Form: 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

February 21, 2014

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]             QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED:  MARCH 31, 2013

OR

[  ]             TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______________ TO _________________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER:  1-33796

CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
 
MARYLAND 26-0630461
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, SUITE 2902
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
(Address of principal executive offices)

10036
 (Zip Code)

(646) 454-3759
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:
 
Yes o No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes o No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer þ    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No þ

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date:
 
Class Outstanding at February 21, 2014
Common Stock, $.01 par value 1,027,588,342
 
 
 

 
 
CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
   
1
   
2
   
3
   
4
   
5
   
35
   
57
   
61
   
   
62
   
62
 
 
62
 
 
63
 
 
S-1
 
 
i

 
 
CHIMERA  INVESTMENT CORPORATION
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
             
             
   
March 31, 2013
(Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2012 (1)
 
Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 649,526     $ 621,153  
Non-Agency RMBS, at fair value
               
Senior
    69       88  
Senior interest-only
    120,051       122,869  
Subordinated
    585,340       547,794  
Subordinated interest-only
    14,534       16,253  
Agency RMBS, at fair value
    1,632,644       1,806,697  
Accrued interest receivable
    14,195       15,248  
Other assets
    11,752       13,970  
Subtotal
    3,028,111       3,144,072  
Assets of Consolidated VIEs:
               
Non-Agency RMBS transferred to consolidated variable interest entities ("VIEs"), at fair value
    3,299,350       3,274,204  
Securitized loans held for investment, net of allowance for loan losses of $12.0 million and $11.6 million, respectively
    1,082,316       1,300,131  
Accrued interest receivable
    22,278       24,082  
Subtotal
    4,403,944       4,598,417  
Total assets
  $ 7,432,055     $ 7,742,489  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Repurchase agreements, Agency RMBS ($1.5 billion and $1.6 billion pledged as collateral, respectively)
  $ 1,420,375     $ 1,528,025  
Accrued interest payable
    2,938       2,441  
Dividends payable
    92,433       92,431  
Accounts payable and other liabilities
    2,369       1,170  
Investment management fees and expenses payable to affiliate
    3,447       7,675  
Interest rate swaps, at fair value
    48,537       53,939  
Subtotal
    1,570,099       1,685,681  
Non-Recourse Liabilities of Consolidated VIEs
               
Securitized debt, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS  ($3.3 billion and $3.3 billion pledged as collateral, respectively)
    1,241,297       1,336,261  
Securitized debt, collateralized by loans held for investment ($1.1 billion and $1.3 billion pledged as collateral, respectively)
    959,602       1,169,710  
Accrued interest payable
    7,384       8,358  
Subtotal
    2,208,283       2,514,329  
Total liabilities
  $ 3,778,382     $ 4,200,010  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred Stock: par value $0.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
  $ -     $ -  
Common stock: par value $0.01 per share; 1,500,000,000 shares authorized, 1,027,595,493 and 1,027,597,458 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    10,270       10,268  
Additional paid-in-capital
    3,604,627       3,604,554  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    1,113,687       989,936  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    (1,074,911 )     (1,062,279 )
Total stockholders' equity
  $ 3,653,673     $ 3,542,479  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 7,432,055     $ 7,742,489  
(1) Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
1

 

CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(unaudited)
 
             
    For the Quarter Ended  
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
Net Interest Income:
 
Interest income
  $ 29,067     $ 51,319  
Interest expense
    (1,833 )     (2,326 )
                 
Interest income, Assets of consolidated VIEs
    96,728       98,349  
Interest expense, Non-recourse liabilities of consolidated VIEs
    (26,996 )     (34,049 )
Net interest income (expense)
    96,966       113,293  
Other-than-temporary impairments:
 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    -       (32,077 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (6,163 )     (16,287 )
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
    (6,163 )     (48,364 )
                 
Other gains (losses):
 
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps
    5,402       812  
Net realized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps
    (5,530 )     (4,398 )
Net gains (losses) on interest rate swaps
    (128 )     (3,586 )
Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest-only RMBS
    (1,013 )     17,947  
Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments
    6       16,010  
Total other gains (losses)
    (1,135 )     30,371  
Net investment income (loss)
    89,668       95,300  
                 
Other expenses:
 
Management fees
    6,449       12,909  
Expense recoveries from Manager
    (1,855 )     -  
Net management fees
    4,594       12,909  
Provision for loan losses, net
    424       167  
General and administrative expenses
    4,847       1,989  
Total other expenses
    9,865       15,065  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    79,803       80,235  
Income taxes
    2       2  
Net income (loss)
  $ 79,801     $ 80,233  
                 
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders:
 
Basic
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08  
Diluted
  $ 0.08     $ 0.08  
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
Basic
    1,027,009,515       1,026,762,092  
Diluted
    1,027,595,515       1,027,489,586  
                 
Dividends declared per share of common stock
  $ 0.09     $ 0.11  
                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 79,801     $ 80,233  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
    117,594       123,134  
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income (loss) for other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
    6,163       48,364  
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    (6 )     (16,010 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    123,751       155,488  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 203,552     $ 235,721  
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

 
2

 

CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
                               
                               
   
Common Stock
Par Value
   
Additional
Paid-in Capital
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
  $ 10,267     $ 3,603,739     $ 433,453     $ (999,840 )   $ 3,047,619  
Net income
    -       -       -       80,233       80,233  
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
    -       -       123,134       -       123,134  
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net
income (loss) for other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
    -       -       48,364       -       48,364  
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains)
included in net income (loss)
    -       -       (16,010 )     -       (16,010 )
Proceeds from direct purchase and dividend reinvestment
    1       116       -       -       117  
Proceeds from restricted stock grants
    -       81       -       -       81  
Common dividends declared, $0.11 per share
    -       -       -       (112,946 )     (112,946 )
Balance, March 31, 2012
  $ 10,268     $ 3,603,936     $ 588,941     $ (1,032,553 )   $ 3,170,592  
                                         
Balance, December 31, 2012
  $ 10,268     $ 3,604,554     $ 989,936     $ (1,062,279 )   $ 3,542,479  
Net income (loss)
    -       -       -       79,801       79,801  
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net
    -       -       117,594       -       117,594  
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income
(loss) for other-than-
temporary credit impairment losses
    -       -       6,163       -       6,163  
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    -       -       (6 )     -       (6 )
Proceeds from restricted stock grants
    2       73       -       -       75  
Common dividends declared, $0.09 per share
    -       -       -       (92,433 )     (92,433 )
Balance, March 31, 2013
  $ 10,270     $ 3,604,627     $ 1,113,687     $ (1,074,911 )   $ 3,653,673  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                 
 
3

 

CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(unaudited)
 
    For the Quarter Ended   
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 79,801     $ 80,233  
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
(Accretion) amortization of investment discounts/premiums, net
    (19,052 )     (10,355 )
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    2,114       3,221  
Accretion (amortization) of securitized debt discounts/premiums, net
    1,813       8,103  
Net unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps
    (5,402 )     (812 )
Net unrealized losses (gains) on interest-only RMBS
    1,013       (17,947 )
Net realized losses (gains) on sales of investments
    (6 )     (16,010 )
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
    6,163       48,364  
Provision for loan losses, net
    424       167  
Equity-based compensation expense
    75       81  
Changes in operating assets:
               
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable, net
    2,857       (1,288 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    109       2  
Changes in operating liabilities:
               
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities
    1,199       (115 )
Increase (decrease) in investment management fees and expenses payable to affiliate
     (4,228      5  
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable, net
    (477 )     898  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ 66,403     $ 94,547  
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
RMBS portfolio:
               
Purchases
  $ (7,424 )   $ (91,429 )
Sales
    182       79,059  
Principal payments
    159,189       183,612  
Non-Agency RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs:
               
Principal payments
    105,550       132,630  
Securitized loans held for investment:
               
Purchases
    -       (753,692 )
Principal payments
    211,439       21,061  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ 468,936     $ (428,759 )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Proceeds from repurchase agreements
  $ 1,686,498     $ 2,034,833  
Payments on repurchase agreements
    (1,794,148 )     (2,204,952 )
Payment of deferred financing costs
    -       (4,369 )
Proceeds from securitized, collateralized by loans held for investment
    -       696,113  
Payments on securitized debt borrowings, collateralized by loans held for investment
     (209,430      (19,730
Payments on securitized debt borrowings, collateralized by Non-Agency RMBS
     (97,455      (129,889
Net proceeds from direct purchase and dividend reinvestment
    -       117  
Common dividends paid
    (92,431 )     (112,937 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
  $ (506,966 )   $ 259,186  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 28,373     $ (75,026 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    621,153       206,299  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 649,526     $ 131,273  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Interest received
  $ 109,600     $ 138,909  
Interest paid
  $ 25,380     $ 27,374  
Management fees and expenses paid to affiliate
  $ 10,677     $ 12,958  
                 
Non-cash investing activities:
               
Net change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for sale securities
  $ 123,751     $ 155,488  
                 
Non-cash financing activities:
               
Common dividends declared, not yet paid
  $ 92,433     $ 112,946  
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
               
 
4

 
 
CHIMERA INVESTMENT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
1.   Organization

Chimera Investment Corporation (the “Company”) was organized in Maryland on June 1, 2007.  The Company commenced operations on November 21, 2007 when it completed its initial public offering.  The Company elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Code”).  The Company formed the following wholly-owned qualified REIT subsidiaries:  Chimera Securities Holdings, LLC in July 2008; Chimera Asset Holding LLC and Chimera Holding LLC in June 2009; and Chimera Special Holding LLC in January 2010 which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chimera Asset Holding LLC.  In July 2010, the Company formed CIM Trading Company LLC, a wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”).

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (“Annaly”) owns approximately 4.38% of the Company’s common shares.  The Company is managed by Fixed Income Discount Advisory Company (“FIDAC”), an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  FIDAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Annaly.

2.  Summary of the Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

The consolidated financial statements include, on a consolidated basis, the Company’s accounts, the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company uses securitization trusts considered to be VIEs in its securitization and re-securitization transactions.  VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors (i) do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and/or (ii) do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The entity that consolidates a VIE is known as its primary beneficiary, and is generally the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance, and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIE or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.  For VIEs that do not have substantial on going activities, the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance may be determined by an entity’s involvement with the design and structure of the VIE.
 
(b) Statements of Financial Condition Presentation

The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition separately present: (i) the Company’s direct assets and liabilities, and (ii) the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization vehicles. Assets of each consolidated VIE can only be used to satisfy the obligations of that VIE, and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs are non-recourse to the Company.
 
 
5

 

The Company has aggregated all the assets and liabilities of the consolidated securitization vehicles due to the determination that these entities are substantively similar and therefore a further disaggregated presentation would not be more meaningful. The notes to the consolidated financial statements describe the Company’s direct assets and liabilities and the assets and liabilities of consolidated securitization vehicles.  See Note 8 for additional information related to the Company’s investments in consolidated securitization vehicles.

(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash deposited overnight in money market funds, which are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. There were no restrictions on cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

(d) Agency and Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

The Company invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) representing interests in obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans.  The Company delineates between Agency RMBS and Non-Agency RMBS as follows: Agency RMBS are mortgage pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and other RMBS representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, such as Ginnie Mae, or federally chartered corporations such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae where principal and interest repayments are guaranteed by the respective agency of the U.S. Government or federally chartered corporation. Non-Agency RMBS are not issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government Agency or other institution and are subject to credit risk.  Repayment of principal and interest on Non-Agency RMBS is subject to the performance of the mortgage loans or RMBS collateralizing the obligation.

The Company classifies its RMBS as available-for-sale, records investments at estimated fair value as described in Note 5 of these consolidated financial statements, and includes unrealized gains and losses considered to be temporary on all RMBS, excluding interest-only (“IO”) strips, in Other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  IO strips are recorded at estimated fair value and all unrealized gains and losses are included in earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  From time to time, as part of the overall management of its portfolio, the Company may sell any of its RMBS investments and recognize a realized gain or loss as a component of earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) utilizing the average cost method.

The Company’s accounting policy for interest income and impairment related to its RMBS is as follows:

Interest Income Recognition

The recognition of interest income on RMBS securities varies depending on the characteristics of the security as follows:

Agency RMBS and Non-Agency RMBS of High Credit Quality

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (“ASC 310-20”) is applied to the recognition of interest income for the following securities:

●     
Agency RMBS
●     
Non-Agency RMBS that meet all of the following conditions at the acquisition date (referred to hereafter as “Non-Agency RMBS of High Credit Quality”):

1.  
Rated AA or higher by a nationally recognized credit rating agency.  The Company uses the lowest rating available.
2.  
The Company expects to collect all of the security’s contractual cash flows.
3.  
The security cannot be contractually prepaid such that the Company would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment.

Under ASC 310-20, interest income, including premiums and discounts associated with the acquisition of these securities, is recognized over the life of such securities using the interest method based on the contractual cash flows of the security.   In applying the interest method, the Company considers estimates of future principal prepayments in the calculation of the constant effective yield. Differences that arise between previously anticipated prepayments and actual prepayments received, as well as changes in future prepayment assumptions, result in a recalculation of the effective yield on the security on a quarterly basis. This recalculation results in the recognition of an adjustment to the carrying amount of the security based on the revised prepayment assumptions and a corresponding increase or decrease in reported interest income.
 
 
6

 

Non-Agency RMBS Not of High Credit Quality

Non-Agency RMBS that are purchased at a discount and that are not of high credit quality at the time of purchase are accounted for under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”) or ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (“ASC 325-40”) (referred to hereafter as “Non-Agency RMBS Not of High Credit Quality”).

Non-Agency RMBS are accounted for under ASC 310-30 if the following conditions are met as of the acquisition date:

1.  
There is evidence of deterioration in credit quality of the security from its inception.
2.  
It is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all contractual cash flows of the security.

Non-Agency RMBS that are not within the scope of ASC 310-30 are accounted for under ASC 325-40 if at the acquisition date:

1.  
The security is not of high credit quality (defined as rated below AA or is unrated), or
2.  
The security can contractually be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the Company would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment.

Interest income on Non-Agency RMBS Not of High Credit Quality is recognized using the interest method based on management’s estimates of cash flows expected to be collected. The effective interest rate on these securities is based on management’s estimate for each security of the projected cash flows, which are estimated based on observation of current market information and include assumptions related to fluctuations in prepayment speeds and the timing and amount of credit losses. Quarterly, the Company reviews and, if appropriate, makes adjustments to its cash flow projections based on inputs and analyses received from external sources, internal models, and the Company’s judgments about prepayment rates, the timing and amount of credit losses, and other factors. Changes in the amount and/or timing of cash flows from those originally projected, or from those estimated at the last evaluation date, are considered to be either positive changes or adverse changes. For securities accounted for under ASC 325-40, any positive or adverse change in cash flows that does not result in the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) results in a prospective increase or decrease in the effective interest rate used to recognize interest income. For securities accounted for under ASC 310-30, only significant positive changes are reflected prospectively in the effective interest rate used to recognize interest income.  Adverse changes in cash flows expected to be collected are generally treated consistently for RMBS accounted for under ASC 325-40 and ASC 310-30, and generally result in recognition of an OTTI with no change in the effective interest rate used to recognize interest income.

Impairment

Considerations Applicable to all RMBS

When the fair value of an available-for-sale RMBS is less than its amortized cost, the security is considered impaired.  On at least a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its securities for OTTI.  If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell an impaired security before its anticipated recovery, then the Company must recognize an OTTI through a charge to earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value at the measurement date.  If the Company does not intend to sell an impaired security and it is not more-likely-than-not that it would be required to sell an impaired security before recovery, the Company must further evaluate the security for impairment due to credit losses. The credit component of OTTI is recognized in earnings and the remaining or non-credit component is recorded as a component of Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”). Following the recognition of an OTTI through earnings, a new amortized cost basis is established for the security and subsequent recoveries in fair value may not be adjusted through earnings.
 
 
7

 

When evaluating whether the Company intends to sell an impaired security or will more-likely-than-not be required to sell an impaired security before recovery, the Company makes judgments that consider among other things, its liquidity, leverage, contractual obligations, and targeted investment strategy to determine its intent and ability to hold the investments that are deemed impaired.  The determination as to whether an OTTI exists is subjective as such determinations are based on factual information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimates of future conditions.  As a result, the determination of OTTI and its timing and amount is based on estimates that may change materially over time.

The Company’s estimate of the amount and timing of cash flows for its RMBS is based on its review of the underlying securities or mortgage loans securing the RMBS.  The Company considers historical information available and expected future performance of the underlying securities or mortgage loans, including timing of expected future cash flows, prepayment rates, default rates, loss severities, delinquency rates, percentage of non-performing loans, extent of credit support available, Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) scores at loan origination, year of origination, loan-to-value ratios, geographic concentrations, as well as reports by credit rating agencies, such as Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s Rating Services or Fitch Ratings, Inc., general market assessments and dialogue with market participants.  As a result, substantial judgment is used in the Company’s analysis to determine the expected cash flows for its RMBS.

Considerations Applicable to Non-Agency RMBS of High Credit Quality

The impairment assessment for Non-Agency RMBS of High Credit Quality involves comparing the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security at the assessment date.  The discount rate used to calculate the present value of the expected future cash flows is based on the security’s effective interest rate as calculated under ASC 310-20 (i.e., the  discount rate implicit in the security as of the last measurement date).   If the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, an OTTI is recognized in earnings for the difference. This amount is considered to be the credit loss component; the remaining difference between amortized cost and the fair value of the security is considered to be the portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Following the recognition of an OTTI through earnings for the credit loss component, a new amortized cost basis is established for the security and subsequent recoveries in fair value may not be adjusted through earnings.

Considerations Applicable to Non-Agency RMBS Not of High Credit Quality

Non-Agency RMBS within the scope of ASC 325-40 or ASC 310-30 are considered other-than-temporarily impaired when the following two conditions exist: (1) the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis, and (2) there has been an adverse change in cash flows expected to be collected from the last measurement date (i.e., adverse changes in either the amount or timing of cash flows from those previously expected).

The OTTI is separated into a credit loss component that is recognized in earnings and the portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The credit component is comprised of the impact of the fair value decline due to changes in assumptions related to default (collection) risk and prepayments. The portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) comprises the change in fair value of the security due to all other factors, including changes in benchmark interest rates and market liquidity.  In determining the OTTI related to credit losses for securities, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows adjusted for prepayments expected to be collected at the current financial reporting date to the present value of the remaining cash flows expected to be collected at the original purchase date (or the last date those estimates were revised for accounting purposes).  The discount rate used to calculate the present value of expected future cash flows is the effective interest rate used for income recognition purposes as determined under ASC 325-40 or ASC 310-30.

Following the recognition of an OTTI through earnings for the credit component, a new amortized cost basis is established for the security and subsequent recoveries in fair value may not be adjusted through earnings. However, to the extent that there are subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the OTTI previously recorded through earnings may be accreted into interest income following the guidance in ASC 325-40 or ASC 310-30.
 
 
8

 

The determination of whether an OTTI exists and, if so, the extent of the credit component is subject to significant judgment and management’s estimates of both historical information available at the time of assessment, the current market environment, as well as the Company’s estimates of the future performance and projected amount and timing of cash flows expected to be collected on the security. As a result, the timing and amount of OTTI constitutes an accounting estimate that may change materially over time.

(e) Interest-Only RMBS

The Company invests in IO Agency and Non-Agency RMBS strips.  IO RMBS strips represent the Company’s right to receive a specified proportion of the contractual interest flows of the collateral. The Company has accounted for IO RMBS strips at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The Company has elected the fair value option to account for IO RMBS strips to simplify the reporting of changes in fair value.  The IO RMBS strips are included in RMBS, at fair value, on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  Interest income on IO RMBS strips is accrued based on the outstanding notional balance and the security’s contractual terms, and amortization of any premium or discount is calculated in accordance with ASC 325-40. Changes in fair value are presented in Net unrealized gains (losses) on interest-only RMBS on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Interest income reported on IO RMBS strips was $3.5 million and $6.0 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

(f) Securitized Loans Held for Investment and Related Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company’s securitized residential mortgage loans are comprised of fixed-rate and variable-rate loans.  Mortgage loans are designated as held for investment, and are carried at their principal balance outstanding, plus any premiums, less discounts and allowances for loan losses.  Interest income on loans held for investment is recognized over the expected life of the loans using the interest method.  Nonrefundable fees and costs related to acquiring the Company’s securitized residential mortgage loans are recognized as expenses over the life of the associated debt using  the interest method of amortization.  Income recognition is suspended for loans when, based on information from the servicer, a full recovery of interest or principal becomes doubtful.  The Company estimates the fair value of securitized loans for disclosure purposes only as described in Note 5 of these consolidated financial statements.

(g) Allowance for Loan Losses – Securitized Loans Held for Investment

The securitized loan portfolio is comprised primarily of non-conforming, single family, owner occupied, jumbo, prime loans that are not guaranteed as to repayment of principal or interest.  Securitized loans are serviced and modified by a third-party servicer.  The Company generally has the ability to approve certain loan modifications and determine the course of action to be taken as it relates to certain loans in technical default, including whether or not to proceed with foreclosure.

The Company has established an allowance for loan losses related to securitized loans that is composed of a general and specific reserve. The general reserve relates to loans that have not been individually evaluated for impairment.  The general reserve is based on historical loss rates for pools of loans with similar credit characteristics, adjusted for current trends and conditions.
 
Certain loans are individually evaluated for impairment, including securitized loans modified by the servicer and loans more than 60 days delinquent.  Loan modifications made by the servicer are evaluated to determine if they constitute troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).  A restructuring of a loan constitutes a TDR if the servicer, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Impairment of modified loans considered to be TDRs is measured based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate at inception. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an allowance for loan losses is recognized with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. Impairment of all other loans individually evaluated is measured as the difference between the unpaid principal balance and the estimated fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell.  The Company charges off the corresponding loan allowance and related principal balance when the servicer reports a realized loss. A complete discussion of securitized loans held for investment is included in Note 4 to these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
9

 

(h) Repurchase Agreements

The Company finances the acquisition of a significant portion of its Agency mortgage-backed securities with repurchase agreements. The Company has evaluated each agreement and determined that each of the repurchase agreements be accounted for as secured borrowings. None of the Company’s repurchase agreements are accounted for as components of linked transactions. As a result, the Company separately accounts for the financial assets posted as collateral and related repurchase agreements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

(i) Securitized Debt, Non-Agency RMBS Transferred to Consolidated VIEs, and Securitized Debt, Loans Held for Investment

The Company has issued securitized debt to finance a portion of its residential mortgage loan and RMBS portfolios.  Certain transactions involving residential mortgage loans are accounted for as secured borrowings, and are recorded as “Securitized loans held for investment” and the corresponding debt as “Securitized debt, loans held for investment” in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  These securitizations are collateralized by residential adjustable or fixed rate mortgage loans that have been placed in a trust and pay interest and principal to the debt holders of that securitization.  Re-securitization transactions classified as “Securitized debt, Non-Agency RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs” reflect the transfer to a trust of fixed or adjustable rate RMBS which are classified as “Non-Agency RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs” that pay interest and principal to the debt holders of that re-securitization.  Re-securitization transactions completed by the Company that did not qualify as sales are accounted for as secured borrowings. The holders of securitized debt have no recourse to the Company and the Company does not receive any interest or principal paid on such debt.  The associated securitized debt is carried at amortized cost. The Company estimates the fair value of its securitized debt for disclosure purposes as described in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements.

(j) Fair Value Disclosure

A complete discussion of the methodology utilized by the Company to estimate the fair value of its financial instruments is included in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements.

(k) Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company’s investment policies permit it to enter into derivative contracts, including interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, as a means of managing its interest rate risk. The Company intends to use interest rate derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk rather than to enhance returns.  Interest rate swaps are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and measured at fair value.  Net payments on interest rate swaps are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a component of net income (loss).  Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps are removed from net income (loss) to arrive at cash flows from operating activities. The Company estimates the fair value of interest rate swaps as described in Note 5 of these consolidated financial statements.

The Company elects to net by counterparty the fair value of interest rate swap contracts.  These contracts contain legally enforceable provisions that allow for netting or setting off of all individual swaps receivable and payable with each counterparty and, therefore, the fair value of those swap contracts are reported net by counterparty.  The credit support annex provisions of the Company’s interest rate swap contracts allow the parties to mitigate their credit risk by requiring the party which is in a net payable position to post collateral. As the Company elects to net by counterparty the fair value of interest rate swap contracts, it also nets by counterparty any collateral exchanged as part of the interest rate swap contracts.

(l) Sales, Securitizations, and Re-Securitizations

The Company periodically enters into transactions in which it sells financial assets, such as RMBS, and mortgage loans.  Gains and losses on sales of assets are calculated using the average cost method whereby the Company records a gain or loss on the difference between the average amortized cost of the asset and the proceeds from the sale.  In addition, the Company from time to time securitizes or re-securitizes assets and sells tranches in the newly securitized assets.  These transactions may be recorded as either sales and the assets contributed to the securitization are removed from the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and a gain or loss is recognized, or as secured borrowings whereby the assets contributed to the securitization are not derecognized but rather the debt issued by the securitization entity are recorded to reflect the term financing of the assets.  In these securitizations and re-securitizations, the Company may retain senior or subordinated interests in the securitized and/or re-securitized assets.
 
 
10

 

(m) Income Taxes
 
The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and intends to comply with the provision of the Code, with respect thereto.  Accordingly, the Company will not be subject to federal, state or local income tax to the extent that qualifying distributions are made to stockholders and as long as certain asset, income, distribution and stock ownership tests are met. If the Company failed to qualify as a REIT and did not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, the Company would be subject to federal, state and local income taxes and may be precluded from qualifying as a REIT for the subsequent four taxable years following the year in which the REIT qualification was lost. The Company and CIM Trading made a joint election to treat CIM Trading as a TRS. As such, CIM Trading is taxable as a domestic C corporation and subject to federal, state, and local income taxes based upon its taxable income.
 
A tax position is recognized only when, based on management’s judgment regarding the application of income tax laws, it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination.  The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits that would affect its financial position or require disclosure.  No accruals for penalties and interest were necessary as of March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

(n) Net Income per Share

The Company calculates basic net income per share by dividing net income for the period by the basic weighted-average shares of its common stock outstanding for that period.  Diluted net income per share takes into account the effect of dilutive instruments such as unvested restricted stock.

(o) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards granted to the employees of FIDAC and FIDAC’s affiliates at the fair value of the stock-based compensation provided.  The Company measures the fair value of the equity instrument using the stock prices and other measurement assumptions as of the earlier of either the date at which a performance commitment by the recipient is reached or the date at which the recipient’s performance is complete. Compensation expense related to the grants of stock is recognized over the vesting period of such grants based on the fair value of the stock on each quarterly vesting date, at which the recipient’s performance is complete.

Compensation expense for equity based awards granted to the Company’s independent directors is recognized pro-rata over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the fair value of such awards at the grant date.

(p) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could be materially different than anticipated in those estimates, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition. Management has made significant estimates in accounting for income recognition and OTTI on Agency and Non-Agency RMBS and IO RMBS (Note 3), valuation of Agency and Non-Agency RMBS (Notes 3 and 5), and interest rate swaps (Notes 5 and 9).  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
 
11

 
 
(q) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Presentation

Balance Sheet (Topic 210)
 
On December 23, 2011, the FASB released Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  Under this update, the Company is required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement.  The scope includes derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements.   This disclosure is intended to enable financial statement users to understand the effect of such arrangements on the Company’s financial position.   The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2013. As this standard only requires additional disclosure, the adoption of ASU 2011-11 did not have any effect on the consolidated financial statements.  The additional disclosures related to the Company’s repurchase agreements and derivatives are presented in Note 14.

Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02 Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  This update requires the disclosure of information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by component. In addition, it requires presentation, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the Notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated OCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, a cross-reference must be provided to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2013. As this standard only requires additional disclosure, the adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have any effect on the consolidated financial statements.  The additional disclosures related to accumulated OCI are presented in Note 11.

Broad Transactions

Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40)

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure.  This update clarifies when the Company is considered to have obtained physical possession, from an in-substance possession or foreclosure, of a residential real estate property collateralizing a mortgage loan.  Current guidance indicates that the Company should reclassify a collateralized mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the collateral asset recognized when it determines that there has been in substance a repossession or foreclosure by the Company.  This update defines the term in substance repossession or foreclosure to reduce diversity in interpretation of when such an event occurs.  The guidance in this update is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015.  The Company is evaluating the impact of this update.

3.  Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

The Company classifies its Non-Agency RMBS as senior, senior IO, subordinated, subordinated IO, and Non-Agency RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs.  The Company also invests in Agency RMBS.  Senior interests in Non-Agency RMBS are considered to be entitled to the first principal repayments in their pro-rata ownership interests at the reporting date.  The total fair value of the Non-Agency RMBS that are held by consolidated re-securitization trusts was $3.3 billion at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  See Note 8 of these consolidated financial statements for further discussion of consolidated VIEs.

The following tables present the principal or notional value, total premium, total discount, amortized cost, fair value, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and net unrealized gain (loss) related to the Company’s available-for-sale RMBS portfolio as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, by asset class.
 
 
12

 

March 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Principal or
Notional
Value
   
Total
Premium
   
Total
Discount
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Non-Agency RMBS
                                               
          Senior
  $ 126     $ -     $ (69 )   $ 57     $ 69     $ 12     $ -     $ 12  
          Senior interest-only
    2,973,384       132,251       -       132,251       120,051       10,574       (22,774 )     (12,200 )
          Subordinated
    1,043,333       -       (572,464 )     470,869       585,340       117,142       (2,671 )     114,471  
          Subordinated interest-only
    249,466       15,192       -       15,192       14,534       935       (1,593 )     (658 )
          RMBS transferred to
          consolidated variable interest
          entities ("VIEs")
    4,444,160       8,588       (1,994,734 )     2,367,626       3,299,350       931,724       -       931,724  
Agency RMBS
    1,623,245       47,597       -       1,558,159       1,632,644       75,213       (728 )     74,485  
Total
  $ 10,333,714     $ 203,628     $ (2,567,267 )   $ 4,544,154     $ 5,651,988     $ 1,135,600     $ (27,766 )   $ 1,107,834  
                                                                 
December 31, 2012
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Principal or
Notional
Value
   
Total
Premium
   
Total
Discount
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
 
Non-Agency RMBS
                                                               
          Senior
  $ 126     $ -     $ (54 )   $ 72     $ 88     $ 16     $ -     $ 16  
          Senior interest-only
    3,012,868       135,868       -       135,868       122,869       7,976       (20,975 )     (12,999 )
          Subordinated
    1,057,821       -       (584,772 )     473,049       547,794       81,492       (6,747 )     74,745  
          Subordinated interest-only
    256,072       16,180       -       16,180       16,253       1,466       (1,393 )     73  
          RMBS transferred to
          consolidated variable interest
          entities ("VIEs")
    4,610,109       8,955       (2,088,125 )     2,437,048       3,274,204       837,353       (197 )     837,156  
Agency RMBS
    1,756,580       51,502       -       1,720,595       1,806,697       86,419       (317 )     86,102  
Total
  $ 10,693,576     $ 212,505     $ (2,672,951 )   $ 4,782,812     $ 5,767,905     $ 1,014,722     $ (29,629 )   $ 985,093  
 
The table below presents changes in Accretable Yield, or the excess of the security’s cash flows expected to be collected over the Company’s investment, solely as it pertains to the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS portfolio accounted for according to the provisions of ASC 310-30.

    For the Quarter Ended   
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
    (dollars in thousands)   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 2,107,387     $ 2,342,462  
Purchases
    -       86,847  
Accretion
    (85,935 )     (95,108 )
Reclassification (to) from non-accretable difference
    (6,632 )     (11,662 )
Sales
    (31 )     (21,663 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 2,014,789     $ 2,300,876  
 
The table below presents the outstanding principal balance and related amortized cost at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 as it pertains to the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS portfolio accounted for according to the provisions of ASC 310-30.

   
For the Quarter Ended
   
For the Year Ended
 
   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Outstanding principal balance:
       
Beginning of period
  $ 4,508,475     $ 5,245,184  
End of period
  $ 4,346,043     $ 4,508,475  
                 
Amortized cost:
               
Beginning of period
  $ 2,268,751     $ 2,649,303  
End of period
  $ 2,209,140     $ 2,268,751  

The following tables present the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value of the Company’s RMBS by length of time that such securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  All securities in an unrealized loss position have been evaluated by the Company for OTTI as discussed in Note 2(d).
 
 
13

 

March 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
   
Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months
   
Unrealized Loss Position for 12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Number of Securities
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Number of Securities
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Number of Securities
 
Non-Agency RMBS
                                                     
 Senior
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
 Senior interest-only
    40,400       (7,268 )     23       25,398       (15,506 )     15       65,798       (22,774 )     38  
 Subordinated
    -       -       1       17,720       (2,671 )     3       17,720       (2,671 )     4  
 Subordinated interest-only
    8,615       (1,593 )     1       -       -       -       8,615       (1,593 )     1  
 RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Agency RMBS
    5,108       (702 )     5       174       (26 )     1       5,282       (728 )     6  
Total
  $ 54,123     $ (9,563 )     30     $ 43,292     $ (18,203 )     19     $ 97,415     $ (27,766 )     49  
                                                                         
                                                                         
December 31, 2012  
(dollars in thousands)
 
                                                                         
   
Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months
   
Unrealized Loss Position for 12 Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Number of Securities
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Number of Securities
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Number of Securities
 
Non-Agency RMBS
                                                                       
 Senior
  $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -     $ -     $ -       -  
 Senior interest-only
    17,764       (2,828 )     12       52,920       (18,147 )     26       70,684       (20,975 )     38  
 Subordinated
    -       -       -       54,774       (6,747 )     5       54,774       (6,747 )     5  
 Subordinated interest-only
    -       -       -       9,659       (1,393 )     1       9,659       (1,393 )     1  
 RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
    -       -       -       22,490       (197 )     1       22,490       (197 )     1  
Agency RMBS
    234       (76 )     2       993       (241 )     2       1,227       (317 )     4  
Total
  $ 17,998     $ (2,904 )     14     $ 140,836     $ (26,725 )     35     $ 158,834     $ (29,629 )     49  
 
At March 31, 2013, the Company did not intend to sell any of its RMBS that were in an unrealized loss position, and it was not more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell these RMBS before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at their maturity. With respect to RMBS held by consolidated VIEs, the ability of any entity to cause the sale by the VIE prior to the maturity of these RMBS is either expressly prohibited, not probable, or is limited to specified events of default, none of which have occurred to date.

Gross unrealized losses on the Company’s Agency RMBS were $728 thousand and $317 thousand at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Given the credit quality inherent in Agency RMBS, the Company does not consider any of the current impairments on its Agency RMBS to be credit related.  In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell any impaired security before its anticipated recovery, which may be at their maturity, the Company considers the significance of each investment, the amount of impairment, the projected future performance of such impaired securities, as well as the Company’s current and anticipated leverage capacity and liquidity position. Based on these analyses, the Company determined that at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 unrealized losses on its Agency RMBS were temporary.

Gross unrealized losses on the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS (including Non-Agency RMBS held by consolidated VIEs) were $27.0 million and $29.3 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Based upon the most recent evaluation, the Company does not consider these unrealized losses to be indicative of OTTI and does not believe that these unrealized losses are credit related, but rather are due to other factors. The Company has reviewed its Non-Agency RMBS that are in an unrealized loss position to identify those securities with losses that are other-than-temporary based on an assessment of changes in cash flows expected to be collected for such RMBS, which considers recent bond performance and expected future performance of the underlying collateral.

A summary of the OTTI included in earnings for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 is presented below.

    For the Quarter Ended   
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
    (dollars in thousands)   
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
  $ -     $ (32,077 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
    (6,163 )     (16,287 )
Net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses
  $ (6,163 )   $ (48,364 )
 
The following table presents a roll forward of the credit loss component of OTTI on the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS for which a portion of loss was previously recognized in OCI.  The table delineates between those securities that are recognizing OTTI for the first time as opposed to those that have previously recognized OTTI.

 
14

 

    For the Quarter Ended   
   
March 31, 2013
   
March 31, 2012
 
    (dollars in thousands)   
Cumulative credit loss beginning balance
  $ 510,089     $ 452,060  
Additions:
               
Other-than-temporary impairments not previously recognized
    712       31,827  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    (359 )     (290 )
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairments on securities with previously recognized other-than-temporary impairments
    5,451       16,537  
Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security
    (1,947 )     (6,234 )
Cumulative credit loss ending balance
  $ 513,946     $ 493,900  
 
Cash flows generated to determine net other-than-temporary credit impairment losses recognized in earnings are estimated using significant unobservable inputs.  The significant inputs used to measure the component of OTTI recognized in earnings for the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS are summarized as follows:

      For the Quarter Ended   
     
March 31, 2013
March 31, 2012
 
Loss Severity
       
 
Weighted Average
 
45%
54%
 
 
Range
 
41% - 69%
33% - 74%
 
           
60+ days delinquent
       
 
Weighted Average
 
16%
28%
 
 
Range
 
0% - 34%
0% - 45%
 
           
Credit Enhancement (1)
       
 
Weighted Average
 
10%
14%
 
 
Range
 
0% - 48%
0% - 72%
 
           
3 Month CPR
       
 
Weighted Average
 
18%
14%
 
 
Range
 
0% - 25%
0% - 25%
 
           
12 Month CPR
       
 
Weighted Average
 
20%
16%
 
 
Range
 
9% - 35%
9% - 35%
 
           
(1) Calculated as the combined credit enhancement to the Re-REMIC and underlying from each of their respective capital structures.

The following tables present a summary of unrealized gains and losses at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  IO RMBS included in the tables below represent the right to receive a specified proportion of the contractual interest cash flows of the underlying principal balance of specific securities.  At March 31, 2013, IO RMBS had a net unrealized loss of $5.9 million and had an amortized cost of $162.0 million. At December 31, 2012, IO RMBS had a net unrealized loss of $4.8 million and had an amortized cost of $166.0 million.  The fair value of IOs at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $156.1 million, and $161.2 million, respectively. All changes in fair value of IOs are reflected in Net income (loss).
 
 
15

 

March 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
   
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income
   
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated Deficit
   
Total Gross
Unrealized Gain
   
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income
   
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated
Deficit
   
Total Gross
Unrealized Loss
 
Non-Agency RMBS
                                   
       Senior
  $ 12     $ -     $ 12     $ -     $ -     $ -  
       Senior interest-only
    -       10,574       10,574       -       (22,774 )     (22,774 )
       Subordinated
    117,142       -       117,142       (2,671 )     -       (2,671 )
       Subordinated interest-only
    -       935       935       -       (1,593 )     (1,593 )
       RMBS transferred to
       consolidated VIEs
    923,991       7,733       931,724       -       -       -  
Agency RMBS
    75,213       -       75,213       -       (728 )     (728 )
Total
  $ 1,116,358     $ 19,242     $ 1,135,600     $ (2,671 )   $ (25,095 )   $ (27,766 )
                                                 
December 31, 2012
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                                                 
   
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income
   
Gross Unrealized Gain Included in Accumulated Deficit
   
Total Gross
Unrealized Gain
   
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income
   
Gross Unrealized Loss Included in Accumulated Deficit
   
Total Gross
Unrealized Loss
 
Non-Agency RMBS
                                               
       Senior
  $ 16     $ -     $ 16     $ -     $ -     $ -  
       Senior interest-only
    -       7,976       7,976       -       (20,975 )     (20,975 )
       Subordinated
    81,492       -       81,492       (6,747 )     -       (6,747 )
       Subordinated interest-only
    -       1,466       1,466       -       (1,393 )     (1,393 )
       RMBS transferred to
       consolidated VIEs
    829,308       8,045       837,353       (197 )     -       (197 )
Agency RMBS
    86,062       357       86,419       -       (317 )     (317 )
Total
  $ 996,878     $ 17,844     $ 1,014,722     $ (6,944 )   $ (22,685 )   $ (29,629 )
 
Changes in prepayments, actual cash flows, and cash flows expected to be collected, among other items, are affected by the collateral characteristics of each asset class.  The portfolio is most heavily weighted to contain Non-Agency RMBS with credit risk.  The Company chooses assets for the portfolio after carefully evaluating each investment’s risk profile.

The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s RMBS portfolio at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
   
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
   
Principal or Notional
Value at
Period-End
(dollars in thousands)
   
Weighted Average Amortized
Cost Basis
   
Weighted Average
Fair Value
   
Weighted Average Coupon
   
Weighted
Average
Yield at
Period-End
(1)
 
Principal or Notional
Value at Period-End
(dollars in thousands)
   
Weighted Average Amortized
Cost Basis
   
Weighted Average
Fair Value
   
Weighted Average Coupon
   
Weighted Average
Yield at
Period-End
(1)
 
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
                         
  Senior
  $ 126     $ 44.93     $ 54.88       0.00 %     11.90 %   $ 126     $ 57.02     $ 67.00       0.00 %     11.90 %
  Senior, interest only
  $ 2,973,384     $ 4.45     $ 4.04       1.68 %     10.23 %   $ 3,012,868     $ 4.51     $ 4.08       1.76 %     10.36 %
  Subordinated
  $ 1,043,333     $ 45.13     $ 56.10       3.17 %     10.87 %   $ 1,057,821     $ 44.72     $ 51.79       3.18 %     11.07 %
  Subordinated, interest only
  $ 249,466     $ 6.09     $ 5.83       2.11 %     8.29 %   $ 256,072     $ 6.32     $ 6.35       2.25 %     8.90 %
  RMBS transferred to consolidated
  variable interest entities
  $ 4,444,160     $ 54.38     $ 75.78       4.82 %     15.58 %   $ 4,610,109     $ 53.96     $ 72.50       4.88 %     15.44 %
Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
  $ 1,623,245     $ 103.15     $ 108.08       4.57 %     3.55 %   $ 1,756,580     $ 103.09     $ 108.24       4.65 %     3.59 %
                                                                                 
(1) Bond Equivalent Yield at period end.
                                 
 
The following table presents the weighted average credit rating, based on the lowest rating available, of the Company’s Non-Agency RMBS portfolio at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
 
AAA
0.01 %     0.01 %
AA
0.41 %     0.46 %
BB
1.41 %     1.41 %
B 1.16 %     1.19 %
Below B or not rated
97.01 %     96.93 %
Total
100.00 %     100.00 %
 
Actual maturities of RMBS are generally shorter than the stated contractual maturities.  Actual maturities of the Company’s RMBS are affected by the contractual lives of the underlying mortgages, periodic payments of principal and prepayments of principal.  The following tables provide a summary of the fair value and amortized cost of the Company’s RMBS at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 according to their estimated weighted-average life classifications.  The weighted-average lives of the RMBS in the tables below are based on lifetime expected prepayment rates using an industry prepayment model for the Agency RMBS portfolio and the Company’s prepayment assumptions for the Non-Agency RMBS.  The prepayment model considers current yield, forward yield, steepness of the interest rate curve, current mortgage rates, mortgage rates of the outstanding loan, loan age, margin, and volatility.
 
 
16

 
 
March 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Weighted Average Life
 
                               
   
Less than
one year
   
Greater than one
year and less
than five years
   
Greater than five
years and less
than ten years
   
Greater than
ten years
   
Total
 
Fair value
                             
     Non-Agency RMBS
                             
    Senior
  $ -     $ -     $ 69     $ -     $ 69  
    Senior interest-only
    244       49,145       61,884       8,778       120,051  
    Subordinated
    5,414       49,834       351,514       178,578       585,340  
    Subordinated interest-only
    -       -       8,615       5,919       14,534  
    RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
    8,486       310,388       1,911,640       1,068,836       3,299,350  
     Agency RMBS
    103       1,397,456       235,085       -       1,632,644  
Total fair value
  $ 14,247     $ 1,806,823     $ 2,568,807     $ 1,262,111     $ 5,651,988  
Amortized cost
                                       
     Non-Agency RMBS
                                       
    Senior
    -     $ -     $ 57     $ -     $ 57  
    Senior interest-only
    512       60,307       64,007       7,425       132,251  
    Subordinated
    4,300       42,754       293,600       130,215       470,869  
    Subordinated interest-only
    -       -       10,208       4,984       15,192  
    RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
    7,860       243,331       1,339,730       776,705       2,367,626  
     Agency RMBS
    128       1,331,993       226,038       -       1,558,159  
Total amortized cost
  $ 12,800     $ 1,678,385     $ 1,933,640     $ 919,329     $ 4,544,154  
                                         
December 31, 2012
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Weighted Average Life
 
                                         
   
Less than
one year
   
Greater than one
year and less
than five years
   
Greater than five
years and less
than ten years
   
Greater than
ten years
   
Total
 
Fair value
                                       
     Non-Agency RMBS
                                       
    Senior
  $ -     $ -     $ 88     $ -     $ 88  
    Senior interest-only
    358       47,205       66,927       8,379       122,869  
    Subordinated
    4,092       23,948       359,310       160,444       547,794  
    Subordinated interest-only
    -       -       9,658       6,595       16,253  
    RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
    12,118       312,690       2,055,568       893,828       3,274,204  
     Agency RMBS
    146       1,802,720       3,831       -       1,806,697  
Total fair value
  $ 16,714     $ 2,186,563     $ 2,495,382     $ 1,069,246     $ 5,767,905  
Amortized cost
                                       
     Non-Agency RMBS
                                       
    Senior
  $ -     $ -     $ 72     $ -     $ 72  
    Senior interest-only
    657       58,037       70,044       7,130       135,868  
    Subordinated
    2,649       20,593       318,422       131,385       473,049  
    Subordinated interest-only
    -       -       11,051       5,129       16,180  
    RMBS transferred to consolidated VIEs
    11,184       248,699       1,493,647       683,518       2,437,048  
     Agency RMBS
    157       1,716,964       3,474       -       1,720,595  
Total amortized cost
  $ 14,647     $ 2,044,293     $ 1,896,710     $ 827,162     $ 4,782,812  
 
The Non-Agency RMBS portfolio is subject to credit risk.  The Company seeks to mitigate credit risk through its asset selection process.  The Non-Agency RMBS portfolio is primarily collateralized by what the Company classifies as Alt-A first lien mortgages.  The Company categorizes collateral as Alt-A regardless of whether the loans were originally described as “prime” if the behavior of the collateral when the Company purchased the security more typically resembles Alt-A.  The Company defines Alt-A collateral characteristics to be evidenced by the 60+ day delinquency bucket of the pool being greater than 5% and the weighted average FICO scores at the time of origination as greater than 650.  At March 31, 2013, 99.5% of the Non-Agency RMBS collateral was Alt-A.  At December 31, 2012, 99.5% of the Non-Agency RMBS collateral was Alt-A.

The Non-Agency RMBS in the Portfolio have the following collateral characteristics at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
 
17

 

 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012