As confidentially submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 20, 2017 pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. This draft registration statement has not been publicly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and all information herein remains strictly confidential.
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-11
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
OF SECURITIES OF CERTAIN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
590 Madison Avenue
36th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(212) 364-3200
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
John A. Taylor, President and Chief Executive Officer
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc.
590 Madison Avenue
36th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 364-3200
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to: | ||||
Karen A. Dempsey Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP The Orrick Building 405 Howard Street San Francisco, California 94105 Tel: (415) 773-5700 Fax: (415) 773-5759 |
Stephen M. Quinlivan Stinson Leonard Street LLP 150 South Fifth Street Suite 2300 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 Tel: (612) 335-1500 Fax: (612) 335-1657 |
David J. Goldschmidt Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Four Times Square New York, New York 10036 Tel: (212) 735-3000 Fax: (212) 735-2000 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company o Emerging growth company ý |
If an emerging growth company, indicated by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ý
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed maximum aggregate offering price(1) |
Amount of registration fee(1) |
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Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
$ | $ | ||
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The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that the registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to Section 8(a) may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 20, 2017
PROSPECTUS
Shares
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc.
Common Stock
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. is a Maryland corporation that focuses primarily on directly originating, investing in and managing senior commercial mortgage loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. We were formed to continue and expand the commercial real estate lending business established by Two Harbors Investment Corp., or Two Harbors, a publicly traded hybrid mortgage real estate investment trust (NYSE: TWO).
This is our initial public offering and no public market currently exists for our common stock. All of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are being sold by us. We expect the initial public offering price of our common stock to be between $ and $ per share. We intend to apply to have our common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol "GPMT."
We will be externally managed by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or PRCM or our Manager, by the team that currently manages the commercial real estate lending business for Two Harbors. A subsidiary of our Manager also serves as the external manager of Two Harbors.
Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we plan to complete a formation transaction pursuant to which we will acquire from Two Harbors entities that own portfolios of commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related investments. In exchange, we will issue to Two Harbors approximately % of our outstanding common stock and 1,000 shares of our % cumulative redeemable preferred stock having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Two Harbors is restricted from disposing of the shares of our common stock until the expiration of a day lock-up period following the closing of this offering, after which Two Harbors may, subject to the discretion and approval of its board of directors and in compliance with applicable securities laws, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares, which may include a distribution of the shares by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders.
We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2017. To assist us in qualifying as a REIT, stockholders are generally restricted from owning more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common or capital stock without the prior consent of our board of directors. In addition, our charter contains various other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our common stock. See "Description of Capital StockRestrictions on Ownership and Transfer."
We are an "emerging growth company" as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 25 to read about factors you should consider before buying shares of our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Share |
Total |
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Public offering price |
$ | $ | |||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions |
$ | $ | |||||
Proceeds to us, before expenses |
$ | $ | |||||
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The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional shares of our common stock from us at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days after the date of this prospectus.
The shares will be ready for delivery through the book-entry facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about , 2017.
The date of this prospectus is , 2017.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or information to which we have referred you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by us is accurate only as of their respective dates or on the date or dates which are specified in these documents. Our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
Until , 2017 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
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MARKET AND OTHER INDUSTRY DATA
This prospectus includes market and other industry data and estimates that are based on our management's knowledge and experience in the markets in which we operate. The sources of such data generally state that the information they provide has been obtained from sources they believe to be reliable, but we have not investigated or verified the accuracy and completeness of such information. Our own estimates are based on information obtained from our and our affiliates experience in the markets in which we operate and from other contacts in these markets. We are responsible for all of the disclosure in this prospectus, and we believe our estimates to be accurate as of the date of this prospectus or such other date stated in this prospectus. However, this information may prove to be inaccurate because of the method by which we obtained some of the data for the estimates or because this information cannot always be verified with complete certainty due to the limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties. As a result, you should be aware that market and other industry data included in this prospectus, and estimates and beliefs based on that data, may not be reliable.
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This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus. It does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read carefully the more detailed information set forth under "Risk Factors" and the other information included in this prospectus. Except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms "Granite Point," the "company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc., a Maryland corporation; "Two Harbors" refers to Two Harbors Investment Corp., a Maryland corporation; and "our Predecessor" refers to TH Commercial Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Two Harbors, and its subsidiaries. In addition, "our Manager" or "PRCM" refers to Pine River Capital Management L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, our external manager. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in this prospectus assumes (i) the common stock to be sold in this offering is sold at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range indicated on the cover page of this prospectus, and (ii) the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase up to an additional shares of our common stock.
We are a Maryland corporation that focuses primarily on directly originating, investing in and managing senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. We were formed to continue and expand the commercial real estate lending business established by Two Harbors Investment Corp., or Two Harbors, a publicly traded hybrid mortgage real estate investment trust. In the first quarter of 2015, Two Harbors established its commercial real estate lending business, which it conducts through TH Commercial Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, collectively our "Predecessor." Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we will acquire our Predecessor and its portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments, or the Initial Portfolio, that as of December 31, 2016 consisted of 37 commercial real estate investments with a principal balance of $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations.
We will be externally managed by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or PRCM, or our Manager, by the team that currently manages the commercial real estate lending business for Two Harbors. PRCM is a global asset management firm and SEC registered investment adviser with approximately $9 billion of assets under management as of April 1, 2017. By capitalizing on our Manager's commercial real estate team's, or CRE team's, longstanding presence in the commercial real estate finance markets and its reputation as a thoughtful and responsible manager of investors' capital, we intend to continue to build a leading commercial real estate lending platform.
Our Manager's CRE team was formed in November 2014 by our President and Chief Executive Officer, John ("Jack") A. Taylor, our Chief Investment Officer, Stephen Alpart, and our Chief Operating Officer, Steven Plust, whom we collectively refer to as our senior CRE team. Each member of our senior CRE team has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate debt markets, and the team has worked together for over 15 years. Our senior CRE team is complemented by a group of eight professionals with broad investment management expertise and extensive industry relationships. This team has an average of over 12 years of experience in the commercial real estate debt markets, and many of its members have worked together with our senior CRE team for multiple years or most of their careers.
The majority of our senior CRE team's commercial real estate finance experience has been as fiduciaries in investment management. Over their careers, they have built and managed several commercial real estate principal lending businesses both at broker dealers and as investment managers. This broad experience has allowed our senior CRE team to develop extensive expertise in capital
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markets, structured finance and investment management, resulting in their ability to navigate and exploit the commercial real estate finance markets for the benefit of our stockholders.
We are a long-term, fundamental value-oriented investor. We construct our investment portfolio on a loan-by-loan basis, emphasizing rigorous credit underwriting, selectivity and diversification, and assess each investment from a fundamental value perspective relative to other opportunities available in the market. Our primary target investments are directly originated floating-rate performing senior commercial real estate loans, typically with terms of three to five years, usually ranging in size from $25 million to $150 million. We typically provide intermediate-term bridge or transitional financing for a variety of purposes, including acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings and a range of business plans including lease-up, renovation, repositioning and repurposing of the property. We generally target the top 25, and up to the top 50, metropolitan statistical areas in the United States, or MSAs. We believe that those markets provide ample supply of high credit quality properties to lend against, sufficient number of owners and sponsors with institutional attributes, and adequate market liquidity. We believe this approach will enable us to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders while preserving our capital base through diverse business cycles.
Our origination strategy relies on our CRE team's extensive and longstanding direct relationships with a wide array of national, regional and local private owner/operators, private equity firms, funds, REITs, brokers and co-lenders. Our team's reach across the United States and active dialogue with market participants has produced over $40 billion of investment opportunities since our Predecessor's formation, and our CRE team's reputation as a reliable counterparty has led to multiple investment opportunities with repeat clients.
We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information related to the consequences of this election, please see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items" and "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations." We also intend to operate our business in a manner that will permit us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.
PRCM is a global asset management firm with institutional capabilities in managing new ventures, risk management, compliance and reporting, extensive long-term relationships in the financial community and established fixed-income, mortgage and real estate investment experience.
An affiliate of PRCM has served as the external manager of Two Harbors since its inception in 2009. At December 31, 2016, Two Harbors had grown to $3.4 billion of equity capital. Two Harbors' external manager, through access to PRCM's CRE team, provided Two Harbors with the expertise necessary to establish and grow the commercial real estate investments that will comprise our Initial Portfolio. We believe that PRCM's experience in establishing, growing and successfully managing Two Harbors, combined with the experience of the CRE team, will enable us to successfully execute on our business strategy.
We believe that our stockholders will benefit from Granite Point being an independent public company solely focused on investment opportunities within the commercial real estate finance market. As part of Two Harbors, our Predecessor was able to establish its business and validate the significant market opportunity identified by the PRCM CRE team. We believe that being an independent public company provides us with the best opportunity to grow our business and execute on our strategy. As a result of this offering and becoming a separate public entity, we will gain direct access to capital and funding while offering to our stockholders a focused strategy in what we believe is an attractive asset class and a significant market opportunity. As we grow our portfolio of commercial real estate investments over time, we believe we will be able to recognize economies of scale and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders.
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We plan to complete a formation transaction concurrently with the closing of this offering, or the Formation Transaction, through which we will acquire the equity interests in our Predecessor from Two Harbors, and our Predecessor will become our subsidiary. In exchange for equity interests of our Predecessor, we will issue shares of our common stock representing approximately % of our outstanding common stock after this offering and 1,000 shares of our % cumulative redeemable preferred stock having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share to Two Harbors or an affiliate of Two Harbors, which will immediately sell such preferred stock to an unaffiliated third-party investor. Two Harbors is restricted from disposing of the shares of our common stock until the expiration of a day lock-up period following the closing of this offering, after which Two Harbors may, subject to the discretion and approval of its board of directors and in compliance with applicable securities laws, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares, which may include a distribution of the shares by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders.
Our Manager's investment philosophy is governed by several guiding principles:
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team at previous firms across multiple economic cycles. We believe that this approach maintains accountability for each loan and is reflective of our credit culture.
Our investment strategy is to directly originate, invest in and manage a portfolio of commercial real estate loans and other debt and debt-like instruments secured by institutional quality commercial properties managed by experienced owners in attractive markets across the United States. Our CRE team provides us with extensive real estate expertise, industry relationships, sourcing, and underwriting capabilities to help us execute on our strategy. We approach the commercial real estate debt markets by emphasizing the following factors:
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of many owners and operators of commercial real estate, and a deep understanding of their reputations in the industry.
As a long-term, fundamental value-oriented investor, we may adjust our investment strategy as we react to evolving market dynamics. We believe there are enduring opportunities within our target investments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns. However, as economic and business cycles develop, we may expand and/or adjust our investment strategy and target investments to capitalize on various investment opportunities. We believe that our well diversified initial portfolio and flexible investment strategy will allow us to actively adapt to changing market conditions and generate attractive long-term returns for our stockholders in a variety of environments.
Our investment strategy may be amended from time to time without the approval of our stockholders, if recommended by our Manager and approved by our board of directors. We expect to disclose any material changes to our investment strategy in the periodic quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC.
Our Senior CRE Team's Long Tenured Presence in the Commercial Real Estate Debt Market
Our senior CRE team is among the most experienced in the industry. The team has been active in the commercial real estate debt market for a majority of their careers, each with over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, and have worked together over 15 years. The majority of this time has been spent as fiduciaries in investment management. Over their careers, our senior CRE team has built and managed multiple commercial real estate principal lending businesses both at broker dealers and as investment managers. They were leaders in the development of the commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, market and have managed capital in multiple formats, including most recently for Two Harbors, a public hybrid mortgage REIT. This broad experience has allowed them to develop extensive expertise in capital markets, structured finance and investment management, resulting in their ability to navigate and exploit the commercial real estate finance markets for the benefit of our stockholders. Our senior CRE team's industry tenure has allowed them to develop a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy counterparty as well as a wide network of industry contacts and long standing relationships with owners, sponsors, brokers and co-lenders. A deep understanding of the track record of performance of many prospective borrowers and sponsors across different business cycles provides our team with the ability to select the right business partners. We believe that this extensive experience provides our senior CRE team with the appropriate expertise to successfully execute on our business plan.
Our senior CRE team is complemented by a group of eight professionals with broad investment management expertise and extensive industry relationships. This team has an average of over 12 years of experience in the commercial real estate debt markets, and many of its members have worked
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together with our senior CRE team for multiple years or most of their careers. This CRE team sourced, originated and closed the assets that comprise our Initial Portfolio.
High Quality Initial Portfolio with Attractive Yield
Our Initial Portfolio consists of cash-generating commercial real estate debt investments with a current principal balance of over $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations. We believe that this Initial Portfolio, comprised largely of floating rate senior commercial real estate loans, provides a good representation of our investment approach, proves our ability to successfully execute on our stated business strategy, and validates the capabilities of our Manager's highly skilled CRE team. We believe that our Initial Portfolio supports our views on the market opportunity focused on lending against high credit quality properties backed by strong owners and sponsors and located in markets exhibiting attractive economic and real estate fundamentals. We believe that the scale of the Initial Portfolio and the experience of our CRE team provide us with a competitive advantage over other lenders. Additionally, the current cash flow of the Initial Portfolio should allow us to generate an attractive dividend to our stockholders shortly after the closing of this offering. We believe the scale of the Initial Portfolio should allow us better access to capital and an opportunity to build upon existing relationships with our clients.
Established Direct Origination Platform with Strong Sourcing Capabilities
Our team of commercial real estate professionals has a proven ability to directly originate investments within multiple markets across the United States, and has originated and constructed our Initial Portfolio since the formation of our Predecessor. Our originators have the ability to generate investments and find value in local markets due to their vast borrower, sponsor and broker relationships combined with many years of experience in the commercial real estate debt market. Our CRE team has sourced and evaluated in excess of $40 billion of potential investments since the formation of our Predecessor, and closed on over $1.4 billion in principal balance of investments as of December 31, 2016, which comprise the Initial Portfolio. We believe that our team's origination experience combined with the high quality of our Initial Portfolio will allow us to continue to grow our investments and deploy the proceeds raised from this offering into attractive target investments in a timely manner to the benefit of our stockholders. Since December 31, 2016, we have closed on an additional $ million of investments that will be part of our Initial Portfolio. As of the date of this prospectus, we have signed non-binding term sheets with deposits, for investments in an aggregate amount of approximately $ million and are currently evaluating an additional $ million of investment opportunities, which will be funded in part by the net proceeds from this offering.
Focused Investment Process Leading to Reputation as a Reliable Counterparty
Our investment strategy is implemented through a highly disciplined sourcing, screening and underwriting process developed by our senior CRE team over the course of their extensive careers in the commercial real estate finance industry. We invest significant time and resources in the early stages of our origination process and communicate frequently with our borrowers to provide feedback regarding business plan, terms and structure. This process increases the likelihood of closing the investment on the originally agreed to terms, resulting in our senior CRE team's reputation as a reliable counterparty, which has led to investment opportunities with repeat clients.
Robust Underwriting, Structuring and Asset Management Capabilities
Our established underwriting, structuring and asset management capabilities are supplemented by the team's extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry, providing multiple perspectives on performance of real estate collateral through credit and interest rate cycles. The extensive commercial real estate experience of our team serves as a foundation for thorough screening of
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investment opportunities, disciplined underwriting procedures, and active portfolio management of the investments within our portfolio. Our risk management process entails regular monitoring of the properties we lend against, contact with the owners and sponsors, property visits, and examining local market economic, demographic and business trends affecting real estate fundamentals. Our CRE team has comprehensive experience in active asset management and advising on the working out of assets which may suffer performance setbacks through cycles. Additionally, our Manager has established rigorous risk management procedures developed over many years, access to which will benefit our stockholders.
Scalable Operating Platform with Strong Sponsorship
We believe that to be perceived as a respected and reliable counterparty to our borrower clients, our Manager needed to make significant investments to establish its CRE team and the resources for the direct origination, credit underwriting, monitoring, financing and risk management of our target investments. Our Manager's established commercial real estate debt investment platform is scalable and may provide us potential efficiencies as we grow. Our Initial Portfolio validates the capabilities of our Manager's CRE team and its ability to execute on our business plan to originate and manage a significant volume of high quality commercial real estate debt investments.
PRCM is a global asset management firm with institutional capabilities in managing new ventures, risk management, compliance and reporting. Our Manager has valuable industry and analytical expertise, extensive long-term relationships in the financial community and established fixed-income, mortgage and real estate investment experience. We believe we will also benefit from our access to PRCM's broad relationships with multiple financing counterparties. Because our Predecessor has been part of a successful public company since its inception, we will draw upon our Manager's established strong control and reporting procedures, risk management guidelines, financing and liquidity management tools and other functions.
We believe that the U.S. commercial real estate debt markets offer enduring investment opportunities. Over $1.5 trillion of commercial real estate debt is scheduled to mature over the next five years, and there is a sustained need for acquisition, repositioning and recapitalization loans. Traditional lenders, including banks which have historically accounted for approximately half of the market, are not expected to be able to meet projected borrower demand due to structural and regulatory constraints. As a result, we believe that there are significant opportunities to originate floating-rate senior commercial real estate loans on transitional properties at attractive risk-adjusted returns.
Large Market with Diverse Borrower Needs
The U.S. commercial real estate debt market is large, with current total outstanding loan balances of more than $3 trillion as reported by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. The lending markets are also diverse, as borrower needs vary, and the required financing formats have been traditionally supplied by different lending communities.
Borrower Demand for Capital Remains Strong
Refinancing of maturing loans and acquisition activity are the principal sources of debt investment opportunities. Loan maturities should lead to substantial demand for debt capital, whether the loans are refinanced or the underlying properties sold. Acquisition activity has grown substantially in the wake of the global economic crisis. While transaction volume tapered off modestly in 2016, sale
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transaction activity remains well above the troughs experienced during the depths of the crisis, and well above the levels seen over the last 15 years.
Traditional Lenders Have Been Constrained in Meeting the Demand for Debt Capital
Traditional lenders, particularly the banks and aggregators of CMBS, are now facing a substantially changed regulatory environment and thus are more constrained in meeting borrower demand for loans. The banks have been facing increasing regulatory oversight of their commercial real estate loan portfolios and higher capital charges for certain types of commercial real estate loans. CMBS originators have seen their activities affected by a variety of factors including, among others: the risk retention rules, restrictions on the ability of broker dealers to hold CMBS inventory, and rules requiring officers of CMBS issuers to have personal liability for the accuracy of their disclosures, which has resulted in much lower issuance volume than peak activity pre crisis.
Real Estate Fundamentals are Strong, Supported by a Historically Low Volume of Supply of New Properties
Commercial real estate fundamentals are strong driven by a continuing growth in the U.S. economy, resulting in commercial real estate property income growing and vacancies declining over the past several years. Additionally, a historically low level of new commercial real estate construction post-global economic crisis, combined with repurposing of the existing stock of commercial properties, have been significant contributors to the enduring strength of commercial real estate fundamentals.
We intend to focus on originating senior commercial mortgage loans backed by different types of commercial real estate properties located in various markets across the United States. Our Predecessor has invested in, and we may, from time to time, invest in other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. Together, we refer to these investments as our target investments.
Primary Target Investments
Secondary Target Investments
As part of our financing strategy, we may from time-to-time, syndicate senior participations in our originated senior commercial real estate loans to other investors and retain a subordinated debt position for our portfolio in the form of a mezzanine loan or subordinated mortgage interest, as described below. Alternatively, on occasion we may opportunistically co-originate the investments described below with senior lenders, or purchase them in the secondary market.
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Based on current market conditions, we expect that, like our Initial Portfolio, the majority of our investments will be senior commercial mortgage loans directly originated by us and secured by cash-flowing properties located in the United States. These investments will typically pay interest at rates that are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR plus a premium, and have an expected term between three and five years.
Our Manager may opportunistically adjust our capital allocation to our target investments, with the proportion and types of investments changing over time depending on our Manager's views on, among other things, the current economic and credit environment. In addition, we may invest in investments other than our target investments, in each case subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exclusion from regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act.
Our Financing Strategy and Leverage
Our funding sources will initially include the net proceeds of this offering and the available capacity under repurchase agreements, which will be in place at the closing of this offering. We are also negotiating additional master repurchase agreements with several financial institutions. We have not, however, executed definitive documentation with respect to any of these facilities and each facility is still subject to negotiation. As a result, no assurance can be given that these facilities will close on the anticipated terms or at all.
Over time, in addition to repurchase agreements, we may use other forms of leverage, including secured and unsecured warehouse and other credit facilities, securitizations, and public and private, secured and unsecured debt issuances by us or our subsidiaries.
We are not required to maintain any particular debt-to-equity leverage ratio. The amount of leverage we may employ for particular assets will depend upon our Manager's assessment of the credit, liquidity, price volatility and other risks of those assets and the financing counterparties, and availability of particular types of financing at the time. Our decision to use leverage to finance our assets will be at the discretion of our Manager and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders. Although we are not restricted by our governing documents in the amount of leverage that we may use, we plan to maintain appropriate controls to ensure prudent leverage levels appropriate to our portfolio. We currently expect that our initial leverage will not exceed, on a debt to equity basis, a ratio of -to-1. We will endeavor to match the terms and indices of our assets and liabilities, including in certain instances through the use of derivatives. We will also seek to minimize the risks associated with recourse borrowing. In addition, we may rely on short-term financing such as repurchase transactions under master repurchase agreements.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exemption from the Investment Company Act, we may, from time to time, engage in a variety of hedging transactions that seek to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates or currencies and their effects on our cash flows. These hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swaps or cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. We expect these instruments will allow us to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk
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that we have to refinance our liabilities before the maturities of our assets and to reduce the impact of changing interest rates on our earnings.
We anticipate that our board of directors will approve the following investment guidelines:
These investment guidelines may be changed from time-to-time by our board of directors without our stockholders' consent, but we expect to disclose any material changes to our investment guidelines in the periodic quarterly and annual reports that we will file with the SEC. Our Manager is not subject to any limits or proportions with respect to the mix of target investments that we originate or acquire other than as necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.
An investment in shares of our common stock involves various risks. You should consider carefully the risks discussed below and under "Risk Factors" before purchasing shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.
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The following chart summarizes our organizational structure and equity ownership after giving effect to the Formation Transaction and this offering. This chart is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not show all of our legal entities or ownership percentages of such entities.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will enter into a management agreement with our Manager pursuant to which it will provide for the day-to-day management of our operations. The management agreement will require our Manager to manage our business affairs in conformity with the investment guidelines and policies that are approved and monitored by our board of directors. Our Manager's role as Manager will be under the supervision and direction of our board of directors.
The initial term of the management agreement expires on the anniversary of the completion of this offering and will be automatically renewed for a one-year term each succeeding anniversary date unless it is previously terminated. We may terminate the management agreement at any time, without the payment of any termination fee, with 30 days' prior written notice from us upon the occurrence of a cause event as defined in the management agreement. Our Manager may terminate the management agreement if we become required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, with such termination deemed to occur immediately before such event, in which case we would not be required to pay a termination fee. Our Manager may decline to renew the management agreement by providing us with 180 days' written notice, in which case we would not be required to pay a termination fee. In addition, if we default in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant contained in the management agreement and the default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice to us requesting that the default be remedied within that period, our Manager may terminate the management agreement upon 60 days' written notice. If the management agreement is terminated by our Manager upon our breach, we would be required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above.
The following table summarizes the fees and expense reimbursements that we pay to our Manager:
Type
|
Description | |
---|---|---|
Base Management Fee |
An amount equal to % of our stockholders' equity, per annum, calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash. |
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|
For purposes of calculating the base management fee, our stockholders' equity means: (a) the sum of (i) the net proceeds from all issuances of our equity securities since inception (allocated on a pro rata basis for such issuances during the calendar quarter of any such issuance), plus (ii) our retained earnings at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense incurred in current or prior periods), less (b) any amount that we pay to repurchase our common stock since inception. |
|
|
It also excludes (x) any unrealized gains and losses and other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders' equity as reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (y) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP (such as a cumulative change to our operating results as a result of a codification change to GAAP), and certain non-cash items not otherwise described above (such as depreciation and amortization), in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and approval by a majority of our independent directors. |
|
|
As a result, our stockholders' equity, for purposes of calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders' equity shown on our financial statements. Our Manager uses the proceeds from its management fee in part to pay compensation to its officers and personnel who, notwithstanding that certain of them also are our officers, receive no cash compensation directly from us. The management fee is payable independent of the performance of our portfolio |
|
Incentive Compensation |
Our Manager is entitled to incentive compensation which is calculated and payable in cash with respect to each calendar quarter (or part thereof that the management agreement is in effect) in arrears in an amount, not less than zero, obtained by subtracting: |
|
|
(a) the sum of any incentive compensation earned by our Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of the previous 12-month period from |
|
|
(b) the product of (i) % and (ii) the the amount obtained by subtracting |
|
|
(1) the product of (a) the weighted average issue price per share of the common stock of all of our public offerings of common stock multiplied by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (including any restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units or any shares of common stock not yet issued but underlying other awards granted under one or more of our equity incentive plans) in the previous 12-month period, and (b) % from |
13
|
(2) Core Earnings of the Company for the previous 12-month period; provided, however, that no Incentive Compensation shall be payable with respect to any calendar quarter unless cumulative Core Earnings for the 12 most recently completed calendar quarters is greater than zero. |
|
|
"Core Earnings" means the net income (loss), computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) the incentive compensation payable to our Manager, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) any unrealized gains or losses or other non-cash items that are included in net income for the applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income and (v) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain other charges, in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and approved by a majority of our independent directors. |
|
Reimbursement of Expenses |
We are required to reimburse our Manager or its affiliates for documented costs and expenses incurred by it and its affiliates on our behalf except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under the management agreement. For more information about the expenses we are required to reimburse to our Manager and its affiliates, see "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement AgreementReimbursement of Expenses." |
|
Termination Fee |
Equal to times the sum of (i) the average annual base management fee, and (ii) average annual incentive compensation, in each case earned by our Manager during the -month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the termination date. The termination fee will be payable to our Manager upon termination of the management agreement by us without cause (as defined in the management agreement) or by our manager if we breach any material term, condition or covenant in the management agreement. |
We are subject to conflicts of interest relating to our Manager and its affiliates because, among other things:
14
15
respect to us, including investment banking, securities brokerage, mortgage brokerage, credit analysis, risk management services, asset management services, loan servicing, other financial, legal or accounting services, due diligence services, underwriting review services, and all other services (including transfer agent and registrar services) as may be required related to our activities or investments (or potential investments); provided that such expenses are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm's-length basis.
Our Manager may subcontract and assign its responsibilities under the management agreement to any of its affiliates in accordance with the terms of the management agreement applicable to any such subcontract or assignment.
Our Manager's liability is limited under the management agreement, and we will agree to indemnify our Manager and its affiliates with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts or omissions of such indemnified parties except by reason of acts or omission constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their respective duties under the management agreement, as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. As a result, we could experience poor performance or losses for which our Manager would not be liable.
We will agree to pay our Manager a base management fee, which is not based upon performance metrics or goals, and which might reduce our Manager's incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking loans and investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our portfolio. Because the base management fees will be based on our outstanding equity, our Manager may also be incentivized to advance strategies that increase our equity, and there may be circumstances where increasing our equity will not optimize the returns for our stockholders.
In addition, our Manager has the ability to earn incentive fees based on our earnings, which may create an incentive for our Manager to invest in assets with higher yield potential, which are generally riskier or more speculative, or sell an asset prematurely for a gain, in an effort to increase our short-term net income and thereby increase the incentive fees to which it is entitled.
Resolution of Potential Conflicts of Interest in Allocation of Investment Opportunities
Our Manager has agreed that for so long as our Manager is managing us, neither our Manager nor any of its affiliates will sponsor or manage any other U.S. publicly traded REIT that invests in our primary target investments. Our Manager and its affiliates may, in the future, sponsor or manage one or more private investment funds that invest in asset classes that are the same or similar to our target investments, but has agreed that it will not do so for a period of following the closing of the Formation Transaction.
In allocating a specific investment opportunity among us and private entities for which PRCM provides investment management series, or the Pine River Funds, our Manager or its affiliates, as the case may be, will make a determination, exercising its judgment in good faith, as to whether the opportunity is appropriate for each client. Factors in making such a determination may include a client's liquidity, the client's overall investment strategy and objectives, the composition of the client's existing portfolio, the size or amount of the available opportunity, the characteristics of the securities involved, the liquidity of the markets in which the securities trade, the risks involved, and other factors relating to the client and the investment opportunity. Our Manager or its affiliates are not required to provide every opportunity to every client.
If our Manager and/or its affiliates determines that an investment opportunity is appropriate for both us and a Pine River Fund, then our Manager will allocate that opportunity in a manner that it determines, exercising its judgment in good faith, to be fair and equitable, taking into consideration all
16
allocations among us and the Pine River Fund taken as a whole. Our Manager has broad discretion in making that determination, and in amending that determination over time. In allocating investments among us and a Pine River Fund, our Manager's reasons for its allocation decisions may include the following:
In certain circumstances strict compliance with the foregoing allocation procedures may not be feasible and unusual or extraordinary conditions may, on occasion, warrant deviation from the practices and procedures described above. In such circumstances, senior personnel of our Manager and/or our board of directors may be called upon to determine the appropriate action which will serve the best interests of, and will be fair and equitable to, all clients involved.
Our Manager is entitled to receive a termination fee from us, under certain circumstances. See "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement Agreement."
Our Manager may in the future adopt additional conflicts of interest resolution policies and procedures designed to support the equitable allocation and to prevent the preferential allocation of investment opportunities among entities with overlapping investment objectives.
Operating and Regulatory Structure
REIT Qualification
We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2017. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our shares. We believe that we have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lost our REIT qualification. 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 or property.
17
See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items."
Investment Company Act Exemption
We intend to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are an "investment company" as defined in Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of 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, through our wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, we believe we are primarily engaged in the non-investment company business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other interests in real estate.
To satisfy the requirements of Section 3(a)(1)(C), we must not be engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading securities and we must not own "investment securities" with a value that exceeds 40% of the value of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Excluded from the term "investment securities," among other things, are U.S. Government securities and securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exclusions from the definition of investment company for private investment companies set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. 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." 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."
See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our CompanyMaintaining our exemptions from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act imposes limits on our operations. Your investment return may be reduced if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act" and "BusinessInvestment Company Act."
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer of Our Common Stock
To assist us in complying with the limitations on the concentration of ownership of a REIT imposed by the Code, our charter will provide that, with certain exceptions, no stockholder may beneficially or constructively own, applying certain attribution rules under the Code, more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock. Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, waive the 9.8% ownership limit with respect to a particular stockholder if it is presented with evidence satisfactory to it that such ownership will not then or in the future jeopardize our qualification as a REIT. Our board intends to adopt a resolution providing for the exemption of Two Harbors and certain of its affiliates from the ownership limits in connection with the Formation Transaction, which will allow them to own in the aggregate up to % of our stock.
Our charter will also prohibit any person from, among other things:
18
In addition, our charter provides that any ownership or purported transfer of our capital stock in violation of the foregoing restrictions will result in the shares so owned or transferred being automatically transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary, and the purported owner or transferee acquiring no rights in such shares. If a transfer to a trust would be ineffective for any reason to prevent a violation of the restriction, our charter will provide that the transfer resulting in such violation will be void from the time of such purported transfer.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We currently qualify as an "emerging growth company," as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies," including:
We have not made a decision whether to take advantage of certain of these exemptions. If we do take advantage of any of these exemptions, we do not know if some investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result. The result may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an "emerging growth company" can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an "emerging growth company" can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we are choosing to "opt out" of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for all public companies which are not emerging growth companies. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
We could remain an "emerging growth company" for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion, (ii) the date that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.
Our principal executive office is located at 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10022. Our telephone number is (212) 364-3200. Our web address is . The information on, or otherwise accessible through, our web site does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
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Common stock offered by us |
shares (plus up to an additional shares of our common stock that we may issue and sell upon the exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares). | |
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering |
shares.(1) |
|
Use of Proceeds |
We intend to invest the net proceeds of this offering in originating senior commercial mortgage loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments, which we collectively refer to as our "target investments" and are further described under "BusinessOur Target Investments." Until appropriate investments can be identified, our Manager may invest these funds in interest-bearing short-term investments, including AAA-rated CMBS and money market accounts and/or funds, that are consistent with our intention to qualify as a REIT. See "Use of Proceeds." |
|
Distribution policy |
We intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which may not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its REIT taxable income. We generally intend to pay quarterly distributions in an amount equal to our taxable income. Any distributions we make to our stockholders will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other things, our actual results of operations and liquidity. These results and our ability to pay distributions will be affected by various factors, including the net interest and other income from our portfolio, our operating expenses and any other expenditures. For more information, see "Distribution Policy." |
|
Proposed NYSE symbol |
"GPMT." |
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Ownership and transfer |
To assist us in complying with limitations on the concentration of ownership of a REIT imposed by the Code and for other purposes, our charter generally prohibits, among other prohibitions, any stockholder from beneficially or constructively owning more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock. Our board intends to adopt a resolution providing for the exemption of Two Harbors and certain of its affiliates from the ownership limits in connection with the Formation Transaction, which will allow them to own in the aggregate up to % of our stock. See "Description of Capital StockRestrictions on Ownership and Transfer." |
|
Ownership Upon Completion of the Offering |
Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we plan to complete the Formation Transaction pursuant to which we will acquire from Two Harbors entities that own portfolios of commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related investments. In exchange, we will issue to Two Harbors approximately % of our outstanding common stock and 1,000 shares of our % cumulative redeemable preferred stock having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Two Harbors is restricted from disposing of the shares of our common stock until the expiration of a day lock-up period following the closing of this offering, after which Two Harbors may, subject to the discretion and approval of its board of directors and in compliance with applicable securities laws, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares, which may include a distribution of the shares by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders. |
|
Risk factors |
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully read and consider the information set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" beginning on page 25 of this prospectus and all other information in this prospectus before investing in our common stock. |
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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table sets forth, for the periods and as of the dates indicated, our summary consolidated historical financial data for our Predecessor, TH Commercial Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries, and summary consolidated pro forma financial data for Granite Point, after giving effect to the Formation Transaction and this Offering. We have not presented historical information for Granite Point because we have not had any operations or corporate activity since our formation other than the issuance of 1,000 shares of common stock to Two Harbors Operating Company LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Two Harbors, in connection with our initial capitalization.
You should read the following summary consolidated financial data in conjunction with our financial statements and the financial statements of our Predecessor and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus, and with the sections entitled "Selected Consolidated Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
The summary historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and the summary historical consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 for our Predecessor have been derived from the consolidated audited financial statements of our Predecessor included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our unaudited summary pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and statement of comprehensive income data for the year ended December 31, 2016 assumes closing of this offering, the Formation Transaction and the other adjustments described in the unaudited pro forma financial information beginning on page F-2 of this prospectus, as of January 1, 2016 for the statement of comprehensive income data and as of December 31, 2016 for the balance sheet data. The historical balances of our Predecessor have been reflected at carryover basis because, for accounting purposes, the Formation Transaction and this offering are not deemed a business combination and do not result in a change of control. The purchase price allocations have not been finalized and are subject to change based upon recording of actual transaction costs, finalization of working capital adjustments for our Predecessor and completion of our analysis of the fair value of the entities acquired from Two Harbors.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the actual financial position would have been had the transactions referred to above occurred on December 31, 2016, nor does it purport to represent the future financial position of the company. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of comprehensive income data are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily
22
indicative of what the actual results of operations would have been had the transactions referred to above occurred on January 1, 2016, nor does it purport to represent our future results of operations.
|
Period Ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pro Forma | Predecessor Historical |
||||||||
(Dollar amounts in thousands) |
2016 | 2016 | 2015(1) | |||||||
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|||||||
Comprehensive Income Data: |
||||||||||
Interest income: |
||||||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 59,819 | $ | 59,819 | $ | 9,139 | ||||
Available-for-sale securities |
1,002 | 1,002 | | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
7 | 7 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income |
60,828 | 60,828 | 9,139 | |||||||
Interest expense |
11,029 | 11,029 | 477 | |||||||
Net interest income |
49,799 | 49,799 | 8,662 | |||||||
Other income: |
||||||||||
Realized gain on sales of commercial real estate assets |
| | 181 | |||||||
Ancillary fee income |
37 | 37 | 14 | |||||||
Other fee income |
166 | 166 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income |
203 | 203 | 195 | |||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Management fees |
7,173 | 7,173 | 1,178 | |||||||
Professional services |
137 | 137 | 419 | |||||||
Servicing expense |
605 | 605 | 73 | |||||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,741 | 6,741 | 6,979 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
14,656 | 14,656 | 8,649 | |||||||
Income before income taxes |
35,346 | 35,346 | 208 | |||||||
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | 70 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | $ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | $ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net |
(112 | ) | (112 | ) | | |||||
Other comprehensive loss |
(112 | ) | (112 | ) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income |
$ | 35,245 | $ | 35,245 | $ | 138 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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|
As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance Sheet Data (Dollar amounts in thousands): |
Pro Forma | Predecessor Historical |
|||||
|
(unaudited) |
|
|||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 1,412,543 | $ | 1,412,543 | |||
Available-for-sale securities, fair value |
12,686 | 12,686 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
34,559 | 56,019 | |||||
Restricted cash |
260 | 260 | |||||
Escrow deposit |
| | |||||
Accrued interest receivable |
3,745 | 3.745 | |||||
Due from counterparties |
249 | 249 | |||||
Income tax receivable |
5 | 5 | |||||
Accounts receivable |
7,735 | 7,735 | |||||
Deferred debt issuance costs |
2,365 | 2,365 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total assets |
$ | 1,474,147 | $ | 1,495,607 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Repurchase agreements |
$ | 1,044,799 | $ | 451,167 | |||
Notes payable to affiliate |
| 593,632 | |||||
Accrued interest payable |
655 | 655 | |||||
Unearned interest income |
143 | 143 | |||||
Income tax payable |
| | |||||
Other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates |
| 21,460 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
559 | 559 | |||||
Total liabilities |
$ | 1,046,156 | $ | 1,067,616 | |||
% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.01; no shares authorized and no shares outstanding, predecessor historical, shares authorized and 1,000 shares outstanding, pro forma |
1,000 | | |||||
Equity: |
|||||||
Predecessor equity |
| 427,991 | |||||
Stockholder's equity |
|||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; no shares authorized and no shares outstanding, predecessor historical, 1,000 shares authorized and 1,000 shares outstanding, pro forma |
426,991 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total equity |
426,991 | 427,991 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and equity |
$ | 1,474,147 | $ | 1,495,607 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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An investment in shares of our common stock involves various risks. You should consider carefully the following risk factors in conjunction with the other information included in this prospectus before purchasing shares of our common stock. If any of the risks discussed in this prospectus actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. This could cause the market price of our common stock to decline and could cause you to lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Lending and Investment Activities
Difficult conditions in the commercial mortgage and real estate market, the financial markets and the economy generally may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our results of operations will be materially affected by conditions in the commercial mortgage and real estate markets, the financial markets and the economy generally. Any deterioration of real estate fundamentals generally, and in the United States in particular, and changes in general economic conditions could negatively impact our performance or the value of underlying real estate collateral relating to our investments, increase the default risk applicable to borrowers, and make it relatively more difficult for us to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We cannot predict the degree to which economic conditions generally, and the conditions for real estate debt investing in particular, will improve or decline. Any stagnation in or deterioration of the commercial mortgage or real estate markets may limit our ability to acquire our target investments on attractive terms or cause us to experience losses related to our assets. Declines in the market values of our investments may adversely affect our results of operations and credit availability and cost, which may reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
We operate in a competitive market for investment opportunities and competition may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable investments in our target investments and could also affect the pricing of these securities.
A number of entities will compete with us to make the types of loans and investments we will seek to originate or acquire. Our profitability will depend, in large part, on our ability to originate or acquire target investments on attractive terms. In originating target investments, we will compete with a variety of institutional lenders and investors, including other REITs, specialty finance companies, public and private funds (including funds that our Manager or its affiliates may in the future sponsor, advise and/or manage), 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 some have investment objectives that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition for lending and investment opportunities. Some 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. Furthermore, competition for originations of and investments in our target investments may lead to the yields of such assets decreasing, which may further limit our ability to generate satisfactory returns.
In addition, changes in the financial regulatory regime that could be proposed by the current administration 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. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our CompanyChanges in laws or regulations governing our
25
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."
As a result of this competition, desirable loans and investments in our target investments 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. 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. There can be no assurance that any current relationships with such parties will continue (whether on currently applicable terms or otherwise) or that we will be able to establish relationships with other such persons in the future if desired and on terms favorable to us.
An increase in interest rates may cause a decrease in the availability of certain of our target investments, which could adversely affect our ability to acquire target investments that satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and pay dividends.
Rising interest rates generally reduce the demand for commercial mortgage loans due to the higher cost of borrowing. A reduction in the volume of commercial mortgage loans originated may affect the volume of certain target investments available to us, which could adversely affect our ability to acquire investments that satisfy our investment and business objectives. If rising interest rates cause us to be unable to originate or acquire a sufficient volume of our target investments with a yield that is above our borrowing cost, our ability to satisfy our investment objectives and to generate income and pay dividends may be materially and adversely affected.
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:
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.
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Most commercial real estate loans are nonrecourse loans and the assets securing these loans may not be sufficient to protect us from a partial or complete loss if a borrower defaults on a loan, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Except for customary nonrecourse carve-outs for certain "bad acts" and environmental liability, most commercial real estate loans are nonrecourse obligations of the borrower, meaning that there is no recourse against the assets of the borrower other than the underlying collateral. In the event of any default under a commercial real estate loan, we will bear the 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 have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Even if a commercial real estate loan is recourse to the borrower (or if a nonrecourse carve-out to the borrower applies), in many cases, the borrower's assets are limited primarily to its interest in the related mortgaged property. Further, although a commercial real estate loan may provide for limited recourse to a principal or affiliate of a 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 additional risks associated with commercial real estate loan participations.
Some of our commercial real estate loans may be held in the form of participation interests or co-lender arrangements in which we share the loan rights, obligations and benefits with other lenders. With respect to such participation interests, we may require the consent of these parties to exercise our rights under such loans, including rights with respect to amendment of loan documentation, enforcement proceedings upon a default and the institution of, and control over, foreclosure proceedings. In circumstances where we hold a minority interest, it may be become bound to actions of the majority to which it otherwise would object. We may be adversely affected by this lack of control with respect to these interests.
Our portfolio of investments may become concentrated in terms of geography, asset types and sponsors, which could subject us to increased risk of loss.
We will not be required to observe specific diversification criteria, except as may be set forth in the investment guidelines adopted by our board of directors. Therefore, our investments in our target investments may at times be concentrated in certain property types that may be subject to higher risk of default or foreclosure, or secured by properties concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations.
Our Initial Portfolio will be diversified across geographical regions, to the extent that our investments are concentrated in any one region or type of asset, downturns generally relating to such type of asset or region may result in defaults on a number of our investments within a short time period, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, asset concentration may cause even modest changes in the value of the underlying real estate assets to significantly impact on the value of our investments. As a result of any high levels of concentration, any adverse economic, political or other conditions that disproportionately affects those geographic areas or asset classes could have a magnified adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, and the value of our stockholders' investments could vary more widely than if we invested in a more diverse portfolio of loans.
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The lack of liquidity of our investments may adversely affect our business, including our ability to value, finance and sell our investments.
The illiquidity of some or all of investments we intend to make may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need or desire arises. Investments such as senior commercial mortgages, B-notes, mezzanine and other loans (including participations) and preferred equity, in particular, are relatively illiquid due to their short life, their potential unsuitability for securitization and the greater difficulty of recovery in the event of a borrower's default. In addition, certain of our investments may become less liquid after investment as a result of periods of delinquencies, defaults or turbulent market conditions, which may make it more difficult for us to dispose of such assets at advantageous times or in a timely manner. Moreover, many of these investments will not be registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in prohibitions against their transfer, sale, pledge or their disposition, except in transactions that are exempt from registration requirements or are otherwise in accordance with such laws.
Consequently, even if we identify a buyer for certain of our senior commercial real estate loans, other debt and debt-like investments there is no assurance that we would be able to sell such investments in a timely manner if the need or desire arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may be forced to sell our investments at a price that is significantly less than the value at which we previously attributed to such investments.
Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment to the extent that we or our Manager has or could be attributed as having material, non-public information regarding such business entity. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions may be relatively limited, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The due diligence process that our Manager will undertake in regard to investment opportunities may not reveal all facts that may be relevant in connection with an investment and if our Manager incorrectly evaluates the risks of our investments, we may experience losses.
Before making investments for us, our Manager will conduct due diligence that it deems reasonable and appropriate based on the facts and circumstances relevant to each potential investment. When conducting due diligence, our Manager may be required to evaluate important and complex business, financial, tax, accounting, environmental and legal issues. Outside consultants, legal advisors, accountants and investment banks may be involved in the due diligence process in varying degrees depending on the type of potential investment. Relying on the resources available to it, our Manager will evaluate our potential investments based on criteria it deems appropriate for the relevant investment. Our Manager's loss estimates may not prove accurate, as actual results may vary from estimates. If our Manager underestimates the asset-level losses relative to the price we pay for a particular investment, we may experience losses with respect to such investment.
Moreover, investment analyses and decisions by our Manager may frequently be required to be undertaken on an expedited basis to take advantage of investment opportunities. In such cases, the information available to our Manager at the time of making an investment decision may be limited, and they may not have access to detailed information regarding such investment. Therefore, we cannot assure you that our Manager will have knowledge of all circumstances that may adversely affect such investment.
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Mezzanine loans, B-notes, preferred equity and other investments that are subordinated or otherwise junior in an issuer's capital structure and that involve privately negotiated structures will expose us to greater risk of loss.
In addition to our senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans, our Initial Portfolio will contain mezzanine loans, and we may invest in CMBS, B-notes and preferred equity investments and other investments that are subordinated or otherwise junior in an issuer's capital structure and that involve privately negotiated structures. Any investments in subordinated debt and mezzanine tranches of a borrower's capital structure and our remedies with respect thereto, including the ability to foreclose on any collateral securing such investments, will be subject to the rights of any senior creditors and, to the extent applicable, contractual intercreditor and/or participation agreement provisions. Significant losses related to such loans or investments could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Investments in subordinated debt involve greater credit risk of default than the senior classes of the issue or series. As a result, with respect to any investments in CMBS, B-notes, mezzanine loans and other subordinated debt, we would potentially receive payments or interest distributions after, and must bear the effects of losses or defaults on the senior debt (including underlying senior mortgage loans, class A-Notes, senior mezzanine loans, preferred equity or senior CMBS bonds, as applicable) before the holders of other more senior tranches of debt instruments with respect to such issuer. As the terms of such loans and investments are subject to contractual relationships among lenders, co-lending agents and others, they can vary significantly in their structural characteristics and other risks.
Mezzanine loans are by their nature structurally subordinated to more senior property-level financings. If a borrower defaults on a mezzanine loan or on debt senior to that loan, or if the borrower is in bankruptcy, the mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the property-level debt and other senior debt is paid in full. As a result, a partial loss in the value of the underlying collateral can result in a total loss of the value of the mezzanine loan. 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 and/or deliver a replacement guarantee by a creditworthy entity, which could include us, to stabilize the property and prevent additional defaults to lenders with existing liens on the property.
We may also originate or acquire commercial real estate B-notes, which are mortgage loans that are typically secured by a first mortgage on a single commercial property or group of related properties, but subordinated to an A-note secured by the same first mortgage on the same collateral. As a result, if a borrower defaults, there may not be sufficient funds remaining for B notes holders after payment to the A-note holders. Because each transaction is privately negotiated, B-notes can vary in their structural characteristics and risks. For example, the rights of holders of B-notes to control the process following a borrower default may vary from transaction to transaction. Further, B-notes typically are secured by a single property and accordingly reflect the risks associated with significant concentration. Losses related to our B notes could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Investments in preferred equity involve a greater risk of loss 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 preferred equity investment, we would only be able to proceed against such entity in accordance with the terms of the preferred equity, 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 any such investment, which could result in significant losses.
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In addition, our investments in senior mortgage loans may be effectively subordinated to the extent we borrow under a warehouse loan (which can be in the form of a repurchase agreement) or similar facility and pledge the senior mortgage loan as collateral. Under these arrangements, the lender has a right to repayment of the borrowed amount before we can collect on the value of the senior mortgage loan, and therefore if the value of the pledged senior mortgage loan decreases below the amount we have borrowed, we would experience a loss.
Our risk management policies and procedures may not be effective.
We will establish and maintain risk management policies and procedures designed to identify, monitor and mitigate financial risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment risk and liquidity risk, as well as operational risks related to our business, assets and liabilities. These policies and procedures may not sufficiently identify all of the risks to which we are or may become exposed or mitigate the risks we have identified. Any expansion of our business activities may result in our being exposed to risks to which we have not previously been exposed or may increase our exposure to certain types of risks. Any failure to effectively identify and mitigate the risks to which we are exposed could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Difficulty or delays in redeploying the proceeds from repayments of our existing loans and investments may cause our financial performance and returns to investors to suffer.
In light of our anticipated investment strategy and the need to be able to deploy capital quickly to capitalize on potential investment opportunities, we may from time to time maintain cash pending deployment into investments, which may at times be significant. Such cash may be held in an account of ours for the benefit of stockholders or may be invested in money market accounts or other similar temporary investments. While the expected duration of such holding period is expected to be relatively short, in the event we are unable to find suitable investments, such cash positions may be maintained for longer periods. It is not anticipated that the temporary investment of such cash into money market accounts or other similar temporary investments pending deployment into investments will generate significant interest, and such low interest payments on the temporarily invested cash may adversely affect our financial performance and returns to investors.
We may be subject to lender liability claims, and if we are held liable under such claims, we could be subject to losses.
In recent years, a number of judicial decisions have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories, collectively termed "lender liability." Generally, lender liability is founded on the premise that a lender has either violated a duty, whether implied or contractual, of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or stockholders. We cannot assure prospective stockholders that such claims will not arise or that we will not be subject to significant liability if a claim of this type did arise.
Liability relating to environmental matters may impact the value of properties that we may acquire upon foreclosure of the properties underlying our investments.
To the extent we foreclose on properties with respect to which we have extended mortgage loans, we may be subject to environmental liabilities arising from such foreclosed properties. Under various U.S. federal, state and local laws, an owner or operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal of certain hazardous substances released on its property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances.
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The presence of hazardous substances may adversely affect an owner's ability to sell real estate or borrow using real estate as collateral. To the extent an owner of a property underlying one of our debt investments becomes liable for removal costs, the ability of the owner to make payments to us may be reduced, which in turn may adversely affect the value of the relevant mortgage asset held by us and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
If we foreclose on any properties underlying our investments, the presence of hazardous substances on a property may adversely affect our ability to sell the property and we may incur substantial remediation costs, thus harming our financial condition. The discovery of material environmental liabilities attached to such properties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
The properties underlying our commercial real estate loans may be subject to other unknown liabilities that could adversely affect the value of these properties, and as a result, our investments.
Properties underlying our commercial real estate loans may be subject to other unknown or unquantifiable liabilities that may adversely affect the value of our investments. Such defects or deficiencies may include title defects, title disputes, liens or other encumbrances on the mortgaged properties. The discovery of such unknown defects, deficiencies and liabilities could affect the ability of our borrowers to make payments to us or could affect our ability to foreclose and sell the underlying properties, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The commercial real estate debt investments in which we will invest are subject to the property manager's ability to generate net income from the property, and if net income from the property is insufficient to satisfy debt servce, then these investments may be subject to delinquency, foreclosure and loss, which may adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We will invest in the commercial real estate debt market, with a focus on originating senior commercial mortgage loans, and we may invest in other secondary target investments, including mezzanine loans, B-notes, CMBS and preferred equity investments. Such investments are subject to risks of delinquency, foreclosure and loss. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of the property, as opposed to the borrower's independent income or assets. If the net operating income of the property is reduce borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. The net operating income of an income-producing property can be affected by numerous factors, including:
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In the event any of the properties or entities underlying or collateralizing our commercial real estate loans or investments is adversely impacted by any of the foregoing events or occurrences, the value of, and return on, such investments could be reduced, which in turn would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Loans on properties in transition will involve a greater risk of loss than conventional mortgage loans.
We may invest in transitional loans to borrowers who are typically seeking short-term capital to be used in an acquisition or rehabilitation of a property. The typical borrower under a transitional loan has usually identified an asset it believes is an undervalued asset that has been under-managed and/or is located in a recovering market. If the market in which the asset is located fails to improve according to the borrower's projections, or if the borrower fails to improve the quality of the asset's management and/or the value of the asset or stabilize the property, the borrower may not be able to satisfy the transitional loan through a sale of the property or conventional financing, and we bear the risk that we may not recover some or all of our investment.
Borrowers usually use the proceeds of a conventional mortgage to repay a transitional loan. Transitional loans therefore are subject to risks of a borrower's inability to obtain permanent financing to repay the transitional loan. In the event of any default under transitional loans that may be held by us, we bear the risk of loss of principal and non-payment of interest and fees to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the mortgage collateral and the principal amount and unpaid interest of the transitional loan. To the extent we suffer such losses with respect to these transitional loans, it could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
CMBS investments may pose additional risks, including the risks arising from the securitization process and the risk that the special servicer may take actions that could adversely affect our interests.
Upon completion of the Formation Transaction, our initial portfolio is expected to contain an investment in CMBS and may invest in additional CMBS assets in the future. 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 value is available to satisfy interest and principal payments due on the related mortgage-backed securities. 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.
With respect to the CMBS assets, overall control over the special servicing of the related underlying mortgage loans will be held by a "directing certificate holder" or a "controlling class representative," which is appointed by the holders of the most subordinated class of CMBS in such series. Because we may acquire classes of existing series of CMBS, we will not have the right to appoint the directing certificate holder. In connection with the servicing of the specially serviced mortgage loans, the related special servicer may, at the direction of the directing certificate holder, take actions with respect to the specially serviced mortgage loans that could adversely affect our interests.
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Declines in the market values of any available-for sale investments may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We anticipate most of our investments to be valued at cost, however, we will value available-for-sale investments quarterly at fair value, as determined in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820, which may include unobservable inputs. Because such valuations are subjective, the fair value of certain of our investments may fluctuate over short periods of time and our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. The value of our common stock could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of these investments are materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon their disposal.
Changes in the market values of available-for-sale investments will be directly charged or credited to stockholders' equity. As a result, a decline in values of available-for-sale investments may result in connection with factors that are out of our control and adversely affect our book value. Moreover, if the decline in value of an available-for-sale investment is other than temporary, such decline will reduce our earnings.
Any warehouse facilities that we may obtain in the future may limit our ability to originate or acquire assets, and we may incur losses if the collateral is liquidated.
We may utilize, if available, warehouse facilities pursuant to which we would accumulate loans in anticipation of a securitization or other financing, which assets would be pledged as collateral for such facilities until the securitization or other transaction is consummated. In order to borrow funds to originate or 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 originate or 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 or other financing would be consummated with respect to the assets being warehoused. If the securitization or other financing is not consummated, the lender could demand repayment of the facility, and in the event that we were unable to timely repay, 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 or other financing is consummated, if any of the warehoused collateral is sold before the completion, we would have to bear any resulting loss on the sale.
The foreclosure process with respect to any loan may be difficult, lengthy and costly, and the liquidation proceeds we receive upon sale of the underlying real estate may not be sufficient to cover our cost basis in the loan.
We may find it necessary or desirable to foreclose on certain of the loans we originate or acquire, and the foreclosure process may be lengthy and expensive. Whether or not we have participated in the negotiation of the terms of any such loans, we cannot assure you as to the adequacy of the protection of the terms of the applicable loan, including the validity or enforceability of the loan and the maintenance of the anticipated priority and perfection of the applicable security interests. Furthermore, claims may be asserted by lenders or borrowers that might interfere with enforcement of our rights. Borrowers may resist foreclosure actions by asserting numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses against us, including, without limitation, lender liability claims and defenses, even when the assertions may have no basis in fact, in an effort to prolong the foreclosure action and seek to force the lender into a modification of the loan or a favorable buy-out of the borrower's position in the loan. In some states, foreclosure actions can take several years or more to litigate. At any time prior to or during the
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foreclosure proceedings, the borrower may file for bankruptcy, which would have the effect of staying the foreclosure actions and further delaying the foreclosure process and potentially results in a reduction or discharge of a borrower's debt. Foreclosure may create a negative public perception of the related property, resulting in a diminution of its value.
Even if we are successful in foreclosing on a loan, the liquidation proceeds upon sale of the underlying real estate may not be sufficient to recover our cost basis in the loan, resulting in a loss. Furthermore, any costs or delays involved in the foreclosure of the loan or a liquidation of the underlying property will further reduce the net proceeds and, thus, increase any such loss to us.
Any credit ratings assigned to our investments will be subject to ongoing evaluations and revisions and we cannot assure you that those ratings will not be downgraded.
Some of our investments may be rated by rating agencies such as Moody's Investors Service, Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poors, DBRS, Inc. or Realpoint LLC. Any credit ratings on our investments are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies, and we cannot assure you that any such ratings will not be changed or withdrawn by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. If rating agencies assign a lower-than-expected rating or reduce or withdraw, or indicate that they may reduce or withdraw, their ratings of our investments in the future, the value of our investments could significantly decline, which would adversely affect the value of our investment portfolio and could result in losses upon disposition or the failure of borrowers to satisfy their debt service obligations to us.
Investments in nonconforming and non-investment grade rated commercial real estate loans or securities involve increased risk of loss.
Certain commercial real estate debt investments may not conform to conventional loan standards applied by traditional lenders and either will not be rated or will be rated as non-investment grade by the rating agencies. 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 properties underlying the loans, the borrowers' credit history, the underlying properties' cash flow or other factors. As a result, these investments should be expected to have a higher risk of default and loss than investment grade rated assets. Losses related to our non-investment grade loans or securities would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Insurance on commercial real estate loans may not cover all losses.
Our commercial real estate loans may be subject to certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorism or acts of war, which may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also might result in insurance proceeds insufficient to repair or replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed. Under these circumstances, the insurance proceeds received with respect to a property relating to one of our investments might not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to our investment. Any uninsured loss could result in the corresponding nonperformance of or loss on our investment related to such property.
We will depend on third-party service providers, including mortgage loan servicers, for a variety of services related to our business. We will be, therefore, subject to the risks associated with third-party service providers.
We will depend on a variety of services provided by third-party service providers related to our investments in commercial real estate investments as well as for general operating purposes. For example, we will rely on the mortgage servicers who service the mortgage loans we originate, the mortgage loans underlying our CMBS and other commercial real estate investments to, among other
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things, collect principal and interest payments on such mortgage loans and perform loss mitigation services in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Mortgage servicers and other service providers, such as trustees, bond insurance providers, due diligence vendors and document custodians, may fail to perform or otherwise not perform in a manner that promotes our interests.
Risks Related to Our Financing and Hedging
Upon completion of the Formation Transaction, we will have significant debt and may incur additional debt,, which will subject us to increased risk of loss and may reduce cash available for distributions to our stockholders.
Upon the closing of the Formation Transaction, we will have substantial debt in an amount of approximately $ . Subject to market conditions and availability, we may incur a significant amount of additional debt through bank credit facilities (including term loans and revolving facilities), repurchase agreements, warehouse facilities and structured financing arrangements, public and private debt issuances and derivative instruments, in addition to transaction or asset specific funding arrangements. We may also issue additional debt or equity securities to fund our growth. The 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 non-recourse, 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. Our substantial debt could subject us to many risks that, if realized, would materially and adversely affect us, including the risk that:
There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful and may subject us to increased risk of loss and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may not be able to raise the capital required to finance our assets and grow our business.
The operation of our business will require access to debt and equity capital that may or may not be available on favorable terms or at the desired times, or at all. In addition, we may invest in certain investments, for which financing has historically been difficult or costly to obtain. Any limitation on our ability to obtain financing for our target investments could require us to seek equity or debt capital that may be more costly or unavailable to us. We cannot assure you that we will have access to any debt or
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equity capital on favorable terms or at the desired times, or at all. Our inability to raise such capital or obtain financing on favorable terms could materially adversely impact our business, operations, financial condition, liquidity, and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
We will depend on repurchase agreements and other credit facilities to execute our business plan and any limitation on our ability to access funding through these sources could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and business.
Our ability to purchase and hold assets will be affected by our ability to secure repurchase agreements and other credit facilities on acceptable terms. Subsidiaries of our Predecessor currently have repurchase agreements and other credit facilities in place with several counterparties that we expect will be in place at the closing of this offering. In the future, we may enter into additional or increase commitment amounts under the existing repurchase agreements and credit facilities. In each instance, we cannot give assurance that lenders will be willing or able to provide us with sufficient financing through the repurchase markets or otherwise or that we would be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms or at all.
In addition, because repurchase agreements and similar credit facilities are generally short-term commitments of capital, changes in conditions in the financing markets may make it more difficult for us to secure continued financing during times of market stress. During certain periods of a credit cycle, lenders may lose their ability or curtail their willingness to provide financing. If we are not able to arrange for replacement financing on acceptable terms, or if we default on any covenants or are otherwise unable to access funds under any of our repurchase agreements and credit facilities, we may have to curtail our asset acquisition activities and/or dispose of investments.
Our ability to efficiently access any repurchase agreements may be adversely impacted by counterparty requirements regarding the type of assets that may be sold and the timing and process for such sales. In order for us to borrow funds under any repurchase agreements, counterparties must first review the assets for which we are seeking financing and approve such assets in their sole discretion. This review and approval process may delay the timing in which funding may be provided, or preclude funding altogether. In addition, the review and sale process can be more time consuming with respect to certain asset classes, such as certain commercial real estate investments.
It is possible that the lenders that provide us with financing could experience changes in their ability to advance funds to us, independent of our creditworthiness or the value of our assets. For example, the Basel III regulatory capital reform rules or other regulatory changes, may have the effect of significantly changing or eliminating the sources of financing that are customarily available to us. If regulatory requirements imposed on our lenders change, they may be required to significantly increase the cost of the financing that they provide to us or eliminate it altogether. Our lenders also may revise their eligibility requirements for the types of assets they are willing to finance or the terms of such financings, based on, among other factors, the regulatory environment and their management of perceived risk.
Changes in the financing markets could adversely affect the marketability of the assets in which we invest, and this could negatively affect the value of our assets. If our lenders are unwilling or unable to provide us with financing, or if the financing is only available on terms that are uneconomical or otherwise not satisfactory to us, we could be forced to sell assets when prices are depressed. The amount of financing we receive under our repurchase agreements or other credit facilities will be directly related to the lenders' valuation of the assets that secure the outstanding borrowings. Typically, repurchase agreements and similar lending arrangements grant the respective lender the right to reevaluate the market value of the assets that secure outstanding borrowings at any time. If a lender determines that the value of the assets has decreased, it has the right to initiate a margin call, requiring us to transfer additional assets to such lender or repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings. Any
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such margin call could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, business, liquidity and ability to make distributions to stockholders, and could cause the value of our common stock to decline. We may be forced to sell assets at significantly depressed prices to meet margin calls and to maintain adequate liquidity, which could cause us to incur losses. Moreover, to the extent that we are forced to sell assets because of availability of financing or changes in market conditions, other market participants may face similar pressures, which could exacerbate a difficult market environment and result in significantly greater losses on the sale of such assets. In an extreme case of market duress, a market may not exist for certain of our assets at any price.
Although we plan to seek to reduce our exposure to lender concentration-related risk by entering into repurchase agreements and other credit facilities with multiple counterparties, we are not required to observe specific diversification criteria, except as may be set forth in the investment guidelines adopted by our board of directors. To the extent that the number of or net exposure under our lending arrangements may become concentrated with one or more lenders, the adverse impacts of defaults or terminations by such lenders may be significantly greater.
Our inability to meet certain financial covenants related to any repurchase agreements or other credit facilities we enter into, could require us to provide additional collateral or pay down debt, or could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In connection with the repurchase agreements that will be in place at the closing of this offering and any repurchase agreements and other credit facilities that we may enter into in the future, we will be required to comply with certain financial covenants. Compliance with these financial covenants will depend on market factors and the strength of our business and operating results. Various risks, uncertainties and events beyond our control could affect our ability to comply with the financial covenants. Failure to comply with our financial covenants could result in an event of default, termination of the lending facility, acceleration of all amounts owing under the lending facility, and gives the counterparty the right to exercise certain other remedies under the lending agreement, including without limitation the sale of the asset subject to repurchase at the time of default, unless we were able to negotiate a waiver. Any such waiver could be conditioned on an amendment to the lending agreement and any related guaranty agreement on terms that may be unfavorable to us. If we are unable to negotiate a covenant waiver or replace or refinance our assets under a new lending facility on favorable terms or at all, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Our rights under any repurchase agreements are subject to the effects of bankruptcy laws in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of us or our lenders under the repurchase agreements.
In the event of our insolvency or bankruptcy, certain repurchase agreements may qualify for special treatment under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the effect of which, among other things, would be to allow the lender under the applicable repurchase agreement to avoid the automatic stay provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and to foreclose on the collateral agreement without delay. In the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a lender during the term of a repurchase agreement, the lender may be permitted, under applicable insolvency laws, to repudiate the contract, and our claim against the lender for damages may be treated simply as an unsecured creditor. In addition, if the lender is a broker or dealer subject to the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970, or an insured depository institution subject to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, our ability to exercise our rights to recover our assets under a repurchase agreement or to be compensated for any damages resulting from the lender's insolvency may be further limited by those statutes. These claims would be subject to significant delay and, if and when received, may be substantially less than the damages we actually incur.
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If a counterparty to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligation to resell the underlying security back to us at the end of the purchase agreement term, or if the value of the underlying asset has declined as of the end of that term, or if we default on our obligations under the repurchase agreement, we may incur losses.
Under the repurchase agreements that will be transferred to us in the Formation Transaction, and under any repurchase agreements we enter into in the future, we will sell the assets to lenders (i.e., repurchase agreement counterparties) and receive cash from the lenders. The lenders are obligated to resell the same assets back to us at the end of the term of the repurchase agreement. Because the cash that we receive from the lender when we initially sell the assets to the lender is less than the value of those assets (the difference being the "haircut"), if the lender defaults on its obligation to resell the same assets back to us, we would incur a loss on the repurchase agreement equal to the amount of the haircut (assuming there was no change in the value of the securities). We would also incur losses on a repurchase agreement if the value of the underlying assets has declined as of the end of the repurchase agreement term, because we would have to repurchase the assets for their initial value but would receive assets worth less than that amount. Further, if we default on our obligations under a repurchase agreement, the lender will be able to terminate the repurchase agreement and cease entering into any other repurchase agreements with us. In the future, our repurchase agreements and any new repurchase agreements we may enter into are likely to contain cross-default provisions, so that if a default occurs under any repurchase agreement, the lender can also declare a default with respect to all other repurchase agreements they have with us. If a default occurs under any of our repurchase agreements and a lender terminates one or more of its repurchase agreements, we may need to enter into replacement repurchase agreements with different lenders. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into such replacement repurchase agreements on the same terms as the repurchase agreements that were terminated or at all. Any losses that we incur on our repurchase agreements could adversely affect our earnings and thus our cash available for distribution to stockholders.
We may use securitizations to finance our loans and investments, which may expose us to risks that could result in losses.
We may, to the extent consistent with the REIT requirements, seek to securitize certain of our portfolio investments to generate cash for funding new investments. This would involve creating a special-purpose vehicle, contributing a pool of our assets to the entity, and selling interests in the entity on a non-recourse basis to purchasers (whom we would expect to be willing to accept a lower interest rate to invest in investment-grade loan pools). We would expect to retain all or a portion of the equity in the securitized pool of portfolio investments. We may use short-term facilities to finance the acquisition of securities until a sufficient quantity of securities had been accumulated, at which time we would refinance these facilities through a securitization, such as a CMBS, or issuance of CLOs, or the private placement of loan participations or other long-term financing. If we were to employ this strategy, we would be subject to the risk that we would not be able to acquire, during the period that our short-term facilities are available, a sufficient amount of eligible securities to maximize the efficiency of a CMBS, CLO or private placement issuance. We also would be subject to the risk that we would not be able to obtain short-term credit facilities or would not be able to renew any short-term credit facilities after they expire should we find it necessary to extend our short-term credit facilities to allow more time to seek and acquire the necessary eligible securities for a long-term financing.
The inability to consummate securitizations of our portfolio to finance our investments on a long-term basis could require us to seek other forms of potentially less attractive financing or to liquidate assets at an inopportune time or price, which could adversely affect our performance and our ability to grow our business. Additionally, the securitization of our portfolio might magnify our exposure to losses 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
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a securitized pool of assets before the owners of the notes experience any losses. The inability to securitize our portfolio may hurt our performance and our ability to grow our business. At the same time, the securitization of our portfolio investments might expose us to losses, as the residual portfolio investments in which we do not sell interests will tend to be riskier and more likely to generate losses.
An increase in our borrowing costs relative to the interest that we receive on our leveraged assets may adversely affect our profitability and our cash available for distribution to stockholders.
As repurchase agreements and other short-term borrowings mature, we must enter into new borrowings, find other sources of liquidity or sell assets. An increase in short-term interest rates at the time that we seek to enter into new borrowings would reduce the spread between the returns on our assets and the cost of our borrowings. This would adversely affect the returns on our assets, which might reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution to stockholders.
We may enter into hedging transactions that expose us to contingent liabilities in the future, which may adversely affect our financial results or cash available for distribution to stockholders.
In the future, we may engage in transactions intended to hedge against various risks to our portfolio, including the exposure to changes in interest rates. The extent of our hedging activity will vary in scope based on, among other things, the level and volatility of interest rates, the type of assets held and other market conditions. Although these transactions are intended to reduce our exposure to various risks, hedging may fail to adequately protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and satisfying the criteria for no-action relief from the CFTC's Commodity Pool Operator, or CPO, registration rules, there are no current limitations on the hedging transactions that we may undertake. Our hedging transactions could require us to fund large cash payments in certain circumstances (e.g., the early termination of the hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or a demand by a counterparty that we make increased margin payments).
Our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and our access to capital at the time. The need to fund these obligations could adversely affect our financial condition. Further, hedging transactions, which are intended to limit losses, may actually result in losses, which would adversely affect our earnings and could in turn reduce cash available for distribution to stockholders.
The Dodd-Frank Act regulates derivative transactions, including certain hedging instruments we may use in our risk management activities. Rules implemented by the CFTC pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act require, among other things, that certain derivatives be cleared through a registered
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clearing facility and traded on a designated exchange or swap execution facility. These regulations could increase the operational and transactional cost of derivatives contracts and affect the number and/or creditworthiness of available counterparties. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements underlying hedging transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory and commodity and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. The business failure of a hedging counterparty will most likely result in its default. Default by a hedging counterparty may result in the loss of unrealized profits and force us to cover our commitments, if any, at the then current market price. Although generally we will seek to reserve the right to terminate our hedging positions, it may not always be possible to dispose of or close out a hedging position without the consent of the hedging counterparty and we may not be able to enter into an offsetting contract in order to cover our risk. We cannot assure you that a liquid secondary market will exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses.
Risks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager
Our success depends on our Manager and its key personnel. We may not find a suitable replacement if we or our Manager terminates the management agreement.
We will not have any employees and will be externally managed and advised by our Manager. Our Manager will have significant discretion as to the implementation of our investment and operating policies and strategies. Accordingly, our success will depend on the efforts, experience, diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the officers and key personnel of our Manager and its affiliates. The senior professionals of our Manager will evaluate, negotiate, execute and monitor our loans and investments and advise us regarding maintenance of our qualification as a REIT and exclusion from registration under the Investment Company Act; therefore, our success will depend on their skill and management expertise and continued service with our Manager and its affiliates. Furthermore, there is strong competition among financial sponsors, investment banks and other real estate debt investors for hiring and retaining qualified investment professionals and there can be no assurance that such professionals will continue to be associated with us, our Manager or its affiliates or that any replacements will perform well. The departure of any of the officers or key personnel of our Manager and its affiliates could have a material adverse effect on our performance.
In addition, we can offer no assurance that our Manager will remain our investment manager or that we will continue to have access to our Manager's officers and key personnel. The current term of the management agreement is for a -year period and will be automatically renewed for additional one-year terms thereafter, subject to the right of either party to elect not to renew the agreement; provided, however, that our Manager may terminate the management agreement after the initial term or after any automatic renewal term upon 180 days' prior notice. If the management agreement is terminated and no suitable replacement is found to manage us, we may not be able to execute our business plan.
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There are various conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager and its affiliates, which could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders. For example, the terms of our management agreement, including fees payable, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.
We are subject to conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with our Manager and its affiliates. Each of our executive officers is an employee of Pine River Domestic Management L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Manager. As a result, the management agreement with our Manager will be negotiated between related parties, and its terms, including fees payable to our Manager, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights under the management agreement because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with our Manager.
Our Manager and its affiliates may engage in additional management or investment opportunities that have overlapping objectives with ours, and thus will face conflicts in the allocation of resources between us, any other funds they manage and for their own accounts. Additionally, the ability of our Manager, and the officers and employees providing services to us under the management agreement to engage in other business activities reduces the time our Manager spends managing us. Under the management agreement, none of these individuals will be required to devote a specific amount of time to our affairs. Accordingly, we will compete with the existing funds of our Manager, its investment vehicles, other ventures and possibly other entities in the future for the time and attention of these officers and other personnel.
We may enter into additional transactions with our Manager or its affiliates. In particular, we may purchase assets from our Manager or its affiliates or make co-purchases alongside our Manager or its affiliates. These transactions may not be the result of arm's length negotiations and may involve conflicts between our interests and the interests of our Manager and/or its affiliates. There can be no assurance that any procedural protections will be sufficient to assure that these transactions will be made on terms that will be at least as favorable to us as those that would have been obtained in an arm's length transaction.
The ability of our Manager and its affiliates to engage in other business activities may reduce the time our Manager spends managing our business and may result in certain conflicts of interest.
Our Manager and its affiliates, including certain of our officers and directors, may also serve as officers, directors or partners of other private investment vehicles, including new affiliated potential pooled investment vehicles or managed accounts not yet established, whether managed or sponsored by our Management's affiliates or our Manager. Accordingly, the ability of our Manager and its officers and employees to engage in other business activities may reduce the time our Manager spends managing our business. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest insofar as the time and effort of the professional staff of our Manager and its officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively to our business; instead it will be allocated between our business and the management of these other investment vehicles.
In the course of our investing activities, we will pay base management fees to our Manager and will reimburse our Manager for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a "gross" basis and receive distributions on a "net" basis after expenses, resulting in, among other things, a lower rate of return than one might achieve through direct investments. As a result of this arrangement, our Manager's interests may be less aligned with our interests.
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Our board of directors will approve very broad investment guidelines for us and will not review or approve each investment decision made by our Manager.
Our board of directors will periodically review and update our investment guidelines and will also review our investment portfolio, but will not review or approve specific investments. Our Manager will have great latitude within the broad parameters of the investment guidelines to be set by our board of directors in determining our investments and investment strategies, which could result in investment returns that are substantially below expectations or that result in material losses.
Our Manager's fee structure may not create proper incentives or may cause our Manager to select investments in more risky assets to increase its incentive compensation.
We will pay our Manager base management fees regardless of the performance of our portfolio. Our Manager's entitlement to base management fees, which are not based upon performance metrics or goals, might reduce its incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking loans and investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our portfolio. Because the base management fees will also be based on our outstanding equity, our Manager may also be incentivized to advance strategies that increase our equity, and there may be circumstances where increasing our equity will not optimize the returns for our stockholders. Consequently, we will be required to pay our Manager base management fees in a particular period despite experiencing a net loss or a decline in the value of our portfolio during that period.
In addition, our Manager will have the ability to earn incentive fees each quarter based on our earnings, which may create an incentive for our Manager to invest in assets with higher yield potential, which are generally riskier or more speculative, or sell an asset prematurely for a gain, in an effort to increase our short-term net income and thereby increase the incentive fees to which it is entitled. If our interests and those of our Manager are not aligned, the execution of our business plan and our results of operations could be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Termination of the management agreement may be difficult and costly, which may adversely affect our inclination to end our relationship with our Manager.
Termination of the management agreement without cause would be difficult and costly. The management agreement may be amended or modified by agreement between us and our Manager. Following the initial -year term, the management agreement may be terminated annually upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors, based upon (i) unsatisfactory performance by our Manager that is materially detrimental to us taken as a whole or (ii) our determination that the management fee and incentive fee payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to our Manager's right to prevent any termination due to unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management and/or incentive fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of our independent directors. We must provide 180 days' prior notice of any such termination. Unless terminated for cause, our Manager will be paid a termination fee equal to times the sum of (i) the average annual base management fee and (ii) incentive compensation, in each case earned by our Manager during the -month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the termination date. These provisions increase the cost to us of terminating the management agreement and adversely affect our ability to terminate the management agreement without cause.
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The liability of our Manager will be limited under the management agreement, and we will agree to indemnify our Manager and its affiliates and advisers against certain liabilities. As a result, we could experience poor performance or losses for which our Manager would not be liable.
Pursuant to the management agreement, our Manager will not assume any responsibility other than to render the services under the management agreement in good faith. It will not be responsible for any action of our board of directors in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendations of our Manager, including as set forth in our investment guidelines. Our Manager and its affiliates, and any of their members, stockholders, managers, partners, personnel, officers, directors, employees, consultants and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager, will not be liable to us, our board of directors or our stockholders, partners or members for any acts or omissions (including errors that may result from ordinary negligence, such as errors in the investment decision making process or in the trade process) performed in accordance with the management agreement, except by reason of acts or omission constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their respective duties under the management agreement, as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
We will agree to indemnify our Manager, its affiliates and any of their officers, stockholders, members, partners, managers, directors, personnel, employees, consultants and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts of our Manager not constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties, arising from acts or omissions performed in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement. As a result, if we experience poor performance or losses, our Manager would not be liable.
Risks Related to Our Company and Structure
We have limited operating history and may not be able to operate our business successfully or generate sufficient revenue to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.
We were organized in April 2017 to continue the commercial real estate business carried out by our Predecessor which commenced in the first quarter of 2015, and therefore have limited operating history. Prior to the Formation Transaction, we benefited from our Predecessor's experience and infrastructure. As a subsidiary of Two Harbors, our Predecessor benefited from Two Harbor's success and brand, strong capital base and financial strength, and established relationships with lenders. We may not be as successful in establishing and expanding our brand, relationships operations and infrastructure to enable us to operate as a standalone public company, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to operate our business successfully or implement our operating policies and strategies as described in this prospectus. The results of our operations depend on several factors, including the availability of opportunities for the origination or acquisition of target investments, the level and volatility of interest rates, the availability of adequate short and long-term financing, conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions.
In addition, our future operating results and financial data may vary materially from the historical operating results and financial data as well as the pro forma operating results and financial data contained in this prospectus because of a number of factors, including costs and expenses associated with the management agreement and being a public company. Consequently, the historical and pro forma financial statements contained in this prospectus may not be useful in assessing our likely future performance.
We may change any of our strategies, policies or procedures without stockholder consent.
We may change any of our strategies, policies or procedures with respect to investments, asset allocation, growth, operations, indebtedness, financing strategy and distributions at any time without the
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consent of stockholders, which could result in our making investments that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the types of investments described in this prospectus. Changes in strategy could also result in the elimination of certain investments and business activities that we no longer view as attractive or in alignment with our business model. Shifts in strategy may increase our exposure to credit risk, interest rate risk, financing risk, default risk, regulatory risk and real estate market fluctuations. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to effectively execute or to realize the potential benefits of changes in strategy. Any such changes could adversely affect our financial condition, risk profile, results of operations, the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.
Maintaining our exemptions from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act imposes limits on our operations. Your investment return may be reduced if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
We currently conduct, and intend to continue to 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. 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" (the "40% test"). 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.
To maintain our status as a non-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 will monitor our holdings to ensure ongoing compliance with this test, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain an exclusion or exemption from registration. The 40% test limits the types of businesses in which we may engage through our subsidiaries. In addition, the assets we and our subsidiaries may originate or acquire are limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act, which may adversely affect our business.
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) of the Investment Company Act. To qualify for the exclusion pursuant to 3(c)(5)(C), each such subsidiary generally is 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."
As a consequence of our seeking to maintain our exclusion from 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 maintain our exclusion from registration 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 that represent less than
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the entire ownership in a pool of senior mortgage loans, debt and equity tranches of securitizations and certain asset-backed securities, non-controlling equity interests in real estate companies or in assets not related to real estate, however, we and our subsidiaries may invest in such securities to a certain extent. In addition, seeking to maintain our exclusion from 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, compliance with the exclusion from the Investment Company Act may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
We will determine whether an entity is a majority-owned subsidiary of our company. The Investment Company Act defines a majority-owned subsidiary of a person as a company 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of which are owned by such person, or by another company which is a majority-owned subsidiary of such person. The Investment Company Act defines voting securities as any security presently entitling the owner or holder thereof to vote for the election of directors of a company. We treat entities in which we own at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities as majority-owned subsidiaries for purposes of the 40% test. We have not requested that the SEC or its staff approve our treatment of any entity as a majority-owned subsidiary, and neither has done so. If the SEC or its staff were to disagree with our treatment of one or more subsidiary entities as majority-owned subsidiaries, we may need to adjust our strategy and our assets in order to continue to pass the 40% test. Any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
We will classify our assets for purposes of certain of our subsidiaries' 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion from the Investment Company Act based upon no-action positions taken by the SEC staff and interpretive guidance provided by the SEC and its staff. Based on such guidance, to qualify for the exclusion pursuant to 3(c)(5)(C), each such subsidiary generally is required to hold at least (i) 55% of its assets in "qualifying" real estate assets and (ii) 80% of its assets in "qualifying" real estate assets and real estate-related assets. "Qualifying" real estate assets for this purpose include senior mortgage 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 mortgage loans for the purposes of the Investment Company Act. We treat as real estate-related assets B-Notes 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. The SEC has not published guidance with respect to the treatment of CMBS for purposes of the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exemption. Based on our analysis of published guidance with respect to other types of assets, we consider the controlling class of CMBS and classes contiguous to a controlling class holding to be qualifying real estate assets under certain conditions. These no-action positions are based on specific factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we and our subsidiaries may face, and a number of these no-action positions were issued more than twenty years ago. There may be no guidance from the SEC staff that applies directly to our factual situations and as a result we may have to apply SEC staff guidance that relates to other factual situations by analogy. No assurance can be given that the SEC or its staff will concur with our classification of our assets. In addition, the SEC or its staff may, in the future, issue further guidance that may require us to re-classify our assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including for purposes of our subsidiaries' compliance with the exclusion provided in Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. There is no guarantee that we will be able to adjust our assets in the manner required to maintain our exclusion from the Investment Company Act and any adjustment in our strategy or assets could have a material adverse effect on us.
To the extent that the SEC or its staff provide more specific guidance regarding any of the matters bearing upon the definition of investment company and the exemptions to that definition, we may be
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required to adjust our strategy accordingly. On August 31, 2011, the SEC issued a concept release and request for comments regarding the Section 3(c)(5)(C) exclusion (Release No. IC-29778) in which it contemplated the possibility of issuing new rules or providing new interpretations of the exemption that might, among other things, define the phrase "liens on and other interests in real estate" or consider sources of income in determining a company's "primary business." Any additional guidance from the SEC or its staff could provide additional flexibility to us, or it could further inhibit our ability to pursue the strategies we have chosen.
There can be no assurance that we and our subsidiaries will be able to successfully avoid operating as an 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.
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 borrowings), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) and portfolio composition, including disclosure requirements and restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration and other matters. Compliance with the Investment Company Act would, accordingly, limit our ability to make certain investments and require us to significantly restructure our business plan, which could materially adversely affect our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.
Rapid changes in the values of our assets may make it more difficult for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT or our exemption from the Investment Company Act.
If the market value or income potential of our assets declines as a result of increased interest rates, prepayment rates, general market conditions, government actions or other factors, we may need to increase our real estate assets and income or liquidate our non-qualifying assets in order to maintain our REIT qualification or our exemption from the Investment Company Act. If the decline in real estate asset values or income occurs quickly, this may be especially difficult to accomplish. This difficulty may be exacerbated by the illiquid nature of any non-real estate assets we may own. We may have to make decisions that we otherwise would not make absent the REIT and Investment Company Act considerations.
State licensing requirements will cause us to incur expenses and our failure to be properly licensed may have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
Nonbank companies are generally required to hold licenses in a number of U.S. states to conduct lending activities. State licensing statutes vary from state to state and prescribe or impose various recordkeeping requirements; restrictions on loan origination and servicing practices, including limits on finance charges and the type, amount and manner of charging fees; disclosure requirements; requirements that licensees submit to periodic examination; surety bond and minimum specified net worth requirements; periodic financial reporting requirements; notification requirements for changes in principal officers, stock ownership or corporate control; restrictions on advertising; and requirements that loan forms be submitted for review. Obtaining and maintaining licenses will cause us to incur expenses and failure to be properly licensed under state law or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
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Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations, changes in the interpretation thereof or newly enacted laws or regulations (including laws and regulations having the effect of exempting REITs from the Investment Company Act) 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 or otherwise adversely affect our business.
We are subject to regulation by laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may change from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, 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 or otherwise adversely affect our business. Furthermore, if regulatory capital requirements imposed on our private lenders change, they may be required to limit, or increase the cost of, financing they provide to us. In general, this could potentially increase our financing costs and reduce our liquidity or require us to sell assets at an inopportune time or price.
We are highly dependent on information technology and security breaches or systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends.
Our business is highly dependent on information technology. In the ordinary course of our business, we may store sensitive data, including our proprietary business information and that of our business partners on our networks. The secure maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations, disrupt our trading activities, or damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay dividends to stockholders.
The resources required to protect our information technology and infrastructure, and to comply with the laws and regulations related to data and privacy protection, are subject to uncertainty. Even in circumstances where we are able to successfully protect such technology and infrastructure from attacks, we may incur significant expenses in connection with our responses to such attacks. In addition, recent well-publicized security breaches have led to enhanced government and regulatory scrutiny of the measures taken by companies to protect against cyber-security attacks, and may in the future result in heightened cyber-security requirements and/or additional regulatory oversight. As cyber-security threats and government and regulatory oversight of associated risks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to enhance or expand upon the security measures we currently maintain. Any such actions may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
We are an "emerging growth company," and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.
We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. We may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding
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advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenues as of the end of our fiscal year, we have more than $700.0 million in market value of our stock held by non-affiliates as of the end of our second fiscal quarter or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our per share trading price may be adversely affected and more volatile.
Risks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items
If we do not maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be subject to tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability.
We expect to operate so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code. However, qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only a limited number of judicial or administrative interpretations exist. Our qualification as a REIT will depend on our continuing ability to meet various requirements concerning, among other things, our sources of income, the nature of our investments, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. Notwithstanding the availability of cure provisions in the Code, we could fail various compliance requirements, which could jeopardize our REIT status. Furthermore, new tax legislation, administrative guidance or court decisions, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, then:
A REIT, in certain circumstances, may incur tax liabilities that would reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
Even if we qualify and maintain our status as a REIT, we may become subject to U.S. federal income taxes and related state and local taxes. For example, gain from the sale of properties that are "dealer" properties sold by a REIT (a "prohibited transaction" under the Code) will be subject to a 100% tax. Also, we may not make sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes applicable to REITs. Similarly, if we were to fail an income test (and did not lose our REIT status because such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect) we would be subject to tax on the income that does not meet the income test requirements. We also may decide to retain net capital gain we earn from the sale or other disposition of our investments and pay income tax directly on such income. In that event, our stockholders would be treated as if they earned that income and paid the tax on it directly.
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However, stockholders that are tax-exempt, such as charities or qualified pension plans, would have no benefit from their deemed payment of such tax liability unless they file U.S. federal income tax returns and seek a refund of such tax. We also may be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, including franchise, payroll, mortgage recording and transfer taxes, either directly or at the level of the other companies through which we indirectly own our assets, such as our TRSs which are subject to full U.S. federal, state, local and foreign corporate-level income taxes. Any taxes we pay directly or indirectly will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive investment opportunities and limit our expansion opportunities.
In order to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, our sources of income, the nature of our investments in real estate and related assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may also be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times, such as when we do not have funds readily available for distribution or when we would like to use funds for attractive investment and expansion opportunities. Thus, compliance with REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
Complying with REIT requirements may force us to liquidate or restructure otherwise attractive investments.
In order to qualify as a REIT, we must also ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and real estate assets. The remainder of our investments in securities cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer unless we and such issuer jointly elect for such issuer to be treated as a TRS under the Code. The total value of all of our investments in TRSs cannot exceed 25% (20% in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of our total assets. In addition, no more than 5% of the value of our assets can consist of the securities of any one issuer other than a TRS or a disregarded entity, and no more than 25% of our assets can consist of debt of "publicly offered" REITs (i.e., REITs that are required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) that is not secured by real property or interests in real property. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we must dispose of a portion of our assets or otherwise come into compliance within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in order to avoid losing our REIT status and suffering adverse tax consequences.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code substantially limit our ability to hedge our assets and liabilities. Any income from a hedging transaction we enter into to manage risk of interest rate or price changes with respect to borrowings made or to be made to acquire or carry real estate assets that is properly identified under applicable Treasury regulations, or to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to our REIT qualifying income, does not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income tests that we must satisfy in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the gross income tests. See "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsIncome Tests." As a result of these rules, we intend to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through a TRS. This could increase the cost of our hedging activities because our TRS may 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.
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Complying with REIT requirements may force us to borrow to make distributions to stockholders.
From time to time, our taxable income may be greater than our cash flow available for distribution to stockholders. If we do not have other funds available in these situations, we may be unable to distribute substantially all of our taxable income as required by the REIT provisions of the Code. Thus, we could be required to borrow funds, sell a portion of our assets at disadvantageous prices or find another alternative. These options could increase our costs or reduce the value of our equity.
Our charter does not permit any individual (including certain entities treated as individuals for this purpose) to own more than 9.8% of our common stock or of our capital stock, and attempts to acquire our common stock or any of our capital stock in excess of this 9.8% limit would not be effective without a prior exemption from those prohibitions by our board of directors.
For us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% of the value of our outstanding stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (including certain entities treated as individuals for this purpose) during the last half of a taxable year. For the purpose of preserving our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, among other purposes, our charter prohibits beneficial or constructive ownership by any individual (including certain entities treated as individuals for this purpose) of more than a certain percentage, currently 9.8%, by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock or our capital stock, which we refer to as the "ownership limit." The constructive ownership rules under the Code and our charter are complex and may cause shares of our outstanding common stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock or our capital stock by an individual or entity could cause an individual to own constructively in excess of 9.8% of our outstanding common stock or our capital stock, respectively, and thus violate the ownership limit. Our board intends to adopt a resolution providing for the exemption of Two Harbors and certain of its affiliates from the ownership limits in connection with the Formation Transaction, which will allow them to own in the aggregate up to % of our stock. However, there can be no assurance that our board of directors, as permitted in our charter, will increase, or will not decrease, this ownership limit in the future. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our common stock or capital stock in excess of the ownership limit without the consent of our board of directors either will result in the shares being transferred by operation of the charter to a charitable trust, and the person who attempted to acquire such excess shares will not have any rights in such excess shares, or in the transfer being void.
The ownership limit may have the effect of precluding a change in control of us by a third party, even if such change in control would be in the best interests of our stockholders or would result in receipt of a premium to the price of our common stock (and even if such change in control would not reasonably jeopardize our REIT status). Any exemptions to the ownership limit that are granted by our board of directors may limit our board of directors' ability to grant further exemptions at a later date.
We may choose to make distributions in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay income taxes without receiving any cash dividends.
In connection with our qualification as a REIT, we are required to annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. In order to satisfy this requirement, we may make distributions that are payable in cash and/or shares of our common stock (which could account for up to 90% of the aggregate amount of such distributions) at the election of each stockholder. Taxable stockholders receiving such distributions will be required to include the full amount of such distributions as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. stockholders may be required to pay income taxes
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with respect to such distributions in excess of the cash portion of the distribution received. Accordingly, U.S. stockholders receiving a distribution of our shares may be required to sell shares received in such distribution or may be required to sell other stock or assets owned by them, at a time that may be disadvantageous, in order to satisfy any tax imposed on such distribution. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock that it receives as part of the distribution in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount it must include in income with respect to the distribution, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such distribution, including in respect of all or a portion of such distribution that is payable in stock, by withholding or disposing of part of the shares included in such distribution and using the proceeds of such disposition to satisfy the withholding tax imposed. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividend income, such sale may put downward pressure on the market price of our common stock.
Various tax aspects of such a taxable cash/stock distribution are uncertain and have not yet been addressed definitively by the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS. No assurance can be given that the IRS will not impose requirements in the future with respect to taxable cash/stock distributions, including on a retroactive basis, or assert that the requirements for such taxable cash/stock distributions have not been satisfied in respect of any such distributions made by us.
Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends.
The maximum tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income payable to certain non-corporate U.S. stockholders is 20% instead of a maximum tax rate of 39.6%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rates. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause certain non-corporate investors to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stock of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our common stock.
We will be dependent on external sources of capital to finance our growth.
As with other REITs, but unlike corporations generally, our ability to finance our growth must largely be funded by external sources of capital because we generally will have to distribute to our stockholders 90% of our taxable income in order to qualify as a REIT. Our access to external capital will depend upon a number of factors, including general market conditions, the market's perception of our growth potential, our current and potential future earnings, cash distributions and the market price of our common stock.
We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could increase our tax liability, reduce our operating flexibility and reduce the price of our common stock.
In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in shares of our common stock. According to publicly released statements, a top legislative priority of the new Congress and administration may be to enact significant reform of the Code, including significant changes to taxation of business entities and the deductibility of interest expense and capital investment. There is a substantial lack of clarity around the likelihood, timing and details of any such tax reform and the impact of any potential tax reform on us or an investment in our common stock. Additional changes to the tax laws are likely to continue to occur, and we cannot assure you that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of us or our stockholders. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our shares or on the market value or the resale potential of our assets. You are urged to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the impact of any legislation on your investment in our shares and the status of any legislative, regulatory or administrative developments
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and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our shares. Although REITs generally receive certain tax advantages compared to entities taxed as regular 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 regular corporation. As a result, our charter provides our board of directors with the power, under certain circumstances, to revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election and cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, without the vote of our stockholders. Our board of directors has duties to us and could only cause such changes in our tax treatment if it determines in good faith that such changes are in the best interest of our company.
We may recognize "phantom income" in respect of our investments.
Our taxable income may substantially exceed our net income as determined based on GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash may occur. For example, we may acquire assets, including debt securities requiring us to accrue original issue discount, or OID, or recognize market discount income, that generate taxable income in excess of economic income or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from the assets, which is referred to as "phantom income." In addition, if a borrower with respect to a particular debt instrument encounters financial difficulty rendering it unable to pay stated interest as due, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income, with the effect that we will recognize income but will not have a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Finally, we may be required under the terms of indebtedness that we incur to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness, with the effect of recognizing income but not having a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
As a result of the foregoing, we may generate less cash flow than taxable income in a particular year and find it difficult or impossible to meet the REIT distribution requirements in certain circumstances. In such circumstances, we may be required to (a) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (b) borrow on unfavorable terms, (c) distribute amounts that would otherwise be used for future acquisitions or used to repay debt, or (d) make a taxable distribution of our shares of common stock as part of a distribution in which stockholders may elect to receive shares of our common stock or (subject to a limit measured as a percentage of the total distribution) cash, in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.
Moreover, we may acquire distressed loans or other debt investments that require subsequent modification by agreement with the borrower. If the amendments to the outstanding debt are "significant modifications" under applicable Treasury regulations, the modified debt may be considered to have been reissued to us in a debt-for-debt taxable exchange with the borrower. In certain circumstances, this deemed reissuance may prevent the modified debt from qualifying as a good REIT asset if the underlying security has declined in value and could cause us to recognize income to the extent the principal amount of the modified debt exceeds our adjusted tax basis in the unmodified debt.
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.
We may enter into securitizations and other financing transactions that could result in the creation of taxable mortgage pools for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, so long as we own 100% of the equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool, we generally would not be adversely affected by the characterization of a financing transaction as a taxable mortgage pool. Certain categories of stockholders, however, such as foreign stockholders eligible for treaty or other benefits, stockholders with net operating losses, and certain tax-exempt stockholders that are subject to unrelated business income tax, could be subject to increased taxes on a portion of their dividend income from us that is attributable to a taxable mortgage pool. In addition, to the extent that our stock is owned by
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tax-exempt "disqualified organizations," such as certain government-related entities and charitable remainder trusts that are not subject to tax on unrelated business income, we may incur a corporate level tax on a portion of our income from a taxable mortgage pool. In that case, we may reduce the amount of our distributions to any disqualified organization whose stock ownership gave rise to the tax. Moreover, we would be precluded from selling equity interests in these securitizations to outside investors, or selling any debt securities issued in connection with these securitizations that might be considered to be equity interests for tax purposes. These limitations may prevent us from using certain techniques to maximize our returns from securitization transactions.
The failure of a mezzanine loan to qualify as a real estate asset could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We may originate or acquire mezzanine loans, for which the IRS has provided a safe harbor but not rules of substantive law. Pursuant to the safe harbor, if a mezzanine loan meets certain requirements, it will be treated by the IRS as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from the mezzanine loan will be treated as qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the REIT 75% income test. Our mezzanine loans may not meet all of the requirements of this safe harbor. In the event we own a mezzanine loan that does not meet the safe harbor, the IRS could challenge such loan's treatment as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset and income tests and, if such a challenge were sustained, we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
We may fail to qualify as a REIT if the IRS successfully challenges the treatment of our mezzanine loans as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes or successfully challenges the treatment of our preferred equity investments as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
There is limited case law and administrative guidance addressing whether instruments such as mezzanine loans and preferred equity investments will be treated as equity or debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We expect that our mezzanine loans generally will be treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and our preferred equity investments generally will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but we typically do not anticipate obtaining private letter rulings from the IRS or opinions of counsel on the characterization of those investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a mezzanine loan is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be treated as owning the assets held by the partnership that issued the mezzanine loan and we would be treated as receiving our proportionate share of the income of that entity. If that partnership owned non-qualifying assets or earned non-qualifying income, we may not be able to satisfy all of the REIT income or asset tests. Alternatively, if the IRS successfully asserts a preferred equity investment is debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then that investment may be treated as a non-qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test and as producing non-qualifying income for 75% gross income test. In addition, such an investment may be subject to the 10% value test and the 5% asset test, and it is possible that a preferred equity investment that is treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes could cause us to fail one or more of the foregoing tests. Accordingly, we could fail to qualify as a REIT if the IRS does not respect our classification of our mezzanine loans or preferred equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless we are able to qualify for a statutory REIT "savings" provision, which may require us to pay a significant penalty tax to maintain our REIT qualification.
The tax on prohibited transactions will limit our ability to engage in transactions, including certain methods of securitizing or syndicating mortgage loans that would be treated as sales for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A REIT's net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% tax with no offset for losses. 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
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course of business. We might be subject to this tax if we dispose of, securitize or syndicate loans in a manner that was treated as a sale of the loans, or if we frequently buy and sell securities in a manner that is treated as dealer activity with respect to such securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, in order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may choose to engage in certain sales of loans through a TRS and not at the REIT level, and may limit the structures we utilize for our securitization transactions, even though direct sales by us or those structures might otherwise be beneficial to us.
The failure of assets subject to repurchase agreements to qualify as real estate assets could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We intend to enter into financing arrangements that are structured as sale and repurchase agreements pursuant to which we would nominally sell certain of our assets to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase these assets at a later date in exchange for a purchase price. Economically, these agreements are borrowings which are secured by the assets sold pursuant thereto. We believe that we will be treated for REIT asset and income test purposes as the owner of the assets that are the subject of any such sale and repurchase agreement, notwithstanding that such agreements may transfer record ownership of the assets to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that we did not own the assets during the term of the sale and repurchase agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
Liquidation of assets may jeopardize our REIT qualification.
To qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate our investments to repay obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT, or we may be subject to a 100% tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.
Our ownership of and relationship with our TRSs will be restricted, and a failure to comply with the restrictions would jeopardize our REIT status and may result in the application of a 100% excise tax.
A REIT may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying REIT income if earned directly by the parent REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A 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. Overall, no more than 25% (20% in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of a REIT's assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs. The value of our interests in and thus the amount of assets held in a TRS may also be restricted by our need to qualify for an exclusion from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
Any domestic TRS we own will pay U.S. federal, state and local income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, 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 expect that the aggregate value of all TRS stock and securities owned by us should be less than 20% of the value of our total assets. Although we plan to monitor our investments in and transactions with TRSs, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the limitation on the value of our TRSs discussed above or to avoid application of the 100% excise tax discussed above.
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Our qualification as a REIT may be dependent on the accuracy of legal opinions or advice rendered or given or statements by the issuers of assets that we acquire, and the inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our REIT qualification and result in significant corporate-level tax.
When purchasing securities, we may rely on opinions or advice of counsel for the issuer of such securities, or statements made in related offering documents, for purposes of determining whether such securities represent debt or equity securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the value of such securities, and also to what extent those securities constitute qualified real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests and produce income that qualifies under the 75% gross income test. The inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT and result in significant corporate-level tax.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock and this Offering
There is no public market for our common stock and a market may never develop, which could cause our common stock to trade at a discount and make it difficult for holders of our common stock to sell their shares.
Our shares of common stock are newly issued securities for which there is no established trading market. We have applied to list our common stock on the NYSE under the trading symbol "GPMT." However, there can be no assurance that an active trading market for our common stock will develop, or if one develops, be maintained. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the ability of our stockholders to sell their common stock or as to the price that our stockholders may obtain for their common stock.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
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:
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As noted above, market factors unrelated to our performance could also negatively impact the market price of our common stock. One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock is our distribution rate as a percentage of our stock price relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may demand a higher distribution rate or seek alternative investments paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and conditions in the capital markets can affect the market value of our common stock. For instance, if interest rates rise, it is likely that the market price of our common stock will decrease as market rates on interest-bearing securities increase.
If we or our existing stockholders sell additional shares of our common stock after this offering, the market price of our common stock could decline.
The sale of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could harm the prevailing market price of shares of our common stock. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
Upon closing of this offering, we will have a total of shares of our common stock outstanding (or shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). Of the outstanding shares, the shares sold in this offering (or shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares) will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, subject to the limitations on ownership and transfer set forth in our charter, and except that any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, may be sold only in compliance with the limitations described in "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
The remaining outstanding shares of common stock held by Two Harbors and our officers and directors after this offering will be subject to certain restrictions on resale. We, our officers, directors and holders of certain of our outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to this offering will be subject to lock-up agreements with the underwriters that, subject to certain customary exceptions, restrict the sale of the shares of our common stock held by them for days following the date of this prospectus. The representatives of the underwriters may, in their sole discretion and
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without notice, release all or any portion of the shares of common stock subject to lock-up agreements. See "Underwriting" for a description of these lock-up agreements.
Upon the expiration of the lock-up agreements described above, all of such shares will be eligible for resale in a public market, subject, in the case of shares held by our affiliates, to volume, manner of sale and other limitations under Rule 144. We expect that Two Harbors will be considered an affiliate 180 days after this offering based on its expected share ownership (consisting of shares). Certain other of our stockholders may also be considered affiliates at that time.
We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows from our operations to make distributions to our stockholders at any time in the future.
We are generally required to annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which may not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, for us to qualify as a REIT, which requirement we currently intend to satisfy through quarterly distributions of all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income in such year, subject to certain adjustments. We have not established a minimum distribution payment level and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors described in this prospectus. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, debt covenants, maintenance of our REIT qualification and other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant from time to time. We believe that a change in any one of the following factors could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders:
As a result, 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, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.
In addition, distributions that we make to our stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and not designated by us as capital gain dividends, generally will be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary income. However, a portion of our distributions may be designated by us as capital gain dividends and generally will be taxed to our stockholders as long-term capital gain to the extent that such distributions do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the stockholder that receives such distribution has held its stock. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and not designated by us as capital gain dividends, may constitute a return of capital. A return of capital is not taxable, but has the effect of reducing the basis of a stockholder's investment in our common stock, but not below zero.
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Provisions of our charter and bylaws and Maryland law may deter takeover attempts, which may limit the opportunity of our stockholders to sell their shares at a favorable price.
Some of the provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws discussed below could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our stockholders by providing them with the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium to the then current market price.
Issuance of stock without stockholder approval. Our charter will authorize our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to authorize the issuance of up to shares of common stock and up to shares of preferred stock. Our charter also authorizes our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that are authorized by the charter to be issued. Preferred stock may be issued in one or more classes or series, the terms of which may be determined by our board of directors without further action by stockholders. Prior to issuance of any such class or series, our board of directors will set the terms of any such class or series, including the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption. The issuance of any preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock and, therefore, could reduce the value of the common stock. In addition, specific rights granted to future holders of our preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell assets to, a third party. The power of our board of directors to cause us to issue preferred stock could, in certain circumstances, make it more difficult, delay, discourage, prevent or make it more costly to acquire or effect a change in control, thereby preserving the current stockholders' control.
Advance notice bylaw. Our bylaws will contain advance notice procedures for the introduction by a stockholder of new business and the nomination of directors by a stockholder. These provisions could, in certain circumstances, discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect stockholder-nominated directors and to propose and, consequently, approve stockholder proposals opposed by management.
Maryland takeover statutes. The Maryland Business Combination Act, in certain circumstances, could delay or prevent an unsolicited takeover of us. The statute substantially restricts the power of third parties who acquire, or seek to acquire, control of us without the approval of our board of directors to complete mergers and other business combinations even if such transaction would be beneficial to stockholders. "Business combinations" between such a third-party acquirer or its affiliate and us are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the acquirer becomes an "interested stockholder." An "interested stockholder" is defined as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of ours 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 our then outstanding stock. If our board of directors approved in advance the transaction that would otherwise give rise to the acquirer attaining such status, the acquirer would not become an interested stockholder and, as a result, it could enter into a business combination with us. Our board of directors may, however, provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by it. Even after the lapse of the five-year prohibition period, any business combination with an interested stockholder must be recommended by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
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The super-majority vote requirements do not apply if, among other considerations, the transaction complies with a minimum price and form of consideration requirements prescribed by the statute. The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that an interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. As permitted by the MGCL, our board of directors will by resolution exempt business combinations (i) between us and any person not then already an interested stockholder, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of directors who are not affiliates or associates of such persons) and (ii) between us and PRCM or any of its affiliates. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and any other person as described above, and as a result, any such person may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders, without compliance with the super-majority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute.
The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act of the Maryland General Corporation Law provides that a holder of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition has no voting rights with respect to the control shares except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by employees who are directors of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror 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 voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
Control shares do not include shares the acquiror is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiror does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may, subject to certain limitations and conditions, redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved or, if no meeting is held, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of a majority of the voting power, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined
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for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to (a) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our bylaws will contain a provision exempting any acquisition of our stock by any person from the foregoing provisions on control shares, which may be amended by our board of directors. In the event that our bylaws are amended to modify or eliminate this provision, acquisitions of our common stock may constitute a control share acquisition.
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, which is commonly referred to as the Maryland Unsolicited Takeovers Act, or MUTA, permits the board of directors of a Maryland corporation with at least three independent directors and a class of stock registered under the Exchange Act, without stockholder approval and notwithstanding any contrary provision in its charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, including adopting a classified board, increasing the vote required to remove a director or providing that each vacancy on the board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. These provisions could have the effect of limiting or precluding a third party from making an unsolicited acquisition proposal for our company or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of shares of our common stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current market price. Our charter contains a provision whereby we have elected, at such time as we become eligible to do so (which we expect will be upon the closing of this offering), to be subject to the provisions of MUTA relating to the filling of vacancies on our board of directors. See "Description of Capital StockCertain Provisions of Our Charter and Bylaws and of Maryland LawMaryland Unsolicited Takeovers Act."
In addition, our charter includes certain limitations on the ownership and transfer of our common stock. See "Risks Related to Our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax ItemsOur charter does not permit any person (including certain entities treated as individuals for this purpose) to own more than 9.8% of any class or series of our outstanding capital stock, and attempts to acquire shares of any class or series of our capital stock in excess of this 9.8% limit would not be effective without a prior exemption from those prohibitions by our board of directors."
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interests.
Our charter limits the liability of our present and former directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Under Maryland law, our present and former directors and officers will not have any liability to us and our stockholders for money damages other than liability resulting from:
Our charter obligates us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Our bylaws require us to indemnify each present and former director or officer, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to pay or reimburse the defense costs incurred by our present and former directors and officers without requiring
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a preliminary determination of their ultimate entitlement to indemnification. See "Description of Capital StockCertain Provisions of Our Charter and Bylaws and of Maryland LawLimitation of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers."
Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which could make it difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management.
Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of any series of preferred stock, a director may be removed only for cause upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Under our charter, cause means conviction of a felony or a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holding that a director caused demonstrable, material harm to our company through bad faith or active and deliberate dishonesty. Vacancies may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if less than a quorum. These requirements make it more difficult to change our management by removing and replacing directors and may prevent a change in control of our company that is in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our amended and restated bylaws designate certain Maryland courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following: any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the corporation; any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our present or former directors, officers or other employees or our stockholders to the corporation or to our stockholders or any standard of conduct applicable to our directors; any action asserting a claim against the corporation or any of our present or former directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws; or any action asserting a claim against the corporation or any of our present or former directors, officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the stockholder believes is favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our bylaws inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
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Some of the statements contained in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," or "potential" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus reflect our current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking:
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The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us. Some of these factors are described in this prospectus under the headings "Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business." If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from selling shares of common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range indicated on the cover page of this prospectus, will be approximately $ million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ million (or, if the underwriters exercise their option in full, approximately $ million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses of approximately $ million).
A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by $ million, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions. Similarly, each increase or decrease of one million in the number of shares of common stock offered by us would increase or decrease the net proceeds that we receive from this offering by $ million, assuming that the assumed initial public offering price remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
All shares sold in this offering will be sold to the underwriters at $ per share, based on the assumed initial public offering price, which is the midpoint of the price range indicated on the cover page of this prospectus, which represents an initial discount to the underwriters of $ per share.
We plan to use all the net proceeds from this offering as described above to acquire additional target investments in accordance with our objectives and strategies described in this prospectus. See "BusinessOur Investment Approach." Since December 31, 2016, we have closed on an additional $ million of investments that we will be part of our Initial Portfolio. As of the date of this prospectus, we have signed non-binding term sheets, with deposits, for investments in an aggregate amount of approximately $ million and are currently evaluating an additional $ million of investment opportunities, which will be funded in part by the net proceeds from this offering. Prior to such assets being acquired, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in interest-bearing short-term investments, including AAA-rated CMBS and money market accounts that are consistent with our intention to qualify as a REIT. These investments are expected to provide a lower net return than we will seek to achieve from our target investments.
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We intend to make quarterly distributions to our common stockholders and distribution equivalents to holders of vested restricted stock units which are settled in shares of common stock. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its REIT taxable income, including capital gains. For more information, please see "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations." We currently do not intend to use the proceeds of this offering to make distributions to our stockholders.
To the extent that in respect of any calendar year, cash available for distribution is less than our taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash distributions or make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities. We generally will not be required to make distributions with respect to activities conducted through any TRS. For more information, see "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsOur Taxation as a REIT."
Dividends and other distributions will be authorized by our board of directors in its sole discretion out of funds legally available therefor and will be dependent upon a number of factors, including actual results of operations, restrictions under Maryland law, our financial condition liquidity, debt covenants, funding or margin requirements under securitizations, warehouse facilities or other secured and unsecured borrowing agreements. We cannot assure you that our distributions will be made or sustained or that our board of directors will not change our distribution policy in the future. For more information regarding risk factors that could materially adversely affect our actual results of operations, please see "Risk Factors."
We anticipate that our distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income to our stockholders, although a portion of the distributions may be designated by us as qualified dividend income or capital gain, or may constitute a return of capital. We will furnish annually to each of our stockholders a statement setting forth distributions paid during the preceding year and their characterization as ordinary income, return of capital, qualified dividend income or capital gain. For a more complete discussion of the tax treatment of distributions to holders of shares of our common stock, see "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."
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The following table sets forth the capitalization as of December 31, 2016 of (i) our Predecessor, (ii) on a pro forma basis to reflect the Formation Transaction and (iii) on a pro forma, as-adjusted basis to reflect the Formation Transaction, and the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting the underwriting discount and commissions and estimated organizational and offering expenses payable by us, and the issuance to our independent directors under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan of an aggregate of restricted shares of our common stock as initial grants. You should read this table together with the section entitled "Use of Proceeds" included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
As of December 31, 2016 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Amounts in thousands except per share data) |
Predecessor Actual |
Pro Forma for the Formation Transaction |
Pro Forma As Adjusted(1)(2) |
|||||||
|
(Audited) |
(Unaudited) |
(Unaudited) |
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 56,019 | $ | 34,559 | $ | |||||
Total debt |
$ |
1,044,799 |
$ |
1,044,799 |
$ |
|||||
% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock with $1,000 liquidation preference per share, no shares authorized, and no shares issued and outstanding, Predecessor actual, shares authorized and 1,000 shares of % Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock with $1,000 liquidation preference per share, issued and outstanding, pro forma, and shares authorized and 1,000 shares of % Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock with $1,000 liquidation preference per share, issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted |
| 1,000 | ||||||||
Stockholders' equity: |
||||||||||
Predecessor equity |
427,991 | | ||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized and 1,000 shares of % cumulative redeemable preferred stock with $1,000 liquidation preference per share (described above), issued and outstanding, pro forma, and shares authorized and 1,000 shares of % cumulative redeemable preferred stock with $1,000 liquidation preference per share (described above), issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted |
| | ||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000 shares authorized and 1,000 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma, and shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted |
| 426,991 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total stockholders' equity |
$ | 427,991 | $ | 426,991 | $ | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
We have presented the following selected consolidated historical financial data for our Predecessor, TH Commercial Holdings LLC, and its subsidiaries, and selected consolidated pro forma financial data for Granite Point after giving effect to the offering and the use of net proceeds therefrom and the Formation Transaction. We have not presented historical information for Granite Point because we have not had any operations or corporate activity since our formation other than the issuance of 1,000 shares of common stock to Two Harbors Operating Company LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Two Harbors, in connection with our initial capitalization.
You should read the following selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statements of our Predecessor and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus, and with the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
The selected historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and the selected historical consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 for our Predecessor have been derived from the consolidated audited financial statements of our Predecessor included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Our unaudited selected pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and statements of comprehensive income data for the year ended December 31, 2016 assumes closing of this offering, the Formation Transaction and the other adjustments described in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information beginning on page F-2 of this prospectus, as of January 1, 2016 for the statement of comprehensive income data and as of December 31, 2016 for the balance sheet data. The historical balances of our Predecessor have been reflected at carryover basis because, for accounting purposes, the Formation Transaction and this offering are not deemed a business combination and do not result in a change of control. The purchase price allocations have not been finalized and are subject to change based upon recording of actual transaction costs, finalization of working capital adjustments for our Predecessor and completion of our analysis of the fair value of the entities acquired from Two Harbors.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the actual financial position would have been had the transactions referred to above occurred on December 31, 2016, nor does it purport to represent the future financial position of the company. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of comprehensive income data are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily
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indicative of what the actual results of operations would have been had the transactions referred to above occurred on January 1, 2016, nor does it purport to represent our future results of operations.
|
Period Ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pro Forma | Predecessor Historical |
||||||||
(Dollar amounts in thousands) |
2016 | 2016 | 2015(1) | |||||||
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
|||||||
Comprehensive Income Data: |
||||||||||
Interest income: |
||||||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 59,819 | $ | 59,819 | $ | 9,139 | ||||
Available-for-sale securities |
1,002 | 1,002 | | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
7 | 7 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income |
60,828 | 60,828 | 9,139 | |||||||
Interest expense |
11,029 | 11,029 | 477 | |||||||
Net interest income |
49,799 | 49,799 | 8,662 | |||||||
Other income: |
||||||||||
Realized gain on sales of commercial real estate assets |
| | 181 | |||||||
Ancillary fee income |
37 | 37 | 14 | |||||||
Other fee income |
166 | 166 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income |
203 | 203 | 195 | |||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Management fees |
7,173 | 7,173 | 1,178 | |||||||
Professional services |
137 | 137 | 419 | |||||||
Servicing expense |
605 | 605 | 73 | |||||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,741 | 6,741 | 6,979 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
14,656 | 14,656 | 8,649 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes |
35,346 | 35,346 | 208 | |||||||
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
(11 | ) | (11 | ) | 70 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
$ | 35,346 | $ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 35,346 | $ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net |
(112 | ) | (112 | ) | | |||||
Other comprehensive loss |
(112 | ) | (112 | ) | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income |
$ | 35,245 | $ | 35,245 | $ | 138 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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|
As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance Sheet Data (Dollar amounts in thousands) |
Pro Forma | Predecessor Historical |
|||||
|
(unaudited) |
|
|||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 1,412,543 | $ | 1,412,543 | |||
Available-for-sale securities, fair value |
12,686 | 12,686 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
34,559 | 56,019 | |||||
Restricted cash |
260 | 260 | |||||
Escrow deposit |
| | |||||
Accrued interest receivable |
3,745 | 3.745 | |||||
Due from counterparties |
249 | 249 | |||||
Income tax receivable |
5 | 5 | |||||
Accounts receivable |
7,735 | 7,735 | |||||
Deferred debt issuance costs |
2,365 | 2,365 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total assets |
$ | 1,474,147 | $ | 1,495,607 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Repurchase agreements |
$ | 1,044,799 | $ | 451,167 | |||
Notes payable to affiliate |
| 593,632 | |||||
Accrued interest payable |
655 | 655 | |||||
Unearned interest income |
143 | 143 | |||||
Income tax payable |
| | |||||
Other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates |
| 21,460 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
559 | 559 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
$ | 1,046,156 | $ | 1,067,616 | |||
| | | | | | | |
% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, par value $0.01; no shares authorized and no shares outstanding, predecessor historical, shares authorized and 1,000 shares outstanding, pro forma |
1,000 | | |||||
Equity: |
|||||||
Predecessor equity |
427,991 | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
Stockholder's equity |
426,991 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 1,000 shares authorized and 1,000 shares outstanding, pro forma, no shares authorized and no shares outstanding, predecessor actual |
|||||||
Total equity |
426,991 | 427,991 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and equity |
$ | 1,474,147 | $ | 1,495,607 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our Company
We are a Maryland corporation that focuses primarily on directly originating, investing in and managing senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. We were formed to continue and expand the commercial real estate lending business established by Two Harbors Investment Corp., or Two Harbors, a publicly traded hybrid mortgage real estate investment trust. In the first quarter of 2015, Two Harbors established its commercial real estate lending business, TH Commercial Holdings LLC, collectively with its subsidiaries, our Predecessor. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we will acquire our Predecessor and its portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments, or the Initial Portfolio, that as of December 31, 2016 consisted of 37 commercial real estate investments with a principal balance of $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations.
We will be externally managed by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or PRCM, or our Manager, a global asset management firm and SEC registered investment adviser with approximately $9 billion of assets under management as of April 1, 2017. By capitalizing on our Manager's commercial real estate team's, or CRE team's, longstanding presence in the commercial real estate finance markets and its reputation as a thoughtful and responsible manager of investors' capital, we intend to continue to build a leading commercial real estate lending platform.
Our Manager's CRE team was formed in November 2014 by our President and Chief Executive Officer, John ("Jack") A. Taylor, our Chief Investment Officer, Stephen Alpart, and our Chief Operating Officer, Steven Plust, whom we collectively refer to as our senior CRE team. Each member of our senior CRE team has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate debt markets, and the team has worked together over 15 years. Our senior CRE team is complemented by a group of eight professionals with broad investment management expertise and extensive industry relationships. This team has an average of over 12 years of experience in the commercial real estate debt markets, and many of its members have worked together with our senior CRE team for multiple years or most of their careers.
The majority of our senior CRE team's commercial real estate finance experience has been as fiduciaries in investment management. Over their careers, they have built and managed several commercial real estate principal lending businesses both at broker dealers and as investment managers. This broad experience has allowed our senior CRE team to develop extensive expertise in capital markets, structured finance and investment management, resulting in their ability to navigate and exploit the commercial real estate finance markets for the benefit of our stockholders.
We are a long-term, fundamental value-oriented investor. We construct our investment portfolio on a loan-by-loan basis, emphasizing rigorous credit underwriting, selectivity and diversification, and assess each investment from a fundamental value perspective relative to other opportunities available in the market. Our primary target investments are directly originated floating-rate performing senior commercial real estate loans, typically with terms of three to five years, usually ranging in size from $25 million to $150 million. We typically provide intermediate-term bridge or transitional financing for a variety of purposes, including acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings and a range of business plans including lease-up, renovation, repositioning and repurposing of the property. We generally target the top 25, and up to top 50, metropolitan statistical areas in the United States, or MSAs. We believe that those markets provide ample supply of high credit quality properties to lend against, sufficient number of owners and sponsors with institutional attributes, and adequate market liquidity. We believe this approach will enable us to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders while preserving our capital base through diverse business cycles.
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Our origination strategy relies on our CRE team's extensive and longstanding direct relationships with a wide array of national, regional and local private owner/operators, private equity firms, funds, REITs, brokers and co-lenders. Our team's reach across the U.S. and active dialogue with market participants, has produced over $40 billion of investment opportunities since our Predecessor's formation. We invest significant time and resources in the early stages of our origination process and communicate frequently with our borrowers to increase the likelihood of closing the investment on the original terms. As a result, our CRE team has developed a reputation as a reliable counterparty, which has led to multiple investment opportunities with repeat clients.
We believe that the U.S. commercial real estate debt markets offer enduring investment opportunities. Over $1.5 trillion of commercial real estate debt is scheduled to mature over the next five years, and there is a sustained need for acquisition, repositioning and recapitalization loans. Traditional lenders, including banks that have historically accounted for approximately half of the market, are not expected to be able to meet projected borrower demand due to structural and regulatory constraints. As a result, we believe that there are significant opportunities to originate floating-rate senior commercial real estate loans on transitional properties at attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal tax purposes. For more information related to the consequences of this election, please see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items" and "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations." We also intend to operate our business in a manner that will permit us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.
Granite Point has not had any activity since our formation other than the issuance of 1,000 shares of our common stock to Two Harbors in connection with the initial capitalization of the company (which will be repurchased at cost upon completion of this offering) and activities in preparation for this offering and the Formation Transaction. Accordingly, a discussion of the financial condition and historical operations of Granite Point would not be meaningful. Instead, we describe herein the historical operations of our predecessor, TH Commercial Holdings LLC, sometimes referred to as TH Commercial or our Predecessor.
Our Manager
PRCM is a global asset management firm with institutional capabilities in managing new ventures, risk management, compliance and reporting. Our Manager has valuable industry and analytical expertise, extensive long-term relationships in the financial community and established fixed-income, mortgage and real estate investment experience. PRCM has made significant investments to establish the CRE team and the resources for the direct origination, credit underwriting, monitoring, financing and risk management of our target investments.
An affiliate of PRCM has served as the external manager of Two Harbors since its inception in 2009. At December 31, 2016, Two Harbors had grown to $3.4 billion of equity capital. Two Harbors' external manager, through access to PRCM's CRE team, provided Two Harbors with the expertise necessary to establish and grow the commercial real estate investments that will comprise our Initial Portfolio. We believe that PRCM's experience in establishing, growing and successfully managing Two Harbors, combined with the experience of the CRE team will enable us to successfully execute on our business strategy.
We believe that our stockholders will benefit from Granite Point being an independent public company solely focused on investment opportunities within the commercial real estate finance market. As part of Two Harbors, our Predecessor was able to establish its business and validate the significant market opportunity identified by the PRCM CRE team. We believe that being an independent public company provides us with the best opportunity to grow our business and execute on our strategy. As a result of this offering and becoming a separate public entity, we will gain direct access to capital and
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funding our stockholders while offering to a focused strategy in what we believe is an attractive asset class and a significant market opportunity. As we grow our portfolio of commercial real estate investments over time, we believe we will be able to recognize economies of scale and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders.
Our Initial Portfolio
As of December 31, 2016, our Initial Portfolio consisted of 37 commercial real estate investments with a principal balance of $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations. The Initial Portfolio is diversified across geographies, property types, structures and credits.
The following table provides a summary of our Initial Portfolio as of December 31, 2016:
Type
|
Origination/ Acquisition Date |
Principal Balance |
Book Value |
Cash Coupon(1) |
|
Yield(2) | Original Term (Years) |
State | Property Type |
Initial LTV(3) |
Stabilized LTV(4) |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Senior |
12/15 | 120.0 | 119.7 | L+ | 4.20% | 5.91% | 4 | LA | Mixed-Use | 65.5 | % | 60.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
09/15 | 105.0 | 105.0 | L+ | 3.42% | 4.76% | 3 | CA | Retail | 70.9 | % | 66.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
07/16 | 93.1 | 91.7 | L+ | 4.45% | 5.89% | 4 | Multi-state | Office | 62.8 | % | 61.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
04/16 | 82.0 | 81.3 | L+ | 4.75% | 6.09% | 3 | NY | Industrial | 55.4 | % | 55.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/15 | 77.1 | 76.9 | L+ | 4.20% | 5.80% | 3 | NY | Office | 66.4 | % | 68.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/16 | 73.0 | 72.0 | L+ | 4.37% | 5.85% | 4 | NC | Office | 72.4 | % | 68.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/16 | 62.3 | 60.4 | L+ | 4.11% | 6.76% | 4 | FL | Office | 73.3 | % | 63.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
06/16 | 50.3 | 49.8 | L+ | 4.49% | 5.95% | 4 | HI | Retail | 76.2 | % | 56.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
11/15 | 48.3 | 48.3 | L+ | 7.25% | 7.90% | 3 | Multi-state | Office | 77.6 | % | 77.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
03/15 | 45.9 | 45.9 | L+ | 6.72% | 8.14% | 2 | Multi-state | Hotel | 70.3 | % | 63.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/15 | 43.5 | 43.5 | L+ | 4.05% | 5.61% | 3 | TX | Multifamily | 81.2 | % | 76.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
04/16 | 43.5 | 42.9 | L+ | 4.40% | 6.11% | 3 | NY | Office | 66.9 | % | 62.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/15 | 43.2 | 43.2 | L+ | 4.65% | 6.43% | 4 | PA | Office | 74.5 | % | 67.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
02/16 | 41.8 | 41.5 | L+ | 4.30% | 5.63% | 3 | TX | Office | 72.9 | % | 70.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/16 | 39.6 | 38.9 | L+ | 4.95% | 6.45% | 4 | NJ | Office | 60.8 | % | 63.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/15 | 38.0 | 37.8 | L+ | 4.55% | 6.41% | 4 | MD | Office | 80.0 | % | 64.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/16 | 37.0 | 36.5 | L+ | 4.60% | 6.27% | 2 | NY | Office | 74.7 | % | 66.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/16 | 36.0 | 35.4 | L+ | 4.89% | 6.94% | 3 | OR | Office | 66.5 | % | 51.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/16 | 34.0 | 33.3 | L+ | 4.27% | 6.47% | 3 | NY | Office | 61.3 | % | 56.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
03/16 | 33.8 | 33.6 | | 3.45% | 5.24% | 10 | NJ | Office | 74.9 | % | 74.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
01/16 | 30.9 | 30.7 | L+ | 4.80% | 6.45% | 3 | IL | Multifamily | 82.8 | % | 66.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/16 | 24.0 | 23.8 | L+ | 5.15% | 6.34% | 4 | NY | Industrial | 70.0 | % | 70.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/15 | 23.5 | 23.5 | L+ | 3.60% | 4.94% | 4 | NY | Multifamily | 73.4 | % | 58.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/16 | 23.1 | 22.8 | L+ | 4.55% | 6.10% | 3 | CA | Office | 68.6 | % | 48.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/15 | 21.2 | 21.0 | L+ | 4.99% | 6.49% | 3 | MO | Hotel | 73.2 | % | 57.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/16 | 20.5 | 20.2 | L+ | 4.57% | 5.98% | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 70.6 | % | 57.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/15 | 19.3 | 19.3 | L+ | 5.25% | 6.83% | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 76.3 | % | 75.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/15 | 18.7 | 18.7 | L+ | 4.05% | 5.67% | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 85.0 | % | 68.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
08/15 | 17.0 | 17.0 | L+ | 8.75% | 10.06% | 2 | FL | Hotel | 71.9 | % | 67.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/16 | 16.5 | 16.2 | L+ | 4.85% | 6.68% | 3 | NY | Multifamily | 73.8 | % | 62.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
06/16 | 13.4 | 13.2 | L+ | 4.62% | 5.98% | 3 | NY | Multifamily | 81.7 | % | 64.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
CMBS |
12/15 | 12.8 | 12.7 | L+ | 6.90% | 7.72% | 13 | Multi-state | Office | 65.8 | % | 65.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
09/15 | 11.0 | 11.0 | L+ | 4.03% | 5.39% | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 77.7 | % | 76.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/16 | 10.9 | 10.7 | L+ | 5.90% | 8.52% | 3 | CA | Office | 70.3 | % | 72.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
07/15 | 10.3 | 10.3 | L+ | 12.25% | 14.03% | 3 | PA | Office | 81.6 | % | 79.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
08/15 | 9.9 | 9.9 | L+ | 9.50% | 11.59% | 5 | GA | Office | 78.7 | % | 66.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
11/15 | 6.9 | 6.6 | | 13.00% | (5) | 16.28% | 10 | NY | Hotel | 68.3 | % | 43.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Total/Weighted Average |
1,437.2 | 1,425.2 | 4.74% | 6.33% | 3.6 | 70.3 | % | 64.3 | % |
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The following charts illustrate, as of December 31, 2016, that our Initial Portfolio consists of primarily senior floating-rate commercial real estate loans, diversified across property types and geographies.
PORTFOLIO BY PROPERTY TYPE | PORTFOLIO BY GEOGRAPHY | |
PORTFOLIO BY COUPON STRUCTURE |
PORTFOLIO BY INVESTMENT |
|
We intend to focus on originating senior commercial mortgage loans backed by different types of commercial real estate properties located in various markets across the United States. Our Predecessor has invested in, and we may, from time to time, invest in other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. Together, we refer to these investments as our target investments. Our target investments will include:
Primary Target Investments
Secondary Target Investments
As part of our financing strategy, we may from time-to-time, syndicate senior participations in our originated senior commercial real estate loans to other investors and retain a subordinated debt position for our portfolio in the form of a mezzanine loan of subordinated mortgage interest, as described below. Alternatively, on occasion we may opportunistically co-originate the investments described below with senior lenders, or purchase them in the secondary market.
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Based on current market conditions, we expect that, like our Initial Portfolio, the majority of our investments will be senior commercial mortgage loans directly originated by us and secured by cash-flowing properties located in the United States. These investments will typically pay interest at rates that are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR plus a premium and have an expected term between three and five years.
Our Manager may opportunistically adjust our capital allocation to our target investments, with the proportion and types of investments changing over time depending on our Manager's views on, among other things, the current economic and credit environment. In addition, we may invest in assets other than our target investments, in each case subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exclusion from regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act.
Factors Expected to Affect Our Operating Results and Financial Condition
Discussed below are factors expected to affect our operating results and that have affected the operating results and financial condition of our Predecessor.
The results of our operations will be affected by a number of factors and primarily depend on, among other things, the level of our net interest income, the market value of our assets, credit performance of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, commercial mortgage loans, other commercial real estate debt instruments and other financial assets available for investment in the market. Our net interest income, which will reflect the amortization of origination fees and direct costs, will be recognized based on the contractual rate and the outstanding principal balance of the loans we intend to originate. The objective of the interest method is to arrive at periodic interest income that yields a level rate of return over the loan term. Interest rates will vary according to the type of loan or security, conditions in the financial markets, credit worthiness of our borrowers, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Our operating results may also be impacted by credit losses in excess of initial anticipations or unanticipated credit events experienced by our borrowers.
Loan Originations
Our business model is mainly focused on directly originating, investing in and managing senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. As a result of this strategy, our operating performance will be subject to overall market demand for commercial real estate loan products and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. We will manage originations and acquisitions of our target investments by diversifying our investment portfolio across geographical regions and local markets, property types, borrower types, loan structures and types. We will not limit our investments to any number of geographical areas or property types for our originations and will continue to develop a well-diversified investment portfolio. Additionally, our CRE team has extensive experience originating and acquiring commercial real estate loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments, through a network of long-standing relationships with borrowers, sponsors and industry brokers.
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Financing Availability
We will be subject to availability and cost of financing to successfully execute on our business strategy and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. We anticipate that most of our financing will be in the form of repurchase agreements or other types of credit facilities provided to us from our lender counterparties. We will mitigate this risk by seeking to diversify our lending partners, focusing on establishing borrowing relationships with strong counterparties and continuously monitoring them through a thoughtful approach to counterparty risk oversight.
Additionally, and to the extent available in the market, we may seek to finance our business through other means which may include, but not be limited to securitizations, note sales and issuance of unsecured debt and equity instruments.
Credit Risk
We are subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with our target investments. We seek to mitigate this risk by seeking to originate or acquire assets of higher quality at appropriate rates of return given anticipated and unanticipated losses, by employing a comprehensive review and selection process and by proactively monitoring originated or acquired investments. Nevertheless, unanticipated credit losses could occur that could adversely impact our operating results.
Operating ExpensesInvestment Management and Corporate Overhead
We will incur significant general and administrative costs, including certain costs related to being a public company and costs incurred on our behalf by our Manager. We expect these costs to decline as a percentage of revenue as our company and portfolio grow. We will rely on our Manager to provide or obtain on our behalf the personnel and services necessary for us to conduct our business because we have no employees of our own. Our Manager will perform these services for us and will provide us with a comprehensive suite of investment and portfolio management services.
Under the management agreement that we will enter into concurrently with the closing of this offering, we will pay all costs and expenses of our Manager incurred on our behalf in order to operate our business, as well as all compensation costs for certain personnel providing services to us under the management agreement, other than personnel directly involved in supporting the investment function. We will also pay our Manager a quarterly management fee equal to % (a % annual rate) of our stockholders' equity and an incentive fee as defined in our management agreement.
See "Our Manager and the Management Agreement" for further description of the terms of the management agreement, including the management and incentive fees payable to our Manager thereunder and our expense reimbursement obligations to our Manager.
Market Conditions
We believe that the commercial real estate debt markets offer compelling investment opportunities especially when approached fundamentally with a focus on strong credit and cash flow characteristics, and high quality borrowers and sponsors. These investment opportunities are supported by active real estate transaction volumes, continuous need for refinancing of legacy loans, and borrower and sponsor demand for debt capital to renovate, reposition or redevelop their properties. Additionally, the stricter regulatory environment after the financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 for traditional providers of financing in this market, such as banks and insurance companies, limits the capacity of available funding for certain types of commercial real estate loans which comprise a large part of our target investments. We believe that this reduced funding capacity in the market combined with strong demand from borrowers will provide us with the opportunities consistent with our investment strategy to invest our capital and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders.
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Changes in Fair Value of Our Investments
We intend to hold our target investments for the long-term, and as such they will be carried at cost on our balance sheet. We will evaluate our investments for impairment on a quarterly basis and impairments will be recognized when it is probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts estimated to be collected at the time of origination of the investment. We will evaluate impairment (both interest and principal) based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the investment's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.
Although we will hold our target investments for the long-term, we may occasionally classify some of our investments as available-for-sale. Investments classified as available-for-sale will be carried at their fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity, rather than through earnings. We do not intend to hold any of our investments for trading purposes.
Changes in Market Interest Rates
Although our strategy is to primarily originate, invest in and manage senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans, from time-to-time we may acquire fixed-rate investments, which would expose our operating results to the risks posed by fluctuation in interest rates. To the extent that this applies to us, we will actively manage this risk through the use of our Manager's sophisticated hedging strategies.
Our Predecessor Results of Operations
As of the date of this prospectus, we have not commenced any significant operations because we are in our formation stages and will not have any significant operations until we have completed this offering and the Formation Transaction. The following is a description of the historical results of operations for our Predecessor.
Our Predecessor commenced formal operations by acquiring, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, commercial real estate debt investments beginning in the first quarter of 2015 and, through December 31, 2016, had originated or acquired a total of 37 commercial real estate loans with a total face value of $1.4 billion. Specifically, our Predecessor had originated and acquired 18 investments in 2015 with a total face value of $668.3 million and 19 investments in 2016 with a total face value of $755.9 million.
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, our Predecessor generated total net revenue of approximately $8.9 million and $50.0 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, our Predecessor incurred total operating expenses of approximately $8.7 million and $14.7 million, respectively, resulting in net operating income of approximately $0.2 million and $35.3 million, respectively. The increase in revenue and total operating expense over these periods is directly attributable to the increase in the growth of our Predecessor's investment portfolio described above.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires certain judgments and assumptions, based on information available at the time of preparation of the financial statements, in determining accounting estimates used in preparation of the statements. The following discussion addresses the accounting policies that we believe apply to us based on the nature of our initial operations. Our most critical accounting policies involve decisions and assessments that could affect our reported assets and liabilities, as well as its reported revenues and
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expenses. We believe that all of the decisions and assessments used to prepare our Predecessor's financial statements are based upon reasonable assumptions given the information available at that time. The accounting policies and estimates that we believe are most critical to an investor's understanding of our Predecessor's and our financial results and condition are discussed below. The descriptions of the critical accounting policies and estimates refer to those of both our Predecessor and us.
Revenue Recognition
Interest income from loans receivable is recognized over the life of each investment using the effective interest method and is recorded on the accrual basis. Recognition of fees, premiums, and discounts associated with these investments is deferred until the loan is advanced and is then recorded over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Income accrual is generally suspended for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become more than 60 days past due or when recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income is then recorded on the basis of cash received until accrual is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. In addition, for loans originated, the related origination expenses are similarly deferred, however expenses related to loans acquired are included in general and administrative expenses as incurred.
Loans Held-for-Investment and Provision for Loan Losses
Commercial real estate loans held-for-investment are reported at cost, net of any unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts, loan fees and origination costs as applicable, unless the loans are deemed impaired. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms of the loan. Because commercial real estate loans are collateralized either by real property or by equity interests in the commercial real estate borrower, impairment is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral to the amortized cost of the respective loan. The valuation of the underlying collateral requires significant judgment, which includes assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, credit worthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders, overall economic conditions, the broader commercial real estate market, local geographic sub-markets, and other factors deemed necessary. If a loan is determined to be impaired, an allowance to reduce the carrying value of the loan is recorded through a charge to provision for loan losses. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.
A review of the Initial Portfolio is undertaken monthly, with more intense analysis and oversight done on a quarterly basis, and each loan is evaluated for impairment by assessing the risk factors of each loan and assigning a risk rating based on a variety of factors. Risk ratings are defined as follows:
1Lower Risk
2Average Risk
3Acceptable Risk
4Higher Risk: A loan that has exhibited material deterioration in cash flows and/or other credit factors, which, if negative trends continue, could be indicative of future loss.
5Impaired/Loss Likely: A loan that has a significantly increased probability of default or principal loss.
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We expect the above critical accounting policies and use of estimates to apply to us, in addition to the following:
Income Taxes
We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and believe that we will operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify for taxation as a REIT. As a result of our expected REIT qualification, we do not generally expect to pay U.S. federal corporate level taxes. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes at regular corporate rates and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed REIT taxable income.
Securitizations
We may enter into transactions in which we sell our investments, such as senior commercial mortgage loans, subordinated loans and other securities. Upon a transfer of our assets, we will sometimes retain or acquire senior or subordinated interests in the related investments. From time to time, we may securitize commercial mortgage loans we hold, if such financing is available. These transactions will be accounted for as either a "sale" and the loans will be removed from our balance sheet or as a "financing" and will be classified as "securitized loans" on our balance sheet, depending upon the structure of the securitization transaction. This may require us to exercise significant judgment in determining whether a transaction should be recorded as a "sale" or a "financing."
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Under the JOBS Act, we meet the definition of an "emerging growth company." We have irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act. As a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued ASU No. 2014-09, which is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that supersedes virtually all existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. As a result of the issuance of ASU No. 2015-14 in August 2015 deferring the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited. Our Predecessor has determined this ASU will not have a material impact on the their financial condition or results of operations, and we do not anticipate that it will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for both annual and interim reporting periods. The ASU requires certain disclosures if it concludes that substantial doubt exists and plans to alleviate that doubt. It is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for both annual and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the our Predecessor's financial condition, results of operations or disclosures as no going concern issues were identified. We
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do not anticipate this ASU will have an impact on our financial condition, results or operations or disclosures as no going concern issues have been identified.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, which simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The standard does not address the presentation of costs related to credit facilities whereby an entity may have fluctuating balances as it borrows and repays amounts. As a result, our Predecessor has continued to present deferred debt issuance costs related to its repurchase agreement facilities as an asset on its consolidated balance sheets, and early adoption of this ASU did not impact its financial condition or results of operations. We do not anticipate an impact on our financial condition or results of operations from the adoption of this ASU.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. Allowances for credit losses on AFS debt securities will be recognized, rather than direct reductions in the amortized cost of the investments. The new model also requires the estimation of lifetime expected credit losses and corresponding recognition of allowance for losses on trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments held at amortized cost. The ASU requires certain recurring disclosures and is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2018. We are evaluating the adoption of this ASU.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments and how the predominance principle should be applied on the statement of cash flows. Additionally, in November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, but no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. Both ASUs are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. Our Predecessor has determined these ASUs will not have an impact on its financial condition or results of operations, but will impact the presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows. Similarly, we have determined that these ASUs will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations, but that they will impact the presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund and maintain our target investments and operations, make distributions to our stockholders and other general business needs. We will use significant cash to purchase our target investments, repay principal and interest on our borrowings, make distributions to our stockholders and fund our operations. Our primary sources of cash will generally consist of unused borrowing capacity under our financing sources, the net proceeds of future equity and debt offerings, payments of principal and interest we receive on our portfolio of assets and cash generated from our operating results. We expect that our primary sources of financing will be, to the extent available to us, through (a) repurchase agreements and other types of credit facilities, (b) securitizations, (c) other sources of private financing, and (d) public offerings of our equity or debt securities.
Our Predecessor's liquidity and capital resources as of December 31, 2016 consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $56.0 million and repurchase agreements of $451.2 million.
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Upon closing of this offering and our Formation Transaction, we expect to have net proceeds of approximately $ million in cash available to invest in our target investments and for other general corporate purposes. We believe that, upon the closing of this offering, and as a publicly traded REIT, the cash provided by our operations and anticipated financing activities, combined with the net proceeds of this offering, will be adequate to fund our business development plan, our operating requirements and the payment of dividends required for us to qualify as a REIT for at least the next 12 months.
Our investments will be illiquid by their nature. Thus, a timely liquidation of investments might not be a viable source of short-term liquidity should a cash flow shortfall arise that causes a need for additional liquidity. It could be necessary to source liquidity from other financing alternatives should any such scenario arise.
Credit Facilities, Warehouse Facilities and Repurchase Agreements
In the future, we may also use other sources of financing to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments, including other credit facilities, warehouse facilities, repurchase facilities and other secured and unsecured forms of borrowing. These financings may be collateralized or non-collateralized and may involve one or more lenders. We expect that these facilities will typically have maturities ranging from two to five years and may accrue interest at either fixed or floating rates.
Capital Markets
We may seek to raise further equity capital and issue debt securities in order to fund our future investments. For example, we may seek to enhance the returns on our commercial real estate loan portfolio through securitizations, if available. To the extent available, we intend to securitize the senior portion of some of our loans, while retaining the subordinate securities in our investment portfolio. The securitization of such senior portion of a loan will be accounted for as either a "sale" and the loans will be removed from our balance sheet or as a "financing" and will be classified as "securitized loans" on our balance sheet, depending upon the structure of the securitization.
Leverage Policies
We intend to use prudent amounts of leverage to increase potential returns to our stockholders. To that end, subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act, we intend to use borrowings to fund the origination or acquisition of our target investments. Given current market conditions and our focus on first or senior mortgage loans, we currently expect that such leverage will not exceed, on a debt-to-equity basis, a -to-1 ratio. The amount of leverage we will deploy for our target investments will depend upon our assessment of a variety of factors, which may include the anticipated liquidity and price volatility of the investments in our portfolio, the potential for losses in our portfolio, the gap between the duration of our assets and liabilities, including hedges, the availability and cost of financing the investments, our opinion of the creditworthiness of our financing counterparties, the health of the U.S. economy and commercial real estate financing markets, our outlook for the level and volatility of interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, the credit quality of our investments, the collateral underlying our investments, and our outlook for investment spreads relative to LIBOR.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no obligations, assets or liabilities which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not participated in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements.
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Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Certain of our commercial real estate loan agreements that will be transferred to us as part of the Formation Transaction contain provisions for potential future funding obligations to borrowers, generally to finance lease-related or capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2016, there were $172.5 million of unfunded commitments on commercial real estate loans with expiration dates within the next two years.
We will enter into the management agreement with our Manager upon the closing of this offering. Under the management agreement, our Manager will be entitled to receive a management and an incentive fee and the reimbursement of certain expenses. See "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement Agreement."
We expect to enter into certain contracts that may contain a variety of indemnification obligations, including with brokers and underwriters. The maximum potential future payment amount we could be required to pay under these indemnification obligations may be unlimited.
We may also enter into certain contracts related to office space leases.
Dividends
We intend to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of our common stock. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT annually distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its REIT taxable income, including capital gains. We intend to pay regular quarterly dividends to our stockholders in an amount equal to our REIT taxable income, if and to the extent authorized by our board of directors. Before we pay any dividend, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our operating requirements and debt service on our secured funding facilities, other lending facilities, repurchase agreements and other debt payable. If our cash available for distribution is less than our net taxable income, we could be required to sell investments or borrow funds to make cash distributions or we may make a portion of the required distribution in the form of a taxable stock distribution or distribution of debt securities.
Inflation
Virtually all of our assets and liabilities will be interest rate sensitive in nature. As a result, interest rates and other factors influence our performance far more so than does inflation. Changes in interest rates do not necessarily correlate with inflation rates or changes in inflation rates. Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and our distributions will be determined by our board of directors consistent with our obligation to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income on an annual basis in order to maintain our REIT qualification; in each case, our activities and balance sheet are measured with reference to historical cost and/or fair market value without considering inflation.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We seek to manage our risks related to the credit quality of our investments, interest rates, liquidity and market value while, at the same time, seeking to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders. While we will be exposed to certain types of market risk in our business, we seek to actively manage them and rely on our Manager's sophisticated risk management infrastructure and philosophy centered around quantifying and measuring various market risks on a continuous basis. We seek to be fairly compensated through the returns we earn on our investments for taking those risks and focus on maintaining liquidity and capital levels consistent with the risks we are exposed to.
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Credit Risk
We will be subject to varying degrees of credit risk in connection with holding a portfolio of our target investments. The performance and value of our investments depend upon the sponsors' ability to operate the properties that serve as our collateral so that they produce cash flows adequate to pay interest and principal due to us. We seek to manage credit risk by performing deep fundamental credit analysis of our potential investments. Credit risk will also be addressed through our on-going review, and our investment portfolio will be monitored for variance from expected defaults, severities, losses and cash flow on a monthly basis, with more intense analysis and oversight done on a quarterly basis.
Interest Rate Risk
Generally, the composition of our investments is such that rising interest rates will increase our net income, while declining interest rates will decrease net income. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 97% of our Initial Portfolio by principal balance earned a floating rate of interest. The remaining approximately 3% of our Initial Portfolio earned a fixed rate of interest. If interest rates were to decline, the value of these fixed-rate investments may increase and if interest rates were to increase, the value of these fixed-rate investments may fall; however, the interest income generated by these investments would not be affected by market interest rate fluctuations. We expect that the interest rates we will pay under our repurchase agreements will primarily be floating rate. Accordingly, our interest expense will generally increase as interest rates increase and decrease and interest rates decrease.
As of December 31, 2016, a 50 basis point increase in short-term interest rates, based on a shift in the yield curve, would increase our cash flows by approximately $ million, whereas a 50 basis point decrease in short-term interest rates would increase our cash flows by approximately $ million, based on the net floating-rate exposure of the investments we held on that date.
Borrower Performance
In addition to the risks related to fluctuations in cash flows and investment values associated with movements in interest rates, there is also the risk of borrower non-performance on our floating rate investments. If interest rates were to significantly rise, it is possible that the increased debt service costs may negatively impact operating cash flows on properties securing our commercial real estate loan investments, resulting in potential non-performance of our borrowers. This risk is partially mitigated by various facts we consider during our rigorous underwriting process, which in certain cases include a requirement for our borrower to purchase an interest rate cap contract. As of December 31, 2016, none of the commercial real estate mortgage loans in our Initial Portfolio were non-performing.
Capital Markets Risk
As a REIT, we are required to distribute a significant portion of our taxable income annually, which constrains our ability to accumulate significant operating cash flow and therefore requires us to utilize capital markets, both debt and equity, to finance our business. As a result, we are exposed to risks related to the capital markets and our related ability to raise capital through the issuance of our common stock or other equity instruments. We are also exposed to risks related to the debt capital markets, and our related ability to finance our business through borrowings under credit facilities or other debt instruments, such as securitizations or unsecured debt. We seek to mitigate these risks by monitoring the debt and equity capital markets to inform our decisions on the amount, timing, and terms of capital we raise.
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Real Estate Risk
Our business strategy focuses on commercial real estate related debt investments. As a result, we will be exposed to the risks generally associated with the commercial real estate market, including occupancy rates, capitalization rates, absorption rates, and other macroeconomic factors beyond our control.
Additionally, commercial real estate investments may be affected by a number of factors, including, national, regional and local economic and real estate conditions, changes in business trends of specific industry segments, property construction characteristics, demographic factors, and changes to building codes. Any combination of these factors may affect the value of real estate collateral for investments within our investment portfolio and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay the underlying loans, which could cause us to suffer losses. We seek to manage these risks through our rigorous and fundamentally driven underwriting and investment management processes.
Liquidity Risk
Our liquidity risk is principally associated with our financing of longer-maturity investments with shorter-term borrowings in the form of repurchase agreements. Should the value of our investments pledged as collateral on our repurchase agreements significantly decrease, our lenders may exercise their margin call rights, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Additionally, if one or more of our repurchase agreement counterparties chose not to provide ongoing funding, our ability to finance our investments would decline or exist at possibly less advantageous terms. As such, we cannot assure that we will always be able to roll over our repurchase agreements or other sources of financing which require us to renew them on a period basis.
Risk Management
To the extent consistent with maintaining our REIT qualification, we will seek to manage risk exposure by closely monitoring our portfolio and actively managing the financing, interest rate, credit, and other risks associated with holding a portfolio of our target investments. Generally, with the guidance and experience of our Manager:
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Our Company
We are a Maryland corporation that focuses primarily on directly originating, investing in and managing senior floating-rate commercial mortgage loans and other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. We were formed to continue and expand the commercial real estate lending business established by Two Harbors Investment Corp., or Two Harbors, a publicly traded hybrid mortgage real estate investment trust. In the first quarter of 2015, Two Harbors established its commercial real estate lending business, which it conducts through our Predecessor, TH Commercial Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we will acquire our Predecessor and its portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments, or the Initial Portfolio, that as of December 31, 2016 consisted of 37 commercial real estate investments with a principal balance of $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations.
We will be externally managed by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or PRCM, or our Manager, by the team that currently manages the commercial real estate business for Two Harbors. PRCM is a global asset management firm and SEC registered investment adviser with approximately $9 billion of assets under management as of April 1, 2017. By capitalizing on our Manager's commercial real estate team's, or CRE team's, longstanding presence in the commercial real estate finance markets and its reputation as a thoughtful and responsible manager of investors' capital, we intend to continue to build a leading commercial real estate lending platform.
Our Manager's CRE team was formed in November 2014 by our President and Chief Executive Officer, John ("Jack") A. Taylor, our Chief Investment Officer, Stephen Alpart, and our Chief Operating Officer, Steven Plust, whom we collectively refer to as our senior CRE team. Each member of our senior CRE team has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate debt markets, and the team has worked together for over 15 years. Our senior CRE team is complemented by a group of eight professionals with broad investment management expertise and extensive industry relationships. This team has an average of over 12 years of experience in the commercial real estate debt markets, and many of its members have worked together with our senior CRE team for multiple years or most of their careers.
The majority of our senior CRE team's commercial real estate finance experience has been as fiduciaries in investment management. Over their careers, they have built and managed several commercial real estate principal lending businesses both at broker dealers and as investment managers. This broad experience has allowed our senior CRE team to develop extensive expertise in capital markets, structured finance and investment management, resulting in their ability to navigate and exploit the commercial real estate finance markets for the benefit of our stockholders.
We are a long-term, fundamental value-oriented investor. We construct our investment portfolio on a loan-by-loan basis, emphasizing rigorous credit underwriting, selectivity and diversification, and assess each investment from a fundamental value perspective relative to other opportunities available in the market. Our primary target investments are directly originated floating-rate performing senior commercial real estate loans, typically with terms of three to five years, usually ranging in size from $25 million to $150 million. We typically provide intermediate-term bridge or transitional financing for a variety of purposes, including acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings and a range of business plans including lease-up, renovation, repositioning and repurposing of the property. We generally target the top 25, and up to top 50, metropolitan statistical areas in the United States, or MSAs. We believe that those markets provide ample supply of high credit quality properties to lend against, sufficient number of owners and sponsors with institutional attributes, and adequate market liquidity. We believe this approach will enable us to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders while preserving our capital base through diverse business cycles.
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Our origination strategy relies on our CRE team's extensive and longstanding direct relationships with a wide array of national, regional and local private owner/operators, private equity firms, funds, REITs, brokers and co-lenders. Our team's reach across the U.S. and active dialogue with market participants has produced over $40 billion of investment opportunities since our Predecessor's formation. We invest significant time and resources in the early stages of our origination process and communicate frequently with our borrowers to increase the likelihood of closing the investment on its original terms. As a result, our CRE team has developed a reputation as a reliable counterparty, which has led to multiple investment opportunities with repeat clients.
We believe that the U.S. commercial real estate debt markets offer enduring investment opportunities. Over $1.5 trillion of commercial real estate debt is scheduled to mature over the next five years, and there is a sustained need for acquisition, repositioning and recapitalization loans. Traditional lenders, including banks which have historically accounted for approximately half of the market, are not expected to be able to meet borrower demand due to structural and regulatory constraints. As a result, we believe that there are significant opportunities to originate floating-rate senior commercial real estate loans on transitional properties at attractive risk-adjusted returns.
We intend to elect and qualify to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information related to the consequences of this election, please see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items" and "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations." We also intend to operate our business in a manner that will permit us to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.
Our Manager
PRCM is a global asset management firm with institutional capabilities in managing new ventures, risk management, compliance and reporting. Our Manager has valuable industry and analytical expertise, extensive long-term relationships in the financial community and established fixed-income, mortgage and real estate investment experience. PRCM has made significant investments to establish the CRE team and the resources for the direct origination, credit underwriting, monitoring, financing and risk management of our target investments.
An affiliate of PRCM has served as the external manager of Two Harbors since its inception in 2009. At December 31, 2016, Two Harbors had grown to $3.4 billion of equity capital. Two Harbors' external manager, through access to PRCM's CRE team, provided Two Harbors with the expertise necessary to establish and grow the commercial real estate investments that will comprise our Initial Portfolio. We believe that PRCM's experience in establishing, growing and successfully managing Two Harbors, combined with the experience of the CRE team, will enable us to successfully execute on our business strategy.
We believe that our stockholders will benefit from Granite Point being an independent public company solely focused on investment opportunities within the commercial real estate finance market. As part of Two Harbors, our Predecessor was able to establish its business and validate the significant market opportunity identified by the PRCM CRE team. We believe that being an independent public company provides us with the best opportunity to grow our business and execute on our strategy. As a result of this offering and becoming a separate public entity, we will gain direct access to capital and funding while offering to our stockholders a focused strategy in what we believe is an attractive asset class and a significant market opportunity. As we grow our portfolio of commercial real estate investments over time, we believe we will be able to recognize economies of scale and deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders.
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The Formation Transaction
We plan to complete a formation transaction concurrently with the closing of this offering, or the Formation Transaction, through which we will acquire the equity interests in our Predecessor from Two Harbors, and our Predecessor will become our subsidiary. In exchange for equity interests of our Predecessor, we will issue shares of our common stock representing approximately % of our outstanding common stock after this offering and 1,000 shares of our % cumulative redeemable preferred stock having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share to Two Harbors or an affiliate of Two Harbors, which will immediately sell such preferred stock to an unaffiliated third-party investor. Two Harbors is restricted from disposing of the shares of our common stock until the expiration of a day lock-up period following the closing of this offering, after which Two Harbors may, subject to the discretion and approval of its board of directors and in compliance with applicable securities laws, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares, which may include a distribution of the shares by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders.
Our Investment Objective
Our investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our stockholders over the long-term, primarily through dividends and distributions, and to preserve our capital base through business cycles. We intend to achieve this objective by further growing our already well-diversified Initial Portfolio and actively managing various risks associated with our business strategy. We focus on preserving our stockholders' capital, as we believe that stability of our equity base is of paramount importance to our ability to generate attractive returns on an ongoing basis.
Our Manager's investment decisions are based on a rigorous investment selection process that takes into consideration a variety of factors, including:
Our Investment Philosophy
Our Manager's investment philosophy is governed by several guiding principles:
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properties, and will only consider lending on "for-sale" real estate (such as condominium conversion projects), when the projected cash flow that could be generated by operating them as rental properties would also support the basis of our loan.
Our Investment Strategy
Our investment strategy is to directly originate, invest in and manage a portfolio of commercial real estate loans and other debt and debt-like instruments secured by institutional quality commercial properties managed by experienced owners in attractive markets across the United States. Our CRE team provides us with extensive real estate expertise, industry relationships, sourcing, and underwriting capabilities to help us execute on our strategy. We approach the commercial real estate debt markets by emphasizing the following factors:
Origination
Our origination strategy relies on our CRE team's extensive and longstanding direct relationships with a wide array of private equity firms, funds, REITs, and national, regional and local private owner/operators, brokers and co-lenders. Our team's reach across the U.S. and active dialogue with market participants, has produced over $40 billion of investment opportunities since our Predecessor's formation. We invest significant time and resources in the early stages of our origination process and communicate frequently with our borrowers to increase the likelihood of closing the investment on its original terms. As a result, our CRE team has developed a reputation as a reliable counterparty, which has led to multiple investment opportunities with repeat clients.
Markets
We generally target the top 25, and up to top 50, metropolitan statistical areas in the United States, or MSAs. We believe that those markets provide ample supply of high credit quality properties to lend against, sufficient number of owners and sponsors with institutional attributes, and adequate market liquidity. We do not favor particular markets and instead look for the most compelling investments available across different geographies.
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The top five MSAs generally offer abundant attractive opportunities for commercial real estate debt investors: they are large, and have historically been the primary investment target for global equity investors, and thus offer the greatest liquidity to owners. We believe that from a lender's perspective, the next tier of MSAs (six through 50) also offer compelling investment opportunities, but for different reasons. For example, these markets have property values that are smaller and thus attract less global capital. With less global competition for these properties, they are generally valued at higher capitalization rates, which means higher property operating cash flow per dollar of value, resulting in greater loan cash flow coverage to a debt investor.
Types of investments
Our primary target investments are directly originated floating-rate performing, intermediate term, bridge or transitional senior commercial real estate loans, typically with terms of three to five years, usually ranging in size from $25 million to $150 million that are backed by a variety of property types located across the United States. The range of loan sizes we originate is related to the breadth of MSAs from which we source our investments. We believe that the more intermediate loan sizes associated with the top six through 50 MSAs produce on average more attractive yields as compared to some of the generally much larger loan sizes in the top five MSAs. We may also invest in other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments, if we view them as attractive investments for our portfolio, on a relative value basis.
Owners and sponsors
We seek owners and sponsors with demonstrated market and property type expertise. We require that our sponsors have sufficient resources (whether through loan structure or entity capitalization) to implement their business plans. We evaluate a sponsor's track record and reputation for meeting its obligations with lenders in the past and acting responsibly. Because each member of our senior CRE team has more than 20 years of experience as commercial real estate lenders, our senior CRE team has a broad knowledge base of many owners and operators of commercial real estate, and a deep understanding of their reputations in the industry.
Property types
We focus our investment strategy on income producing property types including office, industrial, multifamily, hospitality, retail and others. We prefer not to invest in debt or specialty property types that require specific expertise to operate and rely on government reimbursement programs for their cash flows (e.g., skilled nursing).
Financing purpose and business plans
We typically provide intermediate-term bridge or transitional financing for a variety of purposes, including acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings and a range of business plans including lease-up, renovation, repositioning and repurposing of the property. We believe that the scale and flexibility of our capital, as well as our CRE team's long-standing industry relationships, will enable us to finance strong borrowers and sponsors, and invest in debt collateralized by high-quality properties.
As a long-term, fundamental value-oriented investor, we may adjust our investment strategy as we react to evolving market dynamics. We believe there are enduring opportunities within our target investments that present attractive risk-adjusted returns. However, as economic and business cycles develop, we may expand and/or adjust our investment strategy and target investments to capitalize on various investment opportunities. We believe that our well diversified Initial Portfolio and flexible investment strategy will allow us to actively adapt to changing market conditions and generate attractive long-term returns for our stockholders in a variety of environments.
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Our investment strategy may be amended from time to time without the approval of our stockholders, if recommended by our Manager and approved by our board of directors. We expect to disclose any material changes to our investment strategy in the periodic quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC.
Our Initial Portfolio
As of December 31, 2016, our Initial Portfolio consisted of 37 commercial real estate investments with a principal balance of $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations. The Initial Portfolio consists of a pool of commercial mortgage loans diversified across geographies, property types, structures and credits.
The following table provides a summary of our Initial Portfolio as of December 31, 2016:
Type
|
Origination/ Acquisition Date |
Principal Balance |
Book Value |
Cash Coupon(1) |
|
Yield(2) | Original Term (Years) |
State | Property Type |
Initial LTV(3) |
Stabilized LTV(4) |
||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Senior |
12/15 | 120.0 | 119.7 | L+ | 4.20 | % | 5.91 | % | 4 | LA | Mixed-Use | 65.5 | % | 60.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
09/15 | 105.0 | 105.0 | L+ | 3.42 | % | 4.76 | % | 3 | CA | Retail | 70.9 | % | 66.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
07/16 | 93.1 | 91.7 | L+ | 4.45 | % | 5.89 | % | 4 | Multi-state | Office | 62.8 | % | 61.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
04/16 | 82.0 | 81.3 | L+ | 4.75 | % | 6.09 | % | 3 | NY | Industrial | 55.4 | % | 55.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/15 | 77.1 | 76.9 | L+ | 4.20 | % | 5.80 | % | 3 | NY | Office | 66.4 | % | 68.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/16 | 73.0 | 72.0 | L+ | 4.37 | % | 5.85 | % | 4 | NC | Office | 72.4 | % | 68.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/16 | 62.3 | 60.4 | L+ | 4.11 | % | 6.76 | % | 4 | FL | Office | 73.3 | % | 63.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
06/16 | 50.3 | 49.8 | L+ | 4.49 | % | 5.95 | % | 4 | HI | Retail | 76.2 | % | 56.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
11/15 | 48.3 | 48.3 | L+ | 7.25 | % | 7.90 | % | 3 | Multi-state | Office | 77.6 | % | 77.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
03/15 | 45.9 | 45.9 | L+ | 6.72 | % | 8.14 | % | 2 | Multi-state | Hotel | 70.3 | % | 63.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/15 | 43.5 | 43.5 | L+ | 4.05 | % | 5.61 | % | 3 | TX | Multifamily | 81.2 | % | 76.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
04/16 | 43.5 | 42.9 | L+ | 4.40 | % | 6.11 | % | 3 | NY | Office | 66.9 | % | 62.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/15 | 43.2 | 43.2 | L+ | 4.65 | % | 6.43 | % | 4 | PA | Office | 74.5 | % | 67.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
02/16 | 41.8 | 41.5 | L+ | 4.30 | % | 5.63 | % | 3 | TX | Office | 72.9 | % | 70.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/16 | 39.6 | 38.9 | L+ | 4.95 | % | 6.45 | % | 4 | NJ | Office | 60.8 | % | 63.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/15 | 38.0 | 37.8 | L+ | 4.55 | % | 6.41 | % | 4 | MD | Office | 80.0 | % | 64.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/16 | 37.0 | 36.5 | L+ | 4.60 | % | 6.27 | % | 2 | NY | Office | 74.7 | % | 66.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/16 | 36.0 | 35.4 | L+ | 4.89 | % | 6.94 | % | 3 | OR | Office | 66.5 | % | 51.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
11/16 | 34.0 | 33.3 | L+ | 4.27 | % | 6.47 | % | 3 | NY | Office | 61.3 | % | 56.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
03/16 | 33.8 | 33.6 | | 3.45 | % | 5.24 | % | 10 | NJ | Office | 74.9 | % | 74.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
01/16 | 30.9 | 30.7 | L+ | 4.80 | % | 6.45 | % | 3 | IL | Multifamily | 82.8 | % | 66.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/16 | 24.0 | 23.8 | L+ | 5.15 | % | 6.34 | % | 4 | NY | Industrial | 70.0 | % | 70.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/15 | 23.5 | 23.5 | L+ | 3.60 | % | 4.94 | % | 4 | NY | Multifamily | 73.4 | % | 58.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/16 | 23.1 | 22.8 | L+ | 4.55 | % | 6.10 | % | 3 | CA | Office | 68.6 | % | 48.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/15 | 21.2 | 21.0 | L+ | 4.99 | % | 6.49 | % | 3 | MO | Hotel | 73.2 | % | 57.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/16 | 20.5 | 20.2 | L+ | 4.57 | % | 5.98 | % | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 70.6 | % | 57.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/15 | 19.3 | 19.3 | L+ | 5.25 | % | 6.83 | % | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 76.3 | % | 75.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
08/15 | 18.7 | 18.7 | L+ | 4.05 | % | 5.67 | % | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 85.0 | % | 68.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
08/15 | 17.0 | 17.0 | L+ | 8.75 | % | 10.06 | % | 2 | FL | Hotel | 71.9 | % | 67.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
10/16 | 16.5 | 16.2 | L+ | 4.85 | % | 6.68 | % | 3 | NY | Multifamily | 73.8 | % | 62.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
06/16 | 13.4 | 13.2 | L+ | 4.62 | % | 5.98 | % | 3 | NY | Multifamily | 81.7 | % | 64.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
CMBS |
12/15 | 12.8 | 12.7 | L+ | 6.90 | % | 7.72 | % | 13 | Multi-state | Office | 65.8 | % | 65.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
09/15 | 11.0 | 11.0 | L+ | 4.03 | % | 5.39 | % | 3 | FL | Multifamily | 77.7 | % | 76.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Senior |
12/16 | 10.9 | 10.7 | L+ | 5.90 | % | 8.52 | % | 3 | CA | Office | 70.3 | % | 72.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
07/15 | 10.3 | 10.3 | L+ | 12.25 | % | 14.03 | % | 3 | PA | Office | 81.6 | % | 79.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
08/15 | 9.9 | 9.9 | L+ | 9.50 | % | 11.59 | % | 5 | GA | Office | 78.7 | % | 66.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Mezzanine |
11/15 | 6.9 | 6.6 | | 13.00% | (5) | 16.28 | % | 10 | NY | Hotel | 68.3 | % | 43.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Total/Weighted Average |
1,437.2 | 1,425.2 | 4.74 | % | 6.33 | % | 3.6 | 70.3 | % | 64.3 | % |
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The following charts illustrate that, as of December 31, 2016, our Initial Portfolio consists of primarily senior floating-rate commercial real estate loans, diversified across property types and geographies.
PORTFOLIO BY PROPERTY TYPE | PORTFOLIO BY GEOGRAPHY | |
PORTFOLIO BY COUPON STRUCTURE |
PORTFOLIO BY INVESTMENT |
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Our Competitive Strengths
Our Senior CRE Team's Long Tenured Presence in the Commercial Real Estate Debt Market
Our senior CRE team is among the most experienced in the industry. The team has been active in the commercial real estate debt market for a majority of their careers, each with over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate finance, and have worked together over 15 years. The majority of this time has been spent as fiduciaries in investment management. Over their careers, our senior CRE team has built and managed multiple commercial real estate principal lending businesses both at broker dealers and as investment managers. They were leaders in the development of the CMBS market and have managed capital in multiple formats, including most recently for Two Harbors, a public hybrid mortgage REIT. This broad experience has allowed them to develop extensive expertise in capital markets, structured finance and investment management, resulting in their ability to navigate and exploit the commercial real estate finance markets for the benefit of our stockholders. Our senior CRE team's industry tenure has allowed them to develop a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy counterparty as well as a wide network of industry contacts and long standing relationships with owners, sponsors, brokers and co-lenders. A deep understanding of the track record of performance of many prospective borrowers and sponsors across different business cycles provides our team with the ability to select the right business partners. We believe that this extensive experience provides our senior CRE team with the appropriate expertise to successfully execute on our business plan.
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Our senior CRE team is complemented by a group of eight professionals with broad investment management expertise and extensive industry relationships. This team has an average of over 12 years of experience in the commercial real estate debt markets, and many of its members have worked together with our senior CRE team for multiple years or most of their careers. This CRE team sourced, originated and closed the investments that comprise our Initial Portfolio.
High Quality Initial Portfolio with Attractive Yield
Our Initial Portfolio consists of cash-generating commercial real estate debt investments with a current principal balance of over $1.4 billion, with an additional $172.5 million of potential future funding obligations. We believe that this Initial Portfolio, comprised largely of floating rate senior commercial real estate loans, provides a good representation of our investment approach, proves our ability to successfully execute on our stated business strategy, and validates the capabilities of our Manager's highly skilled CRE team. We believe that our Initial Portfolio supports our views on the market opportunity focused on lending against high credit quality properties backed by strong owners and sponsors and located in markets exhibiting attractive economic and real estate fundamentals. We believe that the scale of the Initial Portfolio and the experience of our CRE team provide us with a competitive advantage over other lenders. Additionally, the current cash flow of the Initial Portfolio should allow us to generate an attractive dividend to our stockholders shortly after the closing of this offering. We believe the scale of the Initial Portfolio should allow us better access to capital and an opportunity to build upon existing relationships with our clients. We expect our stockholders to benefit over time as we deploy the proceeds raised from this offering and as we realize expected economies of scale in our business.
Established Direct Origination Platform with Strong Sourcing Capabilities
Our team of commercial real estate professionals has a proven ability to directly originate investments within multiple markets across the United States, and has originated and constructed our Initial Portfolio since the formation of our Predecessor. Our originators have the ability to generate investments and find value in local markets due to their vast borrower, sponsor and broker relationships combined with many years of experience in the commercial real estate debt market. Our CRE team has sourced and evaluated in excess of $40 billion of potential investments since the formation of our Predecessor, and closed on over $1.4 billion in principal balance of investments as of December 31, 2016, which comprise the Initial Portfolio. We believe that our team's origination experience combined with the high quality of our Initial Portfolio will allow us to continue to grow our investments and deploy the proceeds raised from this offering into attractive target investments in a timely manner to the benefit of our stockholders. Since December 31, 2016, we have closed on an additional $ million of investments that will be part of our Initial Portfolio. As of the date of this prospectus, we have signed non-binding term sheets with deposits, for investments in an aggregate amount of approximately $ million and are currently evaluating an additional $ million of investment opportunities, which will be funded in part by the net proceeds from this offering.
Focused Investment Process Leading to Reputation as a Reliable Counterparty
Our investment strategy is implemented through a highly disciplined sourcing, screening and underwriting process developed by our senior CRE team over the course of their extensive careers in the commercial real estate finance industry. We invest significant time and resources in the early stages of our origination process and communicate frequently with our borrowers to provide feedback regarding business plan, terms and structure. This process increases the likelihood of closing the investment on the originally agreed to terms, resulting in our senior CRE team's reputation as a reliable counterparty, which has led to investment opportunities with repeat clients.
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Robust Underwriting, Structuring and Investment Management Capabilities
Our established underwriting, structuring and investment management capabilities are supplemented by the team's extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry, providing multiple perspectives on performance of real estate collateral through credit and interest rate cycles. The extensive commercial real estate experience of our team serves as a foundation for thorough screening of investment opportunities, disciplined underwriting procedures, and active portfolio management of the investments within our portfolio. Our risk management process entails regular monitoring of the properties we lend against, contact with the owners and sponsors, property visits, and examining local market economic, demographic and business trends affecting real estate fundamentals. Our CRE team has comprehensive experience in active investment management and advising on the working out of investments which may suffer performance setbacks through cycles. Additionally, our Manager has established rigorous risk management procedures developed over many years, access to which will benefit our stockholders.
Scalable Operating Platform with Strong Sponsorship
We believe that to be perceived as a respected and reliable counterparty to our borrower clients, our Manager needed to make significant investments to establish its CRE team and the resources for the direct origination, credit underwriting, monitoring, financing and risk management of our target investments. Our Manager's established commercial real estate debt investment platform is scalable and may provide us potential efficiencies as we grow. Our Initial Portfolio validates the capabilities of our CRE team and its ability to execute on our business plan to originate and manage a significant volume of high quality commercial real estate debt investments.
PRCM is a global asset management firm with institutional capabilities in managing new ventures, risk management, compliance and reporting. Our Manager has valuable industry and analytical expertise, extensive long-term relationships in the financial community and established fixed-income, mortgage and real estate investment experience. We believe we will also benefit from our access to PRCM's broad relationships with multiple financing counterparties.
Because our Predecessor has been part of a successful public company since its inception, we will draw upon our Manager's established strong control and reporting procedures, risk management guidelines, financing and liquidity management tools and other functions.
Market Opportunity
The U.S. commercial real estate credit market presents attractive investment opportunities for non-traditional lenders. The market is large and borrowers' needs are diverse. Demand for debt capital remains strong, as acquisition volume remains high and refinancing needs are substantial. Traditional lenders, particularly banks and CMBS aggregators, have been constrained due to a shifting regulatory environment, increased regulatory and rating agency scrutiny, and structural limitations. Real estate fundamentals are strong and driven by the continuing improvement in the U.S. economy, but also because of low level of construction activity and delivery of new buildings over a multiple year period since the onset of the global economic crisis of 2007 to 2009. We believe that all of these factors present a compelling opportunity for non-traditional lenders to capitalize on the favorable trends in the commercial real estate debt markets and originate and manage a diversified portfolio of debt investments across property types and geographical markets, and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders.
Large Market with Diverse Borrower Needs
The U.S. commercial real estate debt market is large, with current total outstanding loans balance of more than $3 trillion as reported by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. The lending markets are also diverse, as borrower needs vary, and the required financing formats have been traditionally supplied by
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different lending communities. The table below shows holders of commercial real estate debt by category.
Holders of CRE Debt
Source: Federal Reserve Bank, Fourth Quarter 2016 Flow of Funds.
For example, those borrowers seeking long-term, fixed-rate financing for stabilized properties have generally sought financing from life insurance companies, the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), and originators of commercial mortgage-back securities, or CMBS. Banks, who currently constitute slightly over half of the market, have traditionally supplied most of the shorter-term, floating-rate financing required by borrowers seeking structural flexibility (typically for transitional properties and acquisitions), but the current regulatory and market environment may further constrain their lending capacity. It is those borrowers seeking more flexible financing, who represent the largest part of the commercial real estate debt markets, that we believe offer the greatest source of investment opportunities for our Company.
Borrower Demand for Capital Remains Strong
Refinancing and acquisition activity are the principal sources of debt investment opportunities. As illustrated below, over $1.5 trillion in loans are maturing over the next several years. These maturities should lead to substantial demand for debt capital, whether the loans are refinanced or the underlying properties sold.
CRE Loan Maturity Estimates
Source: Morgan Stanley Research, dated as of December 31, 2016.
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Acquisition volume has grown substantially in the wake of the global economic crisis. As illustrated below, while transaction volume tapered off modestly in 2016, sale transaction activity remains well above the troughs experienced during the depths of the crisis, and well above the levels seen in most years since 2001. U.S. commercial real estate continues to be viewed favorably by global property investors, as the inflow of foreign capital into U.S. commercial real estate is sustained and growing.
Historical U.S. CRE Transaction Activity
Source: Real Capital Analytics. Data from December 31, 2001 to December 31, 2016.
Traditional Lenders Have Been Constrained in Meeting the Demand for Debt Capital
Traditional lenders, particularly the banks and CMBS aggregators, are now facing a substantially changed regulatory environment and thus are more constrained in meeting borrower demand for loans. The banks have been facing increasing regulatory oversight of their commercial real estate loan portfolios and higher capital charges for certain types of commercial real estate loans. CMBS originators have seen their activities affected by the risk retention rules required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (requiring CMBS issuers to find a party willing and able to retain an investment in the sold loans for at least five years), the Volcker Rule (restricting the ability of broker dealers to hold CMBS inventory), and regulation AB (requiring officers of CMBS issuers to have personal liability for the accuracy of their disclosures). As evidence of these constraints and according to Commercial Mortgage Alert, U.S. CMBS origination volume peaked in 2007 at $229 billion, was at $101 billion in 2015, and declined to $76 billion in 2016. Many industry experts are estimating no increase or even a modest decline in CMBS issuance volume in 2017, which is supported by the CMBS activity in first quarter of 2017, when issuance was 29% below prior year period. Finally, floating rate loans, the target market for Granite Point Mortgage Trust, have historically been a relatively small part of the CMBS market and represented less than 2% of total CMBS issuance so far in 2017, according to Commercial Mortgage Alert.
Real Estate Fundamentals are Strong, Supported by a Historically Low Volume of Supply of New Properties
Commercial real estate fundamentals are strong driven by a continuing growth in the U.S. economy. As illustrated below, over the last several years, the national aggregate commercial real estate property income has risen and vacancies have declined.
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Historical U.S. CRE NOI Growth and Vacancy Rate
Source: Morgan Stanley Research. Data from January 1, 1983 through December 31, 2016.
A historically low level of new commercial real estate construction post-global economic crisis, combined with repurposing of a portion of the existing stock of commercial properties, have been significant contributors to the enduring strength of commercial real estate fundamentals. As illustrated below, the amount of commercial real estate construction as a percentage of gross domestic product, or GDP, and associated delivery of new inventory has remained well below the 2007 peak and the 15-year historical average prior to the global economic crisis.
Private Sector U.S. CRE Construction Spending as a Percentage of U.S. GDP
Source: Census Bureau, BEA and Morgan Stanley Research. Data from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 2016.
While Property Values Have Recovered, Valuations are in Line with Historical Trends
As shown below, the spread between capitalization rates (defined as a ratio of a property's net operating cash flow to the value of the property) and 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds has remained at or above the historical average, and well above the levels registered in 2007 to 2009. Based on this measure of value, commercial real estate valuations remain within historical averages. While much of the early, post-crisis recovery in values of commercial real estate investments was driven by an influx of global capital into properties in the top five MSAs in a "flight to safety," fundamental growth in property fundamentals, combined with the historically low volume of new supply of properties, has fueled more recent price appreciation.
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Historical Spread Between U.S. CRE Aggregate Capitalization Rate
and 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bond Yield
Source: RCA, Morgan Stanley Research. Data from January 2001 through January 2017. Monthly cap rates are a three-month rolling average.
The continuing constraints on traditional lenders, combined with the high volume of commercial real estate loan maturities, substantial demand for acquisition and transition loans, and strong overall commercial real estate fundamentals present compelling opportunities for non-traditional lenders, such as Granite Point, to originate high quality investments and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. We have confidence that our Manager and our seasoned CRE team have the experience, industry relationships and institutional expertise to capitalize on such opportunities for the benefit of our stockholders. Our CRE team's expertise should position us well to be able to evaluate general industry trends, local market dynamics and specific collateral characteristics to identify attractive investment prospects from the large volume of financing opportunities present in the market.
Our Target Investments
We intend to focus on originating senior commercial mortgage loans backed by different types of commercial real estate properties located in various markets across the United States. Our Predecessor has invested in, and we may, from time to time, invest in, other debt and debt-like commercial real estate investments. Together, we refer to these investments as our target investments. Our target investments will include:
Primary Target Investments
Secondary Target Investments
As part of our financing strategy, we may from time-to-time, syndicate senior participations in our originated senior commercial real estate loans to other investors and retain a subordinated debt position for our portfolio in the form of a mezzanine loan with a subordinated mortgage interest, as described below. Alternatively, on occasion we may opportunistically co-originate the investments described below with senior lenders, or purchase them in the secondary market.
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Based on current market conditions, we expect that, like our Initial Portfolio, the majority of our investments will be senior commercial mortgage loans directly originated by us and secured by cash-flowing properties located in the United States. These investments will typically pay interest at rates that are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, primarily LIBOR plus a premium, and have an expected term of between three and five years.
Our Manager may opportunistically adjust our capital allocation to our target investments, with the proportion and types of investments changing over time depending on our Manager's views on, among other things, the current economic and credit environment. In addition, we may invest in investments other than our target investments, in each case subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our exclusion from regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act.
Our Financing Strategy and Leverage
Our funding sources will initially include the net proceeds of this offering and the available capacity under repurchase agreements, which will be in place at the closing of this offering. We are negotiating master repurchase agreements with several financial institutions. We have not, however, executed definitive documentation with respect to any of these facilities and each facility is still subject to negotiation. As a result, no assurance can be given that these facilities will close on the anticipated terms or at all.
Over time, in addition to repurchase agreements, we may use other forms of leverage, including secured and unsecured warehouse and other credit facilities, securitizations, and public and private, secured and unsecured debt issuances by us or our subsidiaries.
We are not required to maintain any particular debt-to-equity leverage ratio. The amount of leverage we may employ for particular investments will depend upon our Manager's assessment of the credit, liquidity, price volatility and other risks of those investments and the financing counterparties, and availability of particular types of financing at the time. Our decision to use leverage to finance our investments will be at the discretion of our Manager and will not be subject to the approval of our stockholders. Although we are not restricted by our governing documents in the amount of leverage that we may use, we plan to maintain appropriate controls to ensure prudent leverage levels appropriate to our portfolio. We currently expect that our initial leverage will not exceed, on a debt to equity basis, a ratio of -to-1. We will endeavor to match the terms and indices of our assets and liabilities, including in certain instances through the use of derivatives. We will also seek to minimize the risks associated with recourse borrowing. In addition, we may rely on short-term financing such as repurchase transactions under master repurchase agreements.
Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT and our exemption from the Investment Company Act, we may, from time to time, engage in a variety of hedging transactions that seek to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates or currencies and their effects on our cash flows. These hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swaps or cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. We expect these instruments will allow us to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk that we have to refinance
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our liabilities before the maturities of our investments and to reduce the impact of changing interest rates on our earnings.
Investment Guidelines
We anticipate that our board of directors will approve the following investment guidelines:
These investment guidelines may be changed from time-to-time by our board of directors without our stockholders' consent, but we expect to disclose any material changes to our investment guidelines in the periodic quarterly and annual reports that we will file with the SEC. Our Manager is not subject to any limits or proportions with respect to the mix of target investments that we originate or acquire other than as necessary to maintain our qualification as a REIT and our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.
Investment Process
Our investment strategy is implemented through a highly disciplined origination, underwriting, investment and portfolio management process developed by our senior CRE team over the course of their extensive careers in the commercial real estate finance industry. We invest significant time and resources in the early stages of our origination process and communicate frequently with our borrowers to provide feedback regarding business plan, terms and structure. This process emphasizes efficiency of our resources and increases the likelihood of closing the investment on the originally agreed to terms. We focus on maintaining an investment process that provides transparency to our counterparties and imposes accountability on our origination team. We stress timely communication and information flow to help ensure we identify early and make high quality investments and actively monitor them with the goal of maximizing returns to our stockholders.
Origination and Sourcing
Our origination strategy relies on our CRE team's extensive and longstanding relationships and contacts with a wide array of private equity firms, funds, REITs, and national, regional and local private owner/operators, brokers and co-lenders. Our CRE team's reach across the United States and active dialogue with market participants will allow us to source our target investments across geographical markets and property types. It has been the experience of our CRE team that having multiple lines of communication in a particular transaction (e.g., where our team has a pre-existing relationship with the borrower, the broker, and, where applicable, a co-lender) provides us with the best chance of originating and closing on an investment. This highly disciplined process is one of the reasons our
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senior CRE team has cultivated a reputation for being a reliable counterparty, which has led to multiple investment opportunities with repeat clients. We believe our team's industry associations and focus on client service will directly benefit our origination and sourcing capabilities and enable us to further develop and grow our investment portfolio.
Screening and Initial Review of Investment Opportunities
Our CRE team members are in constant dialogue with potential borrowers, brokers and co-lenders regarding potential investment opportunities. As an opportunity deemed attractive by an originator materializes, our team prepares a high-level initial investment review for presentation at regularly-scheduled deal screen meetings with the intent to make an early assessment that allows our team to provide timely and meaningful feedback to our counterparties. These deal screening meetings which are held regularly involve our senior and junior level team members, and frequently include one or more of our Chief Executive, Investment and Operating Officers.
Initial investment analysis includes a review of expected capital structure of the property, collateral assessment, key investment terms, sponsor review, business plan, anticipated exit strategy, and investment pricing on an absolute and relative basis. At the initial review, our CRE team determines whether the proposed investment can meet the appropriate risk and return criteria suitable to our investment strategy, as well as complement our existing investment portfolio. Additionally, each investment is screened to determine its impact on maintaining our REIT qualification and our Company's exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act.
Due Diligence and Detailed Investment Analysis
As a potential investment reaches the stage of a signed term sheet, our CRE team engages in a more comprehensive and structured investment analysis process. We employ a fundamental, value-driven approach to underwriting and due diligence focused on rigorous, credit-oriented evaluation of the risk/return profile of an opportunity and the appropriate pricing and structure for the prospective investment. Detailed financial modeling and analysis is employed to focus on current and projected property cash flows, the merits of the owner's or sponsor's business plan and projections, and any risks associated with tenant credit quality, lease maturities, and property operating expenses. Cash flow and market comparable analyses are used to determine the current value of the collateral property, to assess the capacity to repay or refinance the debt upon maturity, and to understand sensitivities to various potential changes in property operating performance, market fundamentals and real estate capital markets.
Our investment due diligence includes, among others, detailed reviews of:
Investment Committee Process
Since the establishment of our Predecessor, its investment process has included an Investment Committee approving all investments made in our Initial Portfolio. Our investment process will also
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include an establishment of an Investment Committee upon the closing of this offering to approve all investments we make. We anticipate that upon completion of full independent underwriting by our CRE team and a recommendation to proceed with an investment, the opportunity will be presented to our Investment Committee. We anticipate that the underwriting team will present a comprehensive approval memo regarding the investment to the Investment Committee for approval. The approval memo will provide an in-depth overview of the collateral, borrower, due diligence conducted, key financial metrics and analyses, as well as investment considerations and risk mitigants. All investments made by our company will require approval by our Investment Committee. Our Investment Committee will be comprised of our executive officers and other senior members of the CRE team, including: our President and Chief Executive Officer, John ("Jack") A. Taylor; our Chief Investment Officer, Stephen Alpart; our Chief Operating Officer, Steven Plust; and Managing Director, Peter Morral. Our Investment Committee expects to meet regularly to evaluate potential investments and review our investment portfolio. Additionally, the members of our Investment Committee will be available to guide our origination and CRE team throughout their evaluation, underwriting and structuring of prospective investments.
Closing
As part of the closing process, the deal team will work with outside legal counsel to complete legal due diligence (including title and insurance review) and document each investment. Our deal team may, as appropriate, engage third party advisors and/or consultants to conduct an engineering and environmental review of the collateral property. Our deal team will also engage third-party primary servicers for our loan portfolio, with whom our senior CRE team has long standing relationships and prior experience.
Investment Management
Our investment management strategy revolves around our origination and CRE teams maintaining accountability for each loan in our portfolio and is reflective of our overall credit culture. The team originating a loan remains responsible for monitoring and managing that investment from origination through repayment, sale or other resolution. Our investment management strategy is primarily focused on tracking the financial performance of the collateral, monitoring cash management and reserve accounts and ensuring that the borrower remains compliant with the terms of the loan. The deal team that originates the loan engages in periodic communication with the owner/sponsor to obtain updates on property performance and implementation of the sponsor's business plan, and attend to any requests for amendments or modifications. The deal team typically reviews significant items such as major leases, annual budgets, and, where applicable, property releases. The deal team participates in quarterly risk rankings of each investment. Annual site inspections of properties underlying the investments in our portfolio are performed. We engage third-party servicers to provide traditional servicing functions such as billing, collections and management of reserves. Our Chief Operating Officer will manage the relationship with our loan servicer and be the primary point of contact for investment management reporting. Any material loan modification or amendment will require the approval of our Investment Committee.
Regulation
We will be required to maintain qualifications, approvals and licenses in a number of states in order to conduct our lending activities and own certain of our target investments. Licensing requirements vary considerably by state and may impose various different obligations on our business, including restrictions on loan origination activity; limits on finance charges, including type, amount and manner of charging fees; disclosure requirements; surety bond and minimum specified net worth requirements; periodic reporting requirements; notice requirements for changes in principal officers,
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directors or principal owners; and record keeping requirements. Additionally, our licensed entities will be required from time to time to submit to routine examinations by state regulatory agencies to ensure our compliance with applicable requirements. State licensing requirements can and do change as statutes and regulations are enacted, promulgated or amended, and the trend in recent years among federal and state lawmakers and regulators has been toward increasing laws, regulations and investigative proceedings in relation to the mortgage and finance industry generally. Obtaining and maintaining the appropriate qualifications, approvals and licenses will cause us to incur ongoing expenses and our failure to comply with applicable requirements would have a material adverse effect on us and our operations.
REIT Qualification
In connection with this offering, we intend to elect and qualify as a REIT commencing with our initial taxable year ending on December 31, 2017. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Code relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our investments, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our shares. We believe that we have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and that our intended manner of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our REIT taxable income we distribute currently to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year during which we lose our REIT qualification. 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 or property. In addition, any TRS we own will be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes on its income or property.
See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our REIT Status and Certain Other Tax Items."
Investment Company Act
We intend to conduct our operations so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries an "investment company" as defined in Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of 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, through our wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, we believe we are primarily engaged in the non-investment company business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other interests in real estate.
To satisfy the requirements of Section 3(a)(1)(C), we must not be engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding, or trading securities and we must not own "investment securities" with a value that exceeds 40% of the value of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. Excluded from the term "investment securities," among other things, are U.S. Government securities and securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on the exclusions from the definition of investment company for private investment companies set forth in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act. 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." For our subsidiaries that maintain this exclusion or another exclusion or
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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."
Competition
We are engaged in a competitive business. Our net income depends, in part, on our ability to originate or acquire investments at favorable spreads over our borrowing costs. In our lending and investment 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 investment objectives and strategies that overlap with ours, which may create additional competition for lending and investment opportunities.
Some of our competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that may 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 regulation under the Investment Company Act. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we do, 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. Furthermore, competition for originations of and investments in our target investments may lead to decreasing yields, which may further limit our ability to generate desired returns.
Additionally, the current administration has indicated that it may focus on issues relating to financial regulation, which could potentially relieve some of the current restrictions on financial institutions and allow them to more freely compete with our Company for our target investments. While there is much uncertainty regarding the timing and specifics of any policy changes, any such actions could affect our business.
In light of this competition, we have access to our Manager's CRE team, their long tenured industry expertise and relationships, and our Manager's other professionals, which we believe provide us with a competitive advantage and will help us assess risks and determine appropriate risk and return parameters for our target investments. We believe that access to our Manager and its resources will enable us to compete more effectively and generate attractive investment opportunities for our portfolio. However, we may not be able to achieve our business goals or expectations due to the competitive risks that we face.
For additional information concerning these competitive risks, see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Lending and Investment ActivitiesWe operate in a competitive market for investment opportunities and competition may limit our ability to originate or acquire desirable investments in our target investments and could also affect the pricing of these securities."
Employees
We will be externally managed by our Manager pursuant to a management agreement between our Manager and us. Our executive officers serve as officers of our Manager. We do not have any employees. See "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement Agreement."
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General
We will be externally managed by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or PRCM, or our Manager. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, our Manager will provide us with our senior management team, including officers, along with appropriate support personnel. Each of our officers is an employee of our Manager. Our Manager will at all times remain subject to the supervision and oversight of our board of directors. We do not have any employees.
Our Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers
Upon the closing of this offering, we will have a -member board of directors. We will enter into a Director Designation Agreement pursuant to which Two Harbors will be entitled to nominate of these members, who qualify as independent directors under the rules of the NYSE and SEC, in connection with the Formation Transaction for a period of years after the closing of the offering. Pursuant to our charter, our stockholders will elect each of our directors at each of our annual meetings to serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify. See "Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and Our Charter and BylawsOur Board of Directors." For a discussion of the compensation these directors will receive, see "Corporate GovernanceDirector Compensation" below.
Officers serve at the pleasure of our board of directors. The board of directors intends to generally appoint executive officers annually following our annual meeting of stockholders to serve until the meeting of the board of directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the individuals who currently serve as our directors and executive officers. We expect to add additional directors and other individuals prior to the closing of this offering.
Name
|
Age | Position Held with Us | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Officers |
|||||
John ("Jack") A. Taylor |
61 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | |||
Stephen Alpart |
53 | Chief Investment Officer | |||
Steven Plust |
58 | Chief Operating Officer | |||
Marcin Urbaszek |
41 | Chief Financial Officer | |||
Rebecca B. Sandberg |
45 | General Counsel and Secretary |
Directors
John ("Jack") A. Taylor has served as one of our directors and as our Chief Executive Officer since inception. Mr. Taylor has also served as Global Head of Commercial Real Estate and a member of the Investment Committee of Pine River Domestic Management L.P.'s, an affiliate of PRCM, or Pine River's, Commercial Real Estate Group since November 2014. Prior to joining Pine River, Mr. Taylor served as a Managing Director and Head of Global Real Estate Finance for Prudential Real Estate Investors from 2009 to November 2014. Mr. Taylor was also a member of the Global Management Committee and chaired the Global Investment Committee for debt and equity. From 2003 to 2007, Mr. Taylor was a partner at Five Mile Capital Partners LLC. Prior to Five Mile Capital, he was co-head of real estate investment banking for the Americas and Europe at UBS. He previously led the Real Estate Group at Paine Webber and served on the firm's Operating Committee. Previously, Mr. Taylor was head trader and manager of the CMBS and Principal Commercial Mortgage business for Kidder, Peabody & Co., Inc. Mr. Taylor was a founding governor of the Commercial Mortgage Securities Association (now the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council) and a member of the President's Council of the Real Estate Roundtable. Mr. Taylor received a J.D. from Yale Law School, a MSc. in
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international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Illinois. We believe Mr. Taylor is qualified to serve as a director because of the depth of his commercial real estate and investment experience and his experience with our Manager and his role as Chief Executive Officer and President of our Company.
Stephen Alpart has served as our Chief Investment Officer since inception. Mr. Alpart has also served as a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee of Pine River's Commercial Real Estate Group since November 2014. Prior to joining Pine River, Mr. Alpart served as a Managing Director in Prudential's Global Real Estate Finance Group, focused on the United States from 2009 to November 2014. Previously, Mr. Alpart was a Managing Director in the Real Estate Groups at PaineWebber and UBS, where he focused on originating, underwriting and closing large structured commercial real estate loans for private equity firms and owner/operators. He has worked in real estate finance and debt investing for over 20 years in a variety of functions including third-party funds management, proprietary on-book lending, transaction advisory business, loan syndications and loan sales, and workouts/restructurings. His areas of responsibility have included origination, underwriting, credit review, structuring, pricing, negotiation, documentation, closing, and investment and portfolio management, workouts and restructurings and sub-performing and non-performing loan sales. Mr. Alpart received a Master's in Business Administration, Finance and Real Estate from New York University and a B.S. in Business Administration, Accounting and Economics from Washington University.
Steven Plust has served as our Chief Operating Officer since inception. Mr. Plust has also served as a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee of Pine River's Commercial Real Estate Group since November 2014. Prior to joining Pine River, Mr. Plust served as a Managing Director in Prudential's Global Real Estate Finance Group from 2009 to November 2014, focused on the United States. He has over 25 years of experience in real estate finance and capital markets. He was an active advisor to the Resolution Trust Corporation in the development and implementation of their securitization programs. Mr. Plust has worked for over 20 years in principal investing platforms on Wall Street and in investment management, where he has been primarily responsible for transaction pricing and structuring, credit risk assessment, and analysis of complex transactions and multi-asset portfolios. Mr. Plust received a Master's in Business Administration from Columbia University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Marcin Urbaszek has served as our Chief Financial Officer since inception. Mr. Urbaszek joined Pine River in May 2013 and has spent the majority of his time serving as Managing Director of Two Harbors focusing on strategy, corporate development and capital markets activities. Prior to joining Pine River, Mr. Urbaszek worked at Credit Suisse in the Financial Institutions Group, Investment Banking, serving in various capacities from 2006 to April 2013, most recently as a team lead and partner on coverage and strategic transaction execution for residential and commercial mortgage companies, banks and other specialty consumer and commercial lenders. He has over 16 years of experience in various areas of finance including corporate finance, capital markets, and equity research, with the last 12 years dedicated to financial institutions. Over the course of his career, Mr. Urbaszek has been primarily responsible for transaction advisory, structuring, negotiation and execution, as well as financial planning and analysis. Mr. Urbaszek received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a Minor focused on Financial Accounting & Economics from Zicklin School of Business, Bernard M. Baruch College, CUNY. Mr. Urbaszek is a CFA® Charterholder.
Rebecca B. Sandberg has served as our general counsel since inception. Ms. Sandberg is the General Counsel of Two Harbors Investment Corp. Ms. Sandberg has served as General Counsel and Secretary of Two Harbors since in March 2013, after serving as Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of Two Harbors since May 2012. From 2010 to May 2012, Ms. Sandberg served as Senior Counsel to Two Harbors. Prior to joining Two Harbors, Ms. Sandberg was in private practice where she advised clients primarily in the areas of securities laws, mergers and acquisitions, private capital markets transactions,
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corporate governance and general corporate law. From 2007 to 2010, Ms. Sandberg was a Senior Associate at Stoel Rives LLP and from 2006 to 2007 she was a Senior Associate at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP. Prior to that, Ms. Sandberg was an Associate at Lindquist & Vennum PLLP. She received a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law.
Board of Directors and Committees
Our business will be managed by our executive officers and our Manager, subject to the supervision and direction of our board of directors. A majority of our board of directors will be "independent" as determined by the requirements of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards and the regulations of the SEC.
Our board of directors will have three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating and corporate governance committee.
Audit Committee
Upon the closing of this offering, we expect to have an audit committee, consisting of . Our Audit Committee will be responsible for engaging our independent registered public accounting firm, preparing Audit Committee reports, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the plans and results of the audit engagement, approving professional services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, considering the range of audit and non-audit fees, and reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls.
Our Audit Committee will at all times be composed exclusively of "independent directors" as defined under the NYSE listing standards and who otherwise meet the NYSE listing standards. Each member of our Audit Committee will also be financially literate, in that they are able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company's balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.
In addition, as a listed company, we must certify that our Audit Committee will need to have at least one member who is financially sophisticated in that he or she has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background that results in the individual's financial sophistication. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of , and satisfies the definition of financial sophistication and also qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined under rules and regulations of the SEC.
Compensation Committee
Upon the closing of this offering, we expect to have a compensation committee, consisting of . The principal functions of our Compensation Committee will be to:
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Our Compensation Committee will review and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding the compensation of our independent directors.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Upon the closing of this offering, we expect to have a corporate governance committee, consisting of .
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be responsible for seeking, considering and recommending to our Board of Directors qualified candidates for election as directors and approve and recommend to the full Board of Directors the appointment of each of our executive officers. It will also periodically prepare and submit to our Board of Directors for adoption its selection criteria for director nominees. It will review and make recommendations on matters involving the general operation of our Board of Directors and our corporate governance, and annually will recommend to our Board of Directors nominees for each committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will annually facilitate the assessment of our Board of Directors' performance and report thereon to our Board of Directors.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the following factors in making its recommendations to the Board of Directors: background experience, skills, expertise, accessibility and availability to serve effectively on the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also conduct inquiries into the background and qualifications of potential candidates.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee's purpose and responsibilities are more fully set forth in its charter.
Corporate Governance
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We will adopt a code of business conduct and ethics that will apply to all of our directors and employees (if any), including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, and to all of the officers and employees of our Manager and its affiliates who provide services to us. Our code of business conduct and ethics will be available on our website upon the closing of this offering.
Any waiver of the code of business conduct and ethics for our executive officers or directors may be made only by our board of directors or a committee thereof and will be promptly disclosed on the corporate governance section on our corporate website as required by law or stock exchange regulation.
Director Compensation
We have not paid any cash compensation or granted any equity awards to any of the members of our board of directors since our incorporation. We do not have, and we do not currently intend to adopt, any plans or programs for our directors that provide for pension benefits or the deferral of compensation.
Any member of our board of directors who is also an employee or partner of our Manager, or any of its affiliates, will not receive any compensation from us for serving on our board of directors.
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Upon completion of this offering, each independent director will receive fees for their service as follows:
The above fees will be payable in cash and in restricted shares of our common stock. The cash portion of the fee will be paid in quarterly installments and prorated based on the date a director joins the board. The restricted stock portion of the fee will be granted pursuant to a restricted stock award agreement under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan on the business day following the annual meeting of stockholders at which such director is elected and the number of shares subject to issuance will be based on the fair market value of our common stock on the last trading day preceding the grant date. Each independent director on our board of directors on the closing of this offering will receive a grant of restricted shares of our common stock on that date in an amount prorated through the estimated date of our first annual meeting of stockholders and the number of shares subject to issuance will be based on the initial public offering price.
Executive Officer Compensation
We are externally managed by our Manager under the terms of the management agreement, pursuant to which our Manager provides us with all of the personnel required to manage our operations, including our executive officers. Since our formation, we have not paid any compensation to our executive officers and have not made any grants of plan-based awards, stock options or stock grants of any kind to them. We do not provide any of our executive officers with pension benefits or nonqualified deferred compensation plans. We do not have any employment agreements with any persons and are not obligated to make any payments to any of our executive officers upon termination of employment or a change in control of the company.
We have not paid, and we do not currently intend to pay, any cash compensation to any of our officers, and we do not currently intend to adopt any policies with respect thereto. We have engaged our Manager pursuant to the terms of the management agreement. Under the management agreement, our Manager has agreed to provide us with a management team, including a chief executive officer and/or president, chief financial officer and general counsel or similar positions along with appropriate support personnel. Our officers are employees of an affiliate of our Manager and receive compensation therefrom. Our Manager makes all decisions relating to the compensation of such officers based on factors it deems appropriate. Except as specifically excluded from our reimbursement obligations under the management agreement, we directly or indirectly reimburse our Manager for our allocable share of compensation paid to our chief financial officer and general counsel. The fees that we pay our Manager under the management agreement provides an additional source of funds that our Manager may use to compensate our officers. See "Our Manager and the Management Agreement" for a description of the terms of the management agreement, including the fees payable to our Manager thereunder and our reimbursement obligations to our Manager.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Our board of directors will adopt corporate governance guidelines effective upon completion of this offering.
2017 Equity Incentive Plan
We will adopt prior to the completion of this offering, the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2017 Plan, to provide incentive compensation to attract and retain qualified directors, officers, advisors, consultants and other personnel, including certain personnel of our Manager and their respective
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affiliates. The 2017 Plan permits the granting of stock options, restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights, or DERs, and other equity-based awards.
Administration
The 2017 Plan will be administered by the compensation committee appointed by our board of directors. The compensation committee, appointed by our board of directors, will have the full authority to administer and interpret the 2017 Plan; to authorize the granting of awards; to determine the eligibility of directors, officers, advisors, consultants and other personnel, including personnel of our Manager and its affiliates, to receive an award; to determine the number of shares of common stock to be covered by each award (subject to the individual participant limitations provided in the 2017 Plan); to determine the terms, provisions and conditions of each award (which may not be inconsistent with the terms of the 2017 Plan); to prescribe the form of instruments evidencing awards; and to take any other actions and make all other determinations that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the 2017 Plan or the administration or interpretation thereof. In connection with this authority, the compensation committee may, among other things, establish performance goals that must be met in order for awards to be granted or to vest, or for the restrictions on any such awards to lapse. The compensation committee administering the 2017 Plan will consist of directors, each of whom is intended to be, to the extent required by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, a non-employee director and will, at such times as we are subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, qualify as an outside director for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. References below to the compensation committee include a reference to the board of directors for those periods in which the board of directors is acting as the administrator of the 2017 Plan.
Available Shares
The 2017 Plan provides for grants of restricted common stock, restricted stock units, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights and other equity-based awards, subject to a ceiling of shares available for issuance under the plan. The maximum number of shares that may underlie awards in any one year to any eligible person may not exceed . If an award granted under the 2017 Plan expires or terminates, the shares subject to any portion of the award that expires or terminates without having been exercised or paid, as the case may be, will again become available for the issuance of additional awards. In addition, if any phantom shares or DERs are paid out in cash, the underlying shares may again be made the subject of grants under the 2017 Plan. Unless previously terminated by our board of directors, no new award may be granted under the 2017 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date that such plan was initially approved by our board of directors. No award may be granted under the 2017 Plan to any person who, assuming payment of all awards held by such person, would own or be deemed to own more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock.
Awards under the Plan
Restricted Shares of Common Stock.
A restricted share award is an award of shares of common stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and such other restrictions, if any, that the compensation committee may impose at the date of grant. Grants of restricted shares of common stock may be subject to vesting schedules as determined by the compensation committee. The restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times and under such circumstances, including a specified period of employment or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria, in such installments or otherwise, as the compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement relating to the restricted shares of common stock, a participant granted restricted shares of common stock has all of
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the rights of a stockholder, including the right to vote and the right to receive dividends on the restricted shares of common stock. Although dividends may be paid on restricted shares of common stock, whether or not vested, at the same rate and on the same date as on shares of our common stock, holders of restricted shares of common stock are prohibited from selling such shares until they vest.
Restricted Stock Units.
A restricted stock unit is an award of a specific number of shares of common stock to be provided in the future, subject to satisfaction of vesting requirements. At grant, each restricted stock unit is represented as a bookkeeping entry in an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of our common stock. The committee determines the terms and conditions of restricted stock units including the vesting criteria, which may include achievement of specified performance criteria or continued service, the form and timing of payment and whether the restricted stock units will be entitled to receive dividend equivalents. The committee, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. The committee determines in its sole discretion whether an award will be settled in stock, cash or a combination of both. The specific terms will be set forth in an agreement. Settlement will generally occur shortly after vesting, but may be deferred in compliance with Code Section 409A, as determined by the committee.
Phantom Shares.
Phantom shares, when issued, will reduce the number of shares available for grant under the 2017 Plan and will vest as provided in the applicable award agreement. A phantom share represents a right to receive the fair value of a share of common stock, or, if provided by the compensation committee, the right to receive the fair value of a share of common stock in excess of a base value established by the compensation committee at the time of grant. Phantom shares may generally be settled in cash or by transfer of shares of common stock (as may be elected by the participant or the compensation committee, as may be provided by the compensation committee at the time of grant). The compensation committee may, in its discretion and under certain circumstances, permit a participant to receive as settlement of the phantom shares installments over a period not to exceed ten years. Unless otherwise determined by the compensation committee, the holders of awards of phantom shares will be entitled to receive dividend equivalents, which shall be payable at such time that dividends are paid on outstanding shares.
Stock Options.
A stock option award is an award of the right to purchase a specific number of shares of common stock at a fixed exercise price determined on the date of grant. Stock option awards may either be incentive or non-qualified stock options; provided that incentive stock options may only granted to employees. The exercise price of such options must equal at least the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. An incentive stock option held by a participant who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock, or of certain of our subsidiary corporations, may not have a term in excess of five years and must have an exercise price of at least 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. The compensation committee will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the compensation committee. Subject to the provisions of the 2017 Plan, the compensation committee determines the remaining terms of the options (e.g., vesting). After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, the participant may exercise his or her option, to the extent vested as of such date of termination, for the period of time stated in his or her option agreement. If termination is due to death, the option, to the extent vested, will remain exercisable for 12 months. If the termination is due to retirement or disability, the option, to the extent vested, will remain exercisable for 24 months. In all other cases, the option will generally remain
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exercisable for three months following the termination of service. However, in no event may an option be exercised later than the expiration of its term. A participant shall have no rights as a stockholder until the participant exercises the option and the stock certificate is issued to the participant.
DERs.
An award of DERs represents the right to receive (or have credited) the equivalent value (in cash, common stock or a combination of both, as determined by the compensation committee at the time of grant) of dividends paid on common stock. A participant holding DERs receives a credit for dividends declared on common stock on each dividend payment date during the period between (x) the date the award is granted to the participant and (y) the date the award is exercised, vests or expires, as determined by the compensation committee. The specific terms of a DER will be established by the compensation committee in its discretion.
Other Share-Based Awards. The 2017 Plan authorizes the granting of other awards based upon shares of our common stock (including the grant of securities convertible into shares of common stock and share appreciation rights), subject to terms and conditions established at the time of grant.
Performance Awards.
The compensation committee may, in its discretion, grant awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation. Such performance-based awards will result in a payment to a participant only if performance goals established by the compensation committee are achieved, as determined by the compensation committee, and any other applicable vesting provisions are satisfied. The compensation committee will establish performance goals in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number and/or the value of shares of common stock to be paid out to participants. For purposes of such awards, the performance goals may be one or more of the following, as determined by the compensation committee: (i) pre-tax income, (ii) after-tax income, (iii) net income (meaning net income as reflected in our financial reports for the applicable period, on an aggregate, diluted and/or per share basis), (iv) operating income, (v) cash flow, (vi) earnings per share, (vii) return on equity, (viii) return on invested capital or assets, (ix) cash and/or funds available for distribution, (x) appreciation in the fair market value of our common stock, (xi) return on investment, (xii) total return to stockholders (meaning the aggregate our common stock price appreciation and dividends paid (assuming full reinvestment of dividends) during the applicable period), (xiii) net earnings growth, (xiv) stock appreciation (meaning an increase in the price or value of our common stock after the date of grant of an award and during the applicable period), (xv) related return ratios, (xvi) increase in revenues, (xvii) our published ranking against its peer group of REIT based on total stockholder return, (xviii) net earnings, (xix) changes (or the absence of changes) in the per share or aggregate market price of our common stock, (xx) number of securities sold, (xxi) earnings before any one or more of the following items: interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization for the applicable period, as reflected in our financial reports for the applicable period and (xxii) total revenue growth (meaning the increase in total revenues after the date of grant of an award and during the applicable period, as reflected in our financial reports for the applicable period).
Change in Control
Under the 2017 Plan, a change in control is generally defined as the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the acquisition of more than 50% of our voting shares by any person other than Two Harbors in connection with the Formation Transaction; (ii) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets; (iii) a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange where our stockholders immediately prior to such event hold less than 50% of the voting power of the surviving or resulting entity; (iv) during any 12-calendar-month period, our directors, including subsequent directors recommended or approved by our directors, at the beginning of such period cease for any
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reason other than due to death to constitute a majority of our board of directors; or (v) stockholder approval of our liquidation or dissolution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no event or condition described in clauses (i) through (v) above shall constitute a change in control if it results from a transaction between us and our Manager or an affiliate of our Manager.
Upon a change in control, the compensation committee may make such adjustments as it, in its discretion, determines are necessary or appropriate in light of the change in control, but only if the compensation committee determines that the adjustments do not have an adverse economic impact on the participants (as determined at the time of the adjustments). Unless otherwise provided in a grantee's award agreement, upon a change in control, all restrictions and conditions on each DER will automatically lapse and all grants under the 2017 Plan will be deemed fully vested in the grantee.
Amendments and Termination
Our board of directors may amend, alter or discontinue the 2017 Plan but cannot take any action that would impair the rights of a grantee with respect to grants previously made without such grantee's consent. To the extent necessary and desirable, our board of directors must obtain approval of our stockholders for any amendment that would:
The compensation committee may amend the terms of any award granted under the 2017 Plan, prospectively or retroactively, but generally may not impair the rights of any participant without his or her consent.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a very general description of some of the basic tax principles that apply to awards under the 2017 Plan. The grant of an option will create no tax consequences for the participant or the company. A participant will have no taxable income upon exercise of an incentive stock option, except that the alternative minimum tax may apply. Upon exercise of a non-qualified option, a participant generally must recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares acquired minus the exercise price. Upon a disposition of shares acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option before the end of the applicable incentive stock option holding periods, the participant generally must recognize ordinary income equal to the lesser of (i) the fair market value of the shares at the date of exercise minus the exercise price or (ii) the amount realized upon the disposition of the option shares minus the exercise price. Otherwise, a participant's disposition of shares acquired upon the exercise of an option generally will result in capital gain or loss. Other awards under the 2017 Plan, including restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom shares and DERs generally will result in ordinary income to the participant at the later of the time of delivery of cash or shares, or the time that either the risk of forfeiture or restriction on transferability lapses on previously delivered shares or other property. Except as discussed below, we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the participant in connection with an award, but will be entitled to no tax deduction relating to amounts that represent a capital gain to a participant. Thus, we will not be entitled to any tax deduction with respect to an incentive stock option if the participant holds the shares for the incentive stock option holding periods.
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Code Section 162(m) generally limits the tax deductibility of compensation paid to each of certain executive officers to $1 million per year, but allows deductions in excess of this amount for "performance-based compensation" as defined under Code Section 162(m). We intend that options granted under the 2017 Plan will qualify as performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m). In addition, other awards under the 2017 Plan, such as restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom shares, DERs and other stock-based awards, generally may not qualify, so that compensation paid to executive officers in connection with such awards may not be deductible.
The forgoing is general tax discussion and different tax rules may apply to specific participants and transactions under the 2017 Plan.
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OUR MANAGER AND THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
General
We will be externally managed and advised by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or our Manager. Each of our officers is an employee of Pine River Domestic Management L.P., an affiliate of our Manager. The executive offices of our Manager are located at 590 Madison Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10022, and the telephone number of our Manager's executive offices is (212) 364-3200. See "BusinessOur Manager" for a description of our Manager.
Management Agreement
Upon the closing of this offering, we will enter into a management agreement with our Manager pursuant to which it will provide for the day-to-day management of our operations. The management agreement will require our Manager to manage our business affairs in conformity with the investment guidelines and policies that are approved and monitored by our board of directors. Our Manager's role as Manager will be under the supervision and direction of our board of directors.
Management Services
Our Manager will be responsible for our day-to-day operations, and will perform (or cause to be performed) such services and activities relating to our investments and operations as may be appropriate, which may include the following:
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Liability and Indemnification
Pursuant to the management agreement, our Manager will not assume any responsibility other than to render the services under the management agreement in good faith. It will not be responsible for any action of our board of directors in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendations of our Manager, including as set forth in our investment guidelines. Our Manager and its affiliates, and any of their members, stockholders, managers, partners, personnel, officers, directors, employees, consultants and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager, will not be liable to us, our board of directors or our stockholders, partners or members for any acts or omissions (including errors that may result from ordinary negligence, such as errors in the investment decision making process or in the trade process) performed in accordance with the management agreement, except by reason of acts or omission constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross
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negligence or reckless disregard of their respective duties under the management agreement, as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction
We will agree to indemnify our Manager, its affiliates and any of their officers, stockholders, members, partners, managers, directors, personnel, employees, consultants and any person providing sub-advisory services to our Manager with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts of our Manager not constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties, arising from acts or omissions performed in good faith in accordance with and pursuant to the management agreement. Our Manager has agreed to indemnify us, our directors, officers, stockholders, partners or members and any persons controlling us with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts or omissions of our Manager constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties under the management agreement or any claims by our Manager's employees relating to the terms and conditions of their employment by our Manager. Our Manager will carry errors and omissions and other customary insurance coverage upon the completion of this offering.
Management Team
Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, our Manager is required to provide us with our management team, including a chief executive officer and/or president, chief financial officer and general counsel or similar positions along with appropriate support personnel, to provide the management services to be provided by our Manager to us.
Our Manager is required to refrain from any action that, in its sole judgment made in good faith,
If our Manager is ordered to take any action by our board of directors, our Manager will promptly notify the board of directors if in our Manager's judgment such action would adversely and materially affect such status or violate any such law, rule or regulation or our charter or bylaws.
Term and Termination
The management agreement may be amended or modified by agreement between us and our Manager. The initial term of the management agreement expires on the anniversary of the completion of this offering and will be automatically renewed for a one-year term each succeeding anniversary date unless it is previously terminated as described below. Our independent directors will review our Manager's performance and the management fees annually and, following the initial term, the management agreement may be terminated annually upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of our independent directors, based upon (a) unsatisfactory performance that is materially detrimental to us taken as a whole, or (b) our determination that the management fees payable to our Manager are not fair, subject to our Manager's right to prevent such termination due to unfair fees by accepting a reduction of management fees agreed to by at least two-thirds of our independent directors. We must provide 180 days' prior notice of any such termination. Unless terminated for cause, our Manager will be paid a termination fee equal to times the sum of (i) the average annual base management fee and (ii) average annual incentive compensation, in each case earned by our Manager during the
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-month period immediately preceding the most recently completed calendar quarter prior to the termination date.
We may also terminate the management agreement at any time, including during the initial term, without the payment of any termination fee, with 30 days' prior written notice from our board of directors for cause, which is defined as:
During the initial -year term of the management agreement, we may not terminate the management agreement except for cause.
Our Manager may assign the management agreement in its entirety or delegate certain of its duties thereunder to any of its affiliates without the approval of us or our independent directors if such assignment or delegation does not require our approval under the Investment Company Act and does not result in a "change of control" as interpreted under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
Our Manager may terminate the management agreement if we become required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, with such termination deemed to occur immediately before such event, in which case we would not be required to pay a termination fee. Our Manager may decline to renew the management agreement by providing us with 180 days' written notice, in which case we would not be required to pay a termination fee. In addition, if we default in the performance or observance of any material term, condition or covenant contained in the management agreement and the default continues for a period of 30 days after written notice to us requesting that the default be remedied within that period, our Manager may terminate the management agreement upon 60 days' written notice. If the management agreement is terminated by our Manager upon our breach, we would be required to pay our Manager the termination fee described above.
We may not assign our rights or responsibilities under the management agreement without the prior written consent of our Manager, except in the case of assignment to another REIT or other organization which is our successor, in which case such successor organization will be bound under the management agreement and by the terms of such assignment in the same manner as we are bound under the management agreement.
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Management Fees, Incentive Fees and Expense Reimbursements
We do not expect to maintain an office or directly employ personnel. Instead, we will rely on the facilities and resources of our Manager and its affiliates to manage our day-to-day operations.
Base Management Fee
We will pay our Manager a base management fee in an amount equal to % of our stockholders' equity, per annum, calculated and payable quarterly in arrears in cash. For purposes of calculating the base management fee, our stockholders' equity means: (a) the sum of (i) the net proceeds from all issuances of our equity securities since inception (allocated on a pro rata basis for such issuances during the calendar quarter of any such issuance), plus (ii) our retained earnings at the end of the most recently completed calendar quarter (without taking into account any non-cash equity compensation expense incurred in current or prior periods), less (b) any amount that we pay to repurchase our common stock since inception. It also excludes (x) any unrealized gains and losses and other non-cash items that have impacted stockholders' equity as reported in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (y) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP (such as a cumulative change to our operating results as a result of a codification change to GAAP), and certain non-cash items not otherwise described above (such as depreciation and amortization), in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and approval by a majority of our independent directors. For the avoidance of doubt, the "net proceeds from all issuances of our equity securities" under (a)(i) above includes the common stock that will be issued to Two Harbors in our Formation Transaction, valued at the net price per share in this offering. As a result, our stockholders' equity, for purposes of calculating the management fee, could be greater or less than the amount of stockholders' equity shown on our financial statements. Our Manager uses the proceeds from its management fee in part to pay compensation to its officers and personnel who, notwithstanding that certain of them also are our officers, receive no cash compensation directly from us. The management fee is payable independent of the performance of our portfolio.
Incentive Fee
We will pay our Manager an incentive fee with respect to each calendar quarter (or part thereof that the management agreement is in effect) in arrears in cash. The incentive fee will be an amount, not less than zero, obtained by subtracting:
(a) the sum of any incentive compensation earned by our Manager with respect to the first three calendar quarters of the previous 12-month period from
(b) the product of (i) % and (ii) the amount obtained by subtracting
For purposes of calculating the incentive fee, the "issue price per share" of the common stock issued and outstanding as of the closing of this offering, including both common stock issued as part of
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this offering and common stock that will be issued to Two Harbors in the Formation Transaction, will be the initial public offering price per share in this offering.
"Core Earnings" is a non-GAAP measure and is defined as net income (loss), computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) non-cash equity compensation expense, (ii) the incentive compensation payable to our Manager, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items that are included in net income for the applicable reporting period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income and (v) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain other charges, in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and approved by a majority of our independent directors.
The following example illustrates how we would calculate our quarterly incentive fee in accordance with the management agreement. Amounts used below for Core Earnings and other components of the incentive fee calculation are for illustrative purposes only. Our actual results may differ materially from the following example.
Assume the following:
Based on the above assumptions, and the assumption that Core Earnings for the 12 most recently completed calendar quarters is greater than zero, the incentive fee payable for the final quarter of this 12-month period would be calculated as follows:
1. Core Earnings |
$ | |
2. $ (weighted average issue price per share of common stock of all of our public offerings of common stock during such 12-month period) multiplied by (weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during such 12-month period) multiplied by % |
$ |
|
3. $ (Core Earnings) less $ (amount calculated in 2 above) |
$ |
|
4. 20% multiplied by $ (amount calculated in 3 above) |
$ |
|
5. $ (amount calculated in 4 above) less $ (incentive fees earned with respect to the immediately preceding three quarters) |
$ |
Pursuant to the calculation formula, if Core Earnings increases from one quarter to the next and the weighted average share price and weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding remain constant, the incentive fee will generally increase.
For purposes of calculating the incentive fee prior to the completion of a 12-month period following this offering, Core Earnings will be calculated on the basis of the number of days that the management agreement has been in effect on an annualized basis.
Reimbursement of Expenses
We will reimburse our Manager for the expenses described below. Expense reimbursements to our Manager will be made in cash on a monthly basis following the end of each month. Our reimbursement
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obligation is not subject to any dollar limitation. Because our Manager's personnel perform certain legal, accounting, due diligence tasks and other services that outside professionals or outside consultants otherwise would perform, our Manager is paid or reimbursed for the documented cost of performing such tasks, provided that such costs and reimbursements are in amounts which are no greater than those which would be payable to outside professionals or consultants engaged to perform such services pursuant to agreements negotiated on an arm's length basis.
We will also pay all operating expenses, except those specifically required to be borne by our Manager under the management agreement. The expenses required to be paid by us include:
Grants of Equity Compensation Concurrent with this Offering
Concurrently with the closing on this offering, we will issue, in aggregate, shares of restricted stock to certain of our independent directors, executive officers and certain other personnel of an affiliate of our Manager. Following the offering, we intend to offer stock-based compensation to an affiliate of our Manager. See "Management2017 Equity Incentive Plan" above.
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except
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for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter will contain such a provision that eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Our charter and bylaws will obligate us, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse reasonable costs, fees and expenses (including attorneys' fees, costs and expenses) in advance of final disposition of a proceeding and without requiring a preliminary determination of ultimate entitlement to indemnification, to any present or former director or officer of the company or any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, REIT, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of such corporation, REIT, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and who was or is made or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Our charter and bylaws will also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any personnel or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.
The Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that: (i) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (A) was committed in bad faith or (B) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of (i) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us and (ii) a written undertaking by the director or officer or on the director's or officer's behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.
Under the management agreement, our Manager maintains a contractual as opposed to a fiduciary relationship with us which limits our Manager's obligations to us to those specifically set forth in the management agreement. The ability of our Manager and its affiliates to engage in other business activities may reduce the time our Manager spends managing us. In addition, unlike for directors, there is no statutory standard of conduct under the MGCL for officers of a Maryland corporation. Instead, officers of a Maryland corporation, including our officers who are employees of our Manager, are subject only to general agency principles, including the exercise of reasonable care and skill in the performance of their responsibilities, as well as the duties of loyalty, good faith and candid disclosure.
We expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
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We are subject to conflicts of interest relating to our Manager and its affiliates because, among other things:
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obtain the services of the Sub-Manager to assist our Manager in providing the investment advisory services required to be provided by our Manager under the management agreement. Specifically, our Manager may retain a Sub-Manager to recommend specific securities or other investments based upon our investment guidelines, and work, along with our Manager, in structuring, negotiating, arranging or effecting the acquisition or disposition of such investments and monitoring investments on our behalf, subject to oversight of our Manager and us. Our Manager, and not us, is responsible for any compensation payable to any Sub-Manager. Any sub-management agreement entered into by our Manager will be in accordance with applicable laws.
Our Manager may subcontract and assign its responsibilities under the management agreement to any of its affiliates in accordance with the terms of the management agreement applicable to any such subcontract or assignment.
Our Manager's liability is limited under the management agreement, and we will agree to indemnify our Manager and its affiliates with respect to all expenses, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, charges and claims arising from acts or omissions of such indemnified parties except by reason of acts or omission constituting bad faith, willful misconduct, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their respective duties under the management agreement, as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction. As a result, we could experience poor performance or losses for which our Manager would not be liable.
We will agree to pay our Manager a base management fee, which is not based upon performance metrics or goals, and which might reduce our Manager's incentive to devote its time and effort to seeking loans and investments that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns for our portfolio. Because the base management fees will be based on our outstanding equity, our Manager may also be incentivized to advance strategies that increase our equity, and there may be circumstances where increasing our equity will not optimize the returns for our stockholders.
In addition, our Manager has the ability to earn incentive fees based on our earnings, which may create an incentive for our Manager to invest in assets with higher yield potential, which are generally riskier or more speculative, or sell an asset prematurely for a gain, in an effort to increase our short-term net income and thereby increase the incentive fees to which it is entitled.
Resolution of Potential Conflicts of Interest in Allocation of Investment Opportunities
Our Manager has agreed that for so long as our Manager is managing us, neither our Manager nor any of its affiliates will sponsor or manage any other U.S. publicly traded REIT that invests in our primary target investments. Our Manager and its affiliates may, in the future, sponsor or manage one or more private investment funds that invest in investment classes that are the same or similar to our target investments, but has agreed that it will not do so for a period of following the closing of the Formation Transaction.
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In allocating a specific investment opportunity among us and the Pine River Funds, our Manager or its affiliates, as the case may be, will make a determination, exercising its judgment in good faith, as to whether the opportunity is appropriate for each client. Factors in making such a determination may include a client's liquidity, the client's overall investment strategy and objectives, the composition of the client's existing portfolio, the size or amount of the available opportunity, the characteristics of the securities involved, the liquidity of the markets in which the securities trade, the risks involved, and other factors relating to the client and the investment opportunity. Our Manager or its affiliates are not required to provide every opportunity to every client.
If our Manager and/or its affiliates determines that an investment opportunity is appropriate for both us and a Pine River Fund, then our Manager will allocate that opportunity in a manner that it determines, exercising its judgment in good faith, to be fair and equitable, taking into consideration all allocations among us and the Pine River Fund taken as a whole. Our Manager has broad discretion in making that determination, and in amending that determination over time. In allocating investments among us and a Pine River Fund, our Manager's reasons for its allocation decisions may include the following:
In certain circumstances strict compliance with the foregoing allocation procedures may not be feasible and unusual or extraordinary conditions may, on occasion, warrant deviation from the practices and procedures described above. In such circumstances, senior personnel of our Manager and/or our board of directors may be called upon to determine the appropriate action which will serve the best interests of, and will be fair and equitable to, all clients involved.
Our Manager is entitled to receive a termination fee from us, under certain circumstances. See "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement Agreement."
Our Manager may in the future adopt additional conflicts of interest resolution policies and procedures designed to support the equitable allocation and to prevent the preferential allocation of investment opportunities among entities with overlapping investment objectives.
For additional discussion of potential conflicts of interest with our Manager, see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Relationship with Our Manager" and "Our Manager and the Management AgreementConflicts of Interest Relating to Our Manager."
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EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY STATUS
We currently qualify as an "emerging growth company," as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, and are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies," including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We have not made a decision whether to take advantage of certain of these exemptions. If we do take advantage of any of these exemptions, we do not know if some investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result. The result may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an "emerging growth company" can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an "emerging growth company" can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. However, we are choosing to "opt out" of such extended transition period, and as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for all public companies which are not emerging growth companies. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that our decision to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards is irrevocable.
We could remain an "emerging growth company" for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion, (ii) the date that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.
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STRUCTURE AND FORMATION OF OUR COMPANY
Formation Transaction
We are a newly formed entity, formed specifically for the purpose of consummating this offering. We currently do not own any property or investments. Two Harbors currently owns 100% of our outstanding common stock. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, Two Harbors will transfer and assign all of the membership interests of TH Commercial Holdings LLC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries to us in exchange for the consideration described below. Upon the closing of this offering and the Formation Transaction, Two Harbors will own % of our outstanding common stock. If the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, Two Harbors will own % of our outstanding common stock.
Consideration Payable to Two Harbors
We and Two Harbors have agreed that, upon consummation of the Formation Transaction and this offering, Two Harbors or an affiliate will receive shares of our common stock representing approximately % of our outstanding shares following the offering and 1,000 shares of our % cumulative redeemable preferred stock in exchange for all of the equity interests in our Predecessor. The total net value of investments which Two Harbors will contribute to us in the Formation Transaction will be approximately $ million, including approximately $ million of cash.
Our Structure After Consummation of the Formation Transaction and This Offering
Determination of Offering Price
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by a negotiation among us and the representatives of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price of our common stock, the representatives of the underwriters will consider, among other things, the information presented in this prospectus, the history and prospects for the industry in which we will compete, the ability of our management, prospects for our future earnings, the present state of our development and current financial condition, the recent market prices of, and the demand for, publicly traded shares of generally comparable companies and the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering. The initial public offering price does not necessarily bear any relationship to the book value of the properties and
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investments to be acquired in the Formation Transaction, our financial condition or any other established criteria of value and may not be indicative of the market price for our common stock after this offering.
Disposition of Shares Issued to Two Harbors
Two Harbors is restricted from disposing of the shares of our common stock until the expiration of a -day lock-up period following the closing of this offering, after which Two Harbors may, subject to the discretion and approval of its board of directors and in compliance with applicable securities laws, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares, which may include a distribution of the shares by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders.
Benefits to Related Parties
In connection with this offering and the Formation Transaction, our Predecessor and certain of our directors and executive officers will receive material benefits. All amounts are based on an assumed initial public offering price of $ , the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:
In addition, investors who receive shares of our common stock as a result of the Formation Transaction will be able to register the resale of those shares issued in the Formation Transaction.
We will also enter into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers upon the closing of this offering, providing for indemnification by us for certain liabilities and expenses incurred as a result of actions brought, or threatened to be brought, against such officers and/or directors, in their capacities as such.
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Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, there will be 1,000 shares of common stock outstanding held by Two Harbors, which will be our only stockholder of record. We will repurchase these shares from Two Harbors at cost upon completion of this offering. We will have no other shares of capital stock outstanding immediately prior to the completion of this offering. The following table sets forth certain information, prior to and after this offering, regarding the ownership of each class of our common stock by:
In accordance with SEC rules, each listed person's beneficial ownership includes:
Unless otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly, and the indicated person has sole voting and investment power. Except as indicated in the footnotes to the table below, the business address of the stockholders listed below is the address of our principal executive office, 590 Madison Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
|
Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Immediately Prior to this Offering |
Immediately After this Offering(1) |
||||||||||
Name and Address
|
Shares Owned |
Percentage | Shares Owned |
Percentage | ||||||||
Two Harbors Operating Company LLC(2) |
1,000 | 100.0% | ||||||||||
John ("Jack") A. Taylor |
| | ||||||||||
Stephen Alpart |
| | ||||||||||
Steven Plust |
| | ||||||||||
Marcin Urbaszek |
| | ||||||||||
Rebecca B. Sandberg |
| | ||||||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group ( persons) |
Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we plan to complete the Formation Transaction pursuant to which we will acquire from Two Harbors entities that own portfolios of commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related investments. In exchange, we will issue to Two Harbors will receive approximately % of our outstanding common stock. Two Harbors is restricted from disposing of the shares of our common stock until the expiration of a -day lock-up period following the closing of this offering, after which Two Harbors may, subject to the discretion and approval of its board of directors and in compliance with applicable securities laws, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of the shares, which may include a distribution of the shares by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Formation Transaction
The commercial mortgage loans and other real estate-related investments that we will own upon the closing of this offering and the Formation Transaction are currently owned indirectly by our Predecessor. In connection with this offering, we are entering into a contribution agreement with Two Harbors pursuant to which we will acquire full ownership of our Predecessor and its subsidiaries substantially concurrently with the closing of this offering. Two Harbors will receive shares of our common stock. For further information regarding the terms of the Formation Transaction, including the benefits to related parties, see "BusinessOur Company."
Director Designation Agreement
In connection with the Formation Transaction, we will enter into a director designation agreement with Two Harbors that will allow the independent directors of Two Harbors to designate individuals for nomination for election to our board of directors for a period of years from the closing of this offering. The independent directors of Two Harbors have initially designated . Pursuant to the director designation agreement, the designees must qualify as independent directors, as defined under the rules of the SEC and NYSE. will join our board of directors in connection with this offering, and Two Harbors will thereafter have the right to re-designate them, or to designate other qualifying individuals in their stead, for nomination for election to our board of directors, to serve until the annual meeting of our stockholders. For a discussion of the compensation these directors will receive, see "ManagementCorporate GovernanceDirector Compensation."
Management Agreement
Prior to the closing of this offering, we will enter into a management agreement with PRCM, our Manager, pursuant to which our Manager will provide the day-to-day management of our operations. The management agreement requires our Manager to manage our business affairs in conformity with the policies and the investment guidelines that are approved and monitored by our board of directors. See "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement Agreement."
The management agreement requires us to pay our Manager management fees and to reimburse it for various expenses. The management agreement has an initial -year term and will be renewed for one-year terms thereafter unless terminated by either us or our Manager. Our Manager is entitled to receive a termination fee from us, under certain circumstances. See "Our Manager and the Management AgreementManagement Agreement."
Each of our officers is also an employee of Pine River Domestic Management L.P, a wholly owned subsidiary of our Manager. As a result, the management agreement between us and our Manager was negotiated between related parties, and the terms, including fees and other amounts payable, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. See "ManagementConflicts of Interest" and "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Relationship With Our ManagerThere are various conflicts of interest in our relationship with our Manager and its affiliates, which could result in decisions that are not in the best interests of our stockholders."
Our management agreement is intended to provide us with access to our Manager's pipeline of investment opportunities and its personnel and its experience in capital markets, credit analysis, debt structuring and risk and investment management, as well as assistance with corporate operations, legal and compliance functions and governance.
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Restricted Common Stock and Other Equity-Based Awards
We intend to grant initial equity awards to our directors and officers in connection with the offering.
Related Party Transaction Policies; Conflicts of Interest
Prior to the closing of this offering, we will also adopt a related party transaction policy and a code of business conduct and ethics and other policies that are designed to reduce certain potential conflicts of interest between our officers, employees and directors on the one hand and us on the other hand. See "ManagementCode of Business Conduct and Ethics" and "Our Manager and the Management AgreementConflicts of Interest Relating to Our Manager."
Indemnification and Limitation of Directors' and Officers' Liability
Our charter and bylaws will obligate us to provide certain indemnification rights to our directors and officers and we will enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our executive officers and directors, providing for procedures for indemnification and advancements by us of certain expenses and costs relating to claims, suits or proceedings arising from their service to us or, at our request, service to other entities, as officers or directors or otherwise, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. See "ManagementLimitation of Liability and Indemnification."
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The following is a summary of the rights and preferences of our capital stock. This summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, our charter and bylaws and the applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL. While we believe that the following description covers the material terms of our capital stock, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to you. We encourage you to read carefully this entire prospectus, our charter and bylaws and the other documents we refer to for a more complete understanding of our capital stock. Copies of our charter and bylaws are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You Can Find More Information."
General
We are incorporated under the laws of the state of Maryland. The rights of our stockholders are governed by Maryland law as well as our charter and bylaws.
Following the closing of this offering, we will have in place a charter that authorizes us to issue up to shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Our charter authorizes our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series without stockholder approval. After giving effect to this offering and the other transactions described in this prospectus, shares of common stock will be issued and outstanding on a fully diluted basis ( shares if the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full), and no preferred shares will be issued and outstanding. Under Maryland law, stockholders are not generally liable for our debts or obligations.
Common Stock
Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of shares of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of our stock, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends on such shares of common stock out of investments legally available therefor if, as and when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, and the holders of our shares of common stock are entitled to share ratably in our investments legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment of or adequate provision for all our known debts and liabilities.
Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer and ownership of shares of our stock and except as may otherwise be specified in the terms of any class or series of shares of stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of shares of stock, the holders of such shares of common stock will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our board of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares of common stock will not be able to elect any directors.
Holders of shares of common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or redemption rights, have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of our company and generally have no appraisal rights. Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer and ownership of shares of our stock, shares of common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
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Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge with another entity, transfer all or substantially all of its investments, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless declared advisable by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation's charter. Our charter provides that these matters (other than certain amendments to the provisions of our charter related to the removal of directors, the restrictions on ownership and transfer of shares of our stock and the requirement of a two-thirds vote for amendment to these provisions) may be approved by our stockholders by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Registration Rights Agreement
We will enter into a registration rights agreement with regard to the shares of common stock to be acquired by Two Harbors as part of the Formation Transaction simultaneously with the closing of this offering pursuant to which we will agree to register the resale of such common shares. We will also grant Two Harbors the right to include these shares in any registration statements we may file in connection with any future public offerings, subject to the terms of the lockup arrangements described herein and subject to the right of the underwriters of those offerings to reduce the total number of secondary shares included in those offerings.
Power to Reclassify Our Unissued Shares of Stock
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred stock into other classes or series of shares of stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each other class or series, our board of directors will be required by Maryland law and by our charter to set, subject to our charter restrictions on transfer and ownership of shares of our stock, the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Therefore, among other things, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of common or preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
The articles supplementary designating the terms of our % cumulative redeemable preferred stock, which we refer to herein as the cumulative redeemable preferred stock, will initially authorize 1,000 shares of cumulative redeemable preferred stock, with an aggregate liquidation preference of $1,000,000. The cumulative redeemable preferred stock will rank, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, senior to all classes or series of our common stock and junior to all other classes or series of our preferred stock that may be issued in the future (except as noted in the next sentence). We may issue other classes or series of capital stock in the future, including preferred stock, and expressly designate such classes or series as ranking junior to, on parity with or senior to the cumulative redeemable preferred stock. We may not, however, issue capital stock ranking as to dividends or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, senior to the cumulative redeemable preferred stock, without the affirmative vote or consent of two-thirds of the issued and outstanding shares of cumulative redeemable preferred stock.
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The holders of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock will be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized and declared by us, cumulative cash dividends at the rate of % per annum of the $1,000 liquidation preference per share of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock, equivalent to $100 per annum per share. Such dividends will accrue on a daily basis and be cumulative from and including the initial issue date of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock will be entitled to receive a liquidating preference of $1,000 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, before we distribute any investments to holders of our common stock or any other shares of stock that rank junior to the cumulative redeemable preferred stock as to liquidation rights.
Beginning on the fifth anniversary of the initial issue date of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock, we may, at our option, redeem the cumulative redeemable preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, by paying $1,000 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Beginning on the sixth anniversary of the initial issue date of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock, we will, at the request of any stockholder holding shares of cumulative redeemable preferred stock, repurchase the number of shares of cumulative redeemable preferred stock that such stockholder proposes to sell to us from time to time, at a price per share equal to the liquidation preference of $1,000 plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.
Holders of cumulative redeemable preferred stock will have no preemptive or appraisal rights, nor will such holders have any voting rights (except in limited circumstances relating to any amendment, alteration or repeal of the terms of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock that would materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the cumulative redeemable preferred stock or the holders thereof or as a condition to the issuance of senior stock, as described above). The cumulative redeemable preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other property or securities.
In order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, the cumulative redeemable preferred stock will be subject to the restrictions on ownership and transfer set forth in our charter, including the aggregate stock ownership limit. See "Description of Capital StockRestrictions on Ownership and Transfer."
Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Common Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Common and Preferred Stock
We believe that the power of our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock, to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock and thereafter to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise. The additional classes or series, as well as the shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the terms of any issued and outstanding class or series, or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not intend to do so, the board of directors could authorize us to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, our shares of stock must be owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for
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which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, applying certain attribution rules, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).
Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our shares of common stock and other outstanding shares of stock. The relevant sections of our charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may own, or be deemed to own, by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock (the common share ownership limit), or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock (the aggregate share ownership limit). We refer to the common share ownership limit and the aggregate share ownership limit collectively as the "ownership limits." A person or entity that becomes subject to the ownership limits by virtue of a violative transfer that results in a transfer to a trust, as set forth below, is referred to as a "purported beneficial transferee" if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been a record owner and beneficial owner or solely a beneficial owner of our shares of stock, or is referred to as a "purported record transferee" if, had the violative transfer been effective, the person or entity would have been solely a record owner of our shares of stock.
The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause shares of stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, our shares of stock by an individual or entity), could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding shares of common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our outstanding capital stock and thereby subject the shares of common stock or total shares of stock to the applicable ownership limits.
Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, exempt a person from the above-referenced ownership limits. However, the board of directors may not exempt any person whose ownership of our outstanding stock would result in our being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise would result in our failing to qualify as a REIT. As a condition of its waiver, our board of directors may require an opinion of counsel or IRS ruling satisfactory to our board of directors with respect to our qualification as a REIT. Our board intends to adopt a resolution providing for the exemption of Two Harbors and certain of its affiliates from the ownership limits in connection with the Formation Transaction, which will allow them to own up to % of our stock.
In connection with any waiver of the ownership limits or at any other time, our board of directors may from time to time increase or decrease the ownership limits for all other persons and entities; provided, however, that any decrease may be made only prospectively as to existing holders (other than a decrease as a result of a retroactive change in existing law, in which case the decrease will be effective immediately); and provided further that the ownership limits may not be increased if, after giving effect to such increase, five or fewer individuals could own or constructively own in the aggregate, more than 50.0% in value of the shares then outstanding. Prior to the modification of the ownership limits, our board of directors may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT. Reduced ownership limits will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage ownership in our shares of common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, is in excess of such
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decreased ownership limits until such time as such person's or entity's percentage of our shares of common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, equals or falls below the decreased ownership limits, but any further acquisition of our shares of common stock or total shares of stock, as applicable, in excess of such percentage ownership of our shares of common stock or total shares of stock will be in violation of the ownership limits.
Our charter provisions are further designed to prohibit:
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of our shares of stock that will or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will be required to give at least 15 days prior written notice to us and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our qualification as a REIT. The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
Our charter provides that, if any transfer of our shares of stock would result in our shares of stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons, such transfer will be null and void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. In addition, our charter provides that, if any purported transfer of our shares of stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limits or such other limit established by our board of directors or in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then that number of shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would cause us to violate such restrictions will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares. Our charter provides that the automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the trust. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the purported record transferee, prior to our discovery that the shares had been automatically transferred to a trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary by the trust. If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable ownership limits or our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then our charter provides that the transfer of the shares will be void.
Shares of stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price paid by the purported record transferee for the shares (or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares of stock at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the NYSE (or other applicable exchange) on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of stock to the trust) and (ii) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accepts such offer. We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares of stock held in the trust pursuant to the clauses discussed below. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates, our charter provides that the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the purported record transferee and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such shares of stock will be paid to the charitable beneficiary.
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Our charter provides that, if we do not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limits or such other limit as established by our board of directors. After that, the trustee must distribute to the purported record transferee an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the purported record transferee for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the last reported sales price reported on the NYSE (or other applicable exchange) on the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of stock to the trust) and (2) the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trust for the shares. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the purported record transferee will be immediately paid to the beneficiary, together with any dividends or other distributions thereon. In addition, if prior to discovery by us that shares of stock have been transferred to a trust, such shares of stock are sold by a purported record transferee, then our charter provides that such shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and to the extent that the purported record transferee received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such purported record transferee was entitled to receive, such excess amount will be paid to the trustee upon demand. Our charter provides that the purported beneficial transferee or purported record transferee has no rights in the shares held by the trustee.
The trustee will be designated by us and will be unaffiliated with us and with any purported record transferee or purported beneficial transferee. Prior to the sale of any shares by the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions paid by us with respect to the shares held in trust and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to the shares held in trust. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to our discovery that shares of stock have been transferred to the trust will be paid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand. Any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid will be paid when due to the trustee.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee's sole discretion:
However, if we have already taken irreversible action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.
In addition, if our board of directors or other permitted designees determine in good faith that a proposed transfer would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares of stock set forth in our charter, our board of directors or other permitted designees will take such action as it deems or they deem advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing us to redeem the shares of stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on our books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.
Every owner of more than 5% (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or applicable Treasury regulations) of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, is required to give us written notice, stating his name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock which he beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner shall provide us with such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of his beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits. In addition, each stockholder shall upon demand be required to provide us with
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such information as we may request in good faith in order to determine our status as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
These ownership limits could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for the common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of the stockholders.
Listing
Our common stock will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GPMT."
Transfer Agent and Registrar
We expect the transfer agent and registrar for our shares of common stock to be .
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon completion of this offering and the Formation Transaction, we will have outstanding shares of our common stock ( shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full).
Of these shares, the shares sold in this offering ( shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, subject to the limitations on ownership set forth in our charter, except for any shares held by our "affiliates," as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Any shares received in the Formation Transaction will be "restricted shares" as defined in Rule 144. See "Rule 144" below.
Our shares of common stock are newly issued securities for which there is no established trading market. No assurance can be given as to (1) the likelihood that an active market for our shares of common stock will develop, (2) the liquidity of any such market, (3) the ability of the stockholders to sell the shares or (4) the prices that stockholders may obtain for any of the shares. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares or the availability of shares for future sale will have on the market price prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of shares of common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, may affect adversely prevailing market prices of the shares of common stock. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Common Stock."
For a description of certain restrictions on transfers of our shares of common stock held by certain of our stockholders, see "Description of Capital StockRestrictions on Ownership and Transfer."
Rule 144
Shares of common stock that are "restricted" securities under the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act may not be sold in the absence of registration under the Securities Act unless an exemption from registration is available, including the exemption provided by Rule 144.
In general, under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the three months preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months (including any period of consecutive ownership of preceding non-affiliated holders) would be entitled to sell those shares, subject only to the availability of current public information about us. A non-affiliated person who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least one year would be entitled to sell those shares without regard to the other provisions of Rule 144.
A person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is deemed to be an affiliate of ours and who has beneficially owned restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 for at least six months would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of our common stock or the average weekly trading volume of our common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. Such sales are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us (which requires that we are current in our periodic reports under the Exchange Act).
Registration Rights; Distribution
We will enter into registration rights agreements with the holders of our shares of common stock issued as part of the Formation Transaction pursuant to which we will agree, among other things, to register the resale of any shares of our common stock that were issued in the Formation Transaction. These registration rights will require us to seek to register all such shares effective as of a date which is
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90 days following the completion of this offering. We may, at our option, satisfy our obligation to prepare and file a resale registration statement by filing a registration statement registering the issuance by us of shares of our common stock under the Securities Act to holders of common units upon redemption.
Two Harbors has informed us that it intends to distribute all the shares of our common stock that it receives in the Formation Transactions to its common stockholders, subject to compliance with REIT rules and a variety of other considerations. Two Harbors expects the distribution to take the form of a spin-off by means of a special dividend to Two Harbors common stockholders of all our common stock then owned by Two Harbors. Two Harbors has agreed with the underwriters that the distribution of our common stock will occur no earlier than 90 days following the consummation of this offering. Distributions of these shares are expected to be included in the registration statement that we have agreed to file.
Our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
We will adopt prior to the closing of this offering the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which will provide for the grant to directors, officers, advisors, consultants and other personnel of our company and its affiliates of equity and equity-based awards. A total of shares of our common stock will be reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan. Concurrently with the closing of this offering, we expect to issue, in aggregate, approximately shares of our common stock to our independent directors, certain executive officers, and certain other personnel of our Manager.
We anticipate that we will file a registration statement with respect to the shares of our common stock issuable under the 2017 Plan after we complete this offering. Shares of our common stock covered by the registration statement for the 2017 Plan, including shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of options or restricted shares of our common stock, will be eligible for transfer or resale without restriction under the Securities Act unless held by affiliates.
Lock-Up Agreements
Our directors and officers and certain other executives of our company and our affiliates have entered into lock-up agreements with certain of the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of these persons or entities, with limited exceptions, for a period of days after the date of this prospectus, may not, without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, or enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, whether any of these transactions are to be settled by delivery of our common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge or disposition, or to enter into any transaction, swap, hedge or other arrangement. The shares to be issued in connection with the Formation Transaction to Two Harbors will be subject to a -day lock-up period.
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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following description of the terms of our stock and of certain provisions of Maryland law is only a summary. For a complete description, we refer you to the MGCL, our charter and our bylaws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
Our Board of Directors
Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of directors we have may be established only by our board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum number required under the MGCL, which is one, and our bylaws provide that the number of our directors may not be more than . Upon the closing of this offering we expect to have directors. Our charter also provides that, at such time as we become eligible to elect to become subject to certain elective provisions of the MGCL (which we expect will be upon closing of this offering) and except as may be provided by our board of directors in setting the terms of any class or series of stock, any vacancy on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. Any director so elected to fill a vacancy will hold office for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.
Each of our directors elected by our stockholders is elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Holders of shares of common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast.
Removal of Directors
Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of preferred stock to elect or remove one or more directors, a director may be removed only for cause (as defined in our charter), and then only by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all the votes of common stockholders entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. This provision, when coupled with the exclusive power of our board of directors to fill vacancies on the board of directors, may preclude stockholders from (i) removing incumbent directors except for cause and upon a substantial affirmative vote and (ii) filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.
Business Combinations
Under Maryland law, "business combinations" between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an investment transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:
A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which he otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However,
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in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.
After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. As permitted by the MGCL, our board of directors will by resolution exempt business combinations (i) between us and any person not then already an interested stockholder, provided that the business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of directors who are not affiliates or associates of such persons) and (ii) between us and PRCM or any of its affiliates. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and any other person as described above, and as a result, any such person may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders, without compliance with the super-majority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute. However, our board of directors may repeal or modify this resolution at any time. The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any such acquisition.
Control Share Acquisitions
The MGCL provides that holders of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights with respect to the control shares, except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiror, by officers or by employees who are directors of the corporation are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other shares of stock owned by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror 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 voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of
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demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the corporation may redeem for fair value any or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved. The right of the corporation to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction, or (b) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
Our Bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock. There can be no assurance that this provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
Subtitle 8
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL, which is commonly referred to as the "Maryland Unsolicited Takeovers Act" or "MUTA," permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (which we will be upon closing of this offering) and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors, without stockholder approval, and notwithstanding any contrary provision in its charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions of the MGCL which provide, respectively, that:
Our charter provides that, at such time as we are able to make a Subtitle 8 election (which we expect to be upon the closing of this offering), vacancies on our board may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (i) require the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter for the removal of any director from the board, which removal will be allowed only for cause, (ii) vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and (iii) require, unless called by our chairman of
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the board, our chief executive officer, our president or the board of directors, the written request of stockholders of not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such a meeting to call a special meeting.
Meetings of Stockholders
Pursuant to our bylaws, a meeting of our stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business will be held annually on a date and at the time and place set by our board of directors beginning in 2018. The chairman of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, our president or our board of directors may call a special meeting of our stockholders. Subject to the provisions of our bylaws, a special meeting of our stockholders to act on any matter that may properly be brought before a meeting of our stockholders will also be called by our secretary upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on such matter at the meeting containing the information required by our bylaws. Our secretary will inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and delivering the notice of meeting (including our proxy materials), and the requesting stockholder must pay such estimated cost before our secretary is required to prepare and deliver the notice of the special meeting.
Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws
Except for amendments to the provisions of our charter relating to the removal of directors, the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares of stock and the vote required to amend these provisions (each of which must be advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter), our charter generally may be amended only if advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board, and without any action by our stockholders, may also amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series we are authorized to issue.
Extraordinary Transactions
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business unless declared advisable by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation's charter. As permitted by the MGCL, our charter provides that any of these actions may be approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Many of our operating assets will be held by our subsidiaries, and these subsidiaries may be able to merger or sell all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders.
Appraisal Rights
Our charter provides that our stockholders generally will not be entitled to exercise statutory rights of objecting stockholders, or appraisal rights.
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Dissolution of the Company
The dissolution of our company must be advised by a majority of our entire board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our Bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (i) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (iii) by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the advance notice required by the Bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated or on any such other business and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the Bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made only (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) provided that the special meeting has been called in accordance with the Bylaws for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the advance notice required by the Bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the Bylaws.
Anti-takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the Charter and Bylaws
Our charter and bylaws and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders, including
Likewise, if the provision in our bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL is rescinded or if we opt in to provisions of Subtitle 8, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects.
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Indemnification and Limitation of Directors' and Officers' Liability
The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision that eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.
In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of:
Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves and our bylaws obligate us, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
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Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.
We expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
REIT Qualification
Our charter provides that our board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT.
Exclusive Forum Bylaws
Our amended and restated bylaws will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division, shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following: any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the corporation; any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by any of our present or former directors, officers or other employees or our stockholders to the corporation or to our stockholders or any standard of conduct applicable to our directors; any action asserting a claim against the corporation or any of our present or former directors, officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL or our charter or bylaws; or any action asserting a claim against the corporation or any of our present or former directors, officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership of our common stock as of the date hereof by U.S. and non-U.S. holders, each as defined below. Except where noted, this summary deals only with common stock held as a capital asset and does not deal with special situations, such as those of dealers in securities or currencies, financial institutions, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt entities (except as described in "Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders of Our Common Stock" below), insurance companies, persons holding common stock as a part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, persons who are "foreign governments" within the meaning of Section 892 of the Code, investors in pass-through entities or U.S. holders of common stock whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, the discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the date hereof, and such authorities may be repealed, revoked or modified, possibly with retroactive effect, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below.
You should consult your own tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences in light of your particular situation as well as consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
Our Taxation as a REIT
We intend to elect to be taxed as a REIT commencing with our initial taxable year ending December 31, 2017. We believe that we were organized and expect to be operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws.
In connection with this offering, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is expected to render an opinion that, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2017, we have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the federal income tax laws, and our proposed method of operation will enable us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. Investors should be aware that the opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP will be based upon customary assumptions, will be conditioned upon certain representations made by us as to factual matters, including representations regarding the nature of our assets and the conduct of our business, and will not be binding upon the IRS or any court. We have not received, and do not intend to seek, any rulings from the IRS regarding our status as a REIT or our satisfaction of the REIT requirements. The IRS may challenge our status a REIT, and a court could sustain any such challenge. In addition, the opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP will be based on existing federal income tax law governing qualification as a REIT, which is subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating results, certain qualification tests set forth in the U.S. federal income tax laws. Those qualification tests generally involve the percentage of income that we earn from specified sources, the percentage of our assets that falls within specified categories, the diversity of the ownership of our shares, and the percentage of our earnings that we distribute. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP will not review our compliance with those tests on a continuing basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operations for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. For a discussion of the tax consequences of our failure to qualify as a REIT, see "Failure to Qualify."
In any year in which we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on that portion of our REIT taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders, although taxable income generated by domestic TRSs, if any, will be subject to regular corporate income tax. Our stockholders will generally be taxed on dividends that they receive at
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ordinary income rates unless such dividends are designated by us as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income. Distributions we make are not eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. We expect that ordinary dividends paid by us generally will not be eligible for the reduced rate imposed on qualified dividend income received by individuals, trusts and estates.
We will be subject to U.S. federal tax as follows:
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In addition, notwithstanding our status as a REIT, we may also have to pay certain state and local income taxes, because not all states and localities treat REITs in the same manner that they are treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Moreover, as further described below, any domestic TRS in which we own an interest will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its net income.
Requirements for Qualification as a REIT. The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
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Conditions (1) through (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year. Condition (5) must be met 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 other than the first taxable year for which an election to become a REIT is made. Condition (6) must be met during the last half of each taxable year but neither conditions (5) nor (6) apply to the first taxable year for which an election to become a REIT is made. We believe that we will maintain sufficient diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy conditions (5) and (6) above. In addition, our charter contains restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of our stock that are intended to assist us in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in (5) and (6) above. The provisions of our charter restricting the ownership and transfer of our stock are described in the section entitled "Description of Capital StockCertain Provisions of Our Charter and Bylaws and of Maryland LawREIT Qualification Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer." These restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will be able to satisfy these share ownership requirements. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, we will fail to qualify as a REIT.
To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, we generally are required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. 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 shares (i.e., the persons required to include our dividends in their gross income). 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. If we comply with these record-keeping requirements, and we do not know, or exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, whether we failed to meet requirement (6) above, we will be treated as having met the requirement. If you fail or refuse to comply with the demands, you will be required by applicable Treasury regulations to submit a statement with your tax return disclosing your actual ownership of our shares and other information. In addition, we must satisfy all relevant filing and other administrative requirements established by the IRS to elect and maintain REIT status, use a calendar year for federal income tax purposes, and comply with the record keeping requirements of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Ownership of Partnership Interests. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Treasury regulations provide that the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the partnership's assets and to earn its proportionate share of the partnership's gross income based on its pro rata share of capital interests in the partnership for purposes of the asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, as described below. However, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, described below (see "Asset Tests"), the determination of a REIT's interest in partnership assets will be based on the REIT's proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, excluding for these purposes, certain securities as described in the Code. In addition, the assets and gross income of the partnership generally are
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deemed to retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets and items of income of any partnerships in which we own an equity interest is treated as assets and items of income of our company for purposes of applying the REIT requirements described below. Consequently, to the extent that we directly or indirectly hold a preferred or other equity interest in a partnership, the partnership's assets and operations may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we may have no control or only limited influence over the partnership.
Qualified REIT Subsidiaries and other Disregarded Subsidiaries. If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary," the separate existence of that subsidiary is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Generally, a qualified REIT subsidiary is a corporation, other than a TRS, all of the stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by the REIT. All assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of a disregarded subsidiary will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT itself. A disregarded subsidiary of ours is not subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation, although it may be subject to state and local taxation in some states.
In the event that a disregarded subsidiary ceases to be wholly-owned by us (for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than us or another disregarded subsidiary of us), the subsidiary's separate existence would no longer be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Instead, it would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership or a taxable corporation. Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the value or voting power of the outstanding securities of another corporation. See "Asset Tests" and "Income Tests."
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. A TRS is an entity that is taxable as a corporation in which we directly or indirectly own stock and that jointly elects with us for the subsidiary to be treated as a TRS. In addition, if a TRS owns, directly or indirectly, securities representing 35% or more of the vote or value of a subsidiary corporation, that subsidiary will also be treated as a TRS. However, an entity will not qualify as a TRS if it directly or indirectly operates or manages a lodging or health care facility or, generally, provides to another person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated. We generally may not own more than 10%, as measured by voting power or value, of the securities of a corporation that is not a qualified REIT subsidiary unless we and such corporation elect to treat such corporation as a TRS. Overall, no more than 25% (20% in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of a REIT's assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs.
Several provisions of the Code regarding arrangements between a REIT and its TRSs ensure that a TRS will be subject to an appropriate level of U.S. federal income taxation. For example, a TRS is limited in its ability to deduct interest payments to an affiliated REIT. In addition, we would be obligated to pay a 100% penalty tax on any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions, excess interest or redetermined TRS service income (as those terms are defined in the Code) in respect of any TRS of ours if the IRS were to assert successfully that the economic arrangements between us and the TRS are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties.
Taxable Mortgage Pools and REMICs. An entity, or a portion of an entity, that does not elect to be treated as a REMIC may be classified as a taxable mortgage pool under the Code if:
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Under applicable 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 taxable mortgage pool. It is possible that certain of our financing activities, including securitizations, will result in the treatment of us or a portion of our assets as a taxable mortgage pool.
An entity or portion of an entity will be treated as a REMIC for purposes of the Code if:
Where an entity, or a portion of an entity, is classified as a taxable mortgage pool, it is generally treated as a taxable corporation for federal income tax purposes. In the case of a REIT, a portion of a REIT, or a REIT subsidiary that is disregarded as a separate entity from a REIT that is a taxable mortgage pool, however, special rules apply. The portion of a REIT's assets, held directly or through a REIT subsidiary that is disregarded as a separate entity from the REIT, that qualifies as a taxable mortgage pool is treated as a qualified REIT subsidiary that is not subject to corporate income tax, and the taxable mortgage pool classification does not adversely affect the qualification of the REIT.
A portion of our income from a REMIC residual interest or taxable mortgage pool arrangement could be treated as "excess inclusion income." Excess inclusion income is an amount, with respect to any calendar quarter, equal to the excess, if any, of (i) income allocable to the holder of a residual interest in a REMIC or taxable mortgage pool interest during such calendar quarter over (ii) the sum of an amount for each day in the calendar quarter equal to the product of (a) the adjusted issue price of the interest at the beginning of the quarter multiplied by (b) 120 percent of the long-term federal rate (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each calendar quarter and properly adjusted for the length of such quarter).
Our excess inclusion income would be allocated among our stockholders in proportion to dividends paid. A stockholder's share of excess inclusion income (i) would not be allowed to be offset by any net operating losses otherwise available to the stockholder, (ii) would be subject to tax as unrelated business taxable income in the hands of most types of stockholders that are otherwise generally exempt from U.S. federal income tax and (iii) would result in the application of U.S. federal income tax withholding at the maximum rate (30%), without reduction for any otherwise applicable income tax treaty, to the extent allocable to most types of non-U.S. stockholders. See "Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common StockDistributions." Although the law on this matter is not clear with regard to taxable mortgage pool interests, to the extent excess inclusion income is allocated to a tax-exempt stockholder of record of ours that is a "disqualified organization" (as defined above under "Our Taxation as a REIT"), we would be taxable on this income at the highest applicable corporate tax rate (currently 35%). To the extent that our common stock owned by "disqualified organizations" is
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held by a broker/dealer or other nominee, the broker/dealer or other nominee would be liable for a tax at the highest applicable corporate tax rate on the portion of our excess inclusion income allocable to the common stock held by the broker/dealer or other nominee on behalf of the "disqualified organizations." A regulated investment company or other pass-through entity owning our common stock will be subject to tax at the highest applicable corporate tax rate on any excess inclusion income allocated to its record name owners that are "disqualified organizations." The manner in which excess inclusion income would be allocated among shares of different classes of our stock or how such income is to be reported to stockholders is not clear under current law. Tax-exempt 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 in connection with their decision to invest in our common stock.
If a subsidiary partnership of ours, not wholly-owned by us directly or through one or more disregarded entities, were a taxable mortgage pool, the foregoing rules would not apply. Rather, the partnership that is a taxable mortgage pool would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and would potentially be subject to corporate income tax. In addition, this characterization would alter our REIT income and asset test calculations and could adversely affect our compliance with those requirements.
Income Tests
To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy two gross income requirements, each of which is applied on an annual basis. First, at least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging transactions, for each taxable year generally must be derived directly or indirectly from:
Second, at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging transactions, for each taxable year must be derived from sources that qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, and from (i) dividends, (ii) interest and (iii) gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities which does not constitute property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.
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Gross income from our sale of inventory or property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business is excluded from both the numerator and the denominator in both gross income tests. In addition, income and gain from hedging transactions that we enter into to hedge indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, or to manage risk with respect to currency fluctuations, and that are clearly and timely identified as such will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of both gross income tests. In addition, certain foreign currency gains will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both of the gross income tests. Finally, gross income attributable to cancellation of indebtedness income will be excluded from both the numerator and the denominator for purposes of both gross income tests. We will monitor the amount of our nonqualifying income and we will seek to manage our portfolio to comply at all times with the gross income tests. The following paragraphs discuss some of the specific applications of the gross income tests to us.
Dividends. Our dividend income from stock in any corporation (other than any REIT) and from any TRS will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. If we own stock in other REITs, the dividends that we receive from those REITs and our gain on the sale of the stock in those REITs will be qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests. However, if a REIT in which we own stock fails to qualify as a REIT in any year, our income from such REIT would be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test.
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, it generally includes the following: (i) an amount that is received or accrued based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales, and (ii) 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 by 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. We do not expect that any of our loans will be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person.
Interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property, 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. If a loan is secured by both real property and other property and if 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 the date (i) we agreed to originate or acquire the loan or (ii) as discussed below, in the event of a "significant modification," the date we modified the loan, 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. However, in the case of a loan that is secured by both real property and personal property, if the fair market value of such personal property does not exceed 15% of the total fair market value of all property securing the loan, then the personal property securing the loan will be treated as real property for purposes of determining the interest on the loan that is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. If apportionment is required, 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 propertythat is, the amount by which the loan exceeds the value of the real estate that is security for the loan.
We expect that the CMBS in which we invest generally will be treated either as 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 CMBS will be qualifying income for the 95% gross income test. In the case of CMBS treated as interests in grantor trusts, we would be treated as owning an undivided beneficial
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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 the obligation is secured by real property, as discussed above. In the case of CMBS treated as interests in a REMIC, income derived from REMIC interests will generally be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. If less than 95% of the assets of the REMIC are real estate assets, however, then only a proportionate part of our interest in the REMIC and income derived from the interest will qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test. In addition, some REMIC securitizations include imbedded interest swap or cap contracts or other derivative instruments that potentially could produce nonqualifying income for the holder of the related REMIC securities.
We may acquire participation interests, or subordinated mortgage interests, in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans. 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 in a first loss position in the event of a default by the borrower. We anticipate any participation interests we acquire will qualify as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests described below and that interest derived from such investments 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, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our treatment of any participation interests we acquire.
We may own interests in mezzanine loans, which 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 the 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 the Revenue Procedure provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax law. Moreover, our mezzanine loans typically may not meet all of the requirements for reliance on the safe harbor. To the extent any mezzanine loans that we acquire 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 intend to invest in any mezzanine loans in a manner that will enable us to satisfy the REIT gross income and asset tests.
There is limited case law and administrative guidance addressing whether instruments similar to our mezzanine loans or our preferred equity investments will be treated as equity or debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We expect that our mezzanine loans generally will be treated as a debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but we typically do not anticipate obtaining private letter rulings from the IRS or opinions of counsel on the characterization of those investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our preferred equity investments generally will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a mezzanine loan is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be treated as owning the assets held by the partnership or limited liability company that issued the mezzanine loan. As a result, we would not be treated as receiving interest income from the mezzanine loan, but rather we would be treated as receiving our proportionate share of the income of the entity that issued the mezzanine loan, and there can be no assurance that such an entity will not derive nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test. Alternatively, if the IRS successfully asserts that a preferred equity investment is debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
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then that investment may be treated as producing interest income that would be qualifying income for the 95% gross income test, but not for the 75% gross income test. If the IRS successfully challenges the classification of our mezzanine loans or preferred equity investments for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no assurance can be provided that we will not fail to satisfy the 75% or 95% gross income test.
We may modify the terms of our mortgage or mezzanine loans. 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 we 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 we reasonably believe that the modification to the loan will substantially reduce a significant risk of default on the original loan. To the extent we significantly modify loans in a manner that does not qualify for that safe harbor, we will be required to redetermine the value of the real property securing the loan at the time it was significantly modified, which could result in a portion of the interest income on the loan being treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. In determining the value of the real property securing such a loan, we generally will not obtain third-party appraisals but rather will rely on internal valuations.
We anticipate that the interest, original issue discount, and market discount income that we will receive from our mortgage-related assets generally will be qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.
Hedging Transactions. We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. Except to the extent provided by Treasury regulations, any income from a hedging transaction we enter into, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, (i) in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or 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, which is clearly identified as specified in Treasury regulations before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated or entered into and satisfies other identification requirements, (ii) primarily to manage 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 tests that is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated or entered into and satisfies other identification requirements or (iii) in connection with a termination of certain hedging transactions described above, will 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 nonqualifying income for purposes of both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT.
We may conduct some or all of our hedging activities through a TRS or other corporate entity, the income of which may be subject to U.S. federal income tax, rather than by participating in the arrangements directly or through pass-through subsidiaries.
Fee Income. Fee income generally 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 real property and the fees are not determined by income and profits. Other fees generally are not qualifying income for purposes of either gross income test. Any fees earned by a TRS will not be included for purposes of the gross income tests.
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Rents from Real Property. To the extent that we own or acquire real property or an interest therein, rents we receive will qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. These conditions relate to the identity of the tenant, the computation of the rent payable, and the nature of the property leased. First, the amount of 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 a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Second, rents we receive 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, at least 90% of the property is leased to unrelated tenants, the rent paid by the TRS is substantially comparable to the rent paid by the unrelated tenants for comparable space and the rent is not attributable to an increase in rent due to a modification of a lease with a "controlled TRS" (i.e., a TRS in which we own directly or indirectly more than 50% of the voting power or value of the stock). 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 greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to the personal property will not qualify as rents from real property. Finally, for rents to qualify as "rents from real property" for purposes of the gross income tests, we are only allowed to provide services that are both usually or "customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of real property and not otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant." We may, however, render services to our tenants through an "independent contractor" who is adequately compensated and from whom we do not derive revenue. We may also own a TRS which provides non-customary services to tenants without tainting our rental income from the related properties.
Even if a REIT furnishes or renders services that are non-customary with respect to a property, if the greater of (i) the amounts received or accrued, directly or indirectly, or deemed received by the REIT with respect to such services, or (ii) 150% of our direct cost in furnishing or rendering the services during a taxable year is not more than 1% of all amounts received or accrued, directly or indirectly by the REIT with respect to the property during the same taxable year, then only the amounts with respect to such non-customary services are not treated as rent for purposes of the REIT gross income tests.
Prohibited Transactions Tax. 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. 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. Nevertheless, we will attempt to conduct our operations so that no asset that we own will be treated as, or as having been, held for sale to customers, and that a sale of any such asset will not be treated as having been in the ordinary course of our business. We cannot assure you that we will comply with certain safe harbor provisions or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. 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 subject to tax in the hands of the corporation at regular corporate income tax rates.
Foreclosure Property. Foreclosure property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:
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However, 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. This grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:
We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property, 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, income from foreclosure property, including gain from the sale of foreclosure property held for sale in the ordinary course of a trade or business, will qualify for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
We may have the option to foreclose on mortgage loans when a borrower is in default. The foregoing rules could affect a decision by us to foreclose on a particular mortgage loan and could affect whether we choose to foreclose with regard to a particular mortgage loan.
Phantom income. Due to the nature of the assets in which we will invest, we may be required to recognize taxable income from certain assets in advance of our receipt of cash flow from or proceeds from disposition of such assets, and may be required to report taxable income that exceeds the economic income ultimately realized on such assets.
We 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. Accrued market discount is reported as income when, and to the extent that, any payment of principal of the debt instrument is made, unless we elect to include accrued market discount in income as it accrues. 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 we collect less on the debt instrument than our purchase price plus the market discount we had previously reported as income, we may not be able to benefit from any offsetting loss deductions.
We may agree to modify the terms of distressed and other loans we hold. These modifications may be considered "significant modifications" for U.S. federal income tax purposes that give rise to a
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deemed debt-for-debt exchange upon which we may recognize taxable income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash.
Some of the loans and debt securities that we acquire may have been issued with original issue discount. In general, we will be required to accrue original issue discount based on the constant yield to maturity of the debt securities, and to treat it as taxable income in accordance with applicable U.S. federal income tax rules even though such yield may exceed cash payments, if any, received on such debt instrument.
In addition, in the event that any debt instruments or debt securities acquired by us are delinquent as to mandatory principal and interest payments, or in the event payments with respect to a particular debt instrument are not made when due, we may nonetheless be required to continue to recognize the unpaid interest as taxable income. Similarly, we may be required to accrue interest income with respect to subordinated mortgage-backed securities at the stated rate regardless of whether corresponding cash payments are received.
Finally, we may be required under the terms of indebtedness that we incur to use cash received from interest payments to make principal payments on that indebtedness, with the effect of recognizing income but not having a corresponding amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
As a result of each of these potential timing differences between income recognition or expense deduction and cash receipts or disbursements, there is a significant risk that we may have substantial taxable income in excess of cash available for distribution. In that event, we 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. See "Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs."
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for that year if we are entitled to relief under the Code. These relief provisions generally will be available if our failure to meet the tests is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, and we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our U.S. federal income tax return. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally recognize exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that the failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances, we will fail to qualify as a REIT. Even if these relief provisions apply, a penalty tax would be imposed based on the amount of nonqualifying income. See "Our Taxation as a REIT."
Asset Tests
At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must satisfy the following tests relating to the nature of our assets.
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Securities, for the purposes of the asset tests, may include debt we hold from other issuers. However, debt we hold in an issuer that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% asset test will not be taken into account for purposes of the 10% value test if the debt securities meet the "straight debt" safe harbor. Debt will meet the "straight debt" safe harbor if the debt is a written unconditional promise to pay on demand or on a specified date a sum certain in money, the debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, and the interest rate and the interest payment dates of the debt are not contingent on the profits, the borrower's discretion or similar factors. In the case of an issuer that is a corporation or a partnership, securities that otherwise would be considered straight debt will not be so considered if we, and any of our "controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries" as defined in the Code, hold any securities of the corporate or partnership issuer that (a) are not straight debt or other excluded securities (prior to the application of this rule), and (b) have an aggregate value greater than 1% of the issuer's outstanding securities (including, for the purposes of a partnership issuer, our interest as a partner in the partnership).
In addition, the following instruments are not taken in to account for purposes of the 10% value test: (i) a REIT's interest as a partner in a partnership; (ii) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or any other excluded security) if at least 75% of the partnership's gross income is derived from sources that would qualify for the 75% REIT gross income test; (iii) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or any other excluded security) to the extent of the REIT's interest as a partner in the partnership; (iv) any loan to an individual or an estate; (v) any "section 467 rental agreement" other than an agreement with a related party tenant; (vi) any obligation to pay "rents from real property"; (vii) certain securities issued by governmental entities that
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are not dependent in whole or in part on the profits of any other entity or payments on any obligation issued by such an entity); and (viii) any security issued by a REIT.
For purposes of the 75% asset test, mortgage loans will generally qualify as real estate assets to the extent that they are secured by real property. 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 date of 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 date of 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 acquire the loan.
As noted 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 test or 10% value test). See "Income Tests." Although we anticipate that our mezzanine loans typically may not qualify for that safe harbor, we believe our mezzanine loans should be treated as qualifying assets for the 75% asset test or should be excluded from the definition of securities for purposes of the 10% vote or 10% value test. We intend to originate and acquire mezzanine loans only to the extent such loans will not cause us to fail the asset tests described above.
As noted above, there is limited case law and administrative guidance addressing whether instruments similar to our mezzanine loans or our preferred equity investments will be treated as equity or debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a mezzanine loan is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be treated as owning the assets held by the partnership or limited liability company that issued the mezzanine loan. If that partnership or limited liability company owned nonqualifying assets, we may not be able to satisfy all of the asset tests. Alternatively, if the IRS successfully asserts a preferred equity investment is debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then that investment may be treated as a nonqualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test and would be subject to the 10% value test and the 5% asset test. It is possible that a preferred equity investment that is treated as debt for U.S. federal income tax purposes could cause us to fail one or more of those tests.
As noted above, we expect that our investments in CMBS will generally be treated as interests in a grantor trust or as interests in a REMIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In the case of CMBS treated as interests in grantor trusts, we would be treated as owning an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the mortgage loans held by the grantor trust. In the case of CMBS treated as an interest in a REMIC, such interests will generally qualify as real estate assets, and income derived from REMIC interests will generally be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the REIT income tests described above. If less than 95% of the assets of a REMIC are real estate assets, however, then only a proportionate part of our interest in the REMIC and income derived from the interest will qualify for purposes of the REIT asset and income tests.
We believe that any stock that we acquire in other REITs will be a qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. However, if a REIT in which we own stock fails to qualify as a REIT in any year, the stock in such REIT will not be a qualifying asset for purposes of the 75% asset test. Instead, we would be subject to the asset tests described in the second, third, fourth and fifth bullet points above. We will also be subject to those assets tests with respect to our investments in any non-REIT C corporations for which we do not make a TRS election.
We may enter into repurchase agreements under which we will nominally sell certain of our assets to a counterparty and simultaneously enter into an agreement to repurchase the sold assets. We believe that we will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as the owner of the assets that are the subject of any such agreements notwithstanding that we may transfer record ownership of the assets to
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the counterparty during the term of the agreement. It is possible, however, that the IRS could assert that we did not own the assets during the term of the repurchase agreement, in which case we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
We will monitor the status of our assets for purposes of the various asset tests and will seek to manage our portfolio to comply at all times with such tests. There can be no assurances, however, that we will be successful in this effort. In this regard, to determine our compliance with these requirements, we will need to estimate the value of the real estate securing our mortgage loans at various times. In addition, we will be required to value our investment in our other assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. Although we will seek to be prudent in making these estimates, there can be no assurances that the IRS may not disagree with these determinations and assert that a different value is applicable, in which case we may not satisfy the 75% and the other asset tests.
We will not lose our REIT status for a de minimis failure to meet the 5% or 10% asset requirements if the failure is due to ownership of assets the total value of which does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the total value of our assets or $10 million. If we fail to satisfy any of the asset requirements for a particular tax quarter, we may still qualify as a REIT if we (1) identify the failure on a separate schedule, (2) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (3) the assets causing the failure are disposed of within six months of the last day of the quarter in which the failure occurred and (4) we pay a tax computed as the greater of either $50,000 or the net income generated by the assets causing the failure multiplied by the highest tax rate under Section 11 of the Code.
After initially meeting the asset tests after the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT if we fail to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in the relative values of our assets. However, an acquisition of property by a REIT requires the REIT to revalue all of its assets. If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an increase in the value of our assets after the acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by eliminating the discrepancy within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We intend to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and to take any available action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance with the asset tests. We cannot ensure that these steps always will be successful. If we fail to cure the noncompliance with the asset tests within this 30-day period, we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
We currently believe that the loans, securities and other assets that we expect to hold will satisfy the foregoing asset test requirements. However, no independent appraisals will be obtained to support our conclusions as to the value of our assets and securities, or in many cases, the real estate collateral for the mortgage loans and mezzanine loans that we hold. Moreover, values of some assets may not be susceptible to a precise determination. As a result, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our interest in securities and other assets will not cause a violation of the asset tests applicable to REITs.
Annual Distribution Requirements Applicable to REITs
To qualify as a REIT, we generally must distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to:
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Distributions generally must be made during the taxable year to which they relate. Distributions may be made in the following year in two circumstances. First, if we declare a dividend in October, November or December of any year with a record date in one of these months and pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year, we will be treated as having paid the dividend on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. Second, distributions may be made in the following year if the dividends are declared before we timely file our tax return for the year and if made before the first regular dividend payment made after such declaration. These distributions are taxable to our stockholders in the year in which paid, even though the distributions relate to our prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax on the undistributed amount at regular corporate tax rates.
Generally, in order for distributions to be counted as satisfying the annual distribution requirements for REITs and to provide a REIT-level tax deduction, the distributions must not be "preferential dividends." A dividend is not a preferential dividend if the distribution is (1) pro-rata among all outstanding shares of stock within a particular class, and (2) in accordance with the preferences among different classes of stock as set forth in our organizational documents. However, so long as we are treated as a "publicly offered REIT" we will not be subject to these preferential dividend rules.
If we fail to distribute during a calendar year (or, in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, by the end of January following such calendar year) at least the sum of (i) 85% of our ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of our capital gain net income for such year and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior years, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the sum of (x) the amounts actually distributed (taking into account excess distributions from prior years) and (y) the amounts of income retained on which we have paid corporate income tax.
We may elect to retain rather than distribute all or a portion of our net capital gains and pay the tax on the gains. In that case, we may elect to have our stockholders include their proportionate share of the undistributed net capital gains in income as long-term capital gains and receive a credit for their share of the tax paid by us. For purposes of the 4% excise tax described above, any retained amounts for which we elect this treatment would be treated as having been distributed.
We intend to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the distribution requirements. It is possible that, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash to meet the distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of cash and the inclusion of items of income by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Other potential sources of non-cash taxable income include (i) loans and securities that are financed through loan or securitization structures that require some or all of the available interest income from these assets to be used to repay principal on these borrowings, (ii) distressed loans on which we may be required to accrue interest or discount income even though the borrower is unable to make current or past due debt service payments; and, (iii) loans or mortgage-backed securities held by us as assets that are issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable income in advance of the receipt of the related cash flow. In the event that such timing differences occur, and in other circumstances, it may be necessary in order to satisfy the distribution requirements to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings, or to pay the dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property (including, for example, our own debt securities or our stock).
Although several types of non-cash income are excluded in determining the annual distribution requirement, we will incur corporate income tax and the 4% nondeductible excise tax with respect to those non-cash income items if we do not distribute those items on a current basis. As a result of the foregoing, we may not have sufficient cash to distribute all of our taxable income and thereby avoid
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corporate income tax and the excise tax imposed on certain undistributed income. In such a situation, we may need to borrow funds or issue additional common stock or preferred stock.
We may satisfy the 90% distribution test with taxable distributions of our stock or debt securities. The IRS has issued private letter rulings to other REITs treating certain distributions that are paid partly in cash and partly in stock as dividends that would satisfy the REIT annual distribution requirement and qualify for the dividends paid deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Those rulings may be relied upon only by taxpayers whom they were issued, but we could request a similar ruling from the IRS. Accordingly, it is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to make taxable dividends payable in cash and stock. We have no current intention to make a taxable dividend payable in our stock.
Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year by paying deficiency dividends to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, we will be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends. It is intended that the Formation Transaction will be treated as a taxable transaction, and not as a transaction that qualifies as tax-free under Section 351 of the Code, to Two Harbors. Thus, we expect to establish our initial tax basis in the assets received in the Formation Transaction by reference to the initial trading price of our common stock and our valuation of the respective assets contributed by Two Harbors (rather than utilizing a carryover basis). The IRS could assert that the initial tax basis of our assets (or particular assets) is less than the amount determined by us (or is a carryover basis). If the IRS were successful in sustaining such an assertion, this could result in increased taxable income and gain to us as compared to the amounts we had originally calculated and reported. This could further result in our being required to distribute additional amounts in order to maintain our REIT status and avoid corporate taxes and also could result in our owing interest and penalties.
Failure to Qualify
If we fail to satisfy one or more requirements of REIT qualification, other than the income tests or asset requirements, then we may still retain REIT qualification if the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each failure.
If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. This would significantly reduce both our cash available for distribution to our stockholders and our earnings. If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to make any distributions to stockholders and any distributions that are made will not be deductible by us. Moreover, all distributions to stockholders would be taxable as dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, whether or not attributable to capital gains of ours. Subject to certain limitations of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction with respect to those distributions, and individual, trust and estate distributees may be eligible for reduced income tax rates on such dividends. Unless we are entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we also will be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost.
Taxation of U.S. Holders of Our Common Stock
As used in the remainder of this discussion, the term "U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner of our common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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If a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding common stock, you should consult your tax advisors. A "non-U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is neither a U.S. holder nor a partnership (or an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).
Distributions Generally. As long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to taxable U.S. holders of our common stock out of current or accumulated earnings and profits that are not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income will be taken into account by them as ordinary income taxable at ordinary income tax rates and will not qualify for the reduced capital gains rates that currently generally apply to distributions by non-REIT C corporations to certain non-corporate U.S. holders. In determining the extent to which a distribution constitutes a dividend for tax purposes, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions with respect to our preferred stock, if any, and then to our common stock. Corporate stockholders will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction with respect to these distributions.
Distributions in excess of both current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. holder to the extent that the distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of the holder's stock. Rather, such distributions will reduce the adjusted basis of the stock. To the extent that distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a U.S. holder's stock, the distributions will be taxable as capital gains.
Distributions will generally be taxable, if at all, in the year of the distribution. However, if we declare a dividend in October, November or December of any year with a record date in one of these months and pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year, we will be treated as having paid the dividend, and the stockholder will be treated as having received the dividend, on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.
We may elect to designate distributions of our net capital gain as "capital gain dividends." Capital gain dividends are taxed to U.S. holders of our stock as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset held for more than one year. This tax treatment applies regardless of the period during which the stockholders have held their stock. If we designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend, the amount that will be taxable to the stockholder as capital gain will be indicated to U.S. holders on IRS Form 1099-DIV. Corporate stockholders, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Capital gain dividends are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Instead of paying capital gain dividends, we may elect to require stockholders to include our undistributed net capital gains in their income. If we make such an election, U.S. holders (i) will include in their income as long-term capital gains their proportionate share of such undistributed capital gains and (ii) will be deemed to have paid their proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such undistributed capital gains and thereby receive a credit or refund for such amount. A U.S. holder of our common stock will increase the basis in its shares of our common stock by the difference
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between the amount of capital gain included in its income and the amount of tax it is deemed to have paid. Our earnings and profits will be adjusted appropriately.
We must classify portions of our designated capital gain dividend into the following categories:
We must determine the maximum amounts that we may designate as 20% and 25% capital gain dividends by performing the computation required by the Code as if the REIT were an individual whose ordinary income were subject to a marginal tax rate of at least 28%. The IRS currently requires that distributions made to different classes of stock be composed proportionately of dividends of a particular type.
Other Tax Considerations. U.S. holders of our common stock may not include in their individual income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses. Our operating or capital losses would be carried over by us for potential offset against future income, subject to applicable limitations.
Sales of Our Common Stock. Upon any taxable sale or other disposition of our common stock, a U.S. holder of our common stock will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between:
Gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. The applicable tax rate will depend on the holder's holding period in the asset (generally, if an asset has been held for more than one year it will produce long-term capital gain) and the holder's tax bracket.
In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of our common stock by a U.S. holder who has held such stock for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules) will be treated as a long-term capital loss, but only to the extent of distributions from us received by such U.S. holder that are required to be treated by such U.S. holder as long-term capital gains.
Passive Activity Loss and Investment Interest Limitation. Distributions and gain from the disposition of our common stock will not be treated as passive activity income, and therefore U.S. holders will not be able to apply any "passive activity losses" against such income. Dividends paid by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, will generally be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment income limitation on the deduction of the investment interest.
Medicare Tax. Certain U.S. holders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which includes net gain from a sale or exchange of common stock and income from dividends paid on common stock. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the Medicare tax.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common Stock
The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of non-U.S. holders are complex. This section is only a summary of such rules. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state and local income tax laws on ownership of the common stock, including any reporting requirements.
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Distributions. Distributions by us to a non-U.S. holder of our common stock that are neither attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of "United States real property interests" nor designated by us as capital gains dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. These distributions ordinarily will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a gross basis at a rate of 30%, or a lower rate as permitted under an applicable income tax treaty, unless the dividends are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a U.S. trade or business. Under some treaties, however, lower rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from REITs. Further, reduced treaty rates are not available to the extent the income allocated to the non-U.S. holder is excess inclusion income. Excess inclusion income will generally be allocated to our stockholders to the extent we have "excess inclusion income" that exceeds our undistributed REIT taxable income in a particular year. See "Our Taxation as a REITTaxable Mortgage Pools and REMICs." Dividends that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business will be subject to tax on a net basis, that is, after allowance for deductions, at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. holders are taxed with respect to these dividends, and are generally not subject to withholding. Applicable certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exception. Any dividends received by a corporate non-U.S. holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business also may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, or lower applicable treaty rate. We expect to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on any dividend distributions, not designated as (or deemed to be) capital gain dividends, made to a non-U.S. holder unless:
Distributions in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits that do not exceed the adjusted basis of the non-U.S. holder in its common stock will reduce the non-U.S. holder's adjusted basis in its common stock and will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits that do exceed the adjusted basis of the non-U.S. holder in its common stock will be treated as gain from the sale of its stock, the tax treatment of which is described below. See "Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common StockSales of Our Common Stock." Because we generally cannot determine at the time we make a distribution whether or not the distribution will exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, we normally will withhold tax on the entire amount of any distribution at the same rate as we would withhold on a dividend.
We would be required to withhold at least 15% of any distribution to a non-U.S. holder in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits if our common stock constitutes a United States real property interest with respect to such non-U.S. holder, as described below under "Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common StockSales of Our Common Stock." This withholding would apply even if a lower treaty rate applies or the non-U.S. holder is not liable for tax on the receipt of that distribution. However, a non-U.S. holder may seek a refund of these amounts from the IRS if the non-U.S. holder's U.S. tax liability with respect to the distribution is less than the amount withheld.
Distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are designated by us at the time of the distribution as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a United States real property interest, generally should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless:
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Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, which is referred to as "FIRPTA," distributions to certain non-U.S. holders that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property interests, whether or not designated as a capital gain dividend, will cause the non-U.S. holders to be treated as recognizing gain that is income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Non-U.S. holders will be taxed on this gain at the same rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. Also, this gain may be subject to a 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation. The term "United States real property interests" generally does not include mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities. As a result, we do not anticipate that we will generate material amounts of gain that would be subject to FIRPTA.
Subject to the discussion below regarding an exception generally applicable to non-U.S. holders if our stock is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States, unless the non-U.S. holder is a "qualified stockholder" or a "qualified foreign pension fund" (as those terms are defined in Section 897 of the Code), we will be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 35% of any distributions to non-U.S. holders that are designated as capital gain dividends, or, if greater, 35% of a distribution that could have been designated as a capital gain dividend, whether or not attributable to sales of U.S. real property interests. Distributions can be designated as capital gains to the extent of our net capital gain for the taxable year of the distribution. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability. If the amount withheld exceeds the actual tax liability of the non-U.S. holder, such excess may be refunded to the non-U.S. holder upon the filing of an appropriate return with the IRS.
However, the 35% withholding tax will not apply to any capital gain dividend with respect to any class of our stock which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States if the non-U.S. stockholder did not own more than 10% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of such dividend. Instead, any capital gain dividend will be treated as a distribution subject to the rules discussed above under "Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders of Our Common StockDistributions." Also, the branch profits tax will not apply to such a distribution.
Sales of Our Common Stock. Gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale or exchange of our common stock generally would not be subject to U.S. taxation unless:
Our common stock will not constitute a U.S. real property interest if we either are not a U.S. real property holding corporation or we are a domestically-controlled REIT. Whether we are a U.S. real property holding corporation will depend upon whether the fair market value of United States real
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property interests owned by us equals or exceeds 50% of the fair market value of these interests, any interests in real estate outside of the United States, and our other trade and business assets. Because U.S. real property interests do not generally include mortgage loans or mortgage-backed securities, we do not expect to be a U.S. real property holding corporation although we cannot guarantee that we will not be treated as such. We will be a domestically-controlled REIT if, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of our stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. holders.
Because our common stock will be publicly traded after this offering, no assurance can be given that we are or will be a domestically-controlled REIT. Even if we were a United States real property holding corporation and were not a domestically-controlled REIT, a sale of common stock by a non-U.S. holder would nevertheless not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of a United States real property interest if:
If gain on the sale or exchange of our common stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be subject to regular U.S. income tax with respect to any gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. holder, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. In such case, under FIRPTA the purchaser of common stock may be required to withhold 15% of the purchase price and remit this amount to the IRS.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Holders of Our Common Stock
Provided that a tax-exempt holder has not held its common stock as "debt-financed property" within the meaning of the Code, the dividend and interest income from us generally will not be unrelated business taxable income, referred to as "UBTI," to a tax-exempt holder. Similarly, income from the sale of our common stock generally will not constitute UBTI unless the tax-exempt holder has held its common stock as debt-financed property. To the extent, however, that we, or a part of us, or a disregarded subsidiary of ours, is a taxable mortgage pool, a portion of the dividends paid to a tax-exempt stockholder that is allocable to excess inclusion income may be subject to tax as UBTI. See "Our Taxation as a REITTaxable Mortgage Pools and REMICs."
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, certain entities such as social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations and supplemental unemployment benefit trusts that are generally exempt from federal income taxation under the Code, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions that they receive from us as UBTI. In addition, a portion of the dividends paid by a "pension-held REIT" are treated as UBTI as to any trust which is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, is tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code, and holds more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. Tax-exempt pension funds that are described in Section 401(a) of the Code are referred to below as "pension trusts."
A REIT is a "pension-held REIT" if it meets the following two tests:
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The percentage of any REIT dividend from a "pension-held REIT" that is treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of the UBTI earned by the REIT, treating the REIT as if it were a pension trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI, to the total gross income of the REIT. An exception applies where the percentage is less than 5% for any year, in which case none of the dividends would be treated as UBTI. The provisions requiring pension trusts to treat a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI will not apply if the REIT is not a "pension-held REIT" (for example, if the REIT is able to satisfy the "not closely held requirement" without relying on the "look through" exception with respect to pension trusts).
Reportable Transactions
If a stockholder recognizes a loss with respect to stock of $2 million or more for an individual stockholder or $10 million or more for a corporate stockholder, the stockholder must file a disclosure statement with the IRS on Form 8886. Direct stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempt from this reporting requirement, but stockholders of a REIT currently are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Stockholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Withholding Requirements Under FATCA
Under the provisions of the Code referred to as "FATCA" additional U.S. federal withholding tax may apply to certain types of payments in respect of stock held by or through "foreign financial institutions," as specially defined under such rules, and certain other non-U.S. entities (including in circumstances where the foreign financial institution or other non-U.S. entity is acting as an intermediary). FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on dividends on, or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, stock held by or through a foreign financial institution unless the foreign financial institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to provide certain information regarding such institution's account holders and owners of its equity or debt on an annual basis or, in the case of a foreign financial institution in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S., complies with the requirements of such agreement. In addition, FATCA imposes a 30% withholding tax on the same types of payments in respect of stock held by or through a non-financial foreign entity unless the entity certifies that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner, which we or the applicable withholding agent will in turn provide to the Secretary of the Treasury. FATCA applies to payments of dividends on our common stock and, after December 31, 2018, to gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock. We will not pay any additional amount to stockholders in respect of any amounts withheld. Holders of our common stock should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of and compliance with FATCA in their particular situations.
Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs
The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the Treasury. According to publicly released statements, a top legislative priority of the new Congress and administration may be to enact significant reform of the Code, including significant changes to taxation of business entities and the deductibility of interest expense and capital investment. There is a substantial lack of clarity around the likelihood, timing and details of any such tax reform and the impact of any potential tax reform on us or an investment in our stock. Any such changes to the tax laws or interpretations thereof, with or without
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retroactive application, could materially and adversely affect our investors or us. We cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect our investors or us. New legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify as a REIT or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to our investors and us of such qualification. You are urged 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 securities.
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The following is a summary of certain considerations associated with the purchase of our common stock, including purchases by employee benefit plans that are subject to Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code or provisions under any other federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code (collectively, "Similar Laws"), and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include "plan assets" of any such plan, account or arrangement (each, a "Plan").
General Fiduciary Matters
ERISA and the Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (an "ERISA Plan") and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of an ERISA Plan and its fiduciaries or other interested parties. Under ERISA and the Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of such an ERISA Plan or the management or disposition of the assets of such an ERISA Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to such a Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the ERISA Plan.
In considering an investment in our common stock of a portion of the assets of any Plan, a fiduciary should determine whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the Plan and the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code or any Similar Law relating to a fiduciary's duties to the Plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.
This offering is not directed to any particular purchaser, nor does it address the needs of any particular purchaser. We will not provide, and none of PRCM, any of our respective affiliates or the underwriters will provide any advice or recommendation with respect to the management of any purchase of our common stock or the advisability of acquiring, holding, disposing or exchanging of our common stock.
Prohibited Transaction Issues
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets of an ERISA plan with persons or entities who are "parties in interest," within the meaning of ERISA, or "disqualified persons," within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code, unless an exemption is available. A party in interest or disqualified person who engages in a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code. In addition, the fiduciary of the ERISA Plan that engaged in such a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code.
Whether or not our underlying assets were deemed to include "plan assets," as described below, the acquisition and/or holding of our common stock by an ERISA Plan with respect to which we, PRCM or an underwriter is considered a party in interest or a disqualified person may constitute or result in a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the investment is acquired and is held in accordance with an applicable statutory, class or individual prohibited transaction exemption. In this regard, the U.S. Department of Labor (the "DOL") has issued prohibited transaction class exemptions, or "PTCEs," that may provide exemptive relief for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the sale, acquisition and holding of our common stock. These PTCEs include, without limitation, PTCE 84-14 respecting transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers, PTCE 90-1 respecting insurance
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company pooled separate accounts, PTCE 91-38 respecting bank collective investment funds, PTCE 95-60 respecting life insurance company general accounts and PTCE 96-23 respecting transactions determined by in-house asset managers. In addition, Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide relief from the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code for certain transactions, provided that neither the issuer of the securities nor any of its affiliates (directly or indirectly) have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of any ERISA Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the ERISA Plan pays no more than adequate consideration in connection with the transaction. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such exemptions will be satisfied.
Plan Asset Issues
ERISA and the DOL regulations promulgated under ERISA, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA (the "Plan Asset Regulations"), generally provide that when an ERISA Plan acquires an equity interest in an entity that is neither a "publicly-offered security" nor a security issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act, the ERISA Plan's assets include, for purposes of applying the fiduciary responsibility provisions of Title I of ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of Title I of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code, both the equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets of the entity unless it is established either that less than 25% of the total value of each class of equity interest in the entity is held by "benefit plan investors" as defined in Section 3(42) of ERISA (the "25% Test") or that the entity is an "operating company," as defined in the Plan Asset Regulations. For purposes of the 25% Test, the assets of an entity will not be treated as "plan assets" if, immediately after the most recent acquisition of any equity interest in the entity, less than 25% of the total value of each class of equity interest in the entity is held by "benefit plan investors," excluding equity interests held by persons (other than benefit plan investors) who have discretionary authority or control over the assets of the entity or who provide investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to such assets, and any affiliates thereof. The term "benefit plan investors" is generally defined to include employee benefit plans subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (including "Keogh" plans and IRAs), as well as any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plan's investment in such entity (e.g., an entity of which 25% or more of the value of any class of equity interests is held by benefit plan investors and which does not satisfy another exception under ERISA or the Plan Asset Regulations).
There can be no assurance that we will satisfy the 25% Test and it is not anticipated that we will qualify as an operating company or register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
For purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations, a "publicly offered security" is a security that is (a) "freely transferable," (b) part of a class of securities that is "widely held," and (c) (i) sold to the Plan as part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and the class of securities to which such security is a part is registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the offering of such securities to the public has occurred, or (ii) is part of a class of securities that is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. We intend to effect such a registration under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. The Plan Asset Regulations provide that a security is "widely held" only if it is part of a class of securities that is owned by 100 or more investors independent of the issuer and one another. A security will not fail to be "widely held" because the number of independent investors falls below 100 subsequent to the initial offering thereof as a result of events beyond the control of the issuer. It is anticipated that our common stock will be "widely held" within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations, although no assurance can be given in this regard. The Plan Asset Regulations provide that whether a security is "freely transferable" is a factual question to be
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determined on the basis of all the relevant facts and circumstances. It is anticipated that our common stock will be "freely transferable" within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations, although no assurance can be given in this regard.
Plan Asset Consequences
If our assets were deemed to be "plan assets" under ERISA, this would result, among other things, in (i) the application of the prudence and other fiduciary responsibility standards of ERISA to investments made by us, and (ii) the possibility that certain transactions in which we might seek to engage could constitute "prohibited transactions" under ERISA and the Code.
Because of the foregoing, our common stock should not be purchased or held by any person investing "plan assets" of any Plan, unless such purchase and holding will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Code or similar violation of any applicable Similar Laws.
Representation
Accordingly, by acceptance of our common stock, each purchaser and subsequent transferee of our common stock will be deemed to have represented and warranted that either (i) no portion of the assets used by such purchaser or transferee to acquire and hold our common stock constitutes assets of any Plan or (ii) the purchase and holding of our common stock by such purchaser or transferee will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.
The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries, or other persons considering purchasing our common stock on behalf of, or with the assets of, any Plan, consult with their counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any Similar Laws to such investment and whether such investment will constitute or result in a prohibited transaction or any other violation of an applicable requirement of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any applicable Similar Laws.
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We are offering the shares of common stock described in this prospectus through a number of underwriters. , and are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters named below. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its name in the following table:
Name
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Total |
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The underwriters are committed to purchase all the common shares offered by us if they purchase any shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.
The underwriters propose to offer the common shares directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. Any such dealers may resell shares to certain other brokers or dealers at a discount of up to $ per share from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares to the public, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters. Sales of shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.
The underwriters have an option to buy up to additional shares of common stock from us. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus to exercise this option to purchase additional shares. If any shares are purchased with this option to purchase additional shares, the underwriters will purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional shares of common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.
The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of common stock. The underwriting fee is $ per share. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares.
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Without option to purchase additional shares exercise |
With full option to purchase additional shares exercise |
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Per Share |
$ | $ | |||||
Total |
$ | $ |
We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $ .
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A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
We have agreed that we will not (i) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing, or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers all or a portion of the economic consequences associated with the ownership of any shares of common stock or any such other securities (regardless of whether any of these transactions are to be settled by the delivery of shares of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), in each case without the prior written consent of for a period of days after the date of this prospectus, other than the shares of our common stock to be sold hereunder and any shares of our common stock issued upon the exercise of options granted under our management incentive plans
Our directors and executive officers, and certain of our significant stockholders have entered into lock-up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each of these persons or entities, with limited exceptions, for a period of days after the date of this prospectus, may not, without the prior written consent of , (1) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock (including, without limitation, common stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such directors, executive officers, managers and members in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant) or (2) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the common stock or such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, or (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any shares of our common stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters and their controlling persons against certain liabilities in connection with this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
We will apply to have our common stock approved for listing/quotation on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GPMT."
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing and selling shares of common stock in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of the common stock, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares of common stock than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing shares of common stock on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be "covered" shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares referred
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to above, or may be "naked" shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their option to purchase additional shares, in whole or in part, or by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase shares through the option to purchase additional shares. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase shares in the open market to cover the position.
The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act of 1933, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.
These activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. In determining the initial public offering price, we and the representatives of the underwriters expect to consider a number of factors including:
Neither we nor the underwriters can assure investors that an active trading market will develop for our common shares, or that the shares will trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus.
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This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each, a "Relevant Member State"), no offer of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:
provided that no such offer of shares shall require the Company or the representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.
Each person in a Relevant Member State who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive. In the case of any shares being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any shares to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.
The Company, the representatives and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgements and agreements.
This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares in any Relevant Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Relevant Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither the Company nor the underwriters have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the Company or the underwriters to publish a prospectus for such offer.
For the purpose of the above provisions, the expression "an offer to the public" in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in the Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in the Relevant Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member States) and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.
In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19 (5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial
177
Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons").
Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the information included in this document or use it as basis for taking any action. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity that this document relates to may be made or taken exclusively by relevant persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to our affiliates and may provide to us and our affiliates from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.
178
Certain legal matters relating to this offering will be passed upon for us by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, San Francisco, California. In addition, the description of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences contained in the section of the prospectus entitled "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations" is based upon the opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. The validity of the shares of common stock sold in this offering and certain other matters of Maryland law will be passed upon for us by Ballard Spahr LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York will act as counsel to the underwriters.
The consolidated financial statements of TH Commercial Holdings LLC as of December 31, 2016 and for the two periods then ended appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-11, including exhibits, schedules and amendments filed with the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock we propose to sell in this offering. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to our company and the shares of common stock to be sold in this offering, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to in this prospectus are not necessarily complete and, where that contract or other document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement in this prospectus is qualified in all respects by the exhibit to which the reference relates. Copies of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement, may be examined without charge at the public reference room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0300. Copies of all or a portion of the registration statement can be obtained from the public reference room of the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. Our SEC filings, including our registration statement, are also available to you, free of charge, on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.
As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the information and periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and will file periodic reports and other information with the SEC. These periodic reports and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the SEC's public reference facilities and the website of the SEC referred to above.
179
F-1
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2016
(amounts in thousands except per share
data)
(unaudited)
|
Predecessor | Pro Forma Adjustments for the Formation Transaction |
Pro Forma Before Offering Adjustments |
Pro Forma Adjustments for the Offering |
Pro Forma | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(A) |
(B) |
|
(C) |
|
|||||||||||
Assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 1,412,543 | · | (2) | $ | 1,412,543 | $ | | $ | 1,412,543 | ||||||
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value |
12,686 | | 12,686 | | 12,686 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
56,019 | (21,460) | (1) | 34,559 | · | (5) | 34,559 | |||||||||
Restricted cash |
260 | | 260 | | 260 | |||||||||||
Escrow deposit |
| · | (2) | | | |||||||||||
Accrued interest receivable |
3,745 | | 3,745 | | 3,745 | |||||||||||
Due from counterparties |
249 | | 249 | | 249 | |||||||||||
Income tax receivable |
5 | | 5 | | 5 | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
7,735 | | 7,735 | | 7,735 | |||||||||||
Deferred debt issuance costs |
2,365 | | 2,365 | | 2,365 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets |
$ | 1,495,607 | $ | 1,474,147 | | $ | 1,474,147 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||||||
Repurchase agreements |
$ | 451,167 | 593,632 | (3) | $ | 1,044,799 | | $ | 1,044,799 | |||||||
Notes payable to affiliate |
593,632 | (593,632 | )(3) | | | | ||||||||||
Accrued interest payable |
655 | | 655 | | 655 | |||||||||||
Unearned interest income |
143 | | 143 | | 143 | |||||||||||
Income taxes payable |
| | | | | |||||||||||
Other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates |
21,460 | (21,460) | (1) | | | | ||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
559 | | 559 | | 559 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
1,067,616 | 1,046,156 | 1,046,156 | |||||||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized and 1,000 shares issued and outstanding |
| 1,000 | (4) | 1,000 | 1,000 | |||||||||||
Equity: |
||||||||||||||||
Predecessor equity |
427,991 | · | (2) | | | |||||||||||
|
(427,991) | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Stockholder's equity in Project Green |
||||||||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized and shares issued and outstanding |
| 426,991 | (4) | 426,991 | · | (5) | 426,991 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total equity |
427,991 | 426,991 | 426,991 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Equity |
$ | 1,495,607 | $ | 1,474,147 | $ | 1,474,147 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements
F-2
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended December 31, 2016
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
|
Predecessor | Pro Forma Adjustments |
Pro Forma | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(A) |
(B) |
|
|||||||
Interest income: |
||||||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 59,819 | $ | | $ | 59,819 | ||||
Available-for-sale securities |
1,002 | | 1,002 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
7 | | 7 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income |
60,828 | 60,828 | ||||||||
Interest expense |
11,029 | · | (1) | 11,029 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income |
49,799 | 49,799 | ||||||||
Other income: |
||||||||||
Realized gain on sales of commercial real estate assets |
| | | |||||||
Ancillary fee income |
37 | | 37 | |||||||
Other fee income |
166 | | 166 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income |
203 | 203 | ||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Management fees |
7,173 | | (2) | 7,173 | ||||||
Professional services |
137 | | 137 | |||||||
Subservicing expense |
605 | | 605 | |||||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,741 | · | (3) | 6,741 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
14,656 | 14,656 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes |
35,346 | 35,346 | ||||||||
(Benefit from)provision for income taxes |
(11 | ) | | (11 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | $ | 35,357 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted earnings per weighted average common share |
(4) | · | ||||||||
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding |
(4) | · | ||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | 35,357 | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net |
(112 | ) | (112 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
(112 | ) | (112 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income |
$ | 35,245 | $ | 35,245 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma financial statements
F-3
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Pro Forma Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the period ended December 31, 2015(1)
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
|
Predecessor | Pro Forma Adjustments |
Pro Forma | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(A) |
(B) |
|
|||||||
Interest income: |
||||||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 9,139 | $ | | $ | 9,139 | ||||
Available-for-sale securities |
| | | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total interest income |
9,139 | 9,139 | ||||||||
Interest expense |
477 | · | (1) | 477 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest income |
8,662 | 8,662 | ||||||||
Other income: |
||||||||||
Realized gain on sales of commercial real estate assets |
181 | | 181 | |||||||
Ancillary fee income |
14 | | 14 | |||||||
Other fee income |
| | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total other income |
195 | 195 | ||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||
Management fees |
1,178 | | (2) | 1,178 | ||||||
Professional services |
419 | | 419 | |||||||
Subservicing expense |
73 | | 73 | |||||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,979 | · | (3) | 6,979 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
8,649 | 8,649 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes |
208 | 208 | ||||||||
(Benefit from)provision for income taxes |
70 | | 70 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
$ | 138 | $ | 138 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted earnings per weighted average common share |
(4) | · | ||||||||
Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding |
(4) | · | ||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 138 | 138 | |||||||
Other comprehensive loss: |
||||||||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net |
| | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
| | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income |
$ | 138 | $ | 138 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-4
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
Note 1. Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
Cash |
(21,460 | ) | ||
Other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates |
(21,460 | ) |
Escrow deposit(i) |
· | |||
Predecessor equity(i) |
· |
Actual capital contributions to fund target investments |
· | |||
Actual capital contributions to meet acquisition cash and working capital funding requirements |
· | |||
| | | | |
Total adjustment |
· | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The acquisition cash and working capital funding requirements have been recorded as additional escrow deposits and as additional Predecessor equity. Any acquisition cash and working capital funding that our Predecessor does not spend prior to the closing of the offering will remain in the entity.
Repurchase agreements |
593,632 | |||
Note payable to affiliate |
(593,632 | ) |
F-5
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
Note 1. Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet (Continued)
Predecessor equity |
(427,991 | ) | ||
% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock(i),(ii) |
1,000 | |||
Common stock(i) |
426,991 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
· | |||
Common stock |
· |
F-6
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
Note 2. Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
|
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interest expense(i) |
· | · |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Management fees(i) |
| |
F-7
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
Note 2. Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Continued)
|
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compensation of our named executive officers (except CEO) and other personnel employed by our Manager(i) |
1,385 | 1,385 | |||||
Back-office charges(i) |
459 | 267 | |||||
Board of directors fees(ii) |
500 | 500 | |||||
Restricted stock vesting(iii) |
· | · | |||||
| | | | | | | |
· | · | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
We expect to incur other costs as a public company which could include, but not be limited to, directors and officers insurance, accounting, tax and legal fees. We currently estimate that the additional annual expense to be recognized for these costs to be $1,659, which have not been included in this pro forma adjustment.
F-8
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
Note 2. Notes to Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Continued)
Upon completion of this offering, we expect to grant certain of our executive officers and certain personnel of our Manager a total of shares of restricted stock which have a total value of $ . These shares will vest ratably over a three-year service period, provided they continue to provide services on behalf of the Company and/or our Manager. The amounts reflected in this adjustment assumed the restricted shares issued are valued at the initial public offering price of $ and have an annual time vesting over the three-year service period.
Shares issued in offering |
· | · | |||||
Restricted stock grants to board of directors and management |
· | · | |||||
| | | | | | | |
· | · | ||||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-9
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
BALANCE SHEET
As
of , 2017
(amounts in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)
|
, 2017 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Assets |
|||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | | |
| | | |
Total Assets |
$ | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Stockholder's Equity |
|||
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding |
$ | | |
Additional paid in capital |
| ||
| | | |
Total stockholder's equity |
$ | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.
F-10
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to the Balance Sheet (unaudited)
Note 1. Organization and Operations
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc., or the Company, is a newly formed Maryland corporation that intends to focus primarily on investing in, financing, and managing commercial real estate debt and related instruments. The Company was organized in Maryland on April 7, 2017. Under its Articles of Incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue up to 1,000 shares of common stock. The Company will be initially capitalized by issuing 1,000 shares of common stock to Two Harbors Investment Corp. for a par value of $0.01 per share. The Company has had no operations since its formation.
The Company is in the process of preparing for an initial public offering, or the Offering, pursuant to which it proposes to issue common stock to the public. The Company intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-11 with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to a proposed initial public offering of common stock. Concurrently with this offering, the Company will complete a formation transaction pursuant to which the Company will acquire certain commercial real estate assets in exchange for shares of the Company's common stock and/or cash.
Following the completion of the Offering and formation transactions, the Company will be externally managed by Pine River Capital Management L.P., or Pine River.
The Company intends to elect and qualify to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. income tax purposes, commencing with the Company's taxable year ending December 31, 2017. The Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its taxable income to the extent that it annually distributes all of its net taxable income to stockholders and maintains its intended qualification as a REIT. Accordingly, the financial statements do not reflect any provisions for income taxes. However, certain activities that the Company may perform in the future may cause it to earn income which will not be qualifying income for REIT purposes. The Company may form taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to engage in such activities. These TRSs will be subject to income taxes.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying balance sheet has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the balance sheet in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported in the balance sheet and related notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Commercial Real Estate Assets
The Company will originate and purchase commercial real estate debt and related instruments generally to be held as long-term investments. These assets will be classified as commercial real estate assets on the Company's balance sheet. Interest income on commercial real estate assets will be recorded on the statement of comprehensive income.
F-11
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to the Balance Sheet (unaudited) (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Commercial real estate assets will be reported at cost, net of any unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts, loan fees and origination costs as applicable, unless the assets are deemed impaired. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms of the loan. Because the Company's commercial real estate assets are collateralized either by real property or are collateral dependent, impairment is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral to the amortized cost of the respective loan. The valuation of the underlying collateral requires significant judgment, which includes assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, credit worthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders, overall economic conditions, the broader commercial real estate market, local geographic sub-markets, and other factors deemed necessary. If a loan is determined to be impaired, the Company will record an allowance to reduce the carrying value of the loan through a charge to provision for loan losses. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.
Interest income on commercial real estate assets will be recognized at the loan coupon rate. Any premiums or discounts, loan fees and origination costs will be amortized or accreted into interest income over the lives of the loans using the effective interest method. Loans are considered past due when they are 30 days past their contractual due date. Interest income recognition is suspended when loans are placed on nonaccrual status. Generally, commercial real estate loans are placed on nonaccrual status when delinquent for more than 60 days or when determined not to be probable of full collection. Interest accrued, but not collected, at the date loans are placed on nonaccrual is reversed and subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until it qualifies for return to accrual status. However, where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash received is applied to reduce the carrying value of such loans. Commercial real estate loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current or the collection of future payments is reasonably assured.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents will include cash held in bank accounts and cash held in money market funds on an overnight basis.
Note 3. Related Party Transactions
The Company will be externally managed by Pine River, or the Manager. Upon closing of the Offering, the Company will enter into a management agreement with the Manager, pursuant to which the Manager will be responsible for providing all of the management and operational services required to conduct the Company's business affairs. The Manager will remain at all times subject to the supervision of the Company's board of directors. The Company has no officers or employees, but rather will depend on the Manager, to provide all personnel necessary to conduct the Company's affairs. Under the management agreement, the Company will be required to pay the Manager an advisory management fee based on the Company's fully diluted market capitalization, as defined by the agreement.
F-12
GRANITE POINT MORTGAGE TRUST INC.
Notes to the Balance Sheet (unaudited) (Continued)
Note 4. Offering Costs
In connection with the Offering, affiliates of the Company have or will incur legal, accounting, and related costs, which will be reimbursed by the Company upon the consummation of the Offering. Such costs will be deducted from the proceeds of this offering.
Note 5. Subsequent Events
Events subsequent to , 2017 were evaluated through , 2017, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. No additional events were identified requiring further disclosure in these consolidated financial statements.
F-13
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The
Board of Directors and Member
of TH Commercial Holdings LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TH Commercial Holdings LLC (the Company) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, member's equity and cash flows for each of the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying Index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/
Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 18, 2017
F-14
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
|
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASSETS |
|||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 1,412,543 | $ | 660,953 | |||
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value |
12,686 | | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
56,019 | 56,088 | |||||
Restricted cash |
260 | 250 | |||||
Accrued interest receivable |
3,745 | 1,567 | |||||
Due from counterparties |
249 | | |||||
Income taxes receivable |
5 | | |||||
Accounts receivable |
7,735 | 2,309 | |||||
Deferred debt issuance costs |
2,365 | 1,577 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total Assets(1) |
$ | 1,495,607 | $ | 722,744 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY |
|||||||
Liabilities |
|||||||
Repurchase agreements |
$ | 451,167 | $ | 59,349 | |||
Note payable to affiliate |
593,632 | 167,262 | |||||
Accrued interest payable |
655 | 73 | |||||
Unearned interest income |
143 | 155 | |||||
Income taxes payable |
| 70 | |||||
Other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates |
21,460 | 8,287 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
559 | 606 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
1,067,616 | 235,802 | |||||
Member's Equity |
|||||||
Contributed capital |
392,608 | 486,804 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(112 | ) | | ||||
Cumulative earnings |
35,495 | 138 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total member's equity |
427,991 | 486,942 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total Liabilities and Member's Equity |
$ | 1,495,607 | $ | 722,744 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-15
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
|
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015(1) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interest income: |
|||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 59,819 | $ | 9,139 | |||
Available-for-sale securities |
1,002 | | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
7 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total interest income |
60,828 | 9,139 | |||||
Interest expense |
11,029 | 477 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net interest income |
49,799 | 8,662 | |||||
Other income: |
|||||||
Realized gain on sales of commercial real estate assets |
| 181 | |||||
Ancillary fee income |
37 | 14 | |||||
Other fee income |
166 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total other income |
203 | 195 | |||||
Expenses: |
|||||||
Management fees |
7,173 | 1,178 | |||||
Professional services |
137 | 419 | |||||
Servicing expense |
605 | 73 | |||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,741 | 6,979 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total expenses |
14,656 | 8,649 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes |
35,346 | 208 | |||||
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
(11 | ) | 70 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income: |
|||||||
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | |||
Other comprehensive loss: |
|||||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net |
(112 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive loss |
(112 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive income |
$ | 35,245 | $ | 138 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-16
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBER'S EQUITY
(in thousands, except share data)
|
Contributed Capital |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
Cumulative Earnings |
Total Member's Equity |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance, January 7, 2015 (commencement of operations) |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
Capital contribution from Parent |
486,804 | | | 486,804 | |||||||||
Net income |
| | 138 | 138 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2015 |
$ | 486,804 | $ | | $ | 138 | $ | 486,942 | |||||
Capital contribution from Parent |
10,000 | | | 10,000 | |||||||||
Return of capital to Parent |
(104,196 | ) | | | (104,196 | ) | |||||||
Net income |
| | 35,357 | 35,357 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications |
| (112 | ) | | (112 | ) | |||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| | | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net other comprehensive loss |
| (112 | ) | | (112 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2016 |
$ | 392,608 | $ | (112 | ) | $ | 35,495 | $ | 427,991 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-17
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
|
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015(1) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
|||||||
Net income |
$ | 35,357 | $ | 138 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|||||||
Accretion of discounts and net deferred fees on commercial real estate assets |
(7,244 | ) | (468 | ) | |||
Realized gains on sales of commercial real estate assets |
| (181 | ) | ||||
Net change in assets and liabilities: |
|||||||
Increase in accrued interest receivable |
(2,178 | ) | (1,567 | ) | |||
Increase in income taxes receivable |
(5 | ) | | ||||
Increase in accounts receivable |
(5,426 | ) | (2,309 | ) | |||
Increase in deferred debt issuance costs |
(788 | ) | (1,577 | ) | |||
Increase in accrued interest payable |
582 | 73 | |||||
(Decrease) increase in unearned interest income |
(12 | ) | 155 | ||||
(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable |
(70 | ) | 70 | ||||
(Decrease) increase in accrued expenses |
(47 | ) | 606 | ||||
Increase in other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates |
13,173 | 8,287 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
33,342 | 3,227 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
|||||||
Originations and purchases of commercial real estate assets, net of deferred fees |
(760,731 | ) | (662,627 | ) | |||
Proceeds from sales of commercial real estate assets |
| 1,979 | |||||
Proceeds from repayment of commercial real estate assets |
16,385 | 344 | |||||
Purchases of available-for-sale securities |
(15,000 | ) | | ||||
Principal payments on available-for-sale securities |
2,202 | | |||||
Increase in due from counterparties |
(249 | ) | | ||||
Increase in restricted cash |
(10 | ) | (250 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities |
(757,403 | ) | (660,554 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
|||||||
Proceeds from repurchase agreements |
998,698 | 242,523 | |||||
Principal payments on repurchase agreements |
(606,880 | ) | (183,174 | ) | |||
Proceeds from note payable to affiliate |
437,888 | 167,262 | |||||
Repayment of note payable to affiliate |
(11,518 | ) | | ||||
Proceeds from capital contribution from Parent |
10,000 | 486,804 | |||||
Payments for return of capital to Parent |
(104,196 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
723,992 | 713,415 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(69 | ) | 56,088 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
56,088 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 56,019 | $ | 56,088 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
|||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 10,448 | $ | 403 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash paid for taxes |
$ | 64 | $ | | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-18
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Organization and Operations
TH Commercial Holdings LLC, or the Company, is a Delaware corporation formed on January 7, 2015 and focused on investing in, financing, and managing commercial real estate debt and related instruments. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Two Harbors Operating Company LLC, or the Parent, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Two Harbors Investment Corp. Two Harbors Investment Corp, or Two Harbors, is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT).
The Company constitutes an entity with a single owner, Two Harbors, which for federal income tax purposes is disregarded as an entity separate from Two Harbors in accordance with Treasury Regulations. However, Two Harbors has designated one of the Company's subsidiaries as a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, and its activities are subject to income taxes.
Two Harbors is externally managed and advised by PRCM Advisers LLC, a subsidiary of Pine River Capital Management L.P. (Pine River), an affiliated global multi-strategy asset management firm.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries; intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.
All trust entities in which the Company holds investments that are considered VIEs for financial reporting purposes were reviewed for consolidation under the applicable consolidation guidance. Whenever the Company has both the power to direct the activities of a trust that most significantly impact the entities' performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entities that could be significant, the Company consolidates the trust.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make a number of significant estimates. These include estimates of fair value of certain assets and liabilities, amount and timing of credit losses, prepayment rates, the period of time during which the Company anticipates an increase in the fair values of real estate securities sufficient to recover unrealized losses in those securities, and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reported period. It is likely that changes in these estimates (e.g., valuation changes due to supply and demand, credit performance, prepayments, interest rates, or other reasons) will occur in the near term. The Company's estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ from its estimates and the differences may be material.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Commercial Real Estate Assets
The Company originates and purchases commercial real estate debt and related instruments generally to be held as long-term investments. These assets are classified as commercial real estate assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company is the sole certificate holder of a
F-19
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
trust entity that holds a commercial real estate loan. The trust is considered a VIE for financial reporting purposes and, thus, is reviewed for consolidation under the applicable consolidation guidance. As the Company has both the power to direct the activities of the trust that most significantly impact the entity's performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity that could be significant, the Company consolidates the trust. The underlying loan is classified as commercial real estate assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The loan is legally isolated from the Company and has been structured to be beyond the reach of creditors of the Company. Interest income on commercial real estate assets is recorded on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Commercial real estate assets are reported at cost, net of any unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts, loan fees and origination costs as applicable, unless the assets are deemed impaired. Impairment is indicated when it is deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms of the loan. Because the Company's commercial real estate assets are collateralized by real property or are collateral dependent, impairment is measured by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral to the amortized cost of the respective loan. The valuation of the underlying collateral requires significant judgment, which includes assumptions regarding capitalization rates, leasing, credit worthiness of major tenants, occupancy rates, availability of financing, exit plan, loan sponsorship, actions of other lenders, overall economic conditions, the broader commercial real estate market, local geographic sub-markets, and other factors deemed necessary. If a loan is determined to be impaired, the Company records an allowance to reduce the carrying value of the loan through a charge to provision for loan losses. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.
Interest income on commercial real estate assets is recognized at the loan coupon rate. Any premiums or discounts, loan fees and origination costs are amortized or accreted into interest income over the lives of the loans using the effective interest method. Loans are considered past due when they are 30 days past their contractual due date. Interest income recognition is suspended when loans are placed on nonaccrual status. Generally, commercial real estate loans are placed on nonaccrual status when delinquent for more than 60 days or when determined not to be probable of full collection. Interest accrued, but not collected, at the date loans are placed on nonaccrual is reversed and subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until it qualifies for return to accrual status. However, where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash received is applied to reduce the carrying value of such loans. Commercial real estate loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current or the collection of future payments is reasonably assured.
Available-for-Sale Securities, at Fair Value
The Company invests in commercial mortgage-backed securities, or CMBS, representing interests in pools of commercial mortgage loans issued by trusts. Although the Company generally intends to hold its CMBS until maturity, it may, from time to time, sell any of its CMBS as part of its overall management of its portfolio. Accordingly, the Company classifies its CMBS as available-for-sale, or AFS, investments. All assets classified as AFS are reported at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses, excluding other than temporary impairments, included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
F-20
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Available-for-sale securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Purchases of newly-issued securities are recorded when all significant uncertainties regarding the characteristics of the securities are removed, generally shortly before settlement date. The cost basis for realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are determined on the first-in, first-out, or FIFO, method.
Fair value is determined under the guidance of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, or ASC 820. In determining the fair value of its CMBS, management judgment is used to arrive at fair value that considers prices obtained from third-party pricing providers or broker quotes received using the bid price, which are both deemed indicative of market activity, and other applicable market data. The third-party pricing providers and brokers use pricing models that generally incorporate such factors as coupons, primary and secondary mortgage rates, rate reset period, issuer, prepayment speeds, credit enhancements and expected life of the security. If listed price data is not available or insufficient, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that are primarily based on observable market-based inputs but also include unobservable market data inputs. The Company classifies these securities as Level 3 assets. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 3. The Company's application of ASC 820 guidance is discussed in further detail in Note 8Fair Value of these notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Interest income on available-for-sale securities is accrued based on the outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with CMBS are amortized into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to premium and discount amortization are made for actual prepayment activity. Actual maturities of the AFS securities are affected by the contractual lives of the associated mortgage collateral, periodic payments of principal, and prepayments of principal. Therefore actual maturities of AFS securities are generally shorter than stated contractual maturities. Stated contractual maturities are generally greater than ten years.
The Company evaluates its available-for-sale securities, on a quarterly basis, to assess whether a decline in the fair value of an AFS security below the Company's amortized cost basis is an other-than-temporary impairment, or OTTI. The presence of OTTI is based upon a fair value decline below a security's amortized cost basis and a corresponding adverse change in expected cash flows due to credit related factors as well as non-credit factors, such as changes in interest rates and market spreads. Impairment is considered other-than-temporary if an entity (i) intends to sell the security, (ii) will more likely than not be required to sell the security before it recovers in value, or (iii) does not expect to recover the security's amortized cost basis, even if the entity does not intend to sell the security. Under these scenarios, the impairment is other-than-temporary and the full amount of impairment should be recognized currently in earnings and the cost basis of the investment security is adjusted. However, if an entity does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell before recovery, the OTTI is separated into (i) the estimated amount relating to credit loss, or credit component, and (ii) the amount relating to all other factors, or non-credit component. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized currently in earnings, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected is accreted as interest income in accordance with the effective interest method.
F-21
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in bank accounts and cash held in money market funds on an overnight basis.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents the Company's cash held by counterparties as collateral against the Company's securities and/or repurchase agreements. Cash held by counterparties as collateral, which resides in non-interest bearing accounts, is not available to the Company for general corporate purposes, but may be applied against amounts due to securities and repurchase agreement counterparties or returned to the Company when the collateral requirements are exceeded or at the maturity of the repurchase agreement.
Accrued Interest Receivable
Accrued interest receivable represents interest that is due and payable to the Company. Cash interest is generally received within thirty days of recording the receivable.
Due from Counterparties
Due from counterparties includes cash held by counterparties as collateral against the Company's repurchase agreements but represents excess capacity and deemed unrestricted and a receivable from the counterparty as of the balance sheet date.
Repurchase Agreements
The Company finances the acquisition of its commercial real estate assets and AFS securities through the use of repurchase agreements. These repurchase agreements are generally short-term debt, which expire within one year. As of December 31, 2016, certain of the Company's repurchase agreements had contractual terms of greater than one year, and were considered long-term debt. Borrowings under repurchase agreements generally bear interest rates of a specified margin over one-month LIBOR and are generally uncommitted. The repurchase agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at their contractual amounts, as specified in the respective agreements.
Note Payable to Affiliate
The Company finances the acquisition of certain of its commercial real estate assets through a revolving note payable with TH Insurance Holdings Company LLC, or TH Insurance. TH Insurance is a separate indirect subsidiary of Two Harbors. In exchange for the note with TH Insurance, the Company receives an allocated portion of TH Insurance's advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, or the FHLB. The Company pledges to the FHLB a portion of its commercial real estate assets as collateral for TH Insurance's advances.
F-22
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Accrued Interest Payable
Accrued interest payable represents interest that is due and payable to third parties. Interest is generally paid within 30 days to three months of recording the payable, based upon the Company's remittance requirements.
Other Comprehensive Loss
Current period net unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities are reported as components of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated statements of member's equity and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Income Taxes
The Company assesses its tax positions for all open tax years (2015 and 2016) and determines whether the Company has any material unrecognized liabilities in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company records these liabilities to the extent the Company deems them more likely than not to be incurred. The Company classifies interest and penalties on material uncertain tax positions as interest expense and other expense, respectively, in its consolidated statements of comprehensive income. There were no interest or penalties recorded during the periods presented in these financial statements.
Related Party Management Fee and Operating Expenses
The Company does not directly employ personnel. Instead the Company relies on the resources that PRCM Advisers provides to Two Harbors to conduct the Company's operations. The Company is allocated certain advisory expenses from Two Harbors that relate to the operations of the Company, which represent approximately 1.5% of member's equity on an annualized basis. This management fee is based upon the same fee structure incurred by Two Harbors for services provided by PRCM Advisers. Additionally, certain direct and allocated operating expenses paid by Two Harbors to PRCM Advisers and other external vendors are included in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Certain of the Company's repurchase agreements are governed by underlying agreements that provide for a right of setoff in the event of default of either party to the agreement. Under certain of these agreements, the Company and the counterparty may be required to post cash collateral based upon the net underlying market value of the Company's open positions with the counterparty.
Under U.S. GAAP, if the Company has a valid right of setoff, it may offset the related asset and liability and report the net amount. The Company presents repurchase agreements subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements on a gross basis. Regardless of whether or not the Company pledges or receives any cash collateral in accordance with its repurchase agreements, the Company does not offset financial assets and liabilities with the associated cash collateral on its consolidated balance sheets.
F-23
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
The following table presents information about the Company's repurchase agreements that are subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements and can potentially be offset on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gross amounts of repurchase agreements |
$ | 451,167 | $ | 59,349 | |||
Gross amounts offset in the consolidated balance sheets |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net amounts of repurchase agreements presented in the consolidated balance sheets |
451,167 | 59,349 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Gross amounts not offset with repurchase agreements in the consolidated balance sheets(1): |
|||||||
Financial instruments |
(451,167 | ) | (59,349 | ) | |||
Cash collateral received (pledged) |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net amount |
$ | | $ | | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Recently Issued and/or Adopted Accounting Standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued ASU No. 2014-09, which is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that supersedes virtually all existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. As a result of the issuance of ASU No. 2015-14 in August 2015 deferring the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2017, with early adoption prohibited. The Company has determined this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for both annual and interim reporting periods. The ASU requires certain disclosures if it concludes that substantial doubt exists and plans to alleviate that doubt. It is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for both annual and interim periods thereafter,
F-24
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or disclosures as no going concern issues were identified.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, which simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability. The ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The standard does not address the presentation of costs related to credit facilities whereby an entity may have fluctuating balances as it borrows and repays amounts. As a result, the Company continues to present deferred debt issuance costs related to its repurchase agreement facilities as an asset on its consolidated balance sheets, and early adoption of this ASU did not impact the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. Allowances for credit losses on AFS debt securities will be recognized, rather than direct reductions in the amortized cost of the investments. The new model also requires the estimation of lifetime expected credit losses and corresponding recognition of allowance for losses on trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments held at amortized cost. The ASU requires certain recurring disclosures and is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating the adoption of this ASU.
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments and Restricted Cash
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments and how the predominance principle should be applied on the statement of cash flows. Additionally, in November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, but no longer present transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. Both ASUs are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company has determined these ASUs will not have an impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations but will impact the presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Note 3. Variable Interest Entities
The Company is the sole certificate holder of a trust entity that holds a commercial real estate loan. The trust is considered a VIE for financial reporting purposes and, thus, was reviewed for consolidation under the applicable consolidation guidance. Because the Company has both the power to direct the activities of the trust that most significantly impact the entity's performance, and the
F-25
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 3. Variable Interest Entities (Continued)
obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the entity that could be significant, the Company consolidates the trust. As the Company is required to reassess VIE consolidation guidance each quarter, new facts and circumstances may change the Company's determination. A change in the Company's determination could impact the Company's consolidated financial statements during subsequent reporting periods.
The following table presents a summary of the assets of the consolidated trust as reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 45,885 | $ | 45,698 | |||
Accrued interest receivable |
162 | 154 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total Assets |
$ | 46,047 | $ | 45,852 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The consolidated trust did not have any liabilities reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
Note 4. Commercial Real Estate Assets
The Company originates and purchases commercial real estate debt and related instruments generally to be held as long-term investments. These assets are classified as commercial real estate assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company is the sole certificate holder of a trust entity that holds a commercial real estate loan. The underlying loan held by the trust is consolidated on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and classified as commercial real estate assets. See Note 3Variable Interest Entities for additional information regarding consolidation of the trust. Commercial real estate assets are reported at cost, net of any unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts, loan fees and origination costs as applicable, unless the assets are deemed impaired.
F-26
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 4. Commercial Real Estate Assets (Continued)
The following tables summarize the Company's commercial real estate assets by asset type, property type and geographic location as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) |
Mezzanine Loans |
First Mortgages |
Total | Mezzanine Loans |
First Mortgages |
Total | |||||||||||||
Unpaid principal balance |
$ | 138,245 | $ | 1,286,200 | $ | 1,424,445 | $ | 153,913 | $ | 513,433 | $ | 667,346 | |||||||
Unamortized (discount) premium |
(15 | ) | (185 | ) | (200 | ) | (237 | ) | | (237 | ) | ||||||||
Unamortized net deferred origination fees |
(221 | ) | (11,481 | ) | (11,702 | ) | (830 | ) | (5,326 | ) | (6,156 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Carrying value |
$ | 138,009 | $ | 1,274,534 | $ | 1,412,543 | $ | 152,846 | $ | 508,107 | $ | 660,953 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unfunded commitments |
$ | 1,580 | $ | 170,890 | $ | 172,470 | $ | 1,900 | $ | 50,334 | $ | 52,234 | |||||||
Number of loans |
6 | 30 | 36 | 6 | 12 | 18 | |||||||||||||
Weighted average coupon |
8.6 | % | 5.1 | % | 5.4 | % | 8.1 | % | 4.5 | % | 5.4 | % | |||||||
Weighted average years to maturity(1) |
1.5 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 3.1 |
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands) Property Type |
Carrying Value |
% of Commercial Portfolio |
Carrying Value |
% of Commercial Portfolio |
|||||||||
Retail |
$ | 237,414 | 16.8 | % | $ | 185,883 | 28.1 | % | |||||
Hotel |
90,585 | 6.4 | % | 80,843 | 12.2 | % | |||||||
Industrial |
105,081 | 7.4 | % | | | % | |||||||
Multifamily |
260,683 | 18.5 | % | 139,011 | 21.1 | % | |||||||
Office |
718,780 | 50.9 | % | 255,216 | 38.6 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 1,412,543 | 100.0 | % | $ | 660,953 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands) Geographic Location |
Carrying Value |
% of Commercial Portfolio |
Carrying Value |
% of Commercial Portfolio |
|||||||||
West |
$ | 250,044 | 17.7 | % | $ | 131,488 | 19.9 | % | |||||
Southeast |
239,194 | 16.9 | % | 79,118 | 12.0 | % | |||||||
Southwest |
267,944 | 19.0 | % | 161,721 | 24.4 | % | |||||||
Northeast |
578,762 | 41.0 | % | 238,913 | 36.2 | % | |||||||
Midwest |
76,599 | 5.4 | % | 49,713 | 7.5 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 1,412,543 | 100.0 | % | $ | 660,953 | 100.0 | % | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-27
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 4. Commercial Real Estate Assets (Continued)
At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company pledged commercial real estate assets with a carrying value of $1.4 billion and $361.1 million, respectively, as collateral for repurchase agreements and TH Insurance's FHLB advances. See Note 9Repurchase Agreements and Note 10Note Payable to Affiliate.
The following table summarizes activity related to commercial real estate assets for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
(in thousands) |
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015(1) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at beginning of period |
$ | 660,953 | $ | | |||
Originations and purchases |
773,285 | 669,283 | |||||
Sales |
| (1,979 | ) | ||||
Repayments |
(16,385 | ) | (344 | ) | |||
Net discount accretion (premium amortization) |
263 | 149 | |||||
(Increase) decrease in net deferred origination fees |
(12,554 | ) | (6,656 | ) | |||
Amortization of net deferred origination fees |
6,981 | 319 | |||||
Realized gains on sales |
| 181 | |||||
Allowance for loan losses |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of period |
$ | 1,412,543 | $ | 660,953 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Company evaluates each loan for impairment at least quarterly by assessing the risk factors of each loan and assigning a risk rating based on a variety of factors. Risk factors include property type, geographic and local market dynamics, physical condition, leasing and tenant profile, projected cash flow, loan structure and exit plan, loan-to-value ratio, project sponsorship, and other factors deemed necessary. Risk ratings are defined as follows:
1 | Lower Risk | ||
2 | Average Risk | ||
3 | Acceptable Risk | ||
4 | Higher Risk: A loan that has exhibited material deterioration in cash flows and/or other credit factors, which, if negative trends continue, could be indicative of future loss. | ||
5 | Impaired/Loss Likely: A loan that has a significantly increased probability of default or principal loss. |
F-28
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 4. Commercial Real Estate Assets (Continued)
The following table presents the number of loans, unpaid principal balance and carrying value (amortized cost) by risk rating for commercial real estate assets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) Risk Rating |
Number of Loans |
Unpaid Principal Balance |
Carrying Value |
Number of Loans |
Unpaid Principal Balance |
Carrying Value |
|||||||||||||
1 - 3 |
36 | $ | 1,424,445 | $ | 1,412,543 | 18 | $ | 667,346 | $ | 660,953 | |||||||||
4 - 5 |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
36 | $ | 1,424,445 | $ | 1,412,543 | 18 | $ | 667,346 | $ | 660,953 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company has not recorded any allowances for losses as no loans are past-due and it is not deemed probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due pursuant to the contractual terms of the loans.
Note 5. Available-for-Sale Securities, at Fair Value
The following table presents the amortized cost and carrying value (which approximates fair value) of AFS securities as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Face Value |
$ | 12,798 | $ | | |||
Unamortized premium |
| | |||||
Unamortized discount |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Amortized Cost |
12,798 | | |||||
Gross unrealized gains |
| | |||||
Gross unrealized losses |
(112 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Carrying Value |
$ | 12,686 | $ | | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2016, the Company pledged AFS securities with a carrying value of $12.7 million as collateral for repurchase agreements. See Note 9Repurchase Agreements. The Company had not pledged any AFS securities as collateral for repurchase agreements at December 31, 2015.
At December 31, 2016, AFS securities not deemed to be other than temporarily impaired and in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve consecutive months had a fair market value of $12.7 million and gross unrealized losses of $0.1 million. No AFS securities had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve consecutive months as of December 31, 2016. The Company did not have any AFS securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015.
Evaluating AFS Securities for Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
In evaluating AFS securities for OTTI, the Company determines whether there has been a significant adverse quarterly change in the cash flow expectations for a security. The Company compares the amortized cost of each security in an unrealized loss position against the present value of
F-29
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 5. Available-for-Sale Securities, at Fair Value (Continued)
expected future cash flows of the security. The Company also considers whether there has been a significant adverse change in the regulatory and/or economic environment as part of this analysis. If the amortized cost of the security is greater than the present value of expected future cash flows using the original yield as the discount rate, an other-than-temporary credit impairment has occurred. If the Company does not intend to sell and will not be not more likely than not required to sell the security, the credit loss is recognized in earnings and the balance of the unrealized loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). If the Company intends to sell the security or will be more likely than not required to sell the security, the full unrealized loss is recognized in earnings. The Company did not record any other-than-temporary credit impairments during the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 as expected cash flows were greater than amortized cost for all AFS securities held.
Gross Realized Gains and Losses
Gains and losses from the sale of AFS securities are recorded as realized gains (losses) in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company did not sell any AFS securities during the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Note 6. Restricted Cash
The Company is required to maintain certain cash balances with counterparties for securities trading activity and collateral for the Company's repurchase agreements in restricted accounts. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $260,000 and $250,000, respectively, in restricted cash held by trading counterparties for securities and repurchase agreement trading activity.
Note 7. Accrued Interest Receivable
The following table presents the Company's accrued interest receivable by collateral type as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 3,699 | $ | 1,567 | |||
Available-for-sale securities |
46 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 3,745 | $ | 1,567 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Note 8. Fair Value
Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., unobservable inputs). Additionally, ASC 820 requires an entity to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity's own credit standing, when measuring fair value of a liability.
F-30
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 8. Fair Value (Continued)
ASC 820 establishes a three level hierarchy to be used when measuring and disclosing fair value. An instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Following is a description of the three levels:
Level 1 | Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date under current market conditions. Additionally, the entity must have the ability to access the active market and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity. | ||
Level 2 |
Inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full-term of the assets or liabilities. |
||
Level 3 |
Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent the assumptions that market participants would use to price the assets and liabilities, including risk. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment or estimation. |
Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used to measure material assets and liabilities at fair value and details of the valuation models, key inputs to those models and significant assumptions utilized.
Available-for-sale securities. The Company holds AFS securities that are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet and are comprised of CMBS. In determining the fair value of the Company's CMBS, management judgment may be used to arrive at fair value that considers prices obtained from third-party pricing providers or broker quotes received using the bid price, which are both deemed indicative of market activity, and other applicable market data. The third-party pricing providers and brokers use pricing models that generally incorporate such factors as coupons, primary and secondary mortgage rates, rate reset period, issuer, prepayment speeds, credit enhancements and expected life of the security. If observable market prices are not available or insufficient to determine fair value due principally to illiquidity in the marketplace, then fair value is based upon internally developed models that are primarily based on observable market-based inputs but also include unobservable market data inputs (including prepayment speeds, delinquency levels, and credit losses). The Company classified 100% of its CMBS AFS as Level 2 fair value assets at December 31, 2016.
F-31
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 8. Fair Value (Continued)
Recurring Fair Value
The following tables display the Company's assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company does not hold any liabilities measured at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets.
|
Recurring Fair Value Measurements At December 31, 2016 |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands) |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Assets |
|||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities |
$ | | $ | 12,686 | $ | | $ | 12,686 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
$ | | $ | 12,686 | $ | | $ | 12,686 | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Recurring Fair Value Measurements At December 31, 2015 |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands) |
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||
Assets |
|||||||||||||
Available-for-sale securities |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company may be required to measure certain assets or liabilities at fair value from time to time. These periodic fair value measures typically result from application of certain impairment measures under GAAP. These items would constitute nonrecurring fair value measures under ASC 820. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the periods presented.
Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the bid price (in the case of long positions) or the ask price (in the case of short positions) at the close of trading on the date as of which value is determined. Exchange-traded securities for which no bid or ask price is available are valued at the last traded price.
Transfers between Levels are deemed to take place on the first day of the reporting period in which the transfer has taken place. The Company did not incur transfers between Levels for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In accordance with ASC 820, the Company is required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments, both assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, for which fair value can be estimated.
The following describes the Company's methods for estimating the fair value for financial instruments. Descriptions are not provided for those items that have zero balances as of the current balance sheet date.
F-32
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 8. Fair Value (Continued)
market interest rates, shifts in credit profiles and actual operating results for mezzanine commercial real estate loans and commercial real estate first mortgages, taking into consideration such factors as underlying property type, property competitive position within its market, market and submarket fundamentals, tenant mix, nature of business plan, sponsorship, extent of leverage and other loan terms. The Company categorizes the fair value measurement of these assets as Level 3.
The following table presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded or disclosed at fair value at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(in thousands) |
Carrying Value |
Fair Value | Carrying Value |
Fair Value | |||||||||
Assets |
|||||||||||||
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 1,412,543 | $ | 1,411,733 | $ | 660,953 | $ | 660,953 | |||||
Available-for-sale securities |
$ | 12,686 | $ | 12,686 | $ | | $ | | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 56,019 | $ | 56,019 | $ | 56,088 | $ | 56,088 | |||||
Restricted cash |
$ | 260 | $ | 260 | $ | 250 | $ | 250 | |||||
Liabilities |
|||||||||||||
Repurchase agreements |
$ | 451,167 | $ | 451,167 | $ | 59,349 | $ | 59,349 | |||||
Note payable to affiliate |
$ | 593,632 | $ | 593,632 | $ | 167,262 | $ | 167,262 |
Note 9. Repurchase Agreements
As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding $451.2 million and $59.3 million of repurchase agreements with a weighted average borrowing rate of 3.16% and 2.62% and weighted average remaining maturities of 476 and 14 days, respectively.
F-33
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 9. Repurchase Agreements (Continued)
At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the repurchase agreement balances were as follows:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Short-term |
$ | 265,533 | $ | 59,349 | |||
Long-term |
185,634 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 451,167 | $ | 59,349 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the repurchase agreements had the following characteristics and remaining maturities:
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Collateral Type | |
Collateral Type | |
|||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
Commercial Real Estate Assets |
CMBS | Total Amount Outstanding |
Commercial Real Estate Assets |
CMBS | Total Amount Outstanding |
|||||||||||||
Within 30 days |
$ | 21,933 | $ | | $ | 21,933 | $ | 59,349 | $ | | $ | 59,349 | |||||||
30 to 59 days |
28,991 | 8,119 | 37,110 | | | | |||||||||||||
60 to 89 days |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
90 to 119 days |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
120 to 364 days |
206,490 | | 206,490 | | | | |||||||||||||
One year and over |
185,634 | | 185,634 | | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 443,048 | $ | 8,119 | $ | 451,167 | $ | 59,349 | $ | | $ | 59,349 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average borrowing rate |
3.16 | % | 2.92 | % | 3.16 | % | 2.62 | % | | % | 2.62 | % |
The following table summarizes assets at carrying values that are pledged or restricted as collateral for the future payment obligations of repurchase agreements:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial real estate assets |
$ | 648,885 | $ | 108,958 | |||
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value |
12,686 | | |||||
Due from counterparties |
249 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 661,820 | $ | 108,958 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Although the transactions under repurchase agreements represent committed borrowings until maturity, the respective lender retains the right to mark the underlying collateral to fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets would require the Company to provide additional collateral or fund margin calls.
F-34
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 9. Repurchase Agreements (Continued)
The following table summarizes certain characteristics of the Company's repurchase agreements and counterparty concentration at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
|
December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) |
Amount Outstanding |
Net Counterparty Exposure(1) |
Percent of Equity |
Weighted Average Days to Maturity |
Amount Outstanding |
Net Counterparty Exposure(1) |
Percent of Equity |
Weighted Average Days to Maturity |
|||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase Bank |
$ | 204,679 | $ | 104,380 | 24 | % | 283.3 | $ | 36,628 | $ | 26,807 | 6 | % | 11.0 | |||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Bank |
185,634 | 62,715 | 15 | % | 779.0 | | | | % | | |||||||||||||||
All other counterparties(2) |
60,854 | 45,624 | 11 | % | 196.5 | 22,721 | 23,109 | 5 | % | 20.0 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 451,167 | $ | 212,719 | $ | 59,349 | $ | 49,916 | |||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Company does not anticipate any defaults by its repurchase agreement counterparties. There can be no assurance, however, that any such default or defaults will not occur.
Note 10. Note Payable to Affiliate
The Company finances the acquisition of certain of its commercial real estate assets through a revolving note payable with TH Insurance. In exchange for the note with TH Insurance, the Company receives an allocated portion of TH Insurance's advances from the FHLB. The Company pledges to the FHLB a portion of its commercial real estate assets as collateral for TH Insurance's advances. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total outstanding note payable to TH Insurance was $593.6 million and $167.3 million with an interest rate of 0.85% and 0.58%, respectively. The note is set to mature on December 31, 2017, unless extended pursuant to its terms.
As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $709.0 million and $252.2 million of commercial real estate assets were pledged as collateral for the future payment obligations of TH Insurance's FHLB advances. The FHLB retains the right to mark the underlying collateral to fair value. A reduction in the value of pledged assets would require the Company to provide additional collateral.
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
The following represent the material commitments and contingencies of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
Legal and regulatory. From time to time, the Company may be subject to liability under laws and government regulations and various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Liabilities are established for legal claims when payments associated with the claims become probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be
F-35
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)
substantially higher or lower than the amounts established for those claims. Based on information currently available, management is not aware of any legal or regulatory claims that would have a material effect on the Company's financial statements and therefore no accrual is required as of December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015.
Unfunded commitments on commercial real estate loans. Certain of the Company's commercial real estate loan agreements contain provisions for future fundings to borrowers, generally to finance lease-related or capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had unfunded commitments of $172.5 million and $52.2 million on commercial real estate loans with expirations dates within the next two years.
Note 12. Member's Equity
As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had total member's equity of $428.0 million and $486.9 million, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was as follows:
(in thousands) |
December 31, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value |
|||||||
Unrealized gains |
$ | | $ | | |||
Unrealized losses |
(112 | ) | | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
$ | (112 | ) | $ | | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The Company did not record any reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss during the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
F-36
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 13. Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the tax (benefit) provision recorded for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:
(in thousands) |
Year Ended December 31, 2016 |
Period Ended December 31, 2015(1) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current tax (benefit) provision: |
|||||||
Federal |
$ | (14 | ) | $ | 70 | ||
State |
3 | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current tax (benefit) provision |
(11 | ) | 70 | ||||
Deferred tax provision |
| | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total (benefit from) provision for income taxes |
$ | (11 | ) | $ | 70 | ||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Based on the Company's evaluation, it has been concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company's consolidated financial statements of a contingent tax liability for uncertain tax positions. Additionally, there were no amounts accrued for penalties or interest as of or during the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.
Note 14. Related Party Transactions
The Company does not directly employ personnel. Instead the Company relies on the resources that PRCM Advisers provides to Two Harbors to conduct the Company's operations. The Company is allocated certain advisory expenses from Two Harbors that relate to the operations of the Company. The Company was allocated $7.2 million and $1.2 million as a management fee to Two Harbors for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which represents approximately 1.5% of member's equity on an annualized basis. This fee is based upon the same fee structure incurred by Two Harbors for services provided by PRCM Advisers.
During the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, certain direct and allocated operating expenses were paid by Two Harbors to PRCM Advisers and other external vendors and included in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income. These direct and allocated costs totaled approximately $6.9 million and $7.4 million for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Expenses during the period may have been different had the Company not had the related party relationship with Two Harbors. At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding payables to Two Harbors of $21.2 million and $8.2 million, respectively.
The Company finances the acquisition of certain of its commercial real estate assets through a revolving note payable with TH Insurance. In exchange for the note with TH Insurance, the Company receives an allocated portion of TH Insurance's advances from the FHLB. The Company pledges to the FHLB a portion of its commercial real estate assets as collateral for TH Insurance's advances. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the total outstanding note payable to TH Insurance was $593.6 million and $167.3 million with an interest rate of 0.85% and 0.58%, respectively. The related accrued interest payable, included in other payables to Two Harbors and affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets, was $394,677 and $39,394 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015,
F-37
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Note 14. Related Party Transactions (Continued)
respectively. In addition, the Company had an outstanding net receivable from TH Insurance for principal and interest payments on commercial real estate assets pledged to the FHLB of $0.1 million at December 31, 2016.
The terms of these transactions may have been different had they been transacted with an unrelated party.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
Events subsequent to December 31, 2016 were evaluated through April 18, 2017, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. No additional events were identified requiring further disclosure in these consolidated financial statements.
F-38
TH COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS LLC
SCHEDULE IVMORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
As of December 31, 2016
(dollars in thousands)
Asset Type/ Location
|
Interest Rate |
Final Maturity Date(1) |
Periodic Payment Terms(2) |
Prior Liens(3) |
Face Amount |
Carrying Amount |
Principal Amount Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Retail-Mixed Use/ Southwest |
L+4.20% | 12/2019 | P&I | $ | | $ | 120,000 | $ | 119,734 | $ | | |||||||
Retail/ West |
L+3.42% | 10/2018 | IO | | 105,000 | 104,967 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Diversified US |
L+4.45% | 8/2020 | P&I | | 93,138 | 91,727 | | |||||||||||
Industrial/ Northeast |
L+4.75% | 4/2019 | IO | | 82,000 | 81,250 | | |||||||||||
Office-Mixed Use/ Northeast |
L+4.20% | 12/2018 | IO | | 77,134 | 76,923 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+4.37% | 10/2020 | P&I | | 72,966 | 72,043 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Southeast |
L+4.11% | 1/2021 | P&I | | 62,275 | 60,373 | | |||||||||||
Retail/ West |
L+4.49% | 7/2020 | P&I | | 50,300 | 49,837 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Diversified US |
L+7.25% | 9/2018 | P&I | 708,000 | 48,252 | 48,252 | | |||||||||||
Hotel/ Diversified US |
L+6.75% | 1/2017 | IO | 285,000 | 45,900 | 45,885 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Southwest |
L+4.05% | 1/2019 | P&I | | 43,500 | 43,462 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+4.40% | 5/2019 | IO | | 43,500 | 42,937 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+4.65% | 1/2020 | IO | | 43,215 | 43,181 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Southwest |
L+4.30% | 3/2019 | IO | | 41,821 | 41,457 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+4.95% | 9/2020 | P&I | | 39,550 | 38,885 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+4.55% | 12/2019 | P&I | | 38,000 | 37,778 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+4.60% | 11/2018 | IO | | 37,000 | 36,539 | | |||||||||||
Office/ West |
L+4.89% | 11/2019 | IO | | 36,010 | 35,414 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Northeast |
L+4.27% | 12/2019 | IO | | 34,000 | 33,321 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
5.11% | 3/2026 | P&I | | 33,800 | 33,615 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Midwest |
L+4.80% | 2/2019 | P&I | | 30,941 | 30,651 | | |||||||||||
Industrial/ Northeast |
L+5.15% | 9/2020 | P&I | | 24,000 | 23,831 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Northeast |
L+3.60% | 11/2019 | P&I | | 23,500 | 23,515 | | |||||||||||
Office/ West |
L+4.55% | 10/2019 | IO | | 23,083 | 22,781 | | |||||||||||
Hotel/ Midwest |
L+4.99% | 11/2018 | IO | | 21,157 | 21,049 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Southeast |
L+4.57% | 8/2019 | P&I | | 20,488 | 20,214 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Southeast |
L+5.25% | 8/2018 | P&I | | 19,288 | 19,287 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Southeast |
L+4.05% | 9/2018 | P&I | | 18,700 | 18,669 | | |||||||||||
Hotel/ Southeast |
L+8.75% | 8/2017 | IO | 98,500 | 17,000 | 17,027 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Northeast |
L+4.85% | 11/2019 | IO | | 16,527 | 16,216 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Northeast |
L+4.62% | 6/2019 | IO | | 13,400 | 13,216 | | |||||||||||
Multifamily/ Southeast |
L+4.03% | 10/2018 | P&I | | 11,000 | 11,001 | | |||||||||||
Office/ West |
L+5.90% | 1/2020 | IO | | 10,907 | 10,660 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Northeast |
L+12.25% | 7/2018 | IO | 45,100 | 10,257 | 10,279 | | |||||||||||
Office/ Southeast |
L+9.50% | 8/2020 | IO | 45,303 | 9,900 | 9,942 | | |||||||||||
Hotel/ Northeast |
13% | 11/2025 | P&I | 59,000 | 6,936 | 6,625 | | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total mortgage loans on real estate |
$ | 1,240,903 | $ | 1,424,445 | $ | 1,412,543 | $ | | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-39
Until , 2017 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to unsold allotments or subscriptions.
Shares
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc.
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
, 2017
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 31. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table shows the fees and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, to be paid by us in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered hereby. All amounts except for the SEC registration fee are estimated.
SEC registration fee |
$ | |||
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. filing fee |
||||
NYSE listing fee |
* | |||
Legal fees and expenses (including blue sky fees) |
* | |||
Accounting fees and expenses |
* | |||
Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
Transfer agent fees and expenses |
* | |||
Miscellaneous |
* | |||
| | | | |
Total |
$ | |||
| | | | |
Item 32. Sales to Special Parties
On April 7, 2017, in connection with our formation, we issued 1,000 shares of our common stock to Two Harbors Operating Company LLC for total consideration of $1,000 to be paid in cash in order to provide for our initial capitalization. We will repurchase these shares at cost upon the closing of this offering.
Item 33. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On April 7, 2017, in connection with our formation, we issued 1,000 shares of our common stock to Two Harbors Operating Company LLC for total consideration of $1,000 in cash in order to provide for our initial capitalization. Such issuance was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof.
In connection with the Formation Transaction, we will issue an aggregate of shares of common stock with an aggregate value of approximately $ million, based on the assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the front cover of the prospectus that forms a part of this registration statement, to Two Harbors in connection with the transfer of interests to us in the entities that own our assets prior to the Formation Transaction in consideration of such transfer. Two Harbors has a substantive, pre-existing relationship with us. The issuance of such shares will be effected in reliance upon an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
Item 34. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains such a provision that eliminates such liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
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Our charter and our bylaws obligate us, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse reasonable costs, fees and expenses (including attorneys' fees, costs and expenses) in advance of final disposition of a proceeding and without requiring a preliminary determination of ultimate entitlement to indemnification, to any present or former director or officer of the company or any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, REIT, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, member or manager of such corporation, REIT, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and who was or is made or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of his or her service in that capacity. Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any personnel or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.
The Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (A) was committed in bad faith or (B) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by or in the right of the corporation in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of (i) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us and (ii) a written undertaking by the director or officer or on the director's or officer's behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.
Under the management agreement, our Manager maintains a contractual as opposed to a fiduciary relationship with us which limits our Manager's obligations to us to those specifically set forth in the management agreement. The ability of our Manager and its affiliates to engage in other business activities may reduce the time our Manager spends managing us. In addition, unlike for directors, there is no statutory standard of conduct under the MGCL for officers of a Maryland corporation. Instead, officers of a Maryland corporation, including our officers who are employees of our Manager, are subject only to general agency principles, including the exercise of reasonable care and skill in the performance of their responsibilities, as well as the duties of loyalty, good faith and candid disclosure.
We expect to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion
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of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 35. Treatment of Proceeds From Stock Being Registered.
None of the proceeds will be credited to an account other than the appropriate capital share account.
Item 36. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements. See page F-1 for an index to the financial statements included in this registration statement.
(b) Exhibits. The attached Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(c) The undersigned Registrant hereby further undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance under Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4), or Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-11 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York, on , 2017.
Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. | ||||
By: |
Name: Title: |
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints and , and each of them, as his or her attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this Registration Statement, or any Registration Statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith or in connection with the registration of the common shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto such attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with such matters and hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitutes may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
/s/ John A. Taylor |
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | , 2017 | ||
/s/ Marcin Urbaszek |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
, 2017 |
||
/s/ |
Director |
, 2017 |
||
/s/ |
Director |
, 2017 |
||
/s/ |
Director |
, 2017 |
||
/s/ |
Director |
, 2017 |
||
/s/ |
Director |
, 2017 |
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Exhibit Number |
Exhibit Description | ||
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | * | Form of Underwriting Agreement. | |
2.1 | * | Contribution Agreement by and between Two Harbors Investment Corp. and Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. | |
3.1 | * | Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. to be effective upon closing of this offering | |
3.2 | * | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. to be effective upon closing of this offering | |
4.1 | * | Registration Rights Agreement between Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. and Two Harbors Investment Corp. | |
4.2 | * | Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. | |
5.1 | * | Opinion of Ballard Spahr LLP regarding the validity of the securities being registered. | |
8.1 | * | Opinion of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP regarding certain tax matters. | |
10.1 | * | Management Agreement between Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. and Pine River Capital Management L.P. | |
10.2 | * | Director Designation Agreement Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. and Two Harbors Investment Corp. | |
10.3 | * | Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. | |
10.4 | * | Form of Indemnification Agreement to be entered into by and between Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. and certain officers and directors. | |
10.5 | * | Granite Point Mortgage Trust Inc. Director Compensation Policy. | |
21.1 | * | List of Subsidiaries. | |
23.1 | * | Consent of EY. | |
23.2 | * | Consent of Ballard Spahr LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). | |
23.3 | * | Consent of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1). | |
24.1 | Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement. |
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