for economic purposes, resulting in phantom income. Principal payments on certain loans are made monthly, and consequently accrued market discount may have to be included in income each month as if the debt instrument were assured of ultimately being collected in full. If the Company collects less on the debt instrument than its purchase price plus the market discount it had previously reported as income, it may not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions.
The Company may acquire MBSs that have been issued with original issue discount. In general, the Company will be required to accrue original issue discount based on the constant yield to maturity of the MBS, and to treat it as taxable income in accordance with applicable U.S. federal income tax rules even though smaller or no cash payments are received on such debt instrument. As in the case of the market discount discussed in the preceding paragraph, the constant yield in question will be determined and the Company will be taxed based on the assumption that all future payments due on the MBS in question will be made. If all payments on the MBSs are not made, the Company may not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions.
In addition, pursuant to its investment strategy, the Company may acquire distressed debt instruments and subsequently modify such instruments by agreement with the borrower. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are “significant modifications” under the applicable Treasury Regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to the Company in a debt-for-debt exchange with the borrower. In that event, the Company may be required to recognize income to the extent the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds its adjusted tax basis in the unmodified debt, and would hold the modified loan with a cost basis equal to its principal amount for U.S. federal tax purposes. To the extent that such modifications are made with respect to a debt instrument held by a TRS treated as a dealer, as described above, such a TRS would be required at the end of each taxable year, including the taxable year in which such modification was made, to mark the modified debt instrument to its fair market value as if the debt instrument were sold. In that case, the TRS generally would recognize a loss at the end of the taxable year in which the modifications were made to the extent the fair market value of such debt instrument was less than its principal amount after the modification.
In addition, in the event that any debt instruments or MBSs acquired by the Company are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, the Company may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income. Similarly, the Company may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinate MBSs at the stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received.
The Company may also be required under the terms of indebtedness that it incurs to private lenders or otherwise to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness, with the effect of recognizing income but not having a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to holders of its securities.
Due to each of these potential timing differences between income recognition or expense deduction and cash receipts or disbursements, there is a significant risk that the Company may have substantial taxable income in excess of cash available for distribution. In that event, the Company may need to borrow funds or take other action to satisfy the REIT distribution requirements for the taxable year in which this “phantom income” is recognized. Refer below to the section entitled “-Distribution Requirements.”
Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests
If the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the gross income tests for any taxable year, it nevertheless may qualify as a REIT for that year if it qualifies for relief under certain provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws. Those relief provisions are available if:
•the Company’s failure to meet those tests is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; and
•following such failure for any taxable year, the Company files a schedule of the sources of its income with the IRS.
The Company cannot predict, however, whether in all circumstances it would qualify for the relief provisions. In addition, as discussed above in the section entitled “-Taxation of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.” even if the relief provisions apply, the Company would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which it fails the 75% or 95% gross income test, in each case, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect its profitability.
Asset Tests
To qualify as a REIT, the Company also must satisfy the following asset tests at the end of each quarter of each taxable year. First, at least 75% of the value of its total assets must consist of:
•cash or cash items, including certain receivables and money market funds;
•government securities;
•interests in real property, including leaseholds, options to acquire real property and leaseholds, and personal property to the extent such personal property is leased in connection with real property and rents attributable to such personal property are treated as “rents from real property”;
•interests in mortgage loans secured by real property;
•stock in other REITs and debt instruments issued by “publicly offered REITs”
•investments in stock or debt instruments during the one-year period following the Company’s receipt of new capital that it raises through equity offerings or public offerings of debt with at least a five-year term; and
•regular or residual interests in a REMIC. However, if less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC consist of assets that are qualifying real estate-related assets under the U.S. federal income tax laws, determined as if the Company held such assets, the Company will be treated as holding directly its proportionate share of the assets of such REMIC.
Second, of the Company’s investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of its interest in any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of its total assets, or the 5% asset test.
Third, of the Company’s investments not included in the 75% asset class, it may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuer’s outstanding securities, or the 10% vote or value test.
Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of the Company’s total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs.
Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of the Company’s total assets may consist of securities that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test described above, or the 25% securities test.
Sixth, no more than 25% of the value of the Company’s total assets may consist of debt instruments issued by “publicly offered REITs” to the extent such debt instruments are not secured by real property or interests in real property.
For purposes of the 5% asset test, the 10% vote or value test and the 25% securities test, the term “securities” does not include stock in another REIT, debt of a “publicly offered REIT,” equity or debt securities of a QRS or, in the case of the 5% asset test and 10% vote or value test, TRS debt or equity, mortgage loans or MBSs that constitute real estate assets, or equity interests in
a partnership. The term “securities,” however, generally includes debt securities issued by a partnership or another REIT (other than a “publicly offered REIT”), except, for purposes of the 10% value test, the term “securities” does not include:
•“Straight debt” securities, which is defined as a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money if: (i) the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into equity; and (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower’s discretion, or similar factors. “Straight debt” securities do not include any securities issued by a partnership or a corporation in which the Company or any TRS in which the Company owns more than 50% of the voting power or value of the shares hold non-“straight debt” securities that have an aggregate value of more than 1% of the issuer’s outstanding securities. However, “straight debt” securities include debt subject to the following contingencies:
•a contingency relating to the time of payment of interest or principal, as long as either: (i) there is no change to the effective yield of the debt obligation, other than a change to the annual yield that does not exceed the greater of 0.25% or 5% of the annual yield; or (ii) neither the aggregate issue price nor the aggregate face amount of the issuer’s debt obligations held by the Company exceeds $1 million and no more than 12 months of unaccrued interest on the debt obligations can be required to be prepaid; and
•a contingency relating to the time or amount of payment upon a default or prepayment of a debt obligation, as long as the contingency is consistent with customary commercial practice.
•Any loan to an individual or an estate;
•Any “section 467 rental agreement” other than an agreement with a related party tenant;
•Any obligation to pay “rents from real property;”
•Certain securities issued by governmental entities;
•Any security issued by a REIT;
•Any debt instrument issued by an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes in which the Company is a partner to the extent of its proportionate interest in the equity and debt securities of the partnership; and
•Any debt instrument issued by an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes not described in the preceding bullet points if at least 75% of the partnership’s gross income, excluding income from prohibited transactions, is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test described above in the section entitled “-Gross Income Tests.”
For purposes of the 10% value test, the Company’s proportionate share of the assets of a partnership is its proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, without regard to the securities described in the last two bullet points above.
The Company’s holdings of securities and other assets have complied, and will continue to comply, with the foregoing asset tests, and the Company intends to monitor its compliance on an ongoing basis. However, independent appraisals have not been obtained to support the Company’s conclusions as to the value of its assets or the value of any particular security or securities. Moreover, values of some assets, including instruments issued in collateralized debt obligation transactions, may not be susceptible to a precise determination, and values are subject to change in the future.
Furthermore, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the asset tests. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that the Company’s interests in its subsidiaries or in the securities of other issuers will not cause a violation of the asset tests.
As described above, Revenue Procedure 2003-65 provides a safe harbor pursuant to which certain mezzanine loans secured by a first priority security interest in ownership interests in a partnership or limited liability company will be treated as qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test (and therefore, are not subject to the 5% asset test and the 10% vote or value test). Refer to the section entitled “-Gross Income Tests.” The Company expects that some of its mezzanine loans may not qualify for that safe harbor. To the extent that the Company determines that a mezzanine loan likely would not qualify for the safe harbor and also would not be excluded from the definition of securities for purposes of the 10% vote or value test or could cause the Company not to satisfy the 75% or 5% assets tests, it would hold that mezzanine loan through a TRS.
The Company owns stock in several REITs and expects to invest in the stock of other entities that intend to qualify as REITs in the future. The Company believes that any stock that it has acquired or will acquire in other REITs has been, or will be, qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. If a REIT in which the Company owns stock fails to qualify as a REIT in any year, however, the stock in such REIT will not be a qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. Instead, the
Company would be subject to the 5% asset test, the 10% vote or value test and the 25% securities test described above with respect to its investment in such a disqualified REIT. Consequently, if a REIT in which the Company owns stock fails to qualify as a REIT, the Company could fail one or more of the asset tests described above. To the extent the Company invests in other REITs, it intends to do so in a manner that will enable it to continue to satisfy the REIT asset tests.
As discussed above in the section entitled “-Gross Income Tests,” the Company and its subsidiaries may invest in distressed mortgage loans. In general, under the applicable Treasury Regulations, if a loan is secured by real property and other property and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan as of: (i) the date the Company agreed to acquire or originate the loan; or (ii) in the event of a significant modification, the date the Company modified the loan, then a portion of the interest income from such a loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. Although the law is not entirely clear, a portion of the loan will also likely be a non-qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. The non-qualifying portion of such a loan would be subject to, among other requirements, the 10% vote or value test. IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-51 provides a safe harbor under which the IRS has stated that it will not challenge a REIT’s treatment of a loan as being, in part, a qualifying real estate asset in an amount equal to the lesser of: (i) the fair market value of the loan on the relevant quarterly REIT asset testing date; or (ii) the greater of (A) the fair market value of the real property securing the loan on the relevant quarterly REIT asset testing date or (B) the fair market value of the real property securing the loan determined as of the date the REIT committed to originate or acquire the loan. It is unclear how the safe harbor in Revenue Procedure 2014-51 is affected by the recent legislative changes regarding the treatment of loans secured by both real property and personal property where the fair market value of the personal property does not exceed 15% of the sum of the fair market values of the real property and the personal property securing the loan. There can be no assurance that later interpretations of or any clarifications to this Revenue Procedure will be consistent with how the Company currently is applying it to its REIT compliance analysis. The Company intends to invest in distressed mortgage loans in a manner consistent with qualifying as a REIT.
Also as discussed above, the Company intends to invest in agency securities that are pass-through certificates. The Company expects that the agency securities will be treated either as interests in grantor trusts or as interests in REMICs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the case of agency securities treated as interests in grantor trusts, the Company would be treated as owning an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the mortgage loans held by the grantor trust. Such mortgage loans generally will qualify as real estate assets to the extent that they are secured by real property. The Company expects that substantially all of its agency securities treated as interests in a grantor trust will qualify as real estate assets. In the case of agency securities treated as interests in a REMIC, such interests generally will qualify as real estate assets. If less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC are real estate assets, however, then only a proportionate part of the Company’s interest in the REMIC will qualify as a real estate asset. To the extent that the Company holds mortgage participations or MBSs that do not represent interests in a grantor trust or REMIC interests, such assets may not qualify as real estate assets depending upon the circumstances and the specific structure of the investment.
Failure to Satisfy the Asset Tests
The Company has monitored, and will continue to monitor, the status of its assets for purposes of the various asset tests. If the Company fails to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter, it will not lose its REIT qualification if:
•the Company satisfied the asset tests at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and
•the discrepancy between the value of the Company’s assets and the asset test requirements arose from changes in the market values of its assets and was not wholly or partly caused by the acquisition of one or more non-qualifying assets.
If the Company does not satisfy the condition described in the second item, above, it still could avoid disqualification by eliminating any discrepancy within 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which it arose.
If at the end of any calendar quarter the Company violates the 5% asset test or the 10% vote or value test described above, it will not lose its REIT qualification if: (i) the failure is de minimis (up to the lesser of 1% of its assets or $10 million); and (ii) it disposes of assets causing the failure or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies such failure. In the event of a failure of any of the asset tests (other than de minimis failures described in the preceding sentence), as long as the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Company will not lose its REIT status if it: (i) disposes of assets or otherwise complies with the asset tests within six months after the last day of the quarter in which it identifies the failure; (ii) it files a description of each asset causing the failure with the IRS; and (iii) pays a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or 35% of the net income from the non-qualifying assets during the period in which the Company failed to satisfy the asset tests.
Distribution Requirements
Each taxable year, the Company must distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends and deemed distributions of retained capital gain, to our holders in an aggregate amount at least equal to the sum of:
•90% of its “REIT taxable income,” computed without regard to the dividends paid-deduction and its net capital gain or loss; and
•90% of its after-tax net income, if any, from foreclosure property; minus
•the sum of certain items of non-cash income.
Generally, the Company must pay such distributions in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if: (i) the Company declares the distribution before it timely files its U.S. federal income tax return for the year and pays the distribution on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such declaration; or (ii) the Company declares the distribution in October, November or December of the taxable year, payable to holders of record on a specified day in any such month, and it actually pays the dividend before the end of January of the following year. The distributions under clause (i) are taxable to the holders in the year in which paid and the distributions in clause (ii) are treated as paid on December 31 of the prior taxable year in which they were declared. In both instances, these distributions relate to the Company’s prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.
Unless the Company qualifies as a “publicly offered REIT,” in order for its distributions to be counted as satisfying the annual distribution requirement for REITs and to provide it with the REIT-level tax deduction, such distributions must not have been “preferential dividends.” A dividend is not a preferential dividend if that distribution is: (i) pro rata among all outstanding shares within a particular class; and (ii) in accordance with the preferences among different classes of stock as set forth in the Company’s organizational documents. The Company believes that it qualifies as “publicly offered REIT,” and so long as it qualifies as a “publicly offered REIT,” the preferential dividend rule will not apply to it.
The Company will pay U.S. federal income tax on taxable income, including net capital gain, that it does not distribute to holders. Furthermore, if the Company fails to distribute during a calendar year, or by the end of January following the calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:
•85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year;
•95% of its REIT capital gain income for such year; and
•any undistributed taxable income from prior periods.
The Company will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts it actually distributes and the amounts of income retained on which the Company has paid corporate income tax.
The Company may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain it receives in a taxable year. If the Company so elects, it will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax described above. The Company intends to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax.
It is possible that, from time to time, the Company may experience timing differences between the actual receipt of income and/or payment of deductible expenses and the inclusion of that income or deduction in arriving at its REIT taxable income. Refer to, for example, the discussion of excess inclusion income above in the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Taxable Mortgage Pools.” Other potential sources of non-cash taxable income include gain recognized on the deemed exchange of distressed debt that has been modified, real estate and securities that have been financed through securitization structures, such as the collateralized debt obligation structure, which require some or all of available cash flow to be used to service borrowings, loans or MBSs that the Company holds that have been issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable economic interest in advance of its receipt in cash and distressed loans on which the Company may be required to accrue taxable interest income even though the borrower is unable to make current servicing payments in cash. Furthermore, under Section 451 of the Code, subject to certain exceptions, the Company must accrue income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken into account as revenue in our financial statements, which could create additional differences between REIT taxable income and the receipt of cash attributable to such income. In addition, Section 162(m) of the Code places a per-employee limit of $1 million on the amount of compensation that a publicly held corporation may deduct in any one year with respect to its chief executive officer, chief financial officer and certain other highly compensated executive officers. Recent changes to Section 162(m) expanded the individuals covered by Section 162(m)’s limits and eliminated an exception that formerly permitted certain performance-based compensation to be deducted even if in excess of $1 million,
which may have the effect of increasing our REIT taxable income, and recently proposed regulations under Section 162(m) provide that, contrary to certain prior private letter rulings previously issued by the IRS to several UPREITs, compensation subject to the Section 162(m) limit includes a publicly held corporation’s distributive share of a partnership’s deduction for any compensation the partnership pays for services performed by a covered employee of the publicly held corporation, which may also have the effect of increasing our REIT taxable income. In the event that such timing differences occur, it might be necessary to arrange borrowings or other means of raising capital to meet the distribution requirements. Additionally, the Company may, if possible, pay taxable dividends of our stock or debt to meet the distribution requirements.
On August 11, 2017, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2017-45, authorizing elective stock dividends to be made by public REITs. Pursuant to this revenue procedure, effective for distributions declared on or after August 11, 2017, the IRS will treat the distribution of stock pursuant to an elective stock dividend as a distribution of property under Section 301 of the Code (i.e., as a dividend to the extent of our earnings and profits), as long as at least 20% of the total dividend is available in cash and certain other requirements outlined in the revenue procedure are met.
Under certain circumstances, the Company may be able to correct a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our holders in a later year. The Company may include such deficiency dividends in its deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Although the Company may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, it will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction it takes for deficiency dividends.
In addition, a REIT is required to distribute all accumulated earnings and profits attributable to non-REIT years by the close of its first taxable year in which it has non-REIT earnings and profits to distribute.
Interest Deduction Limitation
Commencing in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, Section 163(j) of the Code limits the deductibility of net interest expense paid or accrued on debt properly allocable to a trade or business to 30% of “adjusted taxable income,” subject to certain exceptions. Any deduction in excess of the limitation is carried forward and may be used in a subsequent year, subject to the 30% limitation. Adjusted taxable income is determined without regard to certain deductions, including those for net interest expense, net operating loss carryforwards and, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, depreciation, amortization and depletion. Provided the taxpayer makes a timely election (which is irrevocable), the 30% limitation does not apply to a trade or business involving real property development, redevelopment, construction, reconstruction, rental, operation, acquisition, conversion, disposition, management, leasing or brokerage, within the meaning of Section 469(c)(7)(C) of the Code. If this election is made, depreciable real property (including certain improvements) held by the relevant trade or business must be depreciated under the alternative depreciation system under the Code, which is generally less favorable than the generally applicable system of depreciation under the Code. If we do not make the election or if the election is determined not to be available with respect to all or certain of our business activities, this interest deduction limitation could result in us having more REIT taxable income and thus increase the amount of distributions we must make to comply with the REIT requirements and avoid incurring corporate level tax. Similarly, the limitation could cause our TRSs to have greater taxable income and thus potentially greater corporate tax liability.
Recordkeeping Requirements
The Company is required to maintain certain records under the REIT rules. In addition, to avoid a monetary penalty, the Company must request on an annual basis information from our holders designed to disclose the actual ownership of its outstanding shares of beneficial interest. The Company intends to continue to comply with these requirements.
Foreign Investments
The Company and its subsidiaries have acquired, and expect to acquire in the future, investments in foreign countries that will require it to pay taxes to foreign countries. Taxes that the Company pays in foreign jurisdictions may not be passed through to, or used by, our holders as a foreign tax credit or otherwise. The Company could be subject to U.S. federal income tax rules intended to prevent or minimize the value of the deferral of the recognition by it of passive-type income of foreign entities in which it owns a direct or indirect interest. As a result, the Company could be required to recognize taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes prior to receiving cash distributions with respect to that income or, in certain circumstances, pay an interest charge on U.S. federal income tax that it is deemed to have deferred. The Company’s foreign investments might also generate foreign currency gains and losses. Certain foreign currency gains may be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests, as discussed above. Refer above to the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Gross Income Tests.”
Failure to Qualify
If the Company fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than the gross income tests and the asset tests, it could avoid disqualification if its failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect and the Company pays a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. In addition, there are relief provisions for a failure of the gross income tests and asset tests, as described in the sections entitled “-Gross Income Tests-Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests” and “-Asset Tests-Failure to Satisfy the Asset Tests.”
If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and no relief provision applies, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. Additionally, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, we would possibly also be subject to certain taxes enacted by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 that are applicable to non-REIT corporations, including the nondeductible one percent excise tax on certain stock repurchases. In calculating its taxable income in a year in which it fails to qualify as a REIT, the Company would not be able to deduct amounts paid out to holders. In fact, the Company would not be required to distribute any amounts to holders in that year. In such event, to the extent of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, distributions to most holders taxed at individual rates would generally be taxable at capital gains tax rates. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026, generally U.S. holders that are individuals, trusts or estates may deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. Alternatively, such dividends paid to U.S. holders that are individuals, trusts and estates may be taxable at the preferential income tax rates (i.e., the 20% maximum U.S. federal rate) for qualified dividends. In addition, subject to the limitations of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
Unless the Company qualified for relief under specific statutory provisions, it also would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which it ceased to qualify as a REIT. The Company cannot predict whether in all circumstances it would qualify for such statutory relief.
Taxation of Holders of Class A Common Stock
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Holders.
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations related to the ownership and disposition of stock applicable to U.S. holders.
Taxation of U.S. Holders on Distributions on Our Stock
As long as the Company qualifies as a REIT, a taxable U.S. holder must generally take into account as ordinary income distributions made out of the Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits that the Company does not designate as capital gain dividends or retained long-term capital gain. However, for tax years prior to 2026, generally U.S. holders that are individuals, trusts or estates may deduct 20% of the aggregate amount of ordinary dividends distributed by us, subject to certain limitations. For purposes of determining whether a distribution is made out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits, the Company’s earnings and profits will be allocated first to its preferred stock dividends and then to its common stock dividends.
Dividends paid to U.S. holders will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations. In addition, dividends paid to a U.S. holder generally will not qualify for the 20% tax rate for qualified dividend income. The maximum tax rate for qualified dividend income is 20%. Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid to U.S. holders taxed at individual rates by domestic C corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations. Because the Company will not generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of its REIT taxable income distributed to our holders (refer above to the section entitled “-Taxation of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.”), its dividends generally will not be eligible for the 20% rate on qualified dividend income. As a result, the Company’s ordinary REIT dividends will be taxed at the higher tax rate applicable to ordinary income, which is currently a maximum rate of 37%. However, the 20% tax rate for qualified dividend income will apply to the Company’s ordinary REIT dividends to the extent attributable: (i) to income retained by it in a prior non-REIT taxable year in which it or a predecessor was subject to corporate income tax (less the amount of tax); (ii) to dividends received by it from non-REIT corporations, such as domestic TRSs; and (iii) to the extent attributable to income upon which it has paid corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that the Company distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income). In general, to qualify for the reduced tax rate on qualified dividend income, a holder must hold our stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which our stock becomes ex-dividend. In addition, dividends paid to certain individuals, trusts and estates whose income exceeds certain thresholds are subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax.
A U.S. holder generally will take into account as long-term capital gain any distributions that the Company designates as capital gain dividends without regard to the period for which the U.S. holder has held our stock. The Company generally will designate its capital gain dividends as either 20% or 25% rate distributions. Refer below to the section entitled “-Capital Gains and
Losses.” A corporate U.S. holder, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income.
The Company may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain that it receives in a taxable year. In that case, to the extent that the Company designates such amount in a timely notice to such holder, a U.S. holder would be treated as receiving its proportionate share of the Company’s undistributed long-term capital gain and would receive a credit for its proportionate share of the tax the Company paid. The U.S. holder would increase the basis in its stock by the amount of its proportionate share of the Company’s undistributed long-term capital gain, minus its share of the tax the Company paid.
To the extent that the Company makes a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distribution will not be taxable to a U.S. holder to the extent that it does not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. holder’s stock. Instead, such distribution will reduce the adjusted tax basis of such stock. To the extent that the Company makes a distribution in excess of both its current and accumulated earnings and profits and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its stock, such holder will recognize long-term capital gain or short-term capital gain if the stock has been held for one year or less, assuming the stock is a capital asset in the hands of the U.S. holder. In addition, if the Company declares a distribution in October, November or December of any year that is payable to a U.S. holder of record on a specified date in any such month, such distribution shall be treated as both paid by the Company and received by the U.S. holder on December 31 of such year, provided that the Company actually pays the distribution during January of the following calendar year.
Holders may not include in their individual income tax returns any of the Company’s net operating losses or capital losses. Instead, the Company would carry over such losses for potential offset against the Company’s future income. Under Section 172 of the Code, the Company’s deduction for any net operating loss carryforwards arising from losses it sustains in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, is limited to 80% of its REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), and any unused portion of losses arising in taxable years ending after December 31, 2017, may not be carried back, but may be carried forward indefinitely.
Taxable distributions from the Company and gain from the disposition of our stock will not be treated as passive activity income, and, therefore, holders generally will not be able to apply any “passive activity losses,” such as losses from certain types of limited partnerships in which the holder is a limited partner, against such income. In addition, taxable distributions from the Company and gain from the disposition of our stock generally may be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitations (although any capital gains so treated will not qualify for the lower 20% tax rate applicable to capital gains of U.S. holders taxed at individual rates). The Company will notify holders after the close of the Company’s taxable year as to the portions of its distributions attributable to that year that constitute ordinary income, return of capital and capital gain.
If excess inclusion income from a TMP or REMIC residual interest is allocated to any U.S. holder, that income will be taxable in the hands of the U.S. holder and would not be offset by any net operating losses of the U.S. holder that would otherwise be available. Refer to the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Taxable Mortgage Pools.” As required by IRS guidance, the Company intends to notify its U.S. holders if a portion of a dividend paid by it is attributable to excess inclusion income.
Taxation of U.S. Holders on the Disposition of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.’s Stock
In general, a U.S. holder will realize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of our stock in an amount equal to the difference between the sum of the fair market value of any property and the amount of cash received in such disposition and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common stock at the time of the disposition. In general, a U.S. holder who is not a dealer in securities must treat any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of our stock as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the stock for more than one year and otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. However, a U.S. holder must treat any loss upon a sale or exchange of stock held by such holder for six months or less as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any actual or deemed distributions from the Company that such U.S. holder previously has characterized as long-term capital gain. All or a portion of any loss that a U.S. holder realizes upon a taxable disposition of the stock may be disallowed if the U.S. holder purchases other substantially identical shares of our stock within 30 days before or after the disposition (in which case, the basis of the shares acquired would be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss).
Capital Gains and Losses
A taxpayer generally must hold a capital asset for more than one year for gain or loss derived from its sale or exchange to be treated as long-term capital gain or loss. The highest marginal individual income tax rate is currently 37%. However, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain applicable to U.S. holders taxed at individual rates is 20%. The maximum tax rate on long-term capital gain from the sale or exchange of “Section 1250 property,” or depreciable real property, is 25% computed on the lesser of the total amount of the gain or the accumulated Section 1250 depreciation. In addition, capital gains recognized by certain individuals, trusts and estates whose income exceeds certain thresholds are subject to a 3.8% Medicare tax. With
respect to distributions that the Company designates as capital gain dividends and any retained capital gain that it is deemed to distribute, the Company generally may designate whether such a distribution is taxable to its U.S. holders taxed at individual rates at a 20% or 25% rate. Thus, the tax rate differential between capital gain and ordinary income for those taxpayers may be significant. In addition, the characterization of income as capital gain or ordinary income may affect the deductibility of capital losses. A non-corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses not offset by capital gains against its ordinary income only up to a maximum annual amount of $3,000. A non-corporate taxpayer may carry forward unused capital losses indefinitely. A corporate taxpayer must pay tax on its net capital gain at ordinary corporate rates. A corporate taxpayer may deduct capital losses only to the extent of capital gains, with unused losses being carried back three years and forward five years.
Expansion of Medicare Tax
The Health Care and Reconciliation Act of 2010 requires that, in certain circumstances, certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates, and trusts pay a 3.8% tax on “net investment income,” which includes, among other things, dividends on and gains from the sale or other disposition of REIT shares. The temporary 20% deduction allowed by Section 199A of the Code with respect to ordinary REIT dividends received by non-corporate taxpayers is allowed only for purposes of Chapter 1 of the Code and thus is apparently not allowed as a deduction allocable to such dividends for purposes of determining the amount of net investment income subject to the 3.8% Medicare tax, which is imposed under Chapter 2A of the Code. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding this legislation.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders
Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit-sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts and annuities, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income, or UBTI. While many investments in real estate generate UBTI, the IRS has issued a published ruling that dividend distributions from a REIT to an exempt employee pension trust do not constitute UBTI, provided that the exempt employee pension trust does not otherwise use the shares of the REIT in an unrelated trade or business of the pension trust. Based on that ruling, amounts that the Company distributes to tax-exempt holders generally should not constitute UBTI. However, if a tax-exempt holder were to finance its investment in our stock with debt, a portion of the income that it receives from the Company would constitute UBTI pursuant to the “debt-financed property” rules. In addition, the Company’s dividends that are attributable to excess inclusion income will constitute UBTI in the hands of most tax-exempt holders. Refer to the section entitled “- Requirements for Qualification-Taxable Mortgage Pools.” Furthermore, social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans that are exempt from taxation under special provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions that they receive from the Company as UBTI. Finally, in certain circumstances, a qualified employee pension or profit-sharing trust that owns more than 10% of our stock is required to treat a percentage of the dividends that it receives from the Company as UBTI if the Company is a “pension-held REIT.” Such percentage is equal to the gross income that the Company derives from an unrelated trade or business, determined as if the Company were a pension trust, divided by the Company’s total gross income for the year in which the Company pays the dividends. That rule applies to a pension trust holding more than 10% of our stock only if:
•the percentage of the Company’s dividends that the tax-exempt trust would be required to treat as UBTI is at least 5%;
•the Company qualifies as a REIT by reason of the modification of the rule requiring that no more than 50% of our stock be owned by five or fewer individuals that allows the beneficiaries of the pension trust to be treated as holding our stock in proportion to its actuarial interests in the pension trust (refer to the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification”); and
•either: (i) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our stock; or (ii) a group of pension trusts individually holding more than 10% of the value of our stock collectively owns more than 50% of the value of our stock.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders
The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. holders of stock are complex. This section is only a summary of such rules. Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax laws on the ownership of our stock, including any reporting requirements.
A non-U.S. holder that receives a distribution that is not attributable to gain from the Company’s sale or exchange of a United States Real Property Interests, or USRPI, and that the Company does not designate as a capital gain dividend or retained capital gain, will recognize ordinary income to the extent that the Company pays such distribution out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits. A withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution ordinarily will apply to such distribution unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates the tax. The Company’s dividends that are attributable to excess inclusion income will be subject to the 30% withholding tax, without reduction for any otherwise applicable income tax
treaty. Refer to the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Taxable Mortgage Pools.” If a distribution is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the distribution at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. holders are taxed with respect to such distribution, and a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax with respect to the distribution. The Company plans to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any such distribution paid to a non-U.S. holder unless either:
•a lower treaty rate applies and the non-U.S. holder provides an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E to the Company evidencing eligibility for that reduced rate; or
•the non-U.S. holder files an IRS Form W-8ECI with the Company claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income.
A non-U.S. holder will not incur tax on a distribution in excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits if the excess portion of such distribution does not exceed the holder’s adjusted basis of its stock. Instead, the excess portion of such distribution will reduce the adjusted basis of such stock. A non-U.S. holder will be subject to tax on a distribution that exceeds both the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits and the holder’s adjusted basis of its stock, if the non-U.S. holder otherwise would be subject to tax on gain from the sale or disposition of its stock, as described below. Because the Company generally cannot determine at the time it makes a distribution whether the distribution will exceed its current and accumulated earnings and profits, the Company normally will withhold tax on the entire amount of any distribution at the same rate as it would withhold on a dividend. However, a non-U.S. holder may claim a refund of amounts that the Company withholds if the Company later determines that a distribution in fact exceeded the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.
If the Company is treated as a “United States real property holding corporation,” as described below, it will be required to withhold 15% of any distribution that exceeds its current and accumulated earnings and profits. Consequently, although the Company intends to withhold at a rate of 30% on the entire amount of any distribution, to the extent that it does not do so, the Company may withhold at a rate of 15% on any portion of a distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of 30%.
For any year in which the Company qualifies as a REIT, a non-U.S. holder will incur tax on distributions that are attributable to gain from the Company’s sale or exchange of a USRPI under Foreign Investment in Real Property, or FIRPTA. A USRPI includes certain interests in real property and stock in “United States real property holding corporations,” which are corporations at least 50% of whose assets consist of interests in real property. Under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. holder is taxed on distributions attributable to gain from sales of USRPIs as if such gain were effectively connected with a U.S. business of the non-U.S. holder. A non-U.S. holder thus would be taxed on such a distribution at the normal capital gains rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of a nonresident alien individual. A non-U.S. corporate holder not entitled to treaty relief or an exemption also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on such a distribution. The Company must withhold 21% of any distribution that it could designate as a capital gain dividend. A non-U.S. holder may receive a credit against its tax liability for the amount the Company withholds.
Capital gain distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to the Company’s sale of real property will be treated as ordinary dividends rather than as gain from the sale of a USRPI, as long as: (i) (A) such class of our stock is “regularly traded” on an established securities market in the United States; and (B) the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 10% of the applicable class of our stock at any time during the one-year period prior to the distribution; or (ii) the non-U.S. holder was treated as a “qualified shareholder” as discussed below. As a result, non-U.S. holders owning 10% or less of the applicable class of our stock that is “regularly traded” generally will be subject to withholding tax on such capital gain distributions in the same manner as they are subject to withholding tax on ordinary dividends. If a class of our stock is not regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States or the non-U.S. holder owned more than 10% of our stock at any time during the one-year period prior to the distribution, capital gain distributions that are attributable to the Company’s sale of real property would be subject to tax under FIRPTA, as described in the preceding paragraph. Moreover, if a non-U.S. holder disposes of our stock during the 30-day period preceding a dividend payment, and such non-U.S. holder (or a person related to such non-U.S. holder) acquires or enters into a contract or option to acquire our stock within 61 days of the first day of the 30-day period described above, and any portion of such dividend payment would, but for the disposition, be treated as a USRPI capital gain to such non-U.S. holder, then such non-U.S. holder shall be treated as having USRPI capital gain in an amount that, but for the disposition, would have been treated as USRPI capital gain.
Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts the Company designates as retained capital gains in respect of the stock held by U.S. holders generally should be treated with respect to non-U.S. holders in the same manner as actual distributions by the Company of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, a non-U.S. holder would be able to offset as a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Company on such retained capital gains, and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent the non-U.S. holder’s proportionate share of such tax paid by the Company exceeds its actual U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the non-U.S. holder furnishes required information to the IRS on a timely basis, which may require the filing of a tax return with the IRS.
A non-U.S. holder generally will not incur tax under FIRPTA with respect to gain realized upon a disposition of our stock as long as the Company: (i) is not a “United States real property holding corporation” during a specified testing period; or (ii) is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity. A domestically controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT, less than 50% of the value of which is held directly or indirectly by foreign persons at all times during a specified testing period. The Company believes that it will be a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, but because our stock will be publicly traded, it cannot assure you that it in fact will be a domestically controlled qualified investment entity. However, even if the Company was a “United States real property holding corporation” and it was not a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, a non-U.S. holder that owned, actually or constructively, 10% or less of the applicable class of our stock at all times during a specified testing period would not incur tax under FIRPTA if that class of our stock is “regularly traded” on an established securities market. Because the Company’s common and preferred stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market, a non-U.S. holder will not incur tax under FIRPTA with respect to any such gain unless it owns, actually or constructively, more than 10% of the applicable class of our stock. If the gain on the sale of our stock were taxed under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. holder would be taxed in the same manner as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax or a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. Furthermore, a non-U.S. holder will incur tax on gain not subject to FIRPTA if: (i) the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain; or (ii) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a “tax home” in the United States, in which case the non-U.S. holder will incur a 30% tax on his capital gains.
Qualified Shareholders
Subject to the exception discussed below, any distribution to a “qualified shareholder,” as defined below, who holds our stock directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. tax as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business and thus will not be subject to special withholding rules under FIRPTA. While a “qualified shareholder” will not be subject to FIRPTA withholding on REIT distributions, certain investors of a “qualified shareholder” (i.e., non-U.S. persons who hold interests in the “qualified shareholder” (other than interests solely as a creditor), and hold more than 10% of our stock (whether or not by reason of the investor’s ownership in the “qualified shareholder”)) may be subject to FIRPTA withholding.
In addition, a sale of our stock by a “qualified shareholder” who holds such stock directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA. As with distributions, certain investors of a “qualified shareholder” (i.e., non-U.S. persons who hold interests in the “qualified shareholder” (other than interests solely as a creditor), and hold more than 10% of our stock (whether or not by reason of the investor’s ownership in the “qualified shareholder”)) may be subject to FIRPTA withholding on a sale of our stock.
A “qualified shareholder” is a foreign person that: (i) either is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty which includes an exchange of information program and whose principal class of interests is listed and regularly traded on one or more recognized stock exchanges (as defined in such comprehensive income tax treaty), or is a foreign partnership that is created or organized under foreign law as a limited partnership in a jurisdiction that has an agreement for the exchange of information with respect to taxes with the United States and has a class of limited partnership units representing greater than 50% of the value of all the partnership units that are regularly traded on the NYSE or NASDAQ markets; (ii) is a qualified collective investment vehicle, as defined below; and (iii) maintains records on the identity of each person who, at any time during the foreign person’s taxable year, is the direct owner of 5% or more of the class of interests or units, as applicable, described in (i), above.
A qualified collective investment vehicle is a foreign person that: (i) would be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding under the comprehensive income tax treaty described above, even if such entity holds more than 10% of the stock of such REIT; (ii) is publicly traded, is treated as a partnership under the Code, is a withholding foreign partnership, and would be treated as a “United States real property holding corporation” if it were a domestic corporation; or (iii) is designated as such by the Secretary of the Treasury and is either (A) fiscally transparent within the meaning of Section 894 of the Code or (B) required to include dividends in its gross income, but is entitled to a deduction for distributions to its investors.
Qualified Foreign Pension Funds
Any distribution to a “qualified foreign pension fund” (or an entity all of the interests of which are held by a “qualified foreign pension fund”) who holds our stock directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. tax as income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business and thus will not be subject to special withholding rules under FIRPTA. In addition, a sale of our stock by a “qualified foreign pension fund” that holds such stock directly or indirectly (through one or more partnerships) will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA.
A qualified foreign pension fund is any trust, corporation or other organization or arrangement: (i) which is created or organized under the law of a country other than the United States; (ii) which is established to provide retirement or pension benefits to participants or beneficiaries that are current or former employees (or persons designated by such employees) of one or more employers in consideration for services rendered; (iii) which does not have a single participant or beneficiary with a right to more than 5% of its assets or income; (iv) which is subject to government regulation and provides annual information reporting about its beneficiaries to the relevant tax authorities in the country in which it is established or operates; and (v) with respect to which, under the laws of the country in which it is established or operates, (A) contributions to such organization or arrangement that would otherwise be subject to tax under such laws are deductible or excluded from the gross income of such entity or taxed at a reduced rate or (B) taxation of any investment income of such organization or arrangement is deferred or such income is taxed at a reduced rate.
FATCA Withholding
Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends paid on our stock received by certain non-U.S. holders if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. In addition, if those disclosure requirements are not satisfied, a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on proceeds from the sale of our stock received after December 31, 2018, by certain non-U.S. holders (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below). If payment of withholding taxes is required, non-U.S. holders that are otherwise eligible for an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. withholding taxes with respect to such dividends and proceeds will be required to seek a refund from the IRS to obtain the benefit of such exemption or reduction. The Company will not pay any additional amounts in respect of any amounts withheld.
While withholding under FATCA would have applied to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or disposition of our stock received after December 31, 2018, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding; Shares Held Offshore
The Company will report to its holders and to the IRS the amount of distributions it pays during each calendar year, and the amount of tax it withholds, if any. Under the backup withholding rules, a holder may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 28% with respect to distributions unless the holder:
•is a corporation or qualifies for certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or
•provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.
A holder who does not provide the Company with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the holder’s income tax liability. In addition, the Company may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any U.S. holders who fail to certify their non-foreign status to the Company.
Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of dividends made by the Company or its paying agents, in their capacities as such, to a non-U.S. holder, provided that the non-U.S. holder furnishes to the Company or its paying agent the required certification as to its non-U.S. status, such as providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding may apply if either the Company or its paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the holder is a U.S. person that is not an exempt recipient. Payments of the net proceeds from a disposition or a redemption effected outside the United States by a non-U.S. holder made by or through a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, information reporting (but not backup withholding) generally will apply to such a payment if the broker has certain connections with the U.S. unless the broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. holder and specified conditions are met or an exemption is otherwise established. Payment of the net proceeds from a disposition by a non-U.S. holder of our stock made by or through the U.S. office of a broker is generally subject to information reporting and backup
withholding unless the non-U.S. holder certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person and satisfies certain other requirements or otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability if certain required information is furnished to the IRS. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding application of backup withholding to them and the availability of, and procedure for obtaining an exemption from, backup withholding.
Under FATCA, a U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate will be imposed on dividends paid on our stock received by U.S. holders who own their stock through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. The Company will not pay any additional amounts in respect of any amounts withheld.
Other Tax Consequences
Tax Aspects of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.’s Investments in the Operating Partnership and the Subsidiary Partnerships
The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the Company’s direct or indirect investments in the Company’s Operating Partnership and any subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies that the Company forms or acquires interests in and that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (individually, “Partnership” and, collectively, as the “Partnerships”). The discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or any U.S. federal tax laws other than income tax laws. The Company will include in its income its proportionate share of Partnership items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit for purposes of the REIT income tests, and will include its proportionate share of assets held by the Partnerships based on its capital interest in such partnerships (other than for purposes of the 10% value test, for which the determination of our interest in partnership assets will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, other than certain securities specifically excluded under the Code). The Company’s interest in a Partnership is calculated based on either the Company’s percentage ownership of the capital of the Partnership or based on the allocations provided in the applicable partnership or limited liability company agreement, using the more conservative calculation. Consequently, to the extent that the Company holds an equity interest in a Partnership, the Partnership’s assets and operations may affect its ability to qualify as a REIT, even though the Company may have no control, or have only limited influence, over the Partnership.
Classification as Partnerships. The Company is entitled to include in its income its distributive share of each Partnership’s income and to deduct its distributive share of each Partnership’s losses only if such Partnership is classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partnership (or an entity that is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes if the entity has only one owner or member) rather than as a corporation or an association taxable as a corporation. An unincorporated domestic entity with at least two owners or members will be classified as a partnership, rather than as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes if it:
•is treated as a partnership under the Treasury Regulations relating to entity classification or the check-the-box regulations, as described below; and
•is not a “publicly traded” partnership, as defined below.
Under the check-the-box regulations, an unincorporated domestic entity with at least two owners or members may elect to be classified either as an association taxable as a corporation or as a partnership. If such an entity fails to make an election, it generally will be treated as a partnership (or as an entity that is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes if the entity has only one owner or member) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Each Partnership intends to be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and no Partnership will elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation under the check-the-box regulations.
A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. A publicly traded partnership will not, however, be treated as a corporation for any taxable year if, for each taxable year beginning after December 31, 1987 in which it was classified as a publicly traded partnership, 90% or more of the partnership’s gross income for such year consists of certain passive-type income, including real property rents, gains from the sale or other disposition of real property, interest and dividends, or the 90% passive income exception. Treasury Regulations provide additional limited safe harbors from the definition of a publicly traded partnership. Pursuant to the private placement exclusion safe harbor, interests in a partnership will not be treated as readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof if: (i) all interests in the partnership were issued in a transaction or transactions that were not required to be registered under the Securities Act; and (ii) the partnership does not have more than 100 partners at any time during the partnership’s taxable year. In determining the number of partners in a partnership, a person owning an interest in a partnership, grantor trust or S corporation that owns an interest in the partnership is treated as a partner in such partnership only if: (i) substantially all of the value of the owner’s interest in the entity is attributable to the
entity’s direct or indirect interest in the partnership; and (ii) a principal purpose of the use of the entity is to permit the partnership to satisfy the 100-partner limitation. Each Partnership is expected to qualify for treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to the 90% passive income exception or the private placement safe harbor. The Company has not requested, and does not intend to request, a ruling from the IRS that the Partnerships will be classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If, for any reason, a Partnership in which the Company owned more than 10% of the equity were taxable as a corporation, rather than as a partnership, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company likely would not be able to qualify as a REIT unless it qualified for certain relief provisions. Refer to the sections entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Gross Income Tests” and “-Requirements for Qualification-Asset Tests.” In addition, any change in a Partnership’s status for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case the Company might incur tax liability without any related cash distribution. Refer to the section entitled “-Requirements for Qualification-Distribution Requirements.” Further, items of income and deduction of such Partnership would not pass through to its partners, and its partners would be treated as holders for tax purposes. Consequently, such Partnership would be required to pay income tax at corporate rates on its net income and distributions to its partners would constitute dividends that would not be deductible in computing such Partnership’s taxable income.
Income Taxation of the Partnerships and their Partners
Partners, Not the Partnerships, Subject to Tax. A partnership generally is not a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Rather, the Company is required to take into account its allocable share of each Partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any taxable year of such Partnership ending within or with the Company’s taxable year, without regard to whether the Company has received or will receive any distribution from such Partnership. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, however, the tax liability for adjustments to a Partnership’s tax returns made as a result of an audit by the IRS will be imposed on the Partnership itself in certain circumstances absent an election to the contrary.
Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement generally will determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, such allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of the U.S. federal income tax laws governing partnership allocations. If an allocation is not recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. Each Partnership’s allocations of taxable income, gain and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of the U.S. federal income tax laws governing partnership allocations.
Tax Allocations With Respect to Contributed Properties. Income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in a tax-deferred transaction or contributed property in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss, or built-in gain or built-in loss, respectively, is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed property at the time of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of contribution, or a book-tax difference. Such allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued regulations requiring partnerships to use a “reasonable method” for allocating items with respect to which there is a book-tax difference and outlining several reasonable allocation methods.
Basis in Partnership Interest. The Company’s adjusted tax basis in any Partnership generally is equal to:
•the amount of cash and the basis of any other property contributed by the Company to the Partnership;
•increased by the Company’s allocable share of the Partnership’s income and its allocable share of indebtedness of the Partnership; and
•reduced, but not below zero, by the Company’s allocable share of the Partnership’s loss and the amount of cash distributed to the Company and by constructive distributions resulting from a reduction in the Company’s share of indebtedness of the Partnership.
If the allocation of the Company’s distributive share of the Partnership’s loss would reduce the adjusted tax basis of the Company’s partnership interest below zero, the recognition of such loss will be deferred until such time as the recognition of such loss would not reduce the Company’s adjusted tax basis below zero. To the extent that the Partnership’s distributions or any decrease in the Company’s share of the indebtedness of the Partnership, which is considered a constructive cash distribution to the partners, would reduce the Company’s adjusted tax basis below zero, such distributions or decreases will constitute taxable income to the Company. Such distributions and constructive distributions normally will be characterized as long-term capital gain.
Depreciation Deductions Available to Partnerships. The initial tax basis of property is the amount of cash and the basis of property given as consideration for the property. The Partnership’s initial basis in contributed properties acquired in exchange for units of the Partnership should be the same as the transferor’s basis in such properties on the date of acquisition. Although the law is not entirely clear, the Partnership generally will depreciate such property for U.S. federal income tax purposes over the same remaining useful lives and under the same methods used by the transferors. The Partnership’s tax depreciation deductions will be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective interests in the Partnership, except to the extent that the Partnership is required under the U.S. federal income tax laws governing partnership allocations to use another method for allocating tax depreciation deductions attributable to contributed or revalued properties, which could result in the Company receiving a disproportionate share of such deductions.
Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs
This discussion is based upon the provision of the Code, the Treasury Regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as of the date thereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences (including applicable tax rates) different from those summarized herein. The Company cannot give you any assurances as to whether, or in what form, any proposals affecting REITs or their holders will be enacted. Changes to the U.S. federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect an investment in the Company’s stock. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect of potential changes to the U.S. federal tax laws and on an investment in our stock.
State, Local and Foreign Taxes
The Company and/or you may be subject to taxation by various states, localities and foreign jurisdictions, including those in which the Company or a holder transacts business, owns property or resides. The state, local and foreign tax treatment may differ from the U.S. federal income tax treatment described above. Consequently, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws upon an investment in our stock.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) and (2). Financial Statement and Schedules of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB Auditor ID 42)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:
1. Business and Organization
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3. Loans and Preferred Equity Held for Investment, net
4. Real Estate Securities
5. Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale
6. Deferred Leasing Costs and Other Intangibles
7. Restricted Cash, Other Assets and Accrued and Other Liabilities
8. Debt
9. Related Party Arrangements
10. Equity-Based Compensation
11. Stockholders’ Equity
12. Noncontrolling Interests
13. Fair Value
14. Derivatives
15. Income Taxes
16. Commitment and Contingencies
17. Segment Reporting
18. Earnings Per Share
19. Restructuring Charges
20. Subsequent Events
Schedule III Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2023
Schedule IV Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2023
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(a)(3) Exhibits
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of BrightSpire Capital, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BrightSpire Capital, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 21, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosures to which it relates.
Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) reserve
Description of the Matter
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s loans and preferred equity held for investment portfolio and the associated current expected credit loss reserve totaled $2.9 billion and $76.0 million, respectively. As described in Note 2, the Company’s CECL reserve is an estimate of the total expected credit loss over the expected life of the loan or preferred equity investment. In measuring the CECL reserve for instruments that share similar risk characteristics, management primarily utilizes a probability of default/ loss given default model which considers internal or external information relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, and loan-specific characteristics including the loan to value ratio based on the fair value of the collateral, the financial performance of the borrower, expected payments of principal and interest (“general CECL reserve”). The Company also considers qualitative factors in its determination of the general CECL reserves. When management determines that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest on an individual instrument, the Company records a reserve to reduce the carrying value of the instrument to the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the instrument’s effective rate or to the fair value of the collateral (“specific CECL reserve”) using a discounted cash flow methodology.
Auditing the CECL reserve was especially subjective due to the complexity of the models and the judgmental nature of the significant assumptions used in the determination of management’s estimates, including certain macro-economic variables, fair value of the collateral and market-based assumptions, including rents, capitalization rates, and discount rates. These assumptions have a significant effect on the CECL reserve.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s processes to estimate the CECL reserve on its loans and preferred equity held for investment, including management’s review of the significant assumptions described above, the completeness and accuracy of key inputs used in both the general CECL reserve model and discounted cash flow model utilized to estimate the specific CECL reserve.
To test the general CECL reserve, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the appropriateness of the methodology, model, and significant assumptions described above and testing the completeness and accuracy of the data used. With the assistance of our internal specialists and other professionals, we evaluated the appropriateness of the probability of default and loss given default methodology used to estimate the general CECL reserve and assessed the underlying macroeconomic variables used in the model. We reviewed the sensitivity analyses prepared by management and compared management’s significant assumptions to relevant information from external sources. For a sample of loans, we involved our internal real estate valuation professionals to assist us in performing procedures to corroborate the reasonableness of the inputs of fair values and net operating income of the underlying collateral utilized in developing the general CECL reserve. We also evaluated the reasonableness of qualitative adjustments made by management based on the fair values of the underlying collateral. For all specific CECL reserves, with the assistance of our internal specialists, we reviewed the methodology and significant market-based assumptions, as described above, used to derive management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
New York, New York
February 21, 2024
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 257,506 $ 306,320
Restricted cash 104,583 92,508
Loans and preferred equity held for investment 2,936,506 3,574,989
Current expected credit loss reserve (76,028) (106,247)
Loans and preferred equity held for investment, net 2,860,478 3,468,742
Real estate, net 807,985 732,468
Receivables, net 41,451 40,698
Deferred leasing costs and intangible assets, net 58,971 53,980
Assets held for sale 19,600 -
Other assets 47,680 55,673
Total assets $ 4,198,254 $ 4,750,389
Liabilities
Securitization bonds payable, net $ 912,545 $ 1,167,600
Mortgage and other notes payable, net 650,293 656,468
Credit facilities 1,152,723 1,339,993
Accrued and other liabilities 85,501 87,633
Intangible liabilities, net 4,138 4,839
Escrow deposits payable 88,603 79,055
Dividends payable 25,985 25,777
Total liabilities $ 2,919,788 $ 3,361,365
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Equity
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
- -
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share
Class A, 950,000,000 shares authorized, 129,985,107 and 128,872,471 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
1,300 1,289
Additional paid-in capital 2,864,883 2,853,723
Accumulated deficit (1,586,292) (1,466,568)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,556) (676)
Total stockholders’ equity 1,277,335 1,387,768
Noncontrolling interests in investment entities 1,131 1,256
Total equity 1,278,466 1,389,024
Total liabilities and equity $ 4,198,254 $ 4,750,389
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in Thousands)
The following table presents assets and liabilities of securitization vehicles and certain real estate properties that have noncontrolling interests as variable interest entities for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary.
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,380 $ 5,163
Restricted cash 7,023 7,831
Loans and preferred equity held for investment, net 1,170,034 1,444,398
Real estate, net 166,616 167,821
Receivables, net 11,731 11,869
Deferred leasing costs and intangible assets, net 7,753 10,956
Other assets 20,250 21,977
Total assets $ 1,388,787 $ 1,670,015
Liabilities
Securitization bonds payable, net $ 912,545 $ 1,167,600
Mortgage and other notes payable, net 170,412 173,960
Accrued and other liabilities 5,239 5,026
Intangible liabilities, net 3,460 4,839
Escrow deposits payable 927 2,366
Total liabilities $ 1,092,583 $ 1,353,791
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net interest income
Interest income $ 298,702 $ 236,181 $ 168,845
Interest expense (173,309) (111,806) (55,484)
Interest income on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts - 32,163 51,609
Interest expense on mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts - (29,434) (45,460)
Net interest income 125,393 127,104 119,510
Property and other income
Property operating income 93,403 90,191 102,634
Other income 13,921 6,058 2,333
Total property and other income 107,324 96,249 104,967
Expenses
Management fee expense - - 9,596
Property operating expense 26,640 24,222 30,286
Transaction, investment and servicing expense 2,499 3,434 4,556
Interest expense on real estate 25,909 28,717 32,278
Depreciation and amortization 33,504 34,099 36,399
Increase (decrease) of current expected credit loss reserve 108,149 70,635 (1,432)
Impairment of operating real estate 7,590 - -
Compensation and benefits (including $14,056, $7,888 and $14,030 of equity-based compensation expense, respectively)
39,501 33,031 32,143
Operating expense 13,150 14,641 17,868
Restructuring charges - - 109,321
Total expenses 256,942 208,779 271,015
Other income (loss)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - 854 41,904
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - (854) (36,623)
Other gain, net 613 34,630 74,067
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures and income taxes (23,612) 49,204 32,810
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures 9,055 25 (131,115)
Income tax expense (1,062) (2,440) (6,276)
Net income (loss) (15,619) 46,789 (104,581)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Investment entities 70 12 1,732
Operating Partnership - (1,013) 1,803
Net income (loss) attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders $ (15,549) $ 45,788 $ (101,046)
Net income (loss) per common share - basic (Note 18)
$ (0.12) $ 0.35 $ (0.79)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted (Note 18)
$ (0.12) $ 0.34 $ (0.79)
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - basic (Note 18)
127,060 127,302 128,496
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding - diluted (Note 18)
127,060 129,300 128,496
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) $ (15,619) $ 46,789 $ (104,581)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Unrealized loss on real estate securities, available for sale - - (200)
Change in fair value of net investment hedges - - (29,927)
Foreign currency translation loss (1,880) (9,300) (17,294)
Total other comprehensive loss (1,880) (9,300) (47,421)
Comprehensive income (loss) (17,499) 37,489 (152,002)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Investment entities 70 12 1,732
Operating Partnership - (1,175) 3,100
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ (17,429) $ 36,326 $ (147,170)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in Thousands)
Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit) Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Total
Stockholders’
Equity Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership Total
Equity
Class A
Shares Amount
Balance as of December 31, 2020 128,565 $ 1,286 $ 2,844,023 $ (1,234,224) $ 54,588 $ 1,665,673 $ 253,225 $ 39,780 $ 1,958,678
Contributions - - - - - - 5,845 - 5,845
Distributions - - - - - - (255,545) - (255,545)
Issuance and amortization of equity-based compensation 1,471 14 14,016 - - 14,030 - - 14,030
Other comprehensive loss - - - - (45,802) (45,802) (321) (1,298) (47,421)
Dividends and distributions declared ($0.58 per share)
- - - (75,292) - (75,292) - (1,784) (77,076)
Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested stock awards (267) (2) (2,613) - - (2,615) - - (2,615)
Reallocation of equity - - 340 - - 340 - (340) -
Net loss - - - (101,046) - (101,046) (1,732) (1,803) (104,581)
Balance as of December 31, 2021 129,769 $ 1,298 $ 2,855,766 $ (1,410,562) $ 8,786 $ 1,455,288 $ 1,472 $ 34,555 $ 1,491,315
Distributions - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (204) $ - $ (204)
Issuance and amortization of equity-based compensation 1,524 16 7,872 - - 7,888 - - 7,888
Repurchase of common stock (2,181) (22) (18,298) - - (18,320) - - (18,320)
Share forfeitures (92) - - - - - - - -
Other comprehensive income (loss) - - - - (9,462) (9,462) - 162 (9,300)
Dividends and distributions declared ($0.79 per share)
- - - (101,794) - (101,794) - (584) (102,378)
Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested stock awards (148) (3) (1,252) - - (1,255) - - (1,255)
OP redemption - - 9,648 - - 9,648 - (35,159) (25,511)
Reallocation of equity - - (13) - - (13) - 13 -
Net income (loss) - - - 45,788 - 45,788 (12) 1,013 46,789
Balance as of December 31, 2022 128,872 $ 1,289 $ 2,853,723 $ (1,466,568) $ (676) $ 1,387,768 $ 1,256 $ - $ 1,389,024
Distributions - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ (55) $ - $ (55)
Issuance and amortization of equity-based compensation 1,620 16 14,040 - - 14,056 - - 14,056
Share forfeitures (54) - - - - - - - -
Other comprehensive loss - - - - (1,880) (1,880) - - (1,880)
Dividends and distributions declared ($0.80 per share)
- - - (104,175) - (104,175) - - (104,175)
Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested stock awards (453) (5) (2,880) - - (2,885) - - (2,885)
Net loss - - - (15,549) - (15,549) (70) - (15,619)
Balance as of December 31, 2023 129,985 $ 1,300 $ 2,864,883 $ (1,586,292) $ (2,556) $ 1,277,335 $ 1,131 $ - $ 1,278,466
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (15,619) $ 46,789 $ (104,581)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated ventures - (25) 131,115
Depreciation and amortization 33,504 34,099 36,399
Straight-line rental income (2,135) (1,649) (2,601)
Amortization of (above) below market lease values, net (127) (364) (98)
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount and fees on investments and borrowings, net (10,985) (13,887) (6,706)
Amortization of deferred financing costs 10,689 10,742 12,316
Amortization of right-of-use lease assets and operating lease liabilities 107 499 104
Paid-in-kind interest added to loan principal, net of interest received (5,022) 3,907 (4,818)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - (854) (41,904)
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - 854 36,623
Realized loss on securities from write-down to fair value - - 990
Realized gain on sale of real estate securities, available for sale - - (1,331)
Designated hedges and foreign currency translation reclassified to earnings - - (30,497)
Realized gain on sale of real estate - (10,632) (11,911)
Increase (decrease) of current expected credit loss reserve 108,149 70,858 (1,432)
Impairment of operating real estate 7,590 - -
Amortization of equity-based compensation 14,056 7,888 14,016
Mortgage notes (above) below market value amortization (1,533) 140 117
Realized gain on sales of unconsolidated ventures - (21,900) (25,451)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (1,040) (2,047) (85)
Other (gain) loss, net 1,438 3,587 (1,647)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net 1,512 (3,069) (1,202)
Deferred costs and other assets 189 5,151 (3,721)
Due to related party - - (10,059)
Other liabilities (3,149) (4,810) (4,906)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 137,624 125,277 (21,270)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition, origination and funding of loans held for investment, net (77,203) (972,113) (1,758,090)
Repayment on loans held for investment 455,928 909,820 485,411
Proceeds from sale of real estate - 55,600 332,003
Acquisition of and additions to real estate, related intangibles and leasing commissions (7,056) (3,965) (9,923)
Investments in unconsolidated ventures - - (11,953)
Proceeds from sale of investments in unconsolidated ventures - 38,100 198,353
Distributions in excess of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated ventures 784 1,370 47,587
Repayment of real estate securities, available for sale, from sales - - 10,223
Repayment of real estate securities, available for sale, from cost recovery - - 310
Repayment of principal in mortgage loans held in securitization trusts - 18,660 78,907
Proceeds from sale of beneficial interests of securitization trusts - 36,154 28,662
Net receipts on settlement of derivative instruments - - 6,351
Cash received related to foreclosure of loans held for investment 2,160 - -
Change in escrow deposits payable 9,547 5,711 36,370
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 384,160 89,337 (555,789)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distributions paid on common stock (103,951) (99,391) (51,916)
Distributions paid on common stock to noncontrolling interests - (1,138) (1,221)
Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested stock awards (2,885) (1,255) (2,613)
Repurchase of common stock - (18,320) -
Redemption of OP units - (25,383) -
Borrowings from mortgage notes 34,466 - 7,196
Repayment of mortgage notes (33,931) (85,193) (266,596)
Borrowings from credit facilities 133,145 771,478 1,325,237
Repayment of credit facilities (320,562) (336,785) (955,292)
Borrowing from securitization bonds - - 670,000
Repayment of securitization bonds (258,789) (337,707) -
Repayment of mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts - (18,660) (78,907)
Payment of deferred financing costs (6,038) (8,892) (11,832)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests - - 5,845
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (55) (204) (255,545)
Forfeiture of stock awards - (1) -
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (558,600) (161,451) 384,356
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 77 (898) (764)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (36,739) 52,265 (193,467)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period 398,828 346,563 540,030
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period $ 362,089 $ 398,828 $ 346,563
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
(in Thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to consolidated balance sheets
Beginning of the period
Cash and cash equivalents $ 306,320 $ 259,722 $ 474,817
Restricted cash 92,508 86,841 65,213
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period $ 398,828 $ 346,563 $ 540,030
End of the period
Cash and cash equivalents $ 257,506 $ 306,320 $ 259,722
Restricted cash 104,583 92,508 86,841
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 362,089 $ 398,828 $ 346,563
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 190,051 $ 126,151 $ 76,262
Cash paid for income taxes, net $ 268 $ 595 $ 4,827
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Deconsolidation of securitization trust (VIE asset/liability reductions) $ - $ (649,377) $ (802,196)
Accrual of distribution payable 25,985 25,777 23,912
Assumption of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities related to real estate owned (2,782) - -
Assumption of real estate 122,472 - -
Settlement of loans held for investment, net by real estate, net and assets held for sale 137,600 - -
Right-of-use lease assets and operating lease liabilities - 3,271 5,435
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Business and Organization
BrightSpire Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) is a commercial real estate (“CRE”) credit real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused on originating, acquiring, financing and managing a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of CRE debt investments and net leased properties predominantly in the United States. CRE debt investments primarily consist of first mortgage loans, which the Company expects to be its primary investment strategy. Additionally, the Company may selectively originate mezzanine loans and make preferred equity investments, which may include profit participations. The mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments may be in conjunction with the Company’s origination of corresponding first mortgages on the same properties. Net leased properties consist of CRE properties with long-term leases to tenants on a net-lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance capital expenditures and real estate taxes. The Company will continue to target net leased equity investments on a selective basis.
The Company was organized in the state of Maryland on August 23, 2017 and maintains key offices in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The Company conducts all activities and holds substantially all assets and liabilities through the Company’s operating subsidiary, BrightSpire Capital Operating Company, LLC (the “OP”).
Trends Affecting the Business
Although global markets showed signs of stabilization and inflationary pressure may be moderating due to increased interest rates through the third quarter of 2023, CRE value uncertainties, aftershock of COVID-19 and geopolitical unrest continue to contribute to market volatility. Generationally high interest rates have continued to negatively impact transaction activity in the real estate market and correspondingly the loan financing market. To the extent certain of the Company’s borrowers are experiencing significant financial dislocation as a result of economic conditions, the Company has and may continue to use interest and other reserves and/or replenishment obligations of the borrower and/or guarantors to meet current interest payment obligations for a limited period. The market for office properties was particularly negatively impacted by COVID-19 and continues to experience headwinds driven by the normalization of work from home and hybrid work arrangements and elevated costs to operate or reconfigure office properties. These factors have largely resulted in lower demand for office space and driven rising vacancy rates. Given the uncertainty in the office market, there is risk of future valuation impairment or investment loss on our loans secured by office properties.
While macroeconomic conditions are expected to continue to normalize, the Company cannot predict whether they will in fact improve or even intensify. Due to the inherent uncertainty of these conditions, their impact on the Company’s business is difficult to predict and quantify.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies of the Company are described below. The accounting policies of the Company’s unconsolidated ventures are substantially similar to those of the Company.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The portions of equity, net income and other comprehensive income of consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the parent are presented separately as amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Restructuring Charges
On April 4, 2021, the Company entered into the termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with its former external manager (the “Manager”), a subsidiary of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (“DigitalBridge”) whereby its management agreement (the “Management Agreement”) terminated on April 30, 2021. The termination of the Management Agreement resulted in a material
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change in the management structure of the Company, and was accounted for under ASC 420, Exit or disposal cost obligations. The one-time payment made in April 2021 to the Manager under the Termination Agreement, and other associated costs, were recorded within restructuring charges on the consolidated statement of operations.
Principles of Consolidation
The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest by first considering if an entity meets the definition of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, or if the Company has the power to control an entity through a majority of voting interest or through other arrangements.
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities-A VIE is an entity that either (i) lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; (ii) whose equity holders lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; or (iii) is established with non-substantive voting rights. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE through (a) power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.
Voting Interest Entities-Unlike VIEs, voting interest entities have sufficient equity to finance their activities and equity investors exhibit the characteristics of a controlling financial interest through their voting rights. The Company consolidates such entities when it has the power to control these entities through ownership of a majority of the entities’ voting interests or through other arrangements.
At each reporting period, the Company reassesses whether changes in facts and circumstances cause a change in the status of an entity as a VIE or voting interest entity, and/or a change in the Company’s consolidation assessment.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has identified certain consolidated VIEs. Assets of each of the VIEs, other than the OP, may only be used to settle obligations of the respective VIE. Creditors of each of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of the Company.
Consolidated VIEs
Consolidated VIEs include the Investing VIEs (as defined and discussed below) and certain operating real estate properties that have noncontrolling interests. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the noncontrolling interests in the operating real estate properties represent third party joint venture partners with ownership ranging from 5.0% to 11.0%. These noncontrolling interests do not have substantive kick-out nor participating rights.
Investing VIEs
The Company’s previous investments in securitization financing entities (“Investing VIEs”) included subordinate first-loss tranches of securitization trusts, which represented interests in such VIEs. As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not hold any tranches of any securitization trusts, with the exception of its securitization bonds payable, net. Refer to Note 8, “Debt” for further discussion. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold its remaining subordinate tranches of a securitization trust in one Investing VIE for which it had determined it was the primary beneficiary because it had the power to direct the activities that most significantly impacted the economic performance of the securitization trust. The Company’s subordinate tranches of the securitization trust, which represented the retained interest and related interest income, were eliminated in consolidation.
Interest income and interest expense associated with the Investing VIE are presented separately on the consolidated statements of operations.
Unconsolidated VIEs
As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not hold, and had no remaining obligations to, any unconsolidated VIEs. As of December 31, 2022, the Company held one investment which had no carrying value in an unconsolidated VIE to which the Company did not provide financial support during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The maximum exposure to loss of investments in unconsolidated ventures was determined as the carrying value plus any future funding commitments.
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Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities-This represents interests in consolidated investment entities held by third party joint venture partners.
Allocation of net income or loss is generally based upon relative ownership interests held by equity owners in each investment entity, or based upon contractual arrangements that may provide for disproportionate allocation of economic returns among equity interests, including using a hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) basis, where applicable and substantive. HLBV uses a balance sheet approach, which measures each party’s capital account at the end of a period assuming that the subsidiary was liquidated or sold at book value. Each party’s share of the subsidiary’s earnings or loss is calculated by measuring the change in the party’s capital account from the beginning of the period in question to the end of period, adjusting for effects of distributions and new investments.
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership-Prior to the May 2022 redemption of the noncontrolling interests in the OP held by third parties, noncontrolling interests in the OP were allocated a share of net income or loss in the OP based on their weighted average ownership interest in the OP during the period. Noncontrolling interests in the OP had the right to require the OP to redeem part or all of the membership units in the OP for cash based on the market value of an equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock at the time of redemption, or at the Company’s election as managing member of the OP, through the issuance of shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. At the end of each reporting period, noncontrolling interests in the OP were adjusted to reflect their ownership percentage in the OP at the end of the period, through a reallocation between controlling and noncontrolling interests in the OP, as applicable.
There are no noncontrolling interests in the OP and the OP is owned by the Company directly, and indirectly through the Company’s subsidiary, BRSP-T Partner, LLC.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company reports consolidated comprehensive income (loss) in separate statements following the consolidated statements of operations. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity resulting from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (“OCI”). The components of OCI include unrealized gain (loss) on CRE debt securities available for sale for which the fair value option was not elected, gain (loss) on derivative instruments used in the Company’s risk management activities used for economic hedging purposes (“designated hedges”), and gain (loss) on foreign currency translation.
Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is based on an exit price, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Where appropriate, the Company makes adjustments to estimated fair values to appropriately reflect counterparty credit risk as well as the Company’s own creditworthiness.
The estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities are categorized into a three-tier hierarchy, prioritized based on the level of transparency in inputs used in the valuation techniques, as follows:
Level 1-Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2-Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in non-active markets, or valuation techniques utilizing inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable data directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3-At least one assumption or input is unobservable and it is significant to the fair value measurement, requiring significant management judgment or estimate.
Where the inputs used to measure the fair value of a financial instrument fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the financial instrument is categorized within the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement.
Fair Value Option
The fair value option provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial instruments. Gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. The fair value option may be elected only upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including when the Company enters into an eligible firm
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commitment, at initial recognition of the financial instrument, as well as upon a business combination or consolidation of a subsidiary. The election is irrevocable unless a new election event occurs.
Business Combinations
Definition of a Business-The Company evaluates each purchase transaction to determine whether the acquired assets meet the definition of a business. If substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. If not, for an acquisition to be considered a business, it would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e., there is a continuation of revenue before and after the transaction). A substantive process is not ancillary or minor, cannot be replaced without significant costs, effort or delay or is otherwise considered unique or scarce. To qualify as a business without outputs, the acquired assets would require an organized workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience that performs a substantive process.
Asset Acquisitions-For acquisitions that are not deemed to be businesses, the assets acquired are recognized based on their cost to the Company as the acquirer and no gain or loss is recognized. The cost of assets acquired in a group is allocated to individual assets within the group based on their relative fair values and does not give rise to goodwill. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of assets are included in the cost basis of the assets acquired. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions.
Business Combinations-The Company accounts for acquisitions that qualify as business combinations by applying the acquisition method. Transaction costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company’s cash is held with major financial institutions. Certain cash account balances exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits of $250,000 per account and as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts in excess of the insurance limits. The Company monitors the financial stability of these financial institutions and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk in cash and cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists primarily of borrower escrow deposits, tenant escrow deposits and real estate capital expenditure reserves.
Loans and Preferred Equity Held for Investment
The Company originates and purchases loans and preferred equity held for investment. The accounting framework for loans and preferred equity held for investment depends on the Company’s strategy whether to hold or sell the loan or whether the loan was credit-impaired at the time of acquisition.
Loans and Preferred Equity Held for Investment
Loans and preferred equity that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for investment. Originated loans and preferred equity are recorded at amortized cost, or outstanding unpaid principal balance plus exit fees less net deferred loan fees. Net deferred loan fees include unamortized origination and other fees charged to the borrower less direct incremental loan origination costs incurred by the Company. Purchased loans and preferred equity are recorded at amortized cost, or unpaid principal balance plus purchase premium or less unamortized discount. Costs to purchase loans and preferred equity are expensed as incurred.
Interest Income-Interest income is recognized based upon contractual interest rate and unpaid principal balance of the loans and preferred equity investments. Net deferred loan fees on originated loans and preferred equity investments are deferred and amortized as adjustments to interest income over the expected life of the loans and preferred equity investments using the effective yield method. Premium or discount on purchased loans and preferred equity investments are amortized as adjustments to interest income over the expected life of the loans and preferred equity investments using the effective yield method. When a
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loan or preferred equity investment is prepaid, prepayment fees and any excess of proceeds over the carrying amount of the loan or preferred equity investment is recognized as additional interest income.
The Company has debt investments in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provision. Contractual PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the loan balance that is due at the end of the loan term, is generally recorded on an accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company will generally cease accruing PIK interest if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or management does not expect the borrower to be able to pay all principal and interest due.
Nonaccrual-Accrual of interest income is suspended on nonaccrual loans and preferred equity investments. Loans and preferred equity investments that are past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest, or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, are generally considered nonperforming and placed on nonaccrual status. Interest receivable is reversed against interest income when loans and preferred equity investments are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest collected is recognized on a cash basis by crediting income when received; or if ultimate collectability of loan and preferred equity principal is uncertain, interest collected is recognized using a cost recovery method by applying interest collected as a reduction to loan and preferred equity carrying value. Loans and preferred equity investments may be restored to accrual status when all principal and interest are current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest are reasonably assured.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans that the Company intends to sell or liquidate in the foreseeable future are classified as held for sale. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less disposal cost, with valuation changes recognized as impairment loss. Loans held for sale are not subject to Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) reserves. Net deferred loan origination fees and loan purchase premiums or discounts are deferred and capitalized as part of the carrying value of the held for sale loan until the loan is sold, therefore included in the periodic valuation adjustments based on lower of cost or fair value less disposal cost.
At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no loans classified as held for sale.
Operating Real Estate
Real Estate Acquisitions-Real estate acquired in acquisitions that are deemed to be business combinations is recorded at the fair values of the acquired components at the time of acquisition, allocated among land, buildings, improvements, equipment and lease-related tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities, including forgone leasing costs, in-place lease values and above- or below-market lease values and assumed debt, if any. Real estate acquired in acquisitions that are deemed to be asset acquisitions is recorded at the total value of consideration transferred, including transaction costs, and allocated to the acquired components based upon relative fair value. The estimated fair value of acquired land is derived from recent comparable sales of land and listings within the same local region based on available market data. The estimated fair value of acquired buildings and building improvements is derived from comparable sales, discounted cash flow analysis using market-based assumptions, or replacement cost, as appropriate. The fair value of site and tenant improvements is estimated based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information.
Real Estate Held for Investment
Real estate held for investment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Costs Capitalized or Expensed-Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for significant renovations that improve or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.
Depreciation-Real estate held for investment, other than land, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Real Estate Assets Term
Building (fee interest) 30 to 47 years
Building leasehold interests Lesser of remaining term of the lease or remaining life of the building
Building improvements Lesser of the useful life or remaining life of the building
Land improvements 1 to 15 years
Tenant improvements Lesser of the useful life or remaining term of the lease
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 2 to 9 years
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Impairment-The Company evaluates its real estate held for investment for impairment periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates real estate for impairment generally on an individual property basis. If an impairment indicator exists, the Company evaluates the undiscounted future net cash flows that are expected to be generated by the property, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual disposition of the property. If multiple outcomes are under consideration, the Company may apply a probability-weighted approach to the impairment analysis. Another key consideration in this assessment is the Company’s assumptions about the highest and best use of its real estate investments and its intent and ability to hold them for a reasonable period that would allow for the recovery of their carrying values. If such assumptions change and the Company shortens its expected hold period, this may result in the recognition of impairment losses. Based upon the analysis, if the carrying value of a property exceeds its undiscounted future net cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of the property over the estimated fair value of the property. In evaluating and/or measuring impairment, the Company considers, among other things, current and estimated future cash flows associated with each property, market information for each sub-market, including, where applicable, competition levels, foreclosure levels, leasing trends, occupancy trends, lease or room rates, and the market prices of similar properties recently sold or currently being offered for sale, and other quantitative and qualitative factors. See Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” and Note 13, “Fair Value” for further detail.
Real Estate Held for Sale
Real estate is classified as held for sale in the period when (i) management approves a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to usual and customary terms, (iii) a program is initiated to locate a buyer and actively market the asset for sale at a reasonable price, and (iv) completion of the sale is probable within one year. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less disposal cost, with any write-down to fair value less disposal cost recorded as an impairment loss. For any increase in fair value less disposal cost subsequent to classification as held for sale, the impairment loss may be reversed, but only up to the amount of cumulative loss previously recognized. Depreciation is not recorded on assets classified as held for sale. At the time a sale is consummated, the excess, if any, of sale price less selling costs over carrying value of the real estate is recognized as a gain.
If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell the real estate asset previously classified as held for sale, the real estate asset is reclassified as held for investment. Upon reclassification, the real estate asset is measured at the lower of (i) its carrying amount prior to classification as held for sale, adjusted for depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the real estate been continuously classified as held for investment, and (ii) its estimated fair value at the time the Company decides not to sell.
At December 31, 2023, the Company classified one property as held for sale. Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” and Note 13, “Fair Value” for further detail. At December 31, 2022, there were no properties held for sale.
Foreclosed Properties
The Company receives foreclosed properties in full or partial settlement of loans held for investment by taking legal title or physical possession of the properties. Foreclosed properties are generally recognized at the time the real estate is received at foreclosure sale or upon execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are initially measured at fair value. If the fair value of the property is lower than the carrying value of the loan, the difference is recognized as current expected credit loss reserves and the cumulative reserve on the loan is charged off. Fair value of foreclosed properties is generally based on a discounted cash flow, third party appraisals, broker price opinions, comparable sales or a combination thereof.
Real Estate Securities
The Company classifies its CRE securities investments as available for sale on the acquisition date, which are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. However, the Company has elected the fair value option for the assets and liabilities of its consolidated Investing VIEs, and as a result, any unrealized gains (losses) on the consolidated Investing VIEs are recorded in unrealized gain (loss) on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net in the consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold its retained investments in the subordinate tranches of a securitization trust. In connection with the sale, the Company deconsolidated the securitization trust and recognized a realized loss. Refer to Note 4, “Real Estate Securities” for further discussion.
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Impairment
CRE securities for which the fair value option is elected are not evaluated for impairment as any change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized losses on such securities are reclassified to realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trust, net as losses occur.
CRE securities for which the fair value option is not elected are evaluated for impairment quarterly. Impairment of a security is considered when the fair value is below the amortized cost basis, which is then further analyzed when: (i) the holder has the intent to sell the impaired security; (ii) it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. When a CRE security has been deemed impaired due to (i) or (ii) or (iii), the security is written down to its fair value and an impairment is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. In all other situations, the unrealized loss is bifurcated into: (a) the amount related to expected credit losses; and (b) the amount related to other factors in excess of expected credit losses. The portion of impairment related to expected credit losses is recognized as an allowance for credit losses. The remaining impairment related to other factors is recognized as a component of accumulated OCI in the consolidated statements of equity. CRE securities which are not high-credit quality are considered to have an impairment if the security has an unrealized loss and there has been an adverse change in expected cash flow. The amount of impairment is then bifurcated as discussed above.
Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures
A noncontrolling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using one of (i) equity method where applicable; (ii) fair value option if elected; (iii) fair value through earnings if fair value is readily determinable, including election of net asset value (“NAV”) practical expedient where applicable; or (iv) for equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the measurement alternative to measure at cost adjusted for any impairment and observable price changes, as applicable.
Fair value changes of equity method investments under the fair value option are recorded in earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures. Fair value changes of other equity investments, including adjustments for observable price changes under the measurement alternative, are recorded in other gain (loss), net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Equity Method Investments
The Company accounts for investments under the equity method of accounting if it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an entity, but does not have a controlling financial interest. The equity method investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted each period for capital contributions, distributions and the Company’s share of the entity’s net income or loss as well as other comprehensive income or loss. The Company’s share of net income or loss may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in an entity if the governing documents prescribe a substantive non-proportionate earnings allocation formula or a preferred return to certain investors. For certain equity method investments, the Company records its proportionate share of income on a one to three month lag. Distributions of operating profits from equity method investments are reported as operating activities, while distributions in excess of operating profits are reported as investing activities in the statement of cash flows under the cumulative earnings approach.
Impairment
Evaluation of impairment applies to equity method investments and equity investments under the measurement alternative. If indicators of impairment exist, the Company will first estimate the fair value of its investment. In assessing fair value, the Company generally considers, among others, the estimated fair value of the investee, which is based on significant assumptions including the estimated timing and probabilities of the future cash flows of the unconsolidated joint venture, utilizing discount rates and capitalization rates.
For investments under the measurement alternative, if carrying value of the investment exceeds its fair value, an impairment is deemed to have occurred.
For equity method investments, further consideration is made if a decrease in value of the investment is other-than-temporary to determine if impairment loss should be recognized. Assessment of Other Than Temporary Impairment involves management judgment, including, but not limited to, consideration of the investee’s financial condition, operating results, business prospects and creditworthiness, the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until recovery of its carrying value. If management is unable to reasonably assert that an impairment is temporary or believes that the Company may not fully recover the carrying value of its investment, then the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary.
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Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to their estimated fair value. Impairment loss is recorded in earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures for equity method investments and in other gain (loss), net for investments under the measurement alternative.
Identifiable Intangibles
In a business combination or asset acquisition, the Company may recognize identifiable intangibles that meet either or both the contractual-legal criterion or the separability criterion. Finite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful life in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the intangible is being consumed if readily determinable, such as based upon expected cash flows; otherwise, they are amortized on a straight-line basis. The useful life of all identified intangibles will be periodically reassessed and if useful life changes, the carrying amount of the intangible will be amortized prospectively over the revised useful life.
Lease Intangibles-Identifiable intangibles recognized in acquisitions of operating real estate properties generally include in-place leases, above- or below-market leases and deferred leasing costs, all of which have finite lives. In-place leases generate value over and above the tangible real estate because a property that is occupied with leased space is typically worth more than a vacant building without an operating lease contract in place. The estimated fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management’s assessment of costs avoided from having tenants in place, including lost rental income, rent concessions and tenant allowances or reimbursements, that hypothetically would be incurred to lease a vacant building to its actual existing occupancy level on the valuation date. The net amount recorded for acquired in-place leases is included in intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases. If an in-place lease is terminated, the unamortized portion is charged to depreciation and amortization expense.
The estimated fair value of the above- or below-market component of acquired leases represents the present value of the difference between contractual rents of acquired leases and market rents at the time of the acquisition for the remaining lease term, discounted for tenant credit risks. Above- or below-market operating lease values are amortized on a straight-line basis as a decrease or increase to rental income, respectively, over the applicable lease terms. This includes fixed rate renewal options in acquired leases that are below-market, which are amortized to decrease rental income over the renewal period. Above- or below-market ground lease obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis as a decrease or increase to rent expense, respectively, over the applicable lease terms. If the above- or below-market operating lease values or above- or below-market ground lease obligations are terminated, the unamortized portion of the lease intangibles are recorded in rental income or rent expense, respectively.
Deferred leasing costs represent management’s estimate of the avoided leasing commissions and legal fees associated with an existing in-place lease. The net amount is included in intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable lease.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Sale accounting for transfers of financial assets requires the transfer of an entire financial asset, a group of financial assets in its entirety or if a component of the financial asset is transferred, that the component meets the definition of a participating interest with characteristics that mirror the original financial asset.
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. If the Company has any continuing involvement, rights or obligations with the transferred financial asset (outside of standard representations and warranties), sale accounting requires that the transfer meets the following sale conditions: (1) the transferred asset has been legally isolated; (2) the transferee has the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred asset; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred asset through an agreement that provides for (a) both an entitlement and an obligation by the Company to repurchase or redeem the asset before its maturity, (b) the unilateral ability by the Company to reclaim the asset and a more than trivial benefit attributable to that ability, or (c) the transferee requiring the Company to repurchase the asset at a price so favorable to the transferee that it is probable the repurchase will occur.
If sale accounting is met, the transferred financial asset is removed from the balance sheet and a net gain or loss is recognized upon sale, taking into account any retained interests. Transfers of financial assets that do not meet the criteria for sale are accounted for as financing transactions, or secured borrowing, including the Company’s master repurchase facilities.
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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and included in other assets or accrued and other liabilities on a gross basis on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The accounting for changes in fair value of derivatives depends upon whether or not the Company has elected to designate the derivative in a hedging relationship and the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company has economic hedges that have not been designated for hedge accounting.
Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as accounting hedges are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in other gain (loss), net.
For designated accounting hedges, the relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the accounting hedges as well as the methods to assess the effectiveness of the derivative prospectively and retrospectively, are formally documented at inception. Hedge effectiveness relates to the amount by which the gain or loss on the designated derivative instrument exactly offsets the change in the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. If it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued.
Cash Flow Hedges-The Company uses interest rate caps and swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rate fluctuations in forecasted interest payments on floating rate debt. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, while hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in earnings. If the derivative in a cash flow hedge is terminated or the hedge designation is removed, related amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings.
Net Investment Hedges-The Company uses foreign currency hedges to protect the value of its net investments in foreign subsidiaries or equity method investees whose functional currencies are not U.S. dollars. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used as hedges of net investment in foreign operations, to the extent effective, are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
At the end of each quarter, the Company reassesses the effectiveness of its net investment hedges and as appropriate, designates the portion of the derivative notional amount that is in excess of the beginning balance of its net investments as undesignated hedges.
Release of accumulated other comprehensive income related to net investment hedges occurs upon losing a controlling financial interest in an investment or obtaining control over an equity method investment. Upon sale, complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, or partial sale of an equity method investment, the gain or loss on the related net investment hedge is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings. Refer to Note 14, “Derivatives” for further discussion on the Company’s derivative and hedging activity.
Financing Costs
Financing costs primarily include debt discounts and premiums as well as deferred financing costs. Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal and other third-party costs associated with obtaining financing. Costs related to revolving credit facilities are recorded in other assets and are amortized to interest expense using the straight-line basis over the term of the facility. Costs related to other borrowings are recorded net against the carrying value of such borrowings and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed to other gain (loss), net when the associated facility is repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not occur.
Revenue Recognition
Property Operating Income
Property operating income includes the following:
Rental Income-Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the non-cancellable term of the related lease which includes the effects of minimum rent increases and rent abatements under the lease. Rents received in advance are deferred.
When it is determined that the Company is the owner of tenant improvements, the cost to construct the tenant improvements, including costs paid for or reimbursed by the tenants, is capitalized. For tenant improvements owned by the Company, the
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
amount funded by or reimbursed by the tenants are recorded as deferred revenue, which is amortized on a straight-line basis as additional rental income over the term of the related lease. Rental income recognition commences when the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use and the tenant takes possession of the leased space.
When it is determined that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements, the Company’s contribution towards those improvements is recorded as a lease incentive, included in deferred leasing costs and intangible assets on the balance sheet, and amortized as a reduction to rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental income recognition commences when the tenant takes possession of the lease space.
Tenant Reimbursements-In net lease arrangements, the tenant is generally responsible for operating expenses related to the property, including real estate taxes, property insurance, maintenance, repairs and improvements. Costs reimbursable from tenants and other recoverable costs are recognized as revenue in the period the recoverable costs are incurred. When the Company is the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services for property operations and has discretion in selecting the supplier and retains credit risk, tenant reimbursement revenue and property operating expenses are presented on a gross basis in the statements of operations. For certain triple net leases where the lessee self-manages the property, hires its own service providers and retains credit risk for routine maintenance contracts, no reimbursement revenue and expense are recognized.
Hotel Operating Income-Hotel operating income includes room revenue, food and beverage sales and other ancillary services. Revenue is recognized upon occupancy of rooms, consummation of sales and provision of services.
Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the corresponding results of operations for such entities are translated using the average exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in stockholders’ equity. Upon sale, complete or substantially complete liquidation of a foreign subsidiary, or upon partial sale of a foreign equity method investment, the translation adjustment associated with the investment, or a proportionate share related to the portion of equity method investment sold, is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss into earnings.
Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the corresponding results of operations for such entities are remeasured using the average exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency remeasurement adjustments are recorded in other gain (loss), net on the consolidated statements of operations.
Disclosures of non-U.S. dollar amounts to be recorded in the future are translated using exchange rates in effect at the date of the most recent balance sheet presented.
Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-classified stock awards granted to executive officers and independent directors are based on the closing price of the Class A common stock on the grant date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards for restricted stock awards. For performance stock units (“PSUs”) the fair value is based on a Monte Carlo simulation as of the grant date and the expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the measurement period, except when certain performance metrics are achieved. See Note 10, “Equity-Based Compensation” for further discussion.
The compensation expense is adjusted for actual forfeitures upon occurrence. Equity-based compensation is classified within compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations.
Earnings Per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) using the two-class method. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings allocated to common shareholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings attributable to certain participating securities, if any, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and the effect of potentially dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. The two-class method is an allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
respective rights to receive dividends. The Company has certain share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends, which are considered participating securities for the purposes of computing EPS pursuant to the two-class method.
Income Taxes
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company elected to be taxed as a REIT beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2018. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the real estate qualification of sources of its income, the real estate composition and values of its assets, the amounts it distributes to stockholders and the diversity of ownership of its stock.
To the extent that the Company qualifies as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of its distributions to stockholders. The Company believes that all of the criteria to maintain the Company’s REIT qualification have been met for the applicable periods, but there can be no assurance that these criteria will continue to be met in subsequent periods. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, it would be subject to U.S. federal income tax and potential interest and penalties, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations and amounts available for distributions to its stockholders. The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties is to classify these amounts as a component of income tax expense, where applicable.
The Company may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, U.S. federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. The Company also holds an investment in Europe which is subject to tax in its local jurisdiction.
The Company made joint elections to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) which may be subject to taxation by U.S. federal, state and local authorities. In general, a TRS of the Company may perform non-customary services for tenants, hold assets that the Company cannot hold directly and engage in most real estate or non-real estate-related business.
Certain subsidiaries of the Company are subject to taxation by U.S. federal, state and local authorities for the periods presented. Income taxes are accounted for by the asset/liability approach in accordance with GAAP. Deferred taxes, if any, represent the expected future tax consequences when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. Such amounts arise from differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax laws and tax rates in the period during which such changes are enacted. A provision for income tax represents the total of income taxes paid or payable for the current period, plus the change in deferred taxes. Current and deferred taxes are recorded on the portion of earnings (losses) recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in TRSs. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated based on temporary differences between the Company’s GAAP consolidated financial statements and the U.S. federal, state and local tax basis of assets and liabilities as of the consolidated balance sheet date. The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets (e.g., net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards) and recognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers estimates of expected future taxable income, existing and projected book/tax differences, tax planning strategies available and the general and industry-specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently subjective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general economic environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset realizability, if any, are included in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.1 million, $2.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively.
Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) reserve
The CECL reserve for the Company’s financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans, loan commitments and trade receivables, represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. Factors considered by the Company when determining the CECL reserve include loan-specific characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, vintage year, loan term, property type, occupancy and geographic location, financial performance of the borrower, expected payments of principal and interest, as well as internal or external information relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The general CECL reserve is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist for multiple financial instruments. If similar risk characteristics do not exist, the Company measures the specific CECL reserve on an individual instrument basis. The determination of whether a particular financial instrument should be included in a pool can change over time. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics change, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to continue to keep the financial instrument in its existing pool or evaluate it individually.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In measuring the general CECL reserve for financial instruments that share similar risk characteristics, the Company primarily applies a probability of default (“PD”)/loss given default (“LGD”) model for instruments that are collectively assessed, whereby the CECL reserve is calculated as the product of PD, LGD and exposure at default. The Company’s model principally utilizes historical loss rates derived from a commercial mortgage-backed securities database with historical losses from 1998 through December 2023 provided by a third party, Trepp LLC, forecasting the loss parameters using a scenario-based statistical approach over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of twelve months, followed by a straight-line reversion period of twelve-months back to average historical losses.
For determining a specific CECL reserve, financial instruments are assessed outside of the PD/LGD model on an individual basis. This occurs when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest on the instrument. The Company records a reserve to reduce the carrying value of the instrument to the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the instrument’s effective rate or to the fair value of the collateral. The Company applies a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology to determine the fair value of the collateral where it is probable that the Company will foreclose or the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company’s assessment at the reporting date, and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Determining fair value of the collateral, including utilization of a practical expedient, may take into account a number of assumptions including, but not limited to, rents and cash flow projections, capitalization rates and discount rates. Such assumptions are generally based on current market conditions and are subject to economic and market uncertainties.
In connection with developing the CECL reserve for its loans held for investment, the Company determines the risk ranking of each loan and preferred equity as a key credit quality indicator. The risk rankings are based on a variety of factors, including, without limitation, underlying real estate performance and asset value, values of comparable properties, durability and quality of property cash flows, sponsor experience and financial wherewithal, and the existence of a risk-mitigating loan structure. Additional key considerations include loan-to-value ratios, debt service coverage ratios, loan structure, real estate and credit market dynamics, and risk of default or principal loss. Based on a five-point scale, the Company’s loans and preferred equity held for investment are rated “1” through “5,” from less risk to greater risk, and the ratings are updated quarterly. At the time of origination or purchase, loans and preferred equity held for investment are ranked as a “3” and will move accordingly going forward based on the ratings which are defined as follows:
1.Very Low Risk
2.Low Risk
3.Medium Risk
4.High Risk/Potential for Loss-A loan that has a high risk of realizing a principal loss.
5.Impaired/Loss Likely-A loan that has a very high risk of realizing a principal loss or has otherwise incurred a principal loss.
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company simplified its risk ranking definitions. The Company re-evaluated its risk rankings based on the simplified definitions and concluded that there was no impact to prior period risk rankings.
The Company also considers qualitative factors, including, but not limited to, economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, lending terms, volume and severity of past due loans, concentration of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations in its determination of the CECL reserve.
The Company has elected to not measure a CECL reserve for accrued interest receivable as it is reversed against interest income when a loan or preferred equity investment is placed on nonaccrual status. Loans and preferred equity investments are charged off when all or a portion of the principal amount is determined to be uncollectible.
Changes in the CECL reserve for the Company’s financial instruments are recorded in increase/decrease in current expected credit loss reserve on the consolidated statement of operations with a corresponding offset to the loans and preferred equity held for investment or as a component of other liabilities for future loan fundings recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. See Note 3, “Loans and Preferred Equity Held for Investment, net” for further detail.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2022
Credit Losses-In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminates the Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) model for
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
creditors that have adopted Topic 326, CECL. The general loan modification guidance in Subtopic 310-20 will apply to all loan modifications, including modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. ASU 2022-02 also requires entities within the scope of ASC 326 to provide vintage disclosures which show the gross writeoffs recorded in the current period by origination year. ASU No. 2022-02 is effective in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company adopted the TDR enhancements and new vintage disclosures under ASU 2022-02, and the impact was not material. Refer to Note 3, “Loans and Preferred Equity Held for Investment, net.”
Future Application of Accounting Standards
Segment Reporting-In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU provides updates to reportable segment disclosures, including enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. This ASU is effective beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of this guidance.
Income Tax Accounting-In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires public business entities to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance.
3. Loans and Preferred Equity Held for Investment, net
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s loans and preferred equity held for investment, net (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Unpaid Principal Balance Carrying
Value
Weighted Average Coupon(1)
Weighted Average Maturity in Years Unpaid Principal Balance Carrying
Value
Weighted Average Coupon(1)
Weighted Average Maturity in Years
Variable rate
Senior loans $ 1,646,722 $ 1,645,780 9.0 % 2.7 $ 1,981,973 $ 1,972,952 7.9 % 3.5
Securitized loans(2)
1,210,000 1,209,994 8.9 % 1.9 1,468,790 1,466,754 7.8 % 2.7
Mezzanine loans 12,330 12,450 16.4 % 0.3 12,000 12,120 15.4 % 0.0
2,869,052 2,868,224 3,462,763 3,451,826
Fixed rate
Mezzanine loans 68,334 68,282 10.9 % 2.4 100,765 100,666 12.2 % 2.6
Preferred equity interests - - - % 0.0 22,720 22,497 12.0 % 9.9
68,334 68,282 123,485 123,163
Loans held for investment 2,937,386 2,936,506 3,586,248 3,574,989
CECL reserve - (76,028) - (106,247)
Loans and preferred equity held for investment, net $ 2,937,386 $ 2,860,478 9.0 % 2.4 $ 3,586,248 $ 3,468,742 8.0 % 3.2
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(1)Calculated based on contractual interest rate. As of December 31, 2023, all variable rate loans utilize Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“Term SOFR”).
(2)Represents loans transferred into securitization trusts that are consolidated by the Company.
The Company had $15.9 million and $16.4 million of interest receivable related to its loans and preferred equity held for investment, net as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. This is included in receivables, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Activity relating to the Company’s loans and preferred equity held for investment, net was as follows (dollars in thousands):
Carrying Value
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Balance at January 1 $ 3,468,742 $ 3,449,009
Acquisitions/originations/additional funding 77,203 972,113
Loan maturities/principal repayments (455,928) (896,398)
Increase of CECL reserve(1)
(108,115) (70,900)
Discount accretion/premium amortization 10,985 13,887
Capitalized interest, net of repayments 5,022 (220)
Transfer to Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale(2)
(261,288) -
Charge-off of CECL reserve-transfer to Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale(2)
123,857 -
Charge-off of loan held for investment(3)
(14,477) -
Charge-off of CECL reserve-other(3)
14,477 1,251
Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 2,860,478 $ 3,468,742
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(1)Provision for loan losses excludes a de minimis amount for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 as determined by the Company’s PD/LGD model for unfunded commitments reported on the consolidated statement of operations, with a corresponding offset to accrued and other liabilities recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
(3)During the third quarter of 2023, the Company charged off one Mezzanine B Note (as defined below) which was deemed uncollectible relating to a multifamily property in Milpitas, California for $14.5 million and the Company charged off the related $14.5 million of CECL reserves.
Loan Modifications
The Company may amend or modify a loan depending on the loan’s specific facts and circumstances. These loan modifications typically include additional time for the borrower to refinance or sell the collateral property, adjustment or waiver of performance tests that are prerequisite to the extension of a loan’s maturity, and/or deferral of scheduled principal payments. In exchange for a modification, the Company may receive a partial repayment of principal, a short-term accrual of capitalized interest for a portion of interest due, a cash infusion to replenish interest or capital improvement reserves, termination of all or a portion of the remaining unfunded loan commitment, additional call protection, and/or increase the loan coupon.
During the second quarter of 2023, the Company amended and restructured a development mezzanine loan related to a multifamily property located in Milpitas, California (the “Development Mezzanine Loan”), bifurcating it into a $30.2 million Mezzanine A note (the “Mezzanine A Note”) and a $14.5 million Mezzanine B note (the “Mezzanine B Note”) to facilitate a new equity contribution from the borrower behind the Mezzanine A Note and ahead of the Mezzanine B Note. As part of the restructuring, the Company extended the terms of both the Mezzanine A Note and the Mezzanine B Note to be conterminous with the senior loan, which was extended to March 2025, with an additional one-year extension option to March 2026. Prior to the amendment, the Development Mezzanine Loan had a fixed interest rate of 13%. After the amendment, the Mezzanine A Note has a fixed interest rate of 10% and the Mezzanine B Note has a fixed interest rate of 12%. In connection with the amendment and restructuring of the Development Mezzanine Loan, the Company placed the Mezzanine B Note on nonaccrual status in April 2023 and recorded a $14.5 million specific CECL reserve during the first quarter of 2023. As of December, 2023, the amortized cost basis of the Mezzanine A Note was $32.6 million. During the third quarter of 2023, the Mezzanine B Note was charged off as the Company deemed this amount uncollectible.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company amended a Tualatin, Oregon senior loan with an outstanding principal balance of $39.4 million. The modification reduces the loan spread from 3.96% to 1.5%, and includes an exit fee upon repayment of the loan of 2.5% of the principal balance. The modification allows the sponsor to utilize tenant improvements and leasing commission funds for capital improvements such as rezoning the collateral for additional commercial uses, and exploring rezoning certain parcels for multifamily use. Additionally, the sponsor funded $0.3 million into a reserve to fund operating shortfalls.
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans and Preferred Equity
Loans and preferred equity that are 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest, or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, are generally considered nonperforming and placed on nonaccrual status.
The following table provides an aging summary of loans and preferred equity held for investment at carrying values before CECL reserve (dollars in thousands):
Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due(1)
30-59 Days Past Due(2)
60-89 Days Past Due 90 Days or More Past Due(3)
Total Loans and Preferred Equity
December 31, 2023 $ 2,936,506 $ - $ - $ - $ 2,936,506
December 31, 2022 3,494,437 68,432 - 12,120 3,574,989
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(1)At December 31, 2023, includes one Denver, Colorado multifamily senior loan which was placed on nonaccrual status on December 9, 2023 with a carrying value of $28.8 million.
(2)At December 31, 2022, represents the Long Island City, New York office senior loan which was in interest payment default and was placed on a nonaccrual status on September 9, 2022. In June 2023, this loan was foreclosed through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
(3)At December 31, 2022 represents the New York, New York Hotel mezzanine loan which was in maturity default as of March 2022.
Current Expected Credit Loss Reserve
The following table provides details on the changes in CECL reserves for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
CECL reserve at beginning of period $ 106,247 $ 36,598
Increase in general CECL reserve(1)
26,949 13,734
Increase in specific CECL reserve(2)(3)
81,166 57,166
Charge-offs of CECL reserve-transfer to Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale
(123,857) -
Charge-off of CECL reserve-other(3)
(14,477) (1,251)
CECL reserve at end of period $ 76,028 $ 106,247
_________________________________________
(1)Excludes a de minimis amount of CECL reserves related to unfunded commitments reported on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(2)For the year ended December 31, 2022, excludes $0.2 million related to additional proceeds received on one senior loan collateralized by a student housing property which was resolved in the first quarter of 2022.
(3)During the third quarter of 2023, the Company deemed the $14.5 million Mezzanine B Note uncollectible and charged off the related $14.5 million of specific CECL reserves. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company received a $36.5 million repayment on one senior loan collateralized by a student housing property, which was $1.3 million less than the unpaid principal balance. As such, during the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company had recorded a $1.3 million specific CECL reserve on the loan, as the loss was probable at that point in time and was subsequently charged off in the first quarter of 2022.
The following provides details on the Company’s loans that had specific CECL reserves during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Long Island City Office Senior Loans
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company recorded $57.2 million of specific CECL reserves related to two Long Island City, New York office senior loans. During the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded an additional $10.6 million of specific CECL reserves related to one Long Island City, New York office senior loan. The specific CECL reserves were based on the estimated fair value of the collateral using a discounted cash flow model, which included inputs based on the location,
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type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. Refer to Note 13, “Fair Value” for information on valuation inputs. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company acquired legal title through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure of the two Long Island City, New York office properties. The CECL reserves related to these properties were charged off and the net amount is reflected as an addition to real estate, net. Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
Washington, D.C. Office Senior Loan
During the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded specific CECL reserves of $29.9 million related to one Washington, D.C. office senior loan. During the third quarter of 2023, the Company recorded additional specific reserves of $4.8 million relating to this loan. The specific CECL reserve was based on the estimated fair value of the collateral using a discounted cash flow model, which included inputs based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company acquired legal title through a judicial foreclosure. Refer to Note 13, “Fair Value” for information on valuation inputs. The CECL reserves related to this property was charged off and the net amount is reflected as an addition to real estate, net. Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
Development Mezzanine Loan
During the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded specific CECL reserves of $14.5 million related to the Development Mezzanine Loan. The specific CECL reserve for the Development Mezzanine Loan was recorded in connection with the restructuring and modification of the loan in April 2023, which is collateralized by a multifamily property with a retail component. The specific CECL reserve was based on the estimated proceeds the Company expects to receive upon the resolution of the asset. Refer to Note 13, “Fair Value” for information on valuation inputs. During the third quarter of 2023, the Company deemed the $14.5 million Development Mezzanine Loan uncollectible and charged off the related $14.5 million of specific CECL reserves.
Oakland, CA Office Senior Loan
During the second quarter of 2023, the Company recorded specific CECL reserves of $10.9 million related to one Oakland, California office senior loan. The estimated fair value of the collateral was determined by using a discounted cash flow model, which included inputs based on the location, type and nature of property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. In July 2023, this property was acquired through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. The CECL reserves related to this property were charged off and the net amount is reflected as an addition to real estate, net. Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
Phoenix, AZ Multifamily Loan
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded specific CECL reserves of $10.0 million related to one Phoenix, Arizona multifamily property. The specific CECL reserve was based on the estimated fair value of the collateral using a discounted cash flow model, which included inputs based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. This property was acquired through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. The CECL reserves related to this property were charged off and the net amount is reflected as an addition to real estate, net. Refer to Note 5, “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
Credit Quality Monitoring
Loans are typically secured by direct senior priority liens on real estate properties or by interests in entities that directly own real estate properties, which serve as the primary source of cash for the payment of principal and interest. The Company evaluates its loans at least quarterly and differentiates the relative credit quality principally based on: (i) whether the borrower is currently paying contractual debt service in accordance with its contractual terms; and (ii) whether the Company believes the borrower will be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future, as well as the Company’s expectations as to the ultimate recovery of principal at maturity.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2023, all loans and preferred equity were performing in accordance with the contractual terms of their governing documents and were categorized as performing loans, except for the Denver, Colorado multifamily senior loan, as noted in “Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans and Preferred Equity” above. As of December 31, 2022, all loans and preferred equity were performing in accordance with the contractual terms of their governing documents and were categorized as performing loans, except for the New York, New York Hotel mezzanine loan and the Long Island City, New York Office senior loan, as noted in “Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans and Preferred Equity” above. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no debt investment contributed more than 10.0% of interest income.
The following tables provide a summary by carrying values before any CECL reserves of the Company’s loans and preferred equity held for investment by year of origination and credit quality risk ranking (dollars in thousands) as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands). Refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for loan risk ranking definitions.
At December 31, 2023, the weighted average risk ranking for loans and preferred equity held for investment was 3.2.
December 31, 2023
Year of Origination
Risk Rankings 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 and earlier Total
Senior loans
3 $ - $ 802,040 $ 1,014,128 $ 62,777 $ 519,328 $ 2,398,273
4 - 53,871 238,842 - 135,979 428,692
5 - 28,809 - - - 28,809
Total Senior loans - 884,720 1,252,970 62,777 655,307 2,855,774
Mezzanine loans
3 4,003 27,211 - - 49,518 80,732
Total Mezzanine loans 4,003 27,211 - - 49,518 80,732
Total Loans and preferred equity held for investment $ 4,003 $ 911,931 $ 1,252,970 $ 62,777 $ 704,825 $ 2,936,506
Gross write-offs $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 14,477 $ 14,477
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2022, the weighted average risk ranking for loans and preferred equity held for investment was 3.2.
December 31, 2022
Year of Origination
Risk Rankings 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 and Earlier Total
Senior loans
2 $ - $ 141,457 $ 42,710 $ 25,904 $ - $ 210,071
3 845,097 1,267,092 53,386 112,689 291,996 2,570,260
4 - 24,871 - 192,920 304,822 522,613
5 - - - 68,330 68,432 136,762
Total Senior loans 845,097 1,433,420 96,096 399,843 665,250 3,439,706
Mezzanine loans
3 24,056 - - - 4,459 28,515
4 - - - 72,151 - 72,151
5 - - - - 12,120 12,120
Total Mezzanine loans 24,056 - - 72,151 16,579 112,786
Preferred equity interests
3 22,497 - - - - 22,497
Total Preferred equity interests 22,497 - - - - 22,497
Total Loans and preferred equity held for investment $ 891,650 $ 1,433,420 $ 96,096 $ 471,994 $ 681,829 $ 3,574,989
Lending Commitments
The Company has lending commitments to borrowers pursuant to certain loan agreements in which the borrower may submit a request for funding contingent on achieving certain criteria, which must be approved by the Company as lender, such as leasing, performance of capital expenditures and construction in progress with an approved budget. Assuming the terms to qualify for future advances, if any, had been met, total gross unfunded lending commitments were $168.2 million and $263.4 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Refer to Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” for further details. The Company recorded $0.4 million and $0.4 million for allowance for lending commitments in accrued and other liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets in accordance with CECL at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further details.
4. Real Estate Securities
Investments in Investing VIEs
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not hold any assets or liabilities attributable to securitization trusts.
The Company did not generate net income attributable to investments in the subordinate tranches of securitization trusts for the year ended December 31, 2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company sold its retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust for $36.9 million in total proceeds. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded an unrealized gain of $0.9 million and realized loss of $0.9 million as the accumulated losses related to the retained investments were reversed. These amounts, when incurred, are recorded as unrealized and realized gain (loss) on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company also recorded a realized gain of $1.4 million as the sale proceeds from the transaction exceeded the GAAP book value of the Company’s retained investments at the time of sale. This amount, when incurred, is recorded as other gain (loss), net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company also deconsolidated the securitization trust with approximate gross assets and liabilities of $682.8 million and $646.6 million, respectively, which excludes accrued interest receivable and payable amounts of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized unrealized gains of $41.9 million and realized losses of $36.6 million. In the second quarter of 2021, the Company sold its retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust for $28.7 million in total proceeds. In connection with the sale, the Company recognized an unrealized gain of $19.5 million. The Company also recognized a realized loss of $19.5 million when the accumulated losses related to the retained investment were reversed and subsequently recorded to realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net. The Company deconsolidated the securitization trust with gross assets and liabilities of approximately $830.9 million and $802.2 million, respectively, which excludes accrued interest receivable and payable amounts of $3.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
The below table presents net income attributable to the Company’s common stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 generated from the Company’s investments in the subordinate tranches of securitization trusts (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2022 2021
Statement of Operations
Interest income on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts $ 32,163 $ 51,609
Interest expense on mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts (29,434) (45,460)
Net interest income 2,729 6,149
Operating expense (671) (1,308)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net 854 41,904
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net (854) (36,623)
Net income attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders $ 2,058 $ 10,122
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale
The following table presents the Company’s net lease portfolio, net, as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Land and improvements $ 127,003 $ 128,608
Buildings, building leaseholds, and improvements 498,291 505,297
Tenant improvements 19,145 17,851
Subtotal $ 644,439 $ 651,756
Less: Accumulated depreciation (103,468) (87,109)
Net lease portfolio, net $ 540,971 $ 564,647
The following table presents the Company’s portfolio of other real estate, net as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Land and improvements $ 68,433 $ 29,582
Buildings, building leaseholds, and improvements 217,554 152,186
Tenant improvements 27,668 18,757
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 1,204 135
Construction-in-progress 3,142 3,011
Subtotal $ 318,001 $ 203,671
Less: Accumulated depreciation (43,397) (35,850)
Less: Impairment(1)
(7,590) -
Other portfolio, net $ 267,014 $ 167,821
_________________________________________
(1) See Note 13, “Fair Value,” for discussion of impairment of real estate.
At December 31, 2023, the Company held four foreclosed properties in other real estate, net with a combined carrying value of $100.4 million and one foreclosed property as held for sale with a carry value of $19.6 million.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation expense on real estate was $24.7 million, $24.9 million and $25.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Property Operating Income
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 the components of property operating income were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Lease revenues
Minimum lease revenue $ 81,127 $ 77,270 $ 83,498
Variable lease revenue 12,149 10,992 9,815
$ 93,276 $ 88,262 $ 93,313
Hotel operating income - 1,566 9,200
Total property operating income(1)
$ 93,276 $ 89,828 $ 102,513
_________________________________________
(1)Excludes amortization expense related to above and below-market leases of $1.3 million and income of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively. Excludes amortization expense related to above and below-market leases of $1.0 million and income of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. Excludes amortization expense related to above and below-market leases of $1.3 million and income of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company had no single property with property operating income equal to or greater than 10.0% of total revenue of the Company.
Minimum Future Rents
Minimum rental amounts due under leases are generally either subject to scheduled fixed increases or adjustments. The following table presents approximate future minimum rental income under noncancellable operating leases, excluding variable lease revenue of tenant reimbursements, to be received over the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
2024 $ 84,560
2025 78,836
2026 71,758
2027 66,870
2028 57,927
2029 and thereafter 297,516
Total $ 657,467
The rental properties owned at December 31, 2023 are leased under noncancellable operating leases with current expirations ranging from 2024 to 2038, with certain tenant renewal rights. For certain properties, the tenants pay the Company, in addition to the contractual base rent, their pro rata share of real estate taxes and operating expenses. Certain lease agreements provide for periodic rental increases and others provide for increases based on the consumer price index.
Commitments and Contractual Obligations
Ground Lease Obligation
In connection with real estate acquisitions, the Company assumed certain noncancellable operating ground leases as lessee or sublessee with expiration dates through 2050. Rents on certain ground leases are paid directly by the tenants. Ground rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $3.1 million, $3.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
Refer to Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” for the details of future minimum rental payments on noncancellable ground lease on real estate as of December 31, 2023.
Real Estate Acquisitions
In the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company acquired legal title to four office properties and one multifamily property. In accordance with ASC 805, the Company allocated the fair value of the assumed assets and liabilities on the respective acquisition dates. Following the acquisitions, four properties are included in real estate, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. One property is classified as held for sale at December 31, 2023.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table summarizes the Company’s real estate acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Purchase Price Allocation
Acquisition Date Property Type and Location Number of Buildings/Units(1)
Purchase Price(2)
Land and Improvements(2)
Building and Improvements(2)
Furniture and Fixtures(2)
Lease Intangible Assets(2)
Other Assets Lease Intangible Liabilities(2)
Other Liabilities
Year Ended December 31, 2023
July Office - California(3)
1 $ 13,933 $ 5,718 $ 3,262 $ - $ 4,404 $ 922 $ (2) $ (371)
June Office - New York(3)
1 36,177 10,380 24,484 - 1,898 432 (528) (489)
June Office - New York(3)
1 36,922 14,786 15,958 - 6,867 876 (193) (1,372)
November Office - Washington D.C.(4)
1 19,600 - - - - - - -
December Multifamily - Arizona(3)
236 35,213 7,590 25,745 832 1,271 325 - (550)
$ 141,845 $ 38,474 $ 69,449 $ 832 $ 14,440 $ 2,555 $ (723) $ (2,782)
_________________________________________
(1) For office properties, represents number of buildings. For multifamily properties, represents number of units.
(2) Useful life of real estate acquired is 45 years for buildings, four to nine years for tenant improvements, four to nine years for furniture and fixtures, and three to 12 years for lease intangibles.
(3) Represents assets acquired by the Company through deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure.
(4) Represents an asset acquired through foreclosure and subsequently classified as held for sale. As such, no purchase price allocation was completed and purchase price represents the fair value of the property.
Impairment
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $7.6 million of impairment related to one of the New York office properties. The impairment was due to a reduction in the estimated holding period of the property and increased capital expenditures. The estimated fair value of the collateral was determined by using a discounted cash flow model. Refer to Note 13 “Fair Value” for further discussion.
Real Estate Held for Sale
The following table summarizes the Company’s assets held for sale related to real estate (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023
Assets
Real estate, net $ 19,600
Total assets held for sale $ 19,600
Upon acquisition of the Washington D.C. office through foreclosure in November 2023, the Company classified it as held for sale. The Company expects a sale to close during 2024. As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any properties held for sale.
Real Estate Sales
There were no sales during the year ended December 31, 2023.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed the sale of one net lease property for a gross sales price of $19.6 million which resulted in a $7.6 million gain on sale and is included in other gain, net on the consolidated statement of operations. The Company also sold one hotel property for a gross sales price of $36.0 million which resulted in a $2.4 million gain on sale and is included in other gain, net on the consolidated statement of operations.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. Deferred Leasing Costs and Other Intangibles
The Company’s deferred leasing costs, other intangible assets and intangible liabilities, excluding those related to assets held for sale, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023
Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Deferred Leasing Costs and Intangible Assets
In-place lease values $ 82,604 $ (41,509) $ 41,095
Deferred leasing costs 31,004 (18,571) 12,433
Above-market lease values 13,617 (8,174) 5,443
$ 127,225 $ (68,254) $ 58,971
Intangible Liabilities
Below-market lease values $ 16,798 $ (12,660) $ 4,138
December 31, 2022
Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount
Deferred Leasing Costs and Intangible Assets
In-place lease values $ 75,503 $ (35,805) $ 39,698
Deferred leasing costs 28,641 (15,843) 12,798
Above-market lease values 8,359 (6,875) 1,484
$ 112,503 $ (58,523) $ 53,980
Intangible Liabilities
Below-market lease values $ 16,074 $ (11,235) $ 4,839
The following table summarizes the amortization of deferred leasing costs, intangible assets and intangible liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Above-market lease values $ (1,291) $ (1,003) $ (1,271)
Below-market lease values 1,418 1,367 1,369
Net increase (decrease) to property operating income $ 127 $ 364 $ 98
In-place lease values $ 5,876 $ 5,976 $ 6,910
Deferred leasing costs 2,748 3,008 3,104
Other intangibles - - 172
Amortization expense $ 8,624 $ 8,984 $ 10,186
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table presents the amortization of deferred leasing costs, intangible assets and intangible liabilities, for each of the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 and thereafter Total
Above-market lease values $ (1,816) $ (1,590) $ (975) $ (368) $ (315) $ (379) $ (5,443)
Below-market lease values 1,459 1,458 785 81 81 274 4,138
Net increase (decrease) to property operating income $ (357) $ (132) $ (190) $ (287) $ (234) $ (105) $ (1,305)
In-place lease values $ 7,689 $ 5,514 $ 4,178 $ 3,465 $ 3,326 $ 16,923 $ 41,095
Deferred leasing costs 2,684 2,423 1,313 1,109 923 3,981 12,433
Amortization expense $ 10,373 $ 7,937 $ 5,491 $ 4,574 $ 4,249 $ 20,904 $ 53,528
7. Restricted Cash, Other Assets and Accrued and Other Liabilities
The following table presents a summary of restricted cash as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Restricted cash:
Borrower escrow deposits $ 88,603 $ 79,055
Capital expenditure reserves 10,534 8,623
Working capital and other reserves 2,396 2,145
Real estate escrow reserves 2,198 1,583
Tenant lockboxes 852 1,102
Total $ 104,583 $ 92,508
The following table presents a summary of other assets as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Other assets:
Right-of-use lease asset $ 22,094 $ 25,237
Tax receivable and deferred tax assets 16,634 19,117
Deferred financing costs, net - credit facilities 3,807 4,630
Prepaid expenses and other 2,730 2,053
Investments in unconsolidated ventures at fair value 2,251 3,035
Derivative assets 164 1,601
Total $ 47,680 $ 55,673
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table presents a summary of accrued and other liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Accrued and other liabilities:
Current and deferred tax liability $ 24,202 $ 26,198
Operating lease liability 22,926 25,961
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 17,569 15,087
Interest payable 11,324 11,680
Prepaid rent and unearned revenue 7,219 7,688
Tenant security deposits 1,617 411
Unfunded CECL loan allowance 425 389
Other 219 219
Total $ 85,501 $ 87,633
Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures at Fair Value
Private Funds
The Company elected to account for its indirect interests in real estate through real estate private equity funds (“PE Investments”), which interests ranged from 1.0% to 10.0% and 1.0% to 15.6% as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company records equity in earnings for these investments based on a change in fair value of its share of projected future cash flows.
Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company realized a one-time gain from its ratable share of dispute resolution proceeds of approximately $9.0 million from the senior mezzanine lender at the Company’s prior Los Angeles, California mixed-use project construction mezzanine loan and retained B-participation investment, which is recorded in equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the settlement, effective January 26, 2023, the Company has no further interest in the loan or investment. During the third quarter of 2021, the mixed-use project recorded fair value losses totaling $268.5 million. As a result, the Company recognized its proportionate share of fair value losses equaling $97.9 million during the third quarter of 2021, which is recorded in equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The loss write-down represented the Company’s remaining proportionate share in the investment. The mixed-use project did not recognize any interest income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company sold an equity method investment for a gross sales price of $38.1 million and recognized a realized gain of $21.9 million. The realized gain is included in other gain, net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
8. Debt
The following table presents debt as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Capacity ($) Recourse vs. Non-Recourse(1)
Final
Maturity Contractual
Interest Rate Principal
Amount(2)
Carrying Value(2)
Principal Amount(2)
Carrying Value(2)
Securitization bonds payable, net
CLNC 2019-FL1(3)
Non-recourse Aug-35 SOFR(4) + 2.17%
$ 312,337 $ 312,305 $ 502,717 $ 501,406
BRSP 2021-FL1(3)
Non-recourse Aug-38 SOFR(4) + 1.53%
601,590 600,240 670,000 666,194
Subtotal securitization bonds payable, net 913,927 912,545 1,172,717 1,167,600
Mortgage and other notes payable, net
Net lease 1 Non-recourse Sep-33 4.77% 200,000 198,871 200,000 198,778
Net lease 2(5)
Non-recourse Jun-25 3.91% 157,216 157,819 162,449 164,752
Net lease 3 Non-recourse Aug-26 4.08% 29,352 29,238 30,009 29,853
Net lease 4 Non-recourse Oct-27 4.45% 21,976 21,976 22,559 22,559
Net lease 5(6)
Non-recourse Nov-26 4.45% 17,082 16,869 17,486 17,200
Net lease 5(7)
Non-recourse Mar-28 4.38% 11,271 10,833 11,526 11,089
Net lease 6 Non-recourse Nov-26 4.45% 6,787 6,702 6,948 6,834
Net lease 7(8)
Non-recourse (8) (8) - - 432 424
Net lease 8 Non-recourse Nov-26 4.45% 3,146 3,107 3,220 3,168
Other real estate 1 Non-recourse Oct-24 4.47% 101,260 101,260 103,218 103,391
Other real estate 2 Non-recourse Jan-25 4.30% 69,315 69,152 70,870 70,569
Loan 1(9)
Non-recourse Jun-26 SOFR + 4.25%
34,466 34,466 27,851 27,851
Subtotal mortgage and other notes payable, net 651,871 650,293 656,568 656,468
Bank credit facility
Bank credit facility $ 165,000 Recourse Jan-27 (10)
SOFR + 2.25%
- - - -
Subtotal bank credit facility - - - -
Master repurchase facilities
Bank 1 600,000 Limited Recourse(11)
Apr-27(12)
SOFR + 2.13%
(13) 490,261 490,261 415,892 415,892
Bank 2 600,000 Limited Recourse(11)
Apr-26(14)
SOFR + 1.96%
(13) 261,753 261,753 351,539 351,539
Bank 3 400,000 (15) June-27(16)
SOFR + 1.74%
(13) 237,985 237,985 247,404 247,404
Bank 4 400,000 Limited Recourse(11)
July-27(17)
SOFR + 1.79%
(13) 162,724 162,724 220,054 220,054
Bank 5(18)
- Limited Recourse(11)
(18) (18) - - 105,104 105,104
Subtotal master repurchase facilities $ 2,000,000 1,152,723 1,152,723 1,339,993 1,339,993
Subtotal credit facilities 1,152,723 1,152,723 1,339,993 1,339,993
Total $ 2,718,521 $ 2,715,561 $ 3,169,278 $ 3,164,061
_________________________________________
(1)Subject to customary non-recourse carveouts.
(2)Difference between principal amount and carrying value of securitization bonds payable, net and mortgage and other notes payable, net is attributable to deferred financing costs, net and premium/discount on mortgage notes payable.
(3)The Company, through indirect Cayman subsidiaries, securitized commercial mortgage loans originated by the Company. Senior notes issued by the securitization trusts were generally sold to third parties and subordinated notes retained by the Company. These securitizations are accounted for as secured financing with the underlying mortgage loans pledged as collateral. Principal payments from underlying collateral loans must be applied to repay the notes until fully paid off, irrespective of the contractual maturities on the notes. Underlying collateral loans have initial terms of two to three years.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(4)As of June 17, 2021, the benchmark index interest rate for CLNC 2019-FL1 was converted from the one-month London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”) to Compounded Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points. As of February 19, 2022, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from Compounded SOFR to Term SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points, conforming with the indenture agreement. As of May 26, 2023, the benchmark index interest rate for BRSP 2021-FL1 was converted from LIBOR to Term SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points, conforming with the indenture agreement.
(5)As of December 31, 2023, the outstanding principal of the mortgage payable was NOK 1.6 billion, which translated to $157.2 million.
(6)Payment terms are periodic payment of principal and interest for debt on two properties and periodic payment of interest only with principal at maturity (except for principal repayments to release collateral properties disposed) for debt on one property.
(7)Represents a mortgage note collateralized by three properties.
(8)During the third quarter of 2023, the mortgage note payable related to Net Lease 7 was fully repaid.
(9)In June 2023, the Company completed a refinancing of Loan 1 which modified the interest rate to SOFR plus 4.25%. The current maturity of the note payable is June 2024, with two one-year extensions available at the Company’s option, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain customary conditions set forth in the governing documents.
(10)On January 28, 2022, the Company, through its subsidiaries, including the OP, entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Refer to “Bank Credit Facility” within this note for more details.
(11)Recourse solely with respect to 25.0% of the financed amount.
(12)The current maturity date is April 2025, with two one-year extension options, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain customary conditions set forth in the governing documents.
(13)Represents the weighted average spread as of December 31, 2023. The contractual interest rate depends upon asset type and characteristics and ranges from SOFR plus 1.50% to 2.75%.
(14)The current maturity date is April 2025, with a one-year extension available at the option of the Company, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain customary conditions set forth in the governing documents.
(15)Recourse is either 25.0% or 50.0% depending on loan metrics.
(16)The current maturity date is June 2025, with two one-year extensions available at the option of the Company, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain customary conditions set forth in the governing documents.
(17)The current maturity date is July 2024, with three one-year extension options, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain customary conditions set forth in the governing documents.
(18)Upon reaching the June 2023 contractual maturity date, the Company did not extend Bank 5 and thus no longer has capacity.
Future Minimum Principal Payments
The following table summarizes future scheduled minimum principal payments at December 31, 2023 based on initial maturity dates or extended maturity dates to the extent criteria are met and the extension option is at the borrower’s discretion (dollars in thousands):
Total Securitization Bonds Payable, Net Mortgage Notes Payable, Net Credit Facilities
2024 $ 103,476 $ - $ 103,476 $ -
2025 228,860 - 228,860 -
2026 350,790 - 89,037 261,753
2027 911,329 - 20,359 890,970
2028 10,139 - 10,139 -
2029 and thereafter 1,113,927 913,927 200,000 -
Total $ 2,718,521 $ 913,927 $ 651,871 $ 1,152,723
Bank Credit Facility
The Company uses bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities) to finance the business. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or more lenders. Credit facilities typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates.
On January 28, 2022, the OP (together with certain subsidiaries of the OP from time to time party thereto as borrowers, collectively, the “Borrowers”) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), and the several lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”), pursuant to which the Lenders agreed to provide a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $165.0 million, of which up to $25.0 million is available as letters of credit. Loans under the Credit Agreement may be advanced in U.S. dollars and certain foreign currencies, including euros, pounds sterling and swiss francs. The Credit Agreement amended and restated the OP’s prior $300.0 million revolving credit facility that would have matured on February 1, 2022.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Credit Agreement also includes an option for the Borrowers to increase the maximum available principal amount up to $300.0 million, subject to one or more new or existing Lenders agreeing to provide such additional loan commitments and satisfaction of other customary conditions.
Advances under the Credit Agreement accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to, at the applicable Borrower’s election, either (x) an adjusted SOFR rate plus a margin of 2.25%, or (y) a base rate equal to the highest of (i) the Wall Street Journal’s prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and (iii) the adjusted SOFR rate plus 1.00%, plus a margin of 1.25%. An unused commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% or 0.35%, per annum, depending on the amount of facility utilization, applies to un-utilized borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement. Amounts owed under the Credit Agreement may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs in the case of borrowings with respect to which a SOFR rate election is in effect.
The maximum amount available for borrowing at any time under the Credit Agreement is limited to a borrowing base valuation of certain investment assets, with the valuation of such investment assets generally determined according to a percentage of adjusted net book value. As of December 31, 2023, the borrowing base valuation is sufficient to permit borrowings of up to the entire $165.0 million. If any borrowing is outstanding for more than 180 days after its initial draw, the borrowing base valuation will be reduced by 50% until all outstanding borrowings are repaid in full. The ability to borrow new amounts under the Credit Agreement terminates on January 31, 2026, at which time the OP may, at its election and by written notice to the Administrative Agent, extend the termination date for two additional terms of six months each, subject to the terms and conditions in the Credit Agreement, resulting in a latest termination date of January 31, 2027.
The obligations of the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed pursuant to a Guarantee and Collateral Agreement by substantially all material wholly owned subsidiaries of the OP (the “Guarantors”) in favor of the Administrative Agent (the “Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) and, subject to certain exceptions, secured by a pledge of substantially all equity interests owned by the Borrowers and the Guarantors, as well as by a security interest in deposit accounts of the Borrowers and the Guarantors in which the proceeds of investment asset distributions are maintained.
The Credit Agreement contains various affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, the obligation of the Company to maintain REIT status and be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and limitations on debt, liens and restricted payments. In addition, the Credit Agreement includes the following financial covenants applicable to the OP and its consolidated subsidiaries: (a) minimum consolidated tangible net worth of the OP to be greater than or equal to the sum of (i) $1,112,000,000 and (ii) 70% of the net cash proceeds received by the OP from any offering of its common equity after September 30, 2021 and of the net cash proceeds from any offering by the Company of its common equity to the extent such proceeds are contributed to the OP, excluding any such proceeds that are contributed to the OP within ninety (90) days of receipt and applied to acquire capital stock of the OP; (b) the OP’s ratio of EBITDA plus lease expenses to fixed charges for any period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters to be not less than 1.50 to 1.00; (c) the OP’s minimum interest coverage ratio to be not less than 3.00 to 1.00; and (d) the OP’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total assets to be not more than 0.80 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement also includes customary events of default, including, among other things, failure to make payments when due, breach of covenants or representations, cross default to material indebtedness, material judgment defaults, bankruptcy matters involving any Borrower or any Guarantor and certain change of control events. The occurrence of an event of default will limit the ability of the OP and its subsidiaries to make distributions and may result in the termination of the credit facility, acceleration of repayment obligations and the exercise of remedies by the Lenders with respect to the collateral.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
Securitization Financing Transactions
Securitization bonds payable, net represent debt issued by securitization vehicles consolidated by the Company. Senior notes issued by these securitization trusts were generally sold to third parties and subordinated notes retained by the Company. Payments from underlying collateral loans must be applied to repay the notes until fully paid off, irrespective of the contractual maturities of the loans.
CLNC 2019-FL1
In October 2019, the Company executed a securitization transaction, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, CLNC 2019-FL1, Ltd. and CLNC 2019-FL1, LLC (collectively, “CLNC 2019-FL1”), which resulted in the sale of $840.4 million of investment grade notes. As of December 31, 2023, the securitization reflects an advance rate of 65.3% at a weighted average cost of funds of Adjusted Term SOFR plus 2.17% (before transaction expenses) and is collateralized by a pool of 14 senior loan investments.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
On March 5, 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority of the U.K. (the “FCA”) announced that LIBOR tenors relevant to CLNC 2019-FL1 would cease to be published or no longer be representative after June 30, 2023. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the “ARRC”) interpreted this announcement to constitute a benchmark transition event. As of June 17, 2021, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from LIBOR to compounded SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points with a lookback period equal to the number of calendar days in the applicable Interest Accrual Period plus two SOFR business days, conforming with the indenture agreement and recommendations from the ARRC. Compounded SOFR for any interest accrual period shall be the “30-Day Average SOFR” as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on each benchmark determination date.
As of February 19, 2022, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from Compounded SOFR to Term SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points, conforming with the indenture agreement. Term SOFR for any interest accrual period shall be the one-month CME Term SOFR Reference Rate as published by the CME Group Benchmark Administration on each benchmark determination date.
CLNC 2019-FL1 included a two-year reinvestment feature that allowed the Company to contribute existing or newly originated loan investments in exchange for proceeds from repayments or repurchases of loans held in CLNC 2019-FL1, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the indenture. The reinvestment period for CLNC 2019-FL1 expired on October 19, 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and through February 20, 2024, three loans held in CLNC 2019-FL1 were fully repaid and one loan was partially repaid totaling $149.2 million. Two loans held in CLNC 2019-FL1 were removed as a result of the loans becoming defaulted collateral interests, totaling $97.7 million. The Company exchanged/purchased the two defaulted collateral interests for substitute loan investments and cash equal to the par purchase price of the defaulted collateral interests. The proceeds from the repayments were used to amortize the securitization bonds in accordance with the securitization priority of repayments. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $478.4 million of unpaid principal balance of CRE debt investments financed with CLNC 2019-FL1.
Additionally, CLNC 2019-FL1 contains note protection tests that can be triggered as a result of contributed loan defaults, losses, and certain other events outlined in the indenture, beyond established thresholds. A note protection test failure that is not remedied can result in the redirection of interest proceeds from the below investment grade tranches to amortize the most senior outstanding tranche. The Company did not fail any note protection tests during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. While the Company continues to closely monitor all loan investments contributed to CLNC 2019-FL1, a deterioration in the performance of an underlying loan could negatively impact its liquidity position.
In the second quarter of 2023, the Company transitioned the CLNC 2019-FL1 mortgage assets to SOFR, eliminating the basis difference between CLNC 2019-FL1 assets and liabilities. The transition to SOFR did not have a material impact to CLNC 2019-FL1’s assets and liabilities and related interest expense.
BRSP 2021-FL1
In July 2021, the Company executed a securitization transaction through wholly-owned subsidiaries, BRSP 2021-FL1, Ltd. and BRSP 2021-FL1, LLC (collectively, “BRSP 2021-FL1”), which resulted in the sale of $670.0 million of investment grade notes.
As of May 26, 2023, the benchmark index interest rate was converted from LIBOR to Term SOFR, plus a benchmark adjustment of 11.448 basis points, pursuant to the indenture agreement. Term SOFR for any interest accrual period shall be the one-month CME Term SOFR reference rate as published by the CME Group benchmark administration on each benchmark determination date.
BRSP 2021-FL1 included a two-year reinvestment feature that allowed the Company to contribute existing or newly originated loan investments in exchange for proceeds from repayments or repurchases of loans held in BRSP 2021-FL1, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the indenture. The reinvestment period for BRSP 2021-FL1 expired on July 20, 2023. From January 1, 2023 through the reinvestment date of July 20, 2023, three loans held in BRSP 2021-FL1 were fully repaid, totaling $62.1 million. The Company replaced the repaid loans by contributing existing loan investments of equal value. Since the expiration of the reinvestment period on July 20, 2023 and through February 20, 2024, two loans held in BRSP 2021-FL1 were fully repaid and one loan was partially repaid, totaling $74.4 million. The proceeds from the repayment were used to amortize the securitization bonds in accordance with the securitization priority of repayments. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $731.6 million of unpaid principal balance of CRE debt investments financed with BRSP 2021-FL1. As of December 31, 2023, the securitization reflects an advance rate of 82.2% at a weighted average cost of funds of Term SOFR plus 1.53% (before transaction costs), and is collateralized by a pool of 26 senior loan investments.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Additionally, BRSP 2021-FL1 contains note protection tests that can be triggered as a result of contributed loan defaults, losses, and certain other events outlined in the indenture, beyond established thresholds. A note protection test failure that is not remedied can result in the redirection of interest proceeds from the below investment grade tranches to amortize the most senior outstanding tranche. The Company did not fail any note protection tests during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. While the Company continues to closely monitor all loan investments contributed to BRSP 2021-FL1, a deterioration in the performance of an underlying loan could negatively impact its liquidity position.
The Company evaluated the key terms in the collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) governing documents of the issuers of the CRE CLOs (“CRE CLO Issuers”), which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, to determine if they were VIEs and, if so, whether the Company was the primary beneficiary and therefore consolidate the CRE CLOs. The Company concluded that the CRE CLO Issuers are VIEs and the Company is the primary beneficiary because it has the ability to control the most significant activities of the CRE CLO Issuers, the obligation to absorb losses to the extent of its equity investments, and the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to these entities.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $1.2 billion carrying value of CRE debt investments and other assets financed with $913.9 million of securitization bonds payable, net. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $1.5 billion carrying value of CRE debt investments financed with $1.2 billion of securitization bonds payable, net.
Master Repurchase Facilities
As of December 31, 2023, the Company, through subsidiaries, had entered into repurchase agreements with multiple global financial institutions to provide an aggregate principal amount of up to $2.0 billion to finance the origination of first mortgage loans and senior loan participations secured by CRE debt investments (“Master Repurchase Facilities”). The Company agreed to guarantee certain obligations under the Master Repurchase Facilities, which contain representations, warranties, covenants, conditions precedent to funding, events of default and indemnities that are customary for agreements of this type. The Master Repurchase Facilities act as revolving loan facilities that can be paid down as assets are repaid or sold and re-drawn upon for new investments. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Master Repurchase Facilities.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $1.5 billion carrying value of CRE debt investments financed with $1.2 billion under the Master Repurchase Facilities. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $1.8 billion carrying value of CRE debt investments financed with $1.3 billion under the Master Repurchase Facilities.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had one counterparty with net exposure (collateral that exceeded amounts borrowed) totaling more than 10% of the Company’s total equity. The Company’s net exposure to Bank 1 was $188.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not hold any Master Repurchase Facilities where the collateral exceeded the amounts borrowed by more than 10% of the Company’s total equity.
9. Related Party Arrangements
The Company had no related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
On April 30, 2021, the Company completed the internalization of the Company’s management and operating functions and terminated its relationship with its Manager in accordance with the Termination Agreement (the “Internalization”). The Company paid the Manager a one-time termination fee of $102.3 million. The Company has not paid management or incentive fees to the Manager for any post-closing period.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, total management fee expense incurred was $9.6 million and the Company did not incur any incentive fees.
Following the Internalization on April 30, 2021, the Company no longer reimburses expenses incurred by the Manager. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the total reimbursements of expenses incurred by the Manager on behalf of the Company and reimbursable in accordance with the Management Agreement was $3.1 million and is included in operating expense on the consolidated statement of operations.
10. Equity-Based Compensation
On February 15, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 5, 2022, the stockholders approved, the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”), which was effective as of May 5, 2022 and amends and restates the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) to increase the total number of shares of the Class A common stock issuable by 10.0 million shares (subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of the 2022 Plan) and
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
extending the termination date to May 4, 2032. Awards may be granted under the 2022 Plan to (x) any employee, officer, director, consultant or advisor (who is a natural person) providing services to the Company, or its affiliates and (y) any other individual whose participation in the 2022 Plan is determined to be in the best interests of the Company. The following types of awards may be made under the 2022 Plan, subject to the limitations set forth in the plan: (i) stock options (which may be either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options); (ii) stock appreciation rights; (iii) restricted stock awards; (iv) stock units; (v) unrestricted stock awards; (vi) dividend equivalent rights; (vii) performance awards; (viii) annual cash incentive awards; (ix) long-term incentive units; and (x) other equity-based awards.
Shares subject to an award granted under the 2022 Plan will be counted against the maximum number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance thereunder as one share of Class A common stock for every one share of Class A common stock subject to such an award. Shares subject to an award granted under the 2022 Plan will again become available for issuance under the 2022 Plan if the award terminates by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance of such shares (except as set forth in the following sentence). The number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the 2022 Plan will not be increased by (i) any shares tendered or withheld in connection with the purchase of shares upon exercise of a stock option, (ii) any shares deducted or delivered in connection with the Company’s tax withholding obligations, or (iii) any shares purchased by the Company with proceeds from stock option exercises. Shares granted to non-independent directors, officers and employees, if applicable, generally vest ratably in three annual installments following the grant date.
On May 5, 2022, the Company granted 1,456,366 shares of Class A common stock to certain of its employees, including executive officers. Remaining one-third increments of such share grant will vest on March 15, 2024 and March 15, 2025.
On March 6, 2023, the Company granted 1,391,217 shares of Class A common stock to certain of its employees, including executive officers. The shares vest in one-third increments on March 15, 2024, March 15, 2025 and March 15, 2026.
On May 6, 2022, the Company granted 62,190 shares of Class A common stock to the independent directors of the Company which vested on May 6, 2023.
On May 17, 2023, the Company granted 93,285 shares of Class A common stock to the independent directors of the Company which vest on May 17, 2024.
Under the 2018 Plan, the Company granted 1,420,000 shares of Class A common stock to certain employees of its prior Manager during the year ended December 31, 2021. Some employees of the Company’s prior Manager became employees of the Company following the internalization of its management on April 30, 2021. The shares held by substantially all remaining employees of the Manager vested on that date. The remaining shares will vest on March 28, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company granted 48,293 shares of Class A common stock to the independent directors of the Company which vested on May 5, 2022.
Equity-Based Compensation Expense
In connection with the share grants, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $14.1 million, $7.9 million and $14.0 million within compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Restricted Stock-Restricted stock awards relating to the Company’s Class A common stock are granted to non-employee directors of the Company and generally vest within one year. Restricted stock awards are granted to certain employees of the Company, with a service condition only and are generally subject to annual time-based vesting in equal tranches over a three-year period. Restricted stock is entitled to dividends declared and paid on the Company’s Class A common stock and such dividends are not forfeitable prior to vesting of the award. Restricted stock awards are valued based on the Company’s Class A common stock price on grant date and equity-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite three-year service period.
Performance Stock Units (“PSU”)-PSUs are granted to certain employees of the Company and are subject to both a service condition and a performance condition. Following the end of the measurement period for the PSUs, the recipients of PSUs may be eligible to vest in all or a portion of PSUs granted, and be issued a number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, ranging from 0% to 200% of the number of PSUs granted and eligible to vest, to be determined based upon the performance of the Company’s Class A common stock relative to the Company’s GAAP book value at the end of a two-year measurement period for the 2021 PSU grant (the “2021 Grant”) or the Company’s total shareholder return relative to certain peer group companies at the end of a three-year measurement period for the 2023 PSU grant (the “2023 Grant”). PSUs also
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
contain dividend equivalent rights which entitle the recipients to a payment equal to the amount of dividends that would have been paid on the shares that are ultimately issued at the end of the measurement period.
Fair value of PSUs, including dividend equivalent rights, was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation, with the following assumptions.
2023 Grant
Expected volatility(1)
74.4 %
Risk free rate(2)
4.6 %
Expected dividend yield(3)
-
_________________________________________
(1)Based upon the Company’s historical stock volatility.
(2)Based upon the continuously compounded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury yield for the term coinciding with the measurement period of the award as of valuation date.
(3)Based upon award holders being entitled to dividends paid during the measurement period on any shares earned.
2021 Grant
Expected volatility(1)
86.6 %
Risk free rate(2)
0.1 %
Expected dividend yield(3)
-
_________________________________________
(1)Based upon the Company’s historical stock volatility.
(2)Based upon the continuously compounded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury yield for the term coinciding with the measurement period of the award as of valuation date.
(3)Based upon the dividend yield in place as of the grant date.
There were no PSUs granted for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Fair value of PSU awards, excluding dividend equivalent rights, is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over their measurement period as compensation expense, except when certain performance metrics are achieved. Following the completion of the measurement period for the 2021 Grant, the Company issued 136,000 shares of Class A common stock to certain of its employees in March 2023.
The table below summarizes the Company’s awards granted, forfeited or vested under the 2022 Plan during the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Restricted Stock PSUs Total Restricted Stock PSUs
Unvested shares at December 31, 2020 885,070 - 885,070 $ 15.56 $ -
Granted 1,468,293 276,000 1,744,293 8.36 11.96
Vested (871,269) (4,000) (875,269) 15.19 11.96
Unvested shares at December 31, 2021 1,482,094 272,000 1,754,094 $ 8.64 $ 11.96
Granted 1,524,482 - 1,524,482 8.59 -
Vested (605,422) - (605,422) 9.18 -
Forfeited (92,463) - (92,463) 8.48 -
Unvested shares at December 31, 2022 2,308,691 272,000 2,580,691 $ 8.47 $ 11.96
Granted 1,484,502 384,378 1,868,880 6.80 9.69
Vested (951,024) (136,000) (1,087,024) 8.43 11.96
Forfeited (54,362) (136,000) (190,362) 7.62 11.96
Unvested shares at December 31, 2023 2,787,807 384,378 3,172,185 $ 7.61 $ 9.69
Fair value of equity awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, determined based on their respective fair values at vesting date, was $5.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Fair value of granted awards is determined based on the closing price of the Class A common stock on the date of grant of the awards. Equity-based compensation is classified within compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
At December 31, 2023, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost for all unvested equity awards was $11.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. At December 31, 2022, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost for all unvested equity awards was $12.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. At December 31, 2021, aggregate unrecognized compensation cost for all unvested equity awards was $8.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
11. Stockholders’ Equity
Authorized Capital
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had the authority to issue up to 1.0 billion shares of stock, at $0.01 par value per share, consisting of 950.0 million shares of Class A common stock and 50.0 million shares of preferred stock.
The Company had no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Dividends
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company declared the following dividends on its common stock:
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Per Share
March 16, 2023 March 31, 2023 April 17, 2023 $0.20
June 16, 2023 June 30, 2023 July 14, 2023 $0.20
September 14, 2023 September 29, 2023 October 13, 2023 $0.20
December 14, 2023 December 31, 2023 January 12, 2024 $0.20
Share Repurchases
In April 2023, the Company’s board of directors authorized a stock repurchase program (“Stock Repurchase Program”) under which the Company may repurchase up to $50.0 million of its outstanding Class A common stock until April 30, 2024. The Stock Repurchase Program replaces the prior repurchase program authorization which expired on April 30, 2023. Under the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase shares in open market purchases, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The Company has a written trading plan as part of the Share Repurchase Program that provides for share repurchases in open market transactions that is intended to comply with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The Stock Repurchase Program will be utilized at management’s discretion and in accordance with the requirements of the SEC. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate requirements and other conditions.
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, there was $50.0 million remaining available to make repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Program.
Under the prior repurchase program, during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 2.2 million shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average price of $8.40 per share for an aggregate cost of $18.3 million.
As of December 31, 2022, there was $81.7 million remaining available to make repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Plan. Additionally, and separate from the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company redeemed the 3.1 million total outstanding membership units in the OP held by a third-party representing noncontrolling interests at a price of $8.25 per unit for a total cost of $25.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present the changes in each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) attributable to stockholders and noncontrolling interests in the OP, net of immaterial tax effect.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Changes in Components of AOCI - Stockholders
(dollars in thousands) Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Total
AOCI at December 31, 2020 $ 275 $ 47,127 $ 7,186 $ 54,588
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 137 - (10,905) (10,768)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (412) (29,234) (5,468) (35,114)
Net current period OCI (275) (29,234) (16,293) (45,802)
AOCI at December 31, 2021 $ - $ 17,893 $ (9,107) $ 8,786
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification - - (9,316) (9,316)
Amounts reclassified from OP - 710 (856) (146)
Net current period OCI - 710 (10,172) (9,462)
AOCI at December 31, 2022 $ - $ 18,603 $ (19,279) $ (676)
Other comprehensive income (loss) - - (1,880) (1,880)
AOCI at December 31, 2023 $ - $ 18,603 $ (21,159) $ (2,556)
Changes in Components of AOCI - Noncontrolling Interests in the OP
(dollars in thousands) Unrealized gain (loss) on real estate securities, available for sale Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Total
AOCI at December 31, 2020 $ (73) $ 1,403 $ (272) $ 1,058
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 98 - (473) (375)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (25) (693) (127) (845)
Net current period OCI 73 (693) (600) (1,220)
AOCI at December 31, 2021 $ - $ 710 $ (872) $ (162)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification - - 16 16
Amounts reclassified from AOCI - (710) 856 146
Net current period OCI - (710) 872 162
AOCI at December 31, 2022 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Changes in Components of AOCI - Noncontrolling Interests in investment entities
(dollars in thousands) Foreign currency translation gain (loss) Total
AOCI at December 31, 2020 $ 2,193 $ 2,193
Other comprehensive income before reclassification (321) (321)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI - -
Net current period OCI (321) (321)
AOCI at December 31, 2021 $ 1,872 $ 1,872
Other comprehensive income before reclassification - -
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1,872) (1,872)
Net current period OCI (1,872) (1,872)
AOCI at December 31, 2022 $ - $ -
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following table presents the details of the reclassifications from AOCI for the year ended December 31, 2021:
(dollars in thousands)
Component of AOCI reclassified into earnings Year Ended December 31, 2021 Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Realized gain on sale of real estate securities $ 1,276 Other gain, net
Impairment of real estate securities (967) Other gain, net
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 5,468 Other gain, net
Realized gain (loss) on net investment hedges 29,234 Other gain, net
12. Noncontrolling Interests
Operating Partnership
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests was based on such members ownership percentage of the OP. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no noncontrolling interests in the OP and the OP is owned by the Company directly, and indirectly through the Company’s subsidiary, BRSP-T Partner, LLC. Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests of the OP was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests of the OP was $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Investment Entities
Noncontrolling interests in investment entities represent third-party equity interests in ventures that are consolidated with the Company’s financial statements. Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the investment entities was $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, de minimis for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
13. Fair Value
Determination of Fair Value
The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and the general classification of these instruments pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.
PE Investments
The Company accounts for PE Investments at fair value which is determined based on either a valuation model using assumptions for the timing and amount of expected future cash flow for income and realization events for the underlying assets in the funds and discount rate, or pending sales prices, if applicable. This fair value measurement is generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, unless the PE Investments are valued based on pending sales prices, which are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company considers cash flow and NAV information provided by general partners of the underlying funds (“GP NAV”) and the implied yields of those funds in valuing its PE Investments. The Company also considers the values derived from the valuation model as a percentage of GP NAV, and compares the resulting percentage of GP NAV to precedent transactions, independent research, industry reports as well as pricing from executed purchase and sale agreements related to the disposition of its PE Investments. The Company may, as a result of that comparison, apply a mark-to-market adjustment. The Company has not elected the practical expedient to measure the fair value of its PE Investments using the NAV of the underlying funds.
Real Estate Securities
CRE securities are generally valued using a third-party pricing service or broker quotations. These quotations are not adjusted and are based on observable inputs that can be validated, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Certain CRE securities may be valued based on a single broker quote, dealer bid or an internal price. Situations where management applies adjustments based on or using unobservable inputs would be classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Management determines the prices are representative of fair value through a review of available data, including observable inputs, recent transactions as well as its knowledge of and experience in the market.
Investing VIEs
The Company has elected the fair value option for the financial assets and liabilities of the consolidated Investing VIEs. The Investing VIEs are “static,” that is no reinvestment is permitted and there is very limited active management of the underlying
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
assets. The Company is required to determine whether the fair value of the financial assets or the fair value of the financial liabilities of the Investing VIEs are more observable, but in either case, the methodology results in the fair value of the assets of the securitization trust being equal to the fair value of their liabilities. The Company has determined that the fair value of the liabilities of the securitization trust is more observable, since market prices for the liabilities are available from a third-party pricing service or are based on quoted prices provided by dealers who make markets in similar financial instruments. The financial assets of the securitization trust are not readily marketable and their fair value measurement requires information that may be limited in availability.
In determining the fair value of the trust’s financial liabilities, the dealers will consider contractual cash payments and yields expected by market participants. Dealers also incorporate common market pricing methods, including a spread measurement to the treasury curve or interest rate swap curve as well as underlying characteristics of the particular security including coupon, periodic and life caps, collateral type, rate reset period and seasoning or age of the security. The Company’s collateralized mortgage obligations are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, where a third-party pricing service or broker quotations are available and are based on observable valuation inputs, and as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, where internal price is utilized based on or using unobservable inputs. In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, the assets of the securitization trust are an aggregate value derived from the fair value of the trust’s liabilities, and the Company has determined that the valuation of the trust’s assets in their entirety including its retained interests from the securitizations (eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP) should be classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivatives
Derivative instruments consist of interest rate contracts and foreign exchange contracts that are generally traded over-the-counter, and are valued using a third-party service provider. Quotations on over-the counter derivatives are not adjusted and are generally valued using observable inputs such as contractual cash flows, yield curve, foreign currency rates and credit spreads, and are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Although credit valuation adjustments, such as the risk of default, rely on Level 3 inputs, these inputs are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, derivative valuations in their entirety are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Hierarchy
Financial assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table presents financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 by level within the fair value hierarchy (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:
Other assets - PE Investments $ - $ - $ 2,251 $ 2,251 $ - $ - $ 3,035 $ 3,035
Other assets - derivative assets - 164 - 164 - 1,601 - 1,601
The following table presents the changes in fair value of financial assets which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs to determine fair value for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Other assets - PE Investments Other assets - PE Investments Mortgage loans held in securitization trusts(1)
Beginning balance $ 3,035 $ 4,406 $ 813,310
Distributions/paydowns (784) (1,371) (20,515)
Sale of investments - - (36,154)
Deconsolidation of securitization trust(2)
- - (646,610)
Unrealized loss in earnings - - (109,177)
Realized loss in earnings - - (854)
Ending balance $ 2,251 $ 3,035 $ -
_________________________________________
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(1)For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $109.2 million related to mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value and an unrealized gain of $110.1 million related to mortgage obligations held in securitization trusts, at fair value.
(2)In December 2022, the Company sold its retained investments in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust. As a result of the sale, the Company deconsolidated the securitization trust.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company utilized a discounted cash flow model, comparable precedent transactions and other market information to quantify Level 3 fair value measurements on a recurring basis. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the key unobservable inputs used in the analysis of PE Investments included discount rates with a range of 11.0% to 12.0% and timing and amount of expected future cash flows. Significant increases or decreases in any one of the inputs described above in isolation may result in significantly different fair value of the financial assets and liabilities using such Level 3 inputs.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a realized loss of $0.9 million related to the sale of the Company’s retained interests in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a $36.6 million realized loss on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value, which is comprised of a $19.5 million loss upon the sale of the Company’s retained interests in the subordinate tranches of one securitization trust. Additionally, the Company recorded a realized loss of $17.1 million related to the sale of two underlying loans held within one of its retained investments in the subordinate tranches of another securitization trust, of which the realized loss was previously included in the Company’s loss projections and therefore no fair value write down was required.
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded net unrealized gains of $0.9 million and $41.9 million, respectively, related to mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, at fair value. These amounts, when incurred, are recorded as unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net in the consolidated statement of operations.
Fair Value Option
The Company may elect to apply the fair value option of accounting for certain of its financial assets or liabilities due to the nature of the instrument at the time of the initial recognition of the investment. The Company elected the fair value option for PE Investments and eligible financial assets and liabilities of its consolidated Investing VIEs because management believes it is a more useful presentation for such investments. The Company determined recording the PE Investments based on the change in fair value of projected future cash flow from one period to another better represents the underlying economics of the respective investment. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has elected not to apply the fair value option for any other eligible financial assets or liabilities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In addition to the above disclosures regarding financial assets or liabilities which are recorded at fair value, GAAP requires disclosure of fair value about all financial instruments. The following disclosure of estimated fair value of financial instruments was determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value.
The following table presents the principal amount, carrying value and fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Principal Amount Carrying Value Fair Value Principal Amount Carrying Value Fair Value
Financial assets:(1)
Loans held for investment, net(2)
$ 2,937,386 $ 2,860,478 $ 2,861,358 $ 3,586,248 $ 3,468,742 $ 3,480,001
Financial liabilities:(1)
Securitization bonds payable, net $ 913,927 $ 912,545 $ 913,927 $ 1,172,717 $ 1,167,600 $ 1,172,717
Mortgage and other notes payable, net 651,871 650,293 627,680 656,568 656,468 656,568
Master repurchase facilities 1,152,723 1,152,723 1,152,723 1,339,993 1,339,993 1,339,993
_________________________________________
(1)The fair value of other financial instruments not included in this table is estimated to approximate their carrying value.
(2)Excludes future funding commitments of $168.2 million and $263.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Disclosure about fair value of financial instruments is based on pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2023. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect fair value, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
Loans Held for Investment, Net
For loans held for investment, net, fair values were determined: (i) by comparing the current yield to the estimated yield for newly originated loans with similar credit risk or the market yield at which a third party might expect to purchase such investment; or (ii) based on discounted cash flow projections of principal and interest expected to be collected, which includes consideration of the financial standing of the borrower or sponsor as well as operating results of the underlying collateral. These fair value measurements of CRE debt are generally based on unobservable inputs and, as such, are classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Carrying values of loans held for investment are presented net of allowance for loan losses, where applicable.
Securitization Bonds Payable, Net
The Company’s securitization bonds payable, net bear floating rates of interest. As of December 31, 2023, the Company believes the unpaid principal balance approximates fair value. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Mortgage and Other Notes Payable, Net
For mortgage and other notes payable, net, the Company primarily uses rates currently available with similar terms and remaining maturities to estimate fair value. These measurements are determined using comparable U.S. Treasury rates as of the end of the reporting period. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Master Repurchase Facilities
The Company has amounts outstanding under Master Repurchase Facilities. The Master Repurchase Facilities bear floating rates of interest. As of December 31, 2023, the Company believes the carrying value approximates fair value. These fair value measurements are based on observable inputs, and as such, are classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Other
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, and accrued and other liabilities approximate fair value due to their short term nature and credit risk, if any, are negligible.
Nonrecurring Fair Values
The Company measures fair value of certain assets on a nonrecurring basis when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Adjustments to fair value generally result from the application of lower of amortized cost or fair value accounting for assets held for sale or write-down of asset values due to impairment.
The following tables summarize assets carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2023
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Real estate, net $ - $ - $ 22,831 $ 22,831
Assets held for sale(1)
- - 19,600 19,600
Total $ - $ - $ 42,431 $ 42,431
________________________________________
(1)Refer to Note 5 “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
December 31, 2022
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Loans held for investment, net
$ - $ - $ 79,596 $ 79,596
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
During the first quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $55.0 million of specific CECL reserves, which included $29.9 million related to one Washington, D.C. office senior loan, $14.5 million related to the Development Mezzanine Loan and $10.6 million related to one Long Island City, New York office senior loan. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient, afforded to the Company under ASC 326, to use the fair value of the collateral to determine the specific CECL reserve. The specific CECL reserves for the two office senior loans were based on the estimated fair value of the collateral using a discounted cash flow model and Level 3 inputs which included assuming a rent per square foot ranging from $25 to $48, a capitalization rate ranging from 6.0% to 7.5% and a discount rate ranging from 9.0% to 12.0%. These inputs are based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. The specific CECL reserve for the Development Mezzanine Loan was recorded in connection with the amendment and restructuring of the loan in April 2023, which is collateralized by a multifamily property with a retail component. The specific CECL reserve for the Development Mezzanine Loan was based on the estimated proceeds the Company expects to receive upon the resolution of the asset in three years, using Level 3 inputs which included assuming a rent per square foot ranging from $42 to $60 and a capitalization rate ranging from 5.0% to 7.0%. These inputs are based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions.
During the second quarter of 2023, the Company recorded a $10.9 million specific CECL reserve related to an Oakland, California office senior loan. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient, afforded to the Company under ASC 326, to use the fair value of the collateral to determine the specific CECL reserve. The estimated fair value of the collateral was determined by using a discounted cash flow model and Level 3 inputs, which included assuming a rent per square foot ranging from $30 to $45, a capitalization rate of 8.0% and a discount rate of 9.0%. These inputs are based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. In July 2023, the Company acquired the office property through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Refer to Note 5 “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $4.8 million of additional specific CECL reserves related to the Washington D.C. office senior loan. The estimated fair value of the collateral for the Washington, D.C. office senior loan was determined by using a discounted cash flow model and Level 3 inputs which included assuming a rent per square foot ranging from $44 to $45, a capitalization rate of 7.5% and a discount rate of 12.0%. These inputs are based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company acquired legal title through foreclosure. Refer to Note 5 “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale ” for further discussion.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded a $10.0 million specific CECL reserve related to a Phoenix, Arizona multifamily property. The estimated fair value of the collateral for the Phoenix, Arizona multifamily property was determined by using a discounted cash flow model and Level 3 inputs which included assuming rents per month ranging from $1,050 to $1,800, a capitalization rate of 6.5% and a discount rate of 7.5%. These inputs are based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. In December 2023, the Company acquired the multifamily property through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Refer to Note 5 “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company recorded $57.2 million of specific CECL reserves related to two Long Island City, New York office senior loans. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient, afforded to the Company under ASC 326, to use the fair value of the collateral to determine the specific CECL reserve. The estimated fair value of the collateral was determined by using a discounted cash flow model and Level 3 inputs, which included assuming a rent per square foot ranging from $25 to $34, a capitalization rate ranging from 6.0% to 6.5% and a discount rate ranging from 9.5% to 12.2%. These inputs are based on the location, type and nature of the property, current and prospective leasing data and anticipated market conditions. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company acquired legal title of both assets through a deed-in-lieu foreclosure. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded $7.6 million of impairment related to one of the office real estate assets. The impairment was due to a reduction in the estimated holding period of the property and increased capital expenditures. The estimated fair value of the collateral was determined by using a discounted cash flow model and Level 3 inputs, which included assuming a rent per square foot of $25, a capitalization rate of 6.5% and a discount rate of 11.0%. Refer to Note 5 “Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale” for further discussion.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
14. Derivatives
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage the risk of changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative instruments to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and cash payments, the values of which are driven by interest rates, principally relating to the Company’s investments. Additionally, the Company’s foreign operations expose the Company to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Company enters into derivative instruments to protect the value or fix certain of these foreign-denominated amounts in terms of its functional currency, the U.S. dollar. Derivative instruments used in the Company’s risk management activities may be designated as qualifying hedge accounting relationships, designated hedges, or non-designated hedges.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Non-Designated Hedges
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Derivative Assets
Foreign exchange contracts $ 164 $ 1,599
Interest rate contracts - 2
Included in other assets $ 164 $ 1,601
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s counterparties do not hold any cash collateral.
The following table summarizes the Company’s FX forwards and interest rate contracts as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Type of Derivatives Notional Currency Notional Amount (in thousands) Range of Maturity Dates
Non-Designated
December 31, 2023
FX Forward NOK 8,229 February 2024 - May 2024
December 31, 2022
FX Forward NOK 99,733 February 2023 - May 2024
Interest Rate Swap USD $ 285 July 2023
The table below represents the effect of the derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Other gain (loss), net
Non-designated foreign exchange contracts $ 839 $ 1,827 $ 37,674
Non-designated interest rate contracts (2) 12 28
Total $ 837 $ 1,839 $ 37,702
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Designated foreign exchange contracts $ - $ - $ (29,927)
Total $ - $ - $ (29,927)
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The Company enters into agreements subject to enforceable netting arrangements with its derivative counterparties that allow the Company to offset the settlement of derivative assets and liabilities in the same currency by derivative instrument type or, in the event of default by the counterparty, to offset all derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty. The Company has elected not to net derivative asset and liability positions, notwithstanding the conditions for right of offset may have been
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
met. The Company presents derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty on a gross basis on the consolidated balance sheets.
The following table sets forth derivative positions where the Company has a right of offset under netting arrangements with the same counterparty as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):
Gross Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Included on Consolidated Balance Sheets Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities)
December 31, 2023
Derivative Assets
Foreign exchange contracts $ 164 $ 164
Total $ 164 $ 164
December 31, 2022
Derivative Assets
Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,599 $ 1,599
Interest rate contracts 2 2
Total $ 1,601 $ 1,601
The Company did not offset any of its derivatives positions as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
15. Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income tax laws of the various jurisdictions in which it operates, including U.S. federal, state and local non-U.S. jurisdictions, primarily in Europe. The Company’s current primary sources of income subject to tax are income from certain PE investments and a real estate investment in Europe.
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s tax provisions (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Current
Federal $ (296) $ (1,267) $ (9,306)
State and local (219) (1,458) 3,347
Foreign (1,587) (1,762) (402)
Total current tax benefit (expense) (2,102) (4,487) (6,361)
Deferred
Federal (20) 516 (383)
Foreign 1,060 1,531 468
Total deferred tax benefit (expense) 1,040 2,047 85
Total income tax benefit (expense) $ (1,062) $ (2,440) $ (6,276)
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax asset is included in other assets while deferred tax liability is included in accrued and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities arising from temporary differences are as follows (dollars in thousands):
December 31,
2023 2022
Deferred tax assets
Basis difference - investment in partnerships $ 7,511 $ 7,956
Lease liability-corporate offices 1,380 1,624
Equity-based compensation 9 9
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards(1)
8,014 1,862
Gross deferred tax asset 16,914 11,451
Valuation allowance(2)
(13,793) (8,055)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $ 3,121 $ 3,396
Deferred tax liabilities
Basis difference - real estate (23,263) (25,173)
ROU lease asset-corporate offices (1,287) (1,552)
Other (24) (14)
Gross deferred tax liabilities (24,574) (26,739)
Net deferred tax liability $ (21,453) $ (23,343)
_________________________________________
(1) As of December 31, 2023, deferred tax assets include $35.4 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards, of which $3.1 million begin to expire in 2036 and $32.3 million are carried forward indefinitely and $2.8 million of capital loss carryforwards that will begin to expire in 2026. As of December 31, 2022, deferred tax assets include $6.5 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards, of which $3.0 million begin to expire in 2036 and $3.5 million are carried forward indefinitely and $2.4 million of capital loss carryforwards that will expire in 2026.
(2) As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $5.8 million of deferred tax assets relating to basis difference - investment in partnerships and $8.0 million of deferred tax assets relating to net operating and capital loss carryforwards. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $6.1 million of deferred tax assets relating to basis difference - investment in partnerships and $1.9 million of deferred tax assets relating to net operating and capital loss carryforwards.
Effective Income Tax
The Company’s income tax expense varied from the amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes. A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. income tax to the Company’s effective income tax is presented as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Pre-tax income attributable to taxable entities $ 4,646 $ 10,045 $ 22,077
Federal tax expense at statutory tax rate (21%) 976 2,109 4,636
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax expense (13) - 81
Permanent adjustments (15) (155) -
Adjustments for foreclosure property - (464) 479
Foreign income tax differential 33 12 (4)
Return to provision 128 2,313 (1)
Valuation allowance, net 5,737 (4,717) 1,365
Adjustments to investment in partnership basis differences (6,427) - -
Adjustments to federal tax attributes for disposed investments 740 - -
Other (97) 3,342 (280)
Income tax expense $ 1,062 $ 2,440 $ 6,276
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Tax Examinations and Uncertainty in Income Tax
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2017. There were no material uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company has not recognized any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
16. Commitments and Contingencies
Lending Commitments
The Company has lending commitments to borrowers pursuant to certain loan agreements in which the borrower may submit a request for funding contingent on achieving certain criteria, which must be approved by the Company as lender, such as leasing, performance of capital expenditures and construction in progress with an approved budget. At December 31, 2023, assuming the terms to qualify for future fundings, if any, had been met, total unfunded lending commitments for loans held for investment were $155.4 million for senior loans and $12.8 million for mezzanine loans. At December 31, 2022, total unfunded lending commitments for loans held for investment were $258.5 million for senior loans and $4.9 million for mezzanine loans.
Ground Lease Obligation
The Company’s operating leases include ground leases acquired with real estate.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term was 14.3 years and 13.7 years for ground leases, respectively.
The following table presents ground lease expense, included in property operating expense, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Operating lease expense:
Minimum lease expense $ 3,124 $ 3,075 $ 3,057
Variable lease expense - - -
$ 3,124 $ 3,075 $ 3,057
The operating lease liability for ground leases was determined using a weighted average discount rate of 5.3%. The following table presents future minimum rental payments, excluding contingent rents, on noncancellable ground leases on real estate as of December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
2024 $ 2,213
2025 2,155
2026 2,157
2027 1,839
2028 1,810
2029 and thereafter 14,073
Total lease payments 24,247
Less: Present value discount 7,880
Operating lease liability (Note 7) $ 16,367
For these ground leases, the Company has elected the practical expedient to combine lease and related nonlease components as a single lease component.
Office Lease
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term was 5.3 years and 5.9 years for office leases, respectively. The office leases are located in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the following table summarizes lease expense, included in operating expense (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022
Corporate Offices
Operating lease expense:
Fixed lease expense $ 1,258 $ 1,220
$ 1,258 $ 1,220
The operating lease liability for the office leases was determined using a weighted average discount rate of 2.36%. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s future operating lease commitments for the corporate office leases were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Corporate Offices
2024 $ 1,293
2025 1,308
2026 1,323
2027 1,339
2028 1,155
2029 and thereafter 574
Total lease payments 6,992
Less: Present value discount 433
Operating lease liability (Note 7) $ 6,559
For these office leases, the Company has elected the practical expedient to combine lease and related nonlease components as a single lease component.
Litigation and Claims
The Company may be involved in litigation and claims in the ordinary course of the business. As of December 31, 2023, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
17. Segment Reporting
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company realigned its business and reportable segment information to reflect how the Chief Operating Decision Makers now regularly review and manage the business. As a result, the Company presents its business as one portfolio through the following business segments:
•Senior and Mezzanine Loans and Preferred Equity-CRE debt investments including senior loans, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity interests as well as participations in such loans.
•Net Leased and Other Real Estate-direct investments in CRE with long-term leases to tenants on a net lease basis, where such tenants generally will be responsible for property operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, maintenance, capital expenditures and real estate taxes. It also includes other real estate, currently consisting of two investments with direct ownership in commercial real estate, with an emphasis on properties with stable cash flow and five additional properties that the Company acquired through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
•Corporate and Other-includes corporate-level asset management and other fees including expenses related to our secured revolving credit facility (the “Bank Credit Facility”) and compensation and benefits. It also includes a sub-portfolio of private equity funds.
There were no changes in the structure of the Company’s internal organization that prompted the change in reportable segments. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current year presentation. Accordingly, the Company realigned the discussion and analysis of our portfolio and results of operations to reflect these reportable segments.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The Company primarily generates revenue from net interest income on the loan and preferred equity portfolio and rental and other income from its net leased and multi-tenant office assets. The Company’s income is primarily derived through the difference between revenue and the cost at which the Company is able to finance its investments. The Company may also acquire investments which generate attractive returns without any leverage.
The following tables present segment reporting for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Senior and Mezzanine Loans and Preferred Equity Net Leased and Other Real Estate Corporate and Other Total
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Interest income $ 298,512 $ 71 $ 119 $ 298,702
Interest expense (171,984) (116) (1,209) (173,309)
Property and other income (19) 94,738 12,605 107,324
Property operating expense - (26,640) - (26,640)
Transaction, investment and servicing expense (1,696) (244) (559) (2,499)
Interest expense on real estate - (25,909) - (25,909)
Depreciation and amortization - (33,321) (183) (33,504)
Increase of current expected credit loss reserve (108,149) - - (108,149)
Impairment of operating real estate - (7,590) - (7,590)
Compensation and benefits - - (39,501) (39,501)
Operating expense (15) (19) (13,116) (13,150)
Other gain, net - 613 - 613
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures and income taxes 16,649 1,583 (41,844) (23,612)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures 9,055 - - 9,055
Income tax expense (290) (555) (217) (1,062)
Net income (loss) $ 25,414 $ 1,028 $ (42,061) $ (15,619)
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Senior and Mezzanine Loans and Preferred Equity Net Leased and Other Real Estate Corporate and Other Total
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Interest income $ 236,181 $ - $ - $ 236,181
Interest expense (110,735) - (1,071) (111,806)
Interest income on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts - - 32,163 32,163
Interest expense on mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts - - (29,434) (29,434)
Property and other income 276 91,123 4,850 96,249
Property operating expense - (24,222) - (24,222)
Transaction, investment and servicing expense (3,271) (244) 81 (3,434)
Interest expense on real estate - (28,717) - (28,717)
Depreciation and amortization - (33,886) (213) (34,099)
Increase of current expected credit loss reserve (70,635) - - (70,635)
Compensation and benefits - - (33,031) (33,031)
Operating expense (139) (72) (14,430) (14,641)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - - 854 854
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - - (854) (854)
Other gain, net 21,355 12,455 820 34,630
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures and income taxes 73,032 16,437 (40,265) 49,204
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures 25 - - 25
Income tax expense (518) (846) (1,076) (2,440)
Net income (loss) $ 72,539 $ 15,591 $ (41,341) $ 46,789
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Senior and Mezzanine Loans and Preferred Equity Net Leased and Other Real Estate Corporate and Other Total
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Interest income $ 168,845 $ - $ - $ 168,845
Interest expense (51,217) - (4,267) (55,484)
Interest income on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts - - 51,609 51,609
Interest expense on mortgage obligations issued by securitization trusts - - (45,460) (45,460)
Property and other income 1,013 102,724 1,230 104,967
Management fee expense - - (9,596) (9,596)
Property operating expense - (30,286) - (30,286)
Transaction, investment and servicing expense (2,663) (290) (1,603) (4,556)
Interest expense on real estate - (32,278) - (32,278)
Depreciation and amortization - (36,162) (237) (36,399)
Decrease of current expected credit loss reserve 1,432 - - 1,432
Compensation and benefits - - (32,143) (32,143)
Operating expense (650) (133) (17,085) (17,868)
Restructuring charges - - (109,321) (109,321)
Unrealized gain on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - - 41,904 41,904
Realized loss on mortgage loans and obligations held in securitization trusts, net - - (36,623) (36,623)
Other gain, net 55,797 11,170 7,100 74,067
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures and income taxes 172,557 14,745 (154,492) 32,810
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures (130,895) - (220) (131,115)
Income tax benefit (expense) (6,148) 66 (194) (6,276)
Net income (loss) $ 35,514 $ 14,811 $ (154,906) $ (104,581)
The following table presents total assets by segment as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):
Total Assets Senior and Mezzanine Loans and Preferred Equity Net Leased and Other Real Estate Corporate and Other(1)
Total
December 31, 2023 $ 3,003,639 $ 934,100 $ 260,515 $ 4,198,254
December 31, 2022 3,580,912 864,856 304,621 4,750,389
_________________________________________
(1)Includes PE Investments totaling $2.3 million and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and cash, unallocated receivables and deferred costs and other assets, net.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Geography
Geography is generally defined as the location in which the income producing assets reside or the location in which income generating services are performed. Geography information on total income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures. Geography information on total income and long-lived assets are presented as follows (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Total income by geography:
United States $ 396,365 $ 345,365 $ 201,344
Europe 18,716 19,253 (7,038)
Total(1)
$ 415,081 $ 364,618 $ 194,306
December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Long-lived assets by geography:
United States $ 629,663 $ 532,380
Europe 237,293 254,068
Total(2)
$ 866,956 $ 786,448
_________________________________________
(1)Includes interest income, interest income on mortgage loans held in securitization trusts, property and other income and equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures.
(2)Long-lived assets are comprised of real estate and real estate-related intangible assets, and excludes financial instruments and assets held for sale.
18. Earnings Per Share
The Company’s net income (loss) and weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 consist of the following (dollars in thousands, except per share data):
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Net income (loss) $ (15,619) $ 46,789 $ (104,581)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Investment Entities 70 12 1,732
Operating Partnership - (1,013) 1,803
Net income (loss) attributable to BrightSpire Capital, Inc. common stockholders $ (15,549) $ 45,788 $ (101,046)
Numerator:
Net (income) loss allocated to participating securities (non-vested shares) $ - $ (1,604) $ -
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ (15,549) $ 44,184 $ (101,046)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic(1)
127,060 127,302 128,496
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted(2)
127,060 129,300 128,496
Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ (0.12) $ 0.35 $ (0.79)
Net income (loss) per common share - diluted $ (0.12) $ 0.34 $ (0.79)
_________________________________________
(1)The outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted average basic shares outstanding exclude 2,787,807 and 2,308,691 of restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, net of forfeitures, respectively, as those shares were issued but were not vested and therefore, not considered outstanding for purposes of computing basic net income (loss) per common share.
(2)The calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2021 excludes the effect of weighted average unvested non-participating restricted shares of 2,734,075 and 1,603,486, respectively, as the effect would be antidilutive.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. Restructuring Charges
In April 2021, the Company entered into the Termination Agreement with its Manager pursuant to which the Company internalized its management function and made a one-time cash payment of $102.3 million to the Manager. The Company no longer pays base management fees or incentive fees with respect to any period after April 30, 2021. The Company incurred $109.3 million of restructuring costs for the year ended December 31, 2021, which were paid by the Company in the second quarter of 2021. The additional restructuring costs of $7.0 million consist primarily of fees paid for legal and investment banking advisory services. There were no restructuring charges incurred for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
20. Subsequent Events
Dividends
In January 2024, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share of its Class A common stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2023.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Initial Cost Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2023 (1)
Property Description / Location Number of Properties Encumbrances Land Building and Improvements Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (1)(2)
Land Building and Improvements Total Accumulated Depreciation(3)
Total Date of Acquisition(4)
Life on Which Depreciation is Computed
Industrial-Arizona 1 $ 77,864 $ 14,494 $ 59,991 $ 78 $ 14,494 $ 60,069 $ 74,563 $ 10,263 $ 64,300 2018 40 years
Industrial-California 1 122,136 32,552 148,911 79 32,552 148,990 181,542 27,140 154,402 2018 40 years
Office-Colorado 1 29,352 2,359 41,410 6,906 2,359 48,316 50,675 11,516 39,159 2017 40 years
Office-Indiana 1 21,976 3,773 26,916 5,188 3,773 32,104 35,877 7,407 28,470 2017 40 years
Office-Missouri 1 101,260 22,079 131,292 (37,365) 14,725 101,281 116,006 25,943 90,063 2018 33 years
Office-Norway 1 157,216 55,054 277,439 (67,537) 46,958 217,998 264,956 38,381 226,575 2018 37 years
Office-Pennsylvania 1 69,315 12,480 130,942 (50,305) 7,675 85,442 93,117 16,563 76,554 2018 47 years
Retail-Illinois 1 4,027 - 7,338 (3,578) - 3,760 3,760 897 2,863 2017 40 years
Retail-Indiana 1 3,146 - 5,171 (1,769) - 3,402 3,402 734 2,668 2017 40 years
Retail-Kansas 1 5,002 1,048 7,023 (3,770) 535 3,766 4,301 990 3,311 2017 40 years
Retail-Maine 1 - - 6,317 (2,453) - 3,864 3,864 828 3,036 2017 40 years
Retail-Massachusetts 2 7,672 - 12,254 (5,939) - 6,315 6,315 1,533 4,782 2017 40 years
Retail-New Hampshire 2 14,840 1,495 21,488 (11,097) 915 10,971 11,886 2,997 8,889 2017 40 years
Retail-New York 1 3,599 - 6,372 (3,074) - 3,298 3,298 783 2,515 2017 40 years
Office - New York 1 - 10,380 24,484 41 10,380 24,524 34,904 303 34,601 2023 45 years
Office - New York 1 - 14,786 15,958 (7,507) 11,131 12,106 23,237 407 22,830 2023 45 years
Office - California 1 - 5,718 3,262 - 5,718 3,262 8,980 180 8,801 2023 45 years
Multifamily - Arizona 1 - 7,590 26,576 - 7,590 26,577 34,167 - 34,166 2023 30 years
Total real estate, net 20 $ 617,405 $ 183,808 $ 953,144 $ (182,102) $ 158,805 $ 796,045 $ 954,850 $ 146,865 $ 807,985
_________________________________________
(1)The aggregate gross cost of total real estate assets for federal income tax purposes is $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Gross amount carried is shown net of impairment and net of the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates.
(3)Depreciation is calculated using a useful life of 1 to 47 years for buildings and improvements.
(4)Properties consolidated upon the Company’s formation reflect an acquisition date of February 1, 2018, the effective date of consolidation.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (CONTINUED)
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Changes in the Company’s operating real estate portfolio gross of accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Balance at January 1 $ 855,427 $ 883,532 $ 921,413
Property acquisitions(1)
128,438 - -
Improvements and capitalized costs 6,992 4,011 2,691
Impairment (7,590) - -
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates (8,817) (32,116) (9,516)
Balance at December 31 974,450 $ 855,427 $ 914,588
Classified as held for sale, net(2)
(19,600) - (31,056)
Balance at December 31, held for investment $ 954,850 $ 855,427 $ 883,532
_________________________________________
(1) Includes deed-in-lieu foreclosures of $108.8 million and foreclosure of $19.6 million for the fiscal year ended 2023.
(2) Amounts classified as held for sale during the year and remain as held for sale at the end of the year.
Changes in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Balance at January 1 $ 122,959 $ 100,321 $ 82,156
Depreciation expense 24,697 24,901 25,761
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates (791) (2,263) (1,224)
Balance at December 31 $ 146,865 $ 122,959 $ 106,693
Classified as held for sale(1)
- - (6,372)
Balance at December 31, held for investment $ 146,865 $ 122,959 $ 100,321
_________________________________________
(1) Amounts classified as held for sale during the year and remain as held for sale at the end of the year.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE IV - MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Loan Type / Collateral / Location(1)
Number of Loans Interest Rate Range(2)
Maturity Date Range(3)
Periodic Payment Terms(4)
Prior Liens(5)
Unpaid Principal Amount Carrying Value(6)(7)
Principal Amount Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest(8)
First mortgage:
Hotel-California, USA 1 10.10% November 2024 I/O $ - $ 135,979 $ 135,979 $ -
Office-Massachusetts, USA 1 9.15% March 2024 I/O - 87,533 87,450 -
Office-Various, USA 25 7.90% - 11.10%
February 2024 to December 2024 P&I - 868,495 868,712 -
Multifamily -Various, USA 48 8.31% - 10.85%
January 2024 to May 2025 I/O - 1,484,386 1,483,524 -
Other (Mixed-Use) - Various, USA 3 8.85% - 9.70%
February 2024 to November 2024 I/O - 152,557 152,500 -
Industrial-California, USA 3 8.60% - 8.70%
April 2024 to August 2025 I/O - 54,772 54,609 -
Hotel-Colorado, USA 1 8.85%
February 2024 I/O - 73,000 73,000 -
82 - 2,856,722 2,855,774 -
Subordinated mortgage and mezzanine:
Hotel-New York, USA 1 16.35% April 2024 P&I 51,184 12,330 12,450 -
Office-Maryland, USA 1 13.00% February 2024 P&I 59,154 4,002 4,002 -
Multifamily -Various, USA 3 7.00% - 13.00%
August 2024 to March 2025 P&I 127,289 64,332 64,280 -
5 237,627 80,664 80,732 -
Total Loans Gross 87 $ 237,627 $ 2,937,386 $ 2,936,506 $ -
General CECL reserve (76,028)
Specific CECL reserve -
Carrying value, net $ 2,860,478
_________________________________________
(1)Loans with carrying values that are individually less than 3% of the total carrying value have been aggregated according to collateral type and location.
(2)Variable rate loans are determined based on the applicable index in effect as of December 31, 2023.
(3)Represents contractual maturity that does not contemplate exercise of extension option.
(4)Payment terms: P&I = Periodic payment of principal and interest; I/O = Periodic payment of interest only with principal at maturity.
(5)Prior liens represent loan amounts owned that are senior to the Company’s mezzanine positions and are approximate.
(6)Carrying amounts as of December 31, 2023 are presented gross of the Company’s CECL reserve of $76.0 million.
(7)The aggregate cost of loans and preferred equity held for investment is approximately $2.9 billion for federal tax purposes as of December 31, 2023.
(8)Represents principal balance of loans which are 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest.
BRIGHTSPIRE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE IV - MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE (CONTINUED)
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
Activity in mortgage loans on real estate is summarized below:
Year Ended December 31,
2023 2022 2021
Balance at January 1 $ 3,468,742 $ 3,449,009 $ 2,183,497
Acquisitions/originations/additional funding 77,203 972,113 1,758,090
Loan maturities/principal repayments (455,928) (896,398) (501,007)
(Increase) decrease of CECL reserve (108,115) (70,900) 593
Discount accretion/premium amortization 10,985 13,887 6,706
Capitalized interest, net of repayments 5,022 (220) 1,130
Transfer to Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale (261,288) - -
Charge-off of CECL reserve-transfer to Real Estate, net and Real Estate Held for Sale 123,857 - -
Charge-off of loan held for investment (14,477) - -
Charge-off of CECL reserve-other 14,477 1,251 -
Balance at December 31 $ 2,860,478 $ 3,468,742 $ 3,449,009