0001562528us-gaap:FirstMortgageMembernaics:ZZ236116bsprt:Senior104Member2020-12-31

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172020
 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: 000-55188
BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Maryland46-1406086
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
9 West 57th Street, Suite 4920, New York, NY10019
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(212) 588-6770 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: NoneAct
Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolsName of exchange on which registered
None
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share (Title
(Title of class)Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 (§ 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). x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or 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.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company¨
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 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No



There is no established public market for the registrant's shares of common stock. On November 9, 2017,2, 2020, the board of directors of the registrant, , upon the recommendation of the registrant’s external advisor, unanimously approved and established an estimated net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the registrant’s common stock of $19.02.$17.88. The estimated NAV per share is based upon the estimated value of the registrant’s assets less the registrant’s liabilities as of September 30, 2017.2020. For a full description of the methodologies used to value the registrant’s assets and liabilities in connection with the calculation of the estimated NAV per share, see Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.”
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock on February 28, 20182021 was 31,533,37044,135,876 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the registrant's 20182021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. The registrant intends to file its proxy statement within 120 days after its fiscal year end.



BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.


FORM 10-K
Year Ended December 31, 20172020





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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. ("we," "our," "us," or the "Company") and members of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "seeks," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "should" or similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law.
Our forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements, and thus our investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this report,Annual Report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. These factors include:
our business and investment strategy;
our ability to make investments in a timely manner or on acceptable terms;
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;
current credit market conditions and our ability to obtain long-term financing for our investments in a timely manner and on terms that are consistent with what we project when we invest;
the effect of general market, real estate market, economic and political conditions, including the recent economic slowdown and dislocation in the global credit markets;
our ability to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations;
our ability to generate sufficient cash flows to make distributions to our stockholders;
our ability to generate sufficient debt and equity capital to fund additional investments;
our ability to refinance our existing financing arrangements;
the degree and nature of our competition;
the availability of qualified personnel;
we may be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), and thus subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act; and
our ability to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust ("REIT").

All forward-looking statements should be read in light of the risks identified in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





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Table of Contents

PART I
Item 1. Business
Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”), formerly known as Realty Finance Trust, Inc., is a real estate finance company that primarily originates, acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments secured by properties located within and outside the United States. The Company was incorporated in Maryland on November 15, 2012 and commenced business operations on May 14, 2013. We made a tax election to be treated as a real estate investment trust (a "REIT") for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that we have qualified as a REIT and we intend to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. Substantially all of our business is conducted through Benefit Street Partners Realty Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “OP”), a Delaware limited partnership. We are the sole general partner and directly or indirectly hold all of the units of limited partner interests in the OP. In addition, the Company, through a subsidiary which is treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (a “TRS”), is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes.
The Company has no direct employees. Benefit Street Partners L.L.C. serves as our advisor ("Advisor") pursuant to an advisory agreement executed on September 29, 2016, as amended and restated by the amended and restated advisory agreement, executed on January 19, 2018 (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisor, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"),SEC, is a credit-focused alternative asset management firm.
Established in 2008, our Advisor's credit platform manages funds for institutions and high-net-worth investors across various credit funds and complementary strategies including high yield, levered loans, private / private/opportunistic debt, liquid credit, structured credit and commercial real estate debt. These strategies complement each other as they all leverage the sourcing, analytical, compliance, and operational capabilities that encompass the platform. The Advisor manages the Company's affairs on a day-to-day basis. The Advisor receives compensation fees and feesreimbursements for services related to the investment and management of the Company's assets and the operations of the Company. Prior to September 29, 2016, Realty Finance Advisors, LLC ("Former Advisor") was the Company's advisor. The Former Advisor was controlled by AR Global Investments, LLC ("AR Global")advisor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc., which together with its various subsidiaries operates as "Franklin Templeton”.
The Company invests in commercial real estate debt investments, which may include first mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans. The Company also originates conduit loans which the Company intends to sell through its TRS into commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") securitization transactions at a profit.transactions.
The Company may also investinvests in commercial real estate securities.securities and properties. Real estate securities may include CMBS, senior unsecured debt of publicly traded REITs, debt or equity securities of other publicly traded real estate companies and collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"). Property investments, other than properties owned in connection with a foreclosure, are generally subject to triple net leases.
Investment Objectives
We plan to implement policies and strategies to achieve our primary investment objectives:
to pay attractive and stable cash distributions to stockholders; and
to preserve and return stockholders’ invested capital.
Investment Strategies and Policies
OurWe have four investment strategies. One strategy is to originate, acquire and manage a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt, including first mortgage loans, subordinate loans, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans. We expect that our portfolio of debt investments will be secured by real estate located within and outside the United States and diversified by property type and geographic location. We may alsoThe second strategy is to invest in commercial real estate securities, such as CMBS, senior unsecured debt of publicly-traded REITs and CDO notes. The third strategy is to originate conduit loans and sell them through our TRS business into CMBS securitization transactions. The fourth strategy represents real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure, and purchases of real estate that generally are, or will be, subject to a triple net lease.
We will seek to create and maintain a portfolio of commercial real estate investments that generate stable income to enable us to pay attractive and consistent cash distributions to our stockholders. Our focus on originating and acquiring commercial real estate debt instruments emphasizes the payment of current returns to investors and preservation of invested capital as our primary investment objectives.
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Commercial Real Estate Debt
We originate, fund, acquire and structure commercial real estate debt, including first mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, bridge loans, and other loans related to commercial real estate. We may also acquire some equity participations in the underlying collateral of commercial real estate debt. We structure, underwrite, and originate most of our investments. We use conservative underwriting criteria to focus on risk adjusted returns based on several factors, which may include the leverage point, debt service coverage and sensitivity, lease sustainability studies, market and economic conditions, quality of the underlying collateral and location, reputation and track record of the borrower, and a clear exit or refinancing plan for the borrower. Our underwriting process involves comprehensive financial, structural, operational, and legal due diligence to assess

any risks in connection with making such investments so that we can optimize pricing and structuring. By originating loans directly, we are able to structure and underwrite loans that satisfy our standards, establish a direct relationship with the borrower, and utilize our own documentation. Described below are some of the types of loans we may originate or acquire. In addition, although we generally prefer the benefits of new origination, market conditions can create situations where holders of commercial real estate debt may be in distress and are therefore willing to sell at prices that compensate the buyer for the lack of control typically associated with directly structured investments.
First Mortgage Loans
We primarily focus on first mortgage loans. First mortgage loans generally finance the acquisition, refinancing or rehabilitation of commercial real estate. First mortgage loans may be either short (one-to-five years) or long (up to ten years) term, may be fixed or floating rate, and are predominantly current-pay loans. We may originate or acquire current-pay first mortgage loans backed by properties that fit our investment strategy. We may selectively syndicate portions of these loans, including senior or junior participations that will effectively provide permanent financing or optimize returns which may include retained origination fees.
First mortgage loans typically provide for a higher recovery rate and lower defaults than other debt positions due to the lender's favorable control position, which at times can include control of the entire capital structure. Because of these attributes, this type of investment typically receives favorable treatment from third-party rating agencies and financing sources, which should increase the liquidity of these investments. However, these loans typically generate lower returns than subordinate debt, such as subordinate loans and mezzanine loans, commonly referred to as B-notes.
B-notes
B- notesB-notes consist of subordinate mortgage loans, including structurally subordinated first mortgage loans and junior participations in first mortgage loans or participations in these types of assets. Like first mortgage loans, these loans generally finance the acquisition, refinancing, rehabilitation or construction of commercial real estate. Subordinated mortgage loans or B-notes may be either short (one-to-five years) or long (up to ten years) term, may be fixed or floating rate, and are predominantly current-pay loans. We may originate or acquire current-pay subordinated mortgage loans or B-notes backed by high quality properties that fit our investment strategy. We may create subordinated mortgage loans by tranching our directly originated first mortgage loans generally through syndications of senior first mortgages or buy such assets directly from third party originators. Due to the limited opportunities in this part of the capital structure, we believe there are certain situations that allow us to directly originate or to buy subordinated mortgage investments from third parties on favorable terms.
Bridge Loans
We may offer bridge financing products to borrowers who are typically seeking short-term capital to be used in an acquisition, development or refinancing of a given property. From the borrower’s perspective, shorter term bridge financing is advantageous because it allows time to improve the property value through repositioning without encumbering it with restrictive long-term debt. The terms of these loans generally do not exceed three years.
Mezzanine Loans
Mezzanine loans are secured by one or more direct or indirect ownership interests in an entity that directly or indirectly owns commercial real estate and generally finance the acquisition, refinancing, rehabilitation or construction of commercial real estate. Mezzanine loans may be either short (one-to-five years) or long (up to ten years) term and may be fixed or floating rate. We may originate or acquire mezzanine loans backed by properties that fit our investment strategy. We may own such mezzanine loans directly or we may hold a participation in a mezzanine loan or a sub-participation in a mezzanine loan. These loans are predominantly current-pay loans (although there may be a portion of the interest that accrues) and may provide for participation in the value or cash flow appreciation of the underlying property as described below. With the credit market disruption and resulting dearth of capital available in this part of the capital structure, we believe that the opportunities to both directly originate and to buy mezzanine loans from third parties on favorable terms will continue to be attractive.
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Equity Participations or “Kickers”
We may pursue equity participation opportunities in connection with our commercial real estate debt originations if we believe that the risk-reward characteristics of the loan merit additional upside participation related to the potential appreciation in value of the underlying assets securing the loan. Equity participations can be paid in the form of additional interest, exit fees, percentage of sharing in refinance or resale proceeds or warrants in the borrower. Equity participation can also take the form of a conversion feature, sometimes referred to as a "kicker," which permits the lender to convert a loan or preferred equity investment into common equity in the borrower at a negotiated premium to the current net asset value of the borrower. We expect to generate additional revenues from these equity participations as a result of excess cash flows being distributed or as appreciated properties are sold or refinanced.

Commercial Real Estate Securities
In addition to our focus on origination of and investments in commercial real estate debt, we may also acquire commercial real estate securities, such as CMBS, unsecured REIT debt, CDO notes, and equity investments in entities that own commercial real estate.
CMBS
CMBS are securities that are collateralized by, or evidence ownership interests in, a single commercial mortgage loan or a partial or entire pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial properties. CMBS are generally pass-through certificates that represent beneficial ownership interests in common law trusts whose assets consist of defined portfolios of one or more commercial mortgage loans. They are typically issued in multiple tranches whereby the more senior classes are entitled to priority distributions of specified principal and interest payments from the trust’s underlying assets. The senior classes are often securities which, if rated, would have ratings ranging from low investment grade “BBB-” to higher investment grades “A,” “AA” or “AAA.” The junior, subordinated classes typically would include one or more non-investment grade classes which, if rated, would have ratings below investment grade “BBB.” Losses and other shortfalls from expected amounts to be received on the mortgage pool are borne first by the most subordinate classes, which receive payments only after the more senior classes have received all principal and/or interest to which they are entitled. We may invest in senior or subordinated, investment grade or non-investment grade CMBS, as well as unrated CMBS.
Unsecured Publicly-Traded REIT Debt Securities
We may also choose to acquire senior unsecured debt of publicly-traded equity REITs that acquire and hold real estate. Publicly-traded REITs may own large, diversified pools of commercial real estate properties or they may focus on a specific type of property, such as shopping centers, office buildings, multifamily properties and industrial warehouses. Publicly-traded REITs typically employ moderate leverage. Corporate bonds issued by these types of REITs are usually rated investment grade and benefit from strong covenant protection.
CDO Notes
CDOs are multiple class debt notes, secured by pools of assets, such as CMBS, mezzanine loans, and unsecured REIT debt. Like typical securitization structures, in a CDO, the assets are pledged to a trustee for the benefit of the holders of the bonds. CDOs often have reinvestment periods that typically last for five years, during which time, proceeds from the sale of a collateral asset may be invested in substitute collateral. Upon termination of the reinvestment period, the static pool functions very similarly to a CMBS securitization where repayment of principal allows for redemption of bonds sequentially.
Commercial Real Estate Equity Investments
We may acquire: (i) equity interests (including preferred equity) in an entity (including, without limitation, a partnership or a limited liability company) that is an owner of commercial real property (or in an entity operating or controlling commercial real property, directly or through affiliates), which may be structured to receive a priority return or is senior to the owner's equity (in the case of preferred equity); (ii) certain strategic joint venture opportunities where the risk-return and potential upside through sharing in asset or platform appreciation is compelling; and (iii) private issuances of equity securities (including preferred equity securities) of public companies. Our commercial real estate equity investments may or may not have a scheduled maturity and are expected to be of longer duration (five-to-ten year terms) than our typical portfolio investment. Such investments are expected to be fixed rate (if they have a stated investment rate) and may have accrual structures and provide other distributions or equity participations in overall returns above negotiated levels.
Conduit Loans
The Company originates conduit loans which the Company intends to sell through its TRS into CMBS securitization transactions at a profit. The Conduit loans are typically fixed-rate commercial real estate loans and are long (up to ten years) term, and are predominantly current-pay loans.
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Other Possible Investments
Although we expect that most of our investments will be of the types described above, we may make other investments. We may invest in whatever types of interests in real estate-related assets that we believe are in our best interest which may include the commercial real property underlying our debt investments as a result of a loan workout, foreclosure or similar circumstances. Although we can purchase any type of real estate-related assets, our charter does limit our ability to make certain types of investments.
Investment Process
Our Advisor has the authority to make all the decisions regarding our investments consistent with the investment guidelines and borrowing policies approved by our board of directors and subject to the limitations in our charter and the direction and oversight of our board of directors. With respect to investments in commercial real estate debt, our board of directors has adopted investment guidelines that our Advisor must follow when acquiring such assets on our behalf without the approval of our board of directors. We will not, however, purchase assets in which our Advisor, any of our directors or any of their affiliates has an interest without a determination by a majority of our directors (including a majority of the independent directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction that such transaction is fair and reasonable to us and at a price to us no greater than the cost of the asset to the affiliated seller, unless there is substantial justification for the excess amount and such

excess is reasonable. Our charter requires that our independent directors review our investment guidelines at least annually to determine that the policies we are following are in the best interests of our stockholders. Each determination and the basis of such determination shall be set forth in the minutes of the meetings of our board of directors. Our investment guidelines and borrowing policies except to the extent set forth in our charter, may be altered by a majority of our directors, including a majority of the independent directors without approval of our stockholders. Our Advisor may not alter our investment guidelines or borrowing policies without the approval of a majority of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors.
Borrowing Strategies and Policies
In addition to raising capital through our distribution reinvestment plan (the "DRIP") offering and private placements, ourOur financing strategy primarily includes the use of secured repurchase agreement facilities for loans, securities and securitizations. We have also raised capital through private placements of our equity securities. In addition to our current mix of financing sources, we may also access additional forms of financings, including credit facilities, and public andor private secured and unsecured debt issuances by us or our subsidiaries.
We expect to use additional debt financing as a source of capital. We intend to employ reasonable levels of borrowing in order to provide more cash available for investment and to generate improved returns. We believe that careful use of leverage will help us to achieve our diversification goals and potentially enhance the returns on our investments. Our board of directors reviews our aggregate borrowings at least quarterly to ensure the amount remains reasonable in relation to our net assets and may from time-to-time modify our leverage policy in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, fair value of our assets, growth and acquisition opportunities or other factors they deem appropriate.quarterly.
Income Taxes
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2013. In general, as a REIT, if we meet certain organizational and operational requirements and distribute at least 90% of our "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders in a year, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that we distribute. We believe that we currently qualify and we intend to continue to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and statutory relief provisions were not to apply, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax (including, for taxable years ending before January 1, 2018, any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our income at regular corporate tax rates for the year in which we do not qualify and the succeeding four years. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
We pay income taxes on our Conduit segment, which is conducted by aour wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS") of the REIT.TRS. The income taxes on the Conduit segment are paid at the U.S. federal and applicable state levels.
Competition
Our net income depends, in large part, on our ability to originate investments that provide returns in excess of our borrowing cost. In originating these investments, we compete with other mortgage REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, private funds, other lenders, governmental bodies, and other entities, many of which have greater financial resources and lower costs of capital available to them than we have. In addition, there are numerous mortgage REITs with asset acquisition objectives similar to ours, and others may be organized in the future, which may increase competition for the investments suitable for us. Competitive variables include market presence and visibility, size of loans offered and underwriting standards. To the extent that a competitor is willing to risk larger amounts of capital in a particular transaction or to employ more liberal underwriting standards when evaluating potential loans than we are, our investment volume and profit margins for our investment portfolio could be impacted. Our competitors may also be willing to accept lower returns on their investments and may succeed in buying or underwriting the assets that we have targeted. Although we believe that we are well positioned to compete effectively in each facet of our business, there is enormous competition in our market sector and there can be no assurance that we will compete effectively or that we will not encounter increased competition in the future that could limit our ability to conduct our business effectively.
Financial Information About Industry Segments
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We conduct our business through the following segments:
The real estate debt business is focused on originating, acquiring, and asset managing commercial real estate debt investments, including first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgages, mezzanine loans, and participations in such loans.
The real estate securities business will be focused on investing in and asset managing commercial real estate securities primarily consistingTable of CMBS and may include unsecured REIT debt, CDO notes and other securities.Contents

The conduit business operates through the Company's TRS, which is focused on generating superior risk-adjusted returns by originating and subsequently selling fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market at a profit.
See Note 14 - Segment Reporting for further information regarding the Company's segments.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017,2020, we had no direct employees. Our executive officers serve as officers of our Advisor and are employed by an affiliate of our Advisor. The employees of the Advisor and other affiliates of the Advisor perform a full range of real estate services for us, including origination, acquisitions, accounting, legal, asset management, wholesale brokerage, and investor relations services. We are dependent on these affiliates for services that are essential to us, including asset acquisition decisions, and other general administrative responsibilities. In the event that any of these companies were unable to provide these services to us, we would be required to provide such services ourselves or obtain such services from other sources.
Government Regulation
Our operations are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by U.S. and other governmental authorities, and may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions, which, among other things: (i) regulate credit-granting activities; (ii) establish maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; (iii) require disclosures to customers; (iv) govern secured transactions; and (v) set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims-handling procedures and other trade practices. We intend to conduct our business so that neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
In our judgment, existing statutes and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on our business. In recent years, legislators in the United States and in other countries have said that greater regulation of financial services firms is needed, particularly in areas such as risk management, leverage, and disclosure. While we expect that additional new regulations in these areas will be adopted and existing ones may change in the future, it is not possible at this time to forecast the exact nature of any future legislation, regulations, judicial decisions, orders or interpretations, nor their impact upon our future business, financial condition, or results of operations or prospects.
Impact of COVID-19
Refer to “Covid-19 Pandemic” in Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the impact COVID-19 is having on our business and results of operations and financial condition.
Available Information
We electronically file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, and proxy statements, with the SEC. We also filed with the SEC a registration statement in connection with our dividend reinvestment plan ("DRIP") securities offerings. Individuals may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, or may obtain information by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet address at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and information statements, and other information, which may be obtained free of charge. In addition, copies of our filings with the SEC may be obtained from the website maintained for us at www.bsprealtytrust.com. Access to these filings is free of charge. We are not incorporating our website or any information from the website into this Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to an Investment in Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is materially and adversely affecting our financial condition, operating results and cash flows and the operations and financial performance of many of the borrowers underlying our real estate-related assets, and we expect the adverse impacts will continue in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and another pandemic or public health crisis in the future could have, repercussions across domestic and global economies and financial markets. The global impact of the COVID-19 outbreak evolved rapidly and many governmental authorities, including state and local governments in regions in which our borrowers own properties, have reacted by instituting government restrictions, border closings, quarantines, “shelter-in-place” orders and “social distancing” guidelines which have forced many of our borrowers to suspend or significantly restrict their business activities, and has resulted in a dramatic increase in national unemployment and corporate bankruptcies, with particularly adverse impacts on the retail, including restaurants, and hospitality sectors.
The COVID-19 pandemic is materially and adversely affecting our financial condition, operating results and cash flows and the operations and financial performance of many of the borrowers underlying our real estate-related assets, and we expect the adverse impacts will continue in the future. Specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic has:
significantly disrupted the financial markets for the assets in our real estate securities portfolio, resulting in significant decreases in market values for these assets and significant market volatility. This has resulted in margin calls from our lenders, which we have thus far satisfied, and could result in future margin calls which, if not satisfied, could result in the liquidation of some of our assets at significant losses.
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resulted in a decline in the value of commercial real estate generally, and significant declines in certain assets classes, including hospitality and retail, which has negatively impacted the value of our commercial mortgage loan portfolio, and could continue to negatively impact the value in the future, potentially materially.
negatively impacted the financial stability of many of our borrowers, which has and is expected to continue to result in an increase in the number of our borrowers who become delinquent or default on their loans, or who seek to defer payment on or to amend the terms of their loans. Borrowers in the hospitality and retail sector have been particularly adversely impacted.
increased the cost and decreased the availability of debt capital, including as a result of dislocations in the commercial mortgage-backed securities market, which has currently made raising capital through CDO or CLO securitizations impracticable, and as a result of lenders permitting significantly lower advance rates on our repurchase agreements.
as a result of the decline in the market value of the loans in our CDOs and CLOs, we may not meet certain interest coverage tests, over-collateralization coverage tests or other tests that could result in a change in the priority of distributions, which could result in the reduction or elimination of distributions to the subordinate debt and equity tranches we own until the tests have been met or certain senior classes of securities have been paid in full. Accordingly, we may experience a reduction in our cash flow from those interests which may adversely affect our liquidity and therefore our ability to fund our operations or address maturing liabilities on a timely basis.
resulted in a general decline in business activity which if continued will result in a decline in demand for mortgage financing, which could adversely affect our ability to make new investments or to redeploy the proceeds from repayments of our existing investments.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our or our borrowers’ operations will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, including any resurgences, the speed and effectiveness of vaccine and treatment developments and the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures. The inability of our borrowers to meet their loan obligations and/or borrowers filing for bankruptcy protection would reduce our cash flows, which would impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the full adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, many risk factors set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be interpreted as heightened risks as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We may be unable to maintain or increase cash distributions over time, or may decide to reduce the amount of distributions for business reasons.
There are many factors that can affect the amount and timing of cash distributions to stockholders. The amount of cash available for distributions is affected by many factors, such as the cash provided by ourthe Company's investments and our obligations to repay indebtedness as well as many other variables. There is no assurance that wethe Company will be able to pay or maintain ourthe current level of distributions or that distributions will increase over time. Historically ourIn certain prior periods, distributions have been significantly in excess of our cash flowflows from operations, a practice which is not sustainable overoperations. Distributions in excess of earnings will decrease the long term. Webook value and NAV per share of common stock. The Company cannot give any assurance that returns from ourthe investments will be sufficient to maintain or increase our cash available for distributions to stockholders. Our actualActual results may differ significantly from the assumptions used by ourthe board of directors in establishing the distribution rate to stockholders. WeThe Company may not have sufficient cash from operations to make a distribution required to qualify for or maintain our REIT status, which may materially adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Distributions paid in excess of our earnings will decrease the book value and NAV per share of our common stock.
Since our inception we have repeatedly paid distributions in excess of our earnings and we may continue to do so as we have not established any limit on the use of these other sources, except as limited by applicable law. Distributions paid in excess of earnings are effectively a return of stockholder capital and will therefore decrease the book value and NAV per share of our common stock.
Distributions paid from sources other than our cash flow from operations will result in us having fewer funds available for investments, which may adversely affect our ability to fund future distributions with cash flow from operations and may adversely affect the overall return on an investment in our common stock.
Our cash flows provided by operations were approximately $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid distributions of approximately $58.9 million, of which approximately $20.1 million, or 34.1%, was funded from proceeds from common stock issued underor Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) or Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and together with the DRIP. We may in the future continue to pay distributions from sources other than from our cash flows from operations. By using sources other than cash flow from operations, we reduce the amount of income-generating investments we can make, which reduces our ability to maintain and increase our distributions.Series A Preferred Stock, (the "Preferred Stock").
No established trading market for our shares currently exists, and as a result, it will be difficult for you to sell our shares. If our shares and, ifare listed they may trade below our investors are able to sell their shares, they will likely sell them at a substantial discount to their original purchase price.estimated NAV per share or our GAAP book value per share.
OurThe Company's charter does not require ourthe board of directors to seek stockholder approval to liquidate our assets by a specified date, nor does our charter require us to list our shares for trading on a national securities exchange by a specified date or otherwise

pursue a transaction to provide liquidity to our stockholders. There is no established trading market for our shares and weour shares are not currently have no plans to list our shareslisted on a national securities exchange. Until our shares are listed, if ever, our stockholders may nothave difficulty selling their shares. If our shares are eventually listed, they may trade at prices significantly below our estimated NAV per share and our most recent GAAP book value due to, among other things, significant selling pressure from legacy stockholders that had previously been unable to sell or the market perception that such selling pressure will occur. To address this risk the Company could delay the ability of legacy stockholders to sell all of their shares unless the buyer meets the applicable suitability and minimum purchase standards. In addition, our charter prohibits the ownership of more than 9.8% in value of our stock or more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of share of our stock, unless exempted by our board of directors, which may inhibit large investors from purchasing shares. Therefore, it will be difficult to sell shares promptly or at all. If our stockholders are able to sell their shares, they would likely have to sell them atupon a substantial discount to their original purchase price. It is also likely that our shares would not be accepted as the primary collateral for a loan.successful listing. Because of the illiquid nature of our shares, investors should purchase our shares only as a long-term investment and be prepared to hold them for an indefinite period of time.
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Our amended and restated share repurchase program (the "SRP"), which is subject to numerous restrictions, may be canceled at any time and should not be relied upon as a means of liquidity.
We have adoptedThe Company has a SRP which became effective on February 28, 2016, and was most recently amended on August 10, 2017, that may enable investors to sell their shares to us in limited circumstances. Share repurchases are made at the sole discretion of ourthe board of directors. In its sole discretion, ourthe board of directors could amend, suspend or terminate our SRP upon 30 days prior written notice to stockholders. Further, the SRP includes numerous restrictions that would limit the ability to sell shares. For example, the SRP has historically been limited to the proceeds from our DRIP which has frequently resulted in us not satisfying all SRP requests for a given semester. Due to the foregoing, our SRP should not be relied upon as a means of liquidity.
If our Advisor loses or is unable to obtain key personnel, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be delayed or hindered, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions and the value of our common stock.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the contributions of certain of our executive officers and other key personnel of our Advisor, each of whom would be difficult to replace. We cannot guarantee that all, or any particular officer or employee of the Advisor, will remain associated with us and/or our Advisor. If any of our key personnel were to cease their employment with our Advisor, our operating results could suffer. Further, we do not intend to separately maintain key person life insurance on any person. We believe that our future success depends, in large part, upon our Advisor’s ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, operational and marketing personnel.
Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that our Advisor will be successful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. If our Advisor loses or is unable to obtain the services of key personnel, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be delayed or hindered, and the value of your investment may decline.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to recover claims against our independent directors are limited, which could reduce any recovery against them if they negligently cause us to incur losses.
Maryland law provides that a director has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs their duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. We have entered into an indemnification agreement formalizing our indemnification obligations with respect to our officers and directors and certain former officers and directors. Our charter generally provides that: (i) no director shall be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages (provided that such director satisfies certain applicable criteria); (ii) we will generally indemnify non-independent directors for losses unless they are negligent or engage in misconduct; and (iii) we will generally indemnify independent directors for losses unless they are grossly negligent or engage in willful misconduct. As a result, our stockholders and we may have more limited rights against our independent directors than might otherwise exist under common law, which could reduce any recovery from these persons if they act in a negligent manner. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our independent directors (as well as by our other directors, officers, employees (if we ever have employees) and agents) in some cases, which would decrease the cash otherwise available for distribution.
Our business could suffer in the event our Advisor or any other party that provides us with services essential to our operations experiences system failures or cyber-incidents or a deficiency in cybersecurity.
Despite system redundancy, the implementation of security measures and the existence of a disaster recovery plan for the internal information technology systems of our Advisor and other parties that provide us with services essential to our operations, these systems are vulnerable to damage from any number of sources, including computer viruses, unauthorized access, energy blackouts, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication failures. Any system failure or accident that causes interruptions in our operations could result in a material disruption to our business.
A cyber-incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of information resources. More specifically, a cyber-incident is an intentional attack or an unintentional event that can result in third parties gaining unauthorized access to systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal confidential information. As reliance on technology in our industry has increased, so have the risks posed to the systems of our Advisor and other parties that provide us with services essential to our operations, both internal and those that have been outsourced. In addition, the risk

of a cyber-incident, including by computer hackers, foreign governments and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. Even the most well protected information, networks, systems and facilities remain potentially vulnerable because the techniques used in such attempted attacks and intrusions evolve and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected and, in fact, may not be detected.
The remediation costs and lost revenues experienced by a victim of a cyber-incident may be significant and significant resources may be required to repair system damage, protect against the threat of future security breaches or to alleviate problems, including reputational harm, loss of revenues and litigation, caused by any breaches. In addition, a security breach or other significant disruption involving the IT networks and related systems of our Advisor or any other party that provides us with services essential to our operations could:
result in misstated financial reports, violations of loan covenants, missed reporting deadlines and/or missed permitting deadlines;
affect our ability to properly monitor our compliance with the rules and regulations regarding our qualification as a REIT;
result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of, proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information, which others could use to compete against us or for disruptive, destructive or otherwise harmful purposes and outcomes;
require significant management attention and resources to remedy any damages that result;
subject us to claims for breach of contract, damages, credits, penalties or termination of leases or other agreements; or
adversely impact our reputation among our borrowers and investors generally.
Although ourthe Advisor and other parties that provide us with services essential to our operations intend to continue to implement industry-standard security measures, there can be no assurance that those measures will be sufficient, and any material adverse effect experienced by ourthe Advisor and other parties that provide us with services essential to our operations could, in turn, have an adverse impact on us.
Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest
OurThe Advisor faces conflicts of interest relating to purchasing commercial real estate-related investments, and such conflicts may not be resolved in our favor, which could adversely affect our investment opportunities.
We rely on ourthe Advisor and the executive officers and other key real estate professionals at our Advisor to identify suitable investment opportunities for us. Although there are restrictions in the advisory agreementAdvisory Agreement we have entered into with the Advisor with respect to the Advisor’s ability to manage another REIT that competes with us, or to provide any services related to fixed-rate conduit lending to another person, ourthe Advisor and its employees are not otherwise restricted from engaging in investment and investment management activities unrelated to us. Some investment opportunities that are suitable for us may also be suitable for other investment vehicles managed by the Advisor or its affiliates. Thus, the executive officers and real estate professionals of ourthe Advisor could direct attractive investment opportunities to other entities or investors. Such events could result in us investing in assets that provide less attractive returns, which may reduce our ability to make distributions.
OurThe Advisor and its employees face competing demands relating to their time, and this may cause our operating results to suffer.
OurThe Advisor and its employees are engaged in investment and investment management activities unrelated to us. Because these persons have competing demands on their time and resources, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time between our business and these other activities. If this occurs, the returns on our investments may suffer.
Our Advisor does not own shares
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Although the Advisor has committed that the Advisor and/or its affiliates shall hold an equity investment in the Company of at least $10 million within a certain period, our Advisor does not currently own shares of our common stock. Since the Advisor receives significant fees annually that are not dependent on increases in the value of our common stock, the Advisor’s interests are not as aligned as an advisor that had a significant equity investment or that had a significant portion of annual fees tied to the value of our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
The limit on the number of shares a person may own may discourage a takeover that could otherwise result in a premium price to our stockholders.
OurThe Company's charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes ourthe board of directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT. Unless exempted by ourthe board of directors, no person or entity may own more than 9.8%7.9% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of stock or more than 9.8%7.9% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of shares of our stock determined after applying certain rules of attribution. This restriction may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer or sale of all or substantially all our assets) that might provide a premium price for holders of our common stock.
Our charter permits our boardCertain provisions of directors to issue stock with terms that may subordinate the rights of common stockholders or discourage a third party from acquiring us in a manner that might result in a premium price to our stockholders.
Our charter permits our board of directors to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of stock. In addition, our board of directors, without any action by our stockholders, may amend our charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares of any class or series of stock that we have authority to issue. Our board of directors may classify or reclassify any unissued common stock or preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption of any such stock. Thus, our board of directorsMaryland law could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have a priority as to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation over the rights of the holders of our common stock. Preferred stock could also have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventinginhibit a change in control of our Company.
Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us including an extraordinary transaction (such asor of impeding a merger, tender offer or salechange in control under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of all or substantially all our assets) that might provide a premium price for holdersshares of our common stock.stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of such shares, including:
Maryland law prohibits“business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations which may make it more difficult forbetween us to be acquired and may limit our stockholders' ability to exit the investment.
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 asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:
“interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns directly or indirectly, 10% or more of theour then outstanding voting power of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock;our shares or
an affiliate or associate of the corporationours who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of theour then outstanding stock ofvoting shares) or an affiliate thereof for five years after the corporation.
A person is notmost recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which he or she otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors mayand thereafter imposes special appraisal rights and special stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and
“control share” provisions that provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time“control shares” of approval,our company (defined as shares which, when aggregated with any terms and conditions determinedother shares controlled by the boardstockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of directors.
Afterthree increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the five-year prohibition, any business combination betweendirect or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommendedextent approved by the board of directors of the corporation and approvedour stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least:
80%least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock ofon the corporation; andmatter, excluding all interested shares.
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder.
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 business combination statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Pursuant to the statute,MGCL, our board of directors has exempted any business combination involving our Advisor or any affiliate of our Advisor. Consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to business combinations between us and our Advisor or any affiliate of our Advisor. As a result,

our Advisor and any affiliate of our Advisor may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be inIn addition, the best interest of our stockholders, without compliance with the super-majority vote requirements and the other provisions of the statute. The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Maryland law limits the ability of a third-party to buy a large stake in us and exercise voting power in electing directors, which may discourage a takeover that could otherwise result in a premium price to our stockholders.
The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act provides that holders of “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by stockholders by a vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares of stock owned by the acquirer, 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 acquirer or in respect of which the acquirer can exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within specified 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 or shares acquired directly from the corporation. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of issued and outstanding control shares.
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.
OurCompany's bylaws contain a provision exempting from the Control Share Acquisition Actcontrol share provisions any and all acquisitions of our stock by any person. There can be no assurance that this provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
In addition, the “unsolicited takeover” provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL permit the Board, without shareholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in the charter or bylaws, to implement certain takeover defenses, including adopting a classified board or increasing the vote required to remove a director. Such takeover defenses may have the effect of inhibiting a third-party from making an acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us under the circumstances that otherwise could provide our common stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price.
The value of our common stock may be reduced if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
We are not registered, and do not intend to register ourselves, our operating partnership or any of our subsidiaries, as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. If we become obligated to register ourselves, our operating partnership or any of our subsidiaries as an investment company, the registered entity would have to comply with a variety of substantive requirements under the Investment Company Act imposing, among other things:
things, limitations on capital structure;
structure and restrictions on specified investments;investments.
prohibitions on transactions with affiliates; and
compliance with reporting, record keeping, voting, proxy disclosure and other rules and regulations that would significantly change our operations.
We conduct, and intend to continue to conduct, our operations, directly and through wholly or majority-owned subsidiaries, so that we, our operating partnership and each of our subsidiaries are exempt from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act, a company is an “investment company” if it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, a company is deemed to be an “investment company” if it is engaged, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or proposes to acquire “investment securities” having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. “Investment securities” excludes (A) U.S. Government securities, (B) securities issued by employees’ securities companies, and (C) securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries which (i) are not investment companies, and (ii) are not relying on the exception from the definition of investment company under Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act.
We expect that we will not fall under the definition of, and will therefore not be required to register as, an investment company. We intend to make investments and conduct our operations so that we are not required to register as an investment company. We are organized as a holding company that conducts business primarily through the operating partnership. Both the Company and the operating partnership intend to conduct operations so that each complies with the 40% test. The securities issued to the operating partnership by any wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries that we may form in the future that are excepted from the definition of “investment company” based on Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act, together with any other investment securities the operating partnership may own, may not have a value in excess of 40% of the value of the operating partnership's total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We will monitor the Company’s and the operating partnership’s holdings to support continuing and ongoing compliance with these tests but we may be unsuccessful and could fail to comply. We believe neither the Company nor the operating partnership will be considered an investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act because

neither the Company nor the operating partnership will engage primarily or hold itself out as being engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Rather, through the operating partnership's wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, the Company and the operating partnership are primarily engaged in the non-investment company businesses of these subsidiaries, namely the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other interests in real estate.
We expect that most of our investments will be held by wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries of the operating partnership and that most of these subsidiaries will rely on the exception from the definition of an investment company under Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, which is available for entities “primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate.” This exclusion generally requires that at least 55% of a subsidiary's portfolio be comprised of qualifying real estate assets and at least 80% of its portfolio be comprised of qualifying real estate assets and real estate-related assets (and no more than 20% comprised of miscellaneous assets). For purposes of the exclusions provided by Sections 3(c)(5)(C), we will classify our investments based in large measure on no-action letters issued by the SEC staff and other SEC interpretive guidance and, in the absence of SEC guidance, on our view of what constitutes a qualifying real estate asset and a real estate-related asset. These no-action positions were issued in accordance with factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we may face, and a number of these no-action positions were issued more than twenty years ago. Pursuant to this guidance, and depending on the characteristics of the specific investments, certain mortgage loans, participations in mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, mezzanine loans, joint venture investments and the equity securities of other entities may not constitute qualifying real estate investments, and therefore, investments in these types of assets may be limited. The SEC or its staff may not concur with our classification of our assets. Future revisions to the Investment Company Act or further guidance from the SEC or its staff may cause us to lose our exclusion from the definition of investment company or force us to re-evaluate our portfolio and our investment strategy. Such changes may prevent us from operating our business successfully.
In 2011, the SEC solicited public comment on a wide range of issues relating to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act, including the nature of the assets that qualify for purposes of the exclusion and whether mortgage REITs should be regulated in a manner similar to investment companies. There can be no assurance that the laws and regulations governing the Investment Company Act status of REITs, including more specific or different guidance regarding these exclusions that may be published by the SEC or its staff, will not change in a manner that adversely affects our operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that the SEC or its staff will not take action that results in our, our operating partnerships or any of our subsidiaries’ failure to maintain an exception or exemption from the Investment Company Act.
We may in the future organize special purpose subsidiaries of the operating partnership that will borrow under or participate in government sponsored incentive programs. We expect that some of these subsidiaries will rely on Section 3(c)(7) for their Investment Company Act exclusion and, therefore, the operating partnership's interest in each of these subsidiaries would constitute an “investment security” for purposes of determining whether the operating partnership passes the 40% test. Also, we may in the future organize one or more subsidiaries that seek to rely on the Investment Company Act exclusion provided to certain structured financing vehicles by Rule 3a-7. Any such subsidiary would need to be structured to comply with any guidance on the restrictions contained in Rule 3a-7 that may be issued by the SEC or its staff. In certain circumstances, compliance with Rule 3a-7 may require, among other things, that the indenture governing the subsidiary include limitations on the types of assets the subsidiary may sell or acquire out of the proceeds of assets that mature, are refinanced or otherwise sold, on the period of time during which such transactions may occur, and on the amount of transactions that may occur. In 2011, the SEC also solicited public comment on issues relating to Rule 3a-7. Accordingly, more specific or different guidance regarding Rule 3a-7 that may be published by the SEC or its staff may affect our ability to rely upon this rule. We expect that the aggregate value of the operating partnership's interests in subsidiaries that seek to rely on Rule 3a-7 will comprise less than 20% of the operating partnership's (and, therefore, the Company's) total assets on an unconsolidated basis.
In the event that the company, or the operating partnership, were to acquire assets that could make either entity fall within the definition of investment company under Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, we believe that we may still qualify for an exclusion from registration pursuant to Section 3(c)(6). Although the SEC staff has issued little interpretive guidance with respect to Section 3(c)(6), we believe that the Company and the operating partnership may rely on Section 3(c)(6) if 55% of the assets of the operating partnership consist of, and at least 55% of the income of the operating partnership is derived from, qualifying real estate assets owned by wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries of the operating partnership.
To ensure that neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, including the operating partnership, are required to register as an investment company, each entity may be unable to sell assets that it would otherwise want to sell and may need to sell assets that it would otherwise wish to retain. In addition, the Company, the operating partnership or its subsidiaries may be required to acquire additional income- or loss-generating assets that we might not otherwise acquire or forgo opportunities to acquire interests in companies that we would otherwise want to acquire. Although we monitor the portfolio of the Company, the operating partnership and its subsidiaries periodically and prior to each acquisition and disposition, any of these entities may not be able to maintain an exclusion from the definition of investment company. If the Company, the operating partnership or

any subsidiary is required to register as an investment company but fails to do so, the unregistered entity would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against such entity. In addition, the contracts of such entity would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of the entity and liquidate its business.
Our board
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Table of directors may change our investment policies without stockholder approval, which could alter the nature of our portfolio.Contents
Our charter requires that our independent directors review our investment policies at least annually to determine that the policies we are following are in the best interest of the stockholders. These policies may change over time. The methods of implementing our investment policies also may vary as the commercial debt markets change, new real estate development trends emerge and new investment techniques are developed. Our investment policies, the methods for their implementation, and our other objectives, policies and procedures may be altered by our board of directors without the approval of our stockholders. As a result, the nature of our portfolio could change without our stockholders' consent.
Payment of fees to our Advisor and its affiliates reduces cash available for investment and distributions.
Our Advisor and its affiliates will perform services for us in connection with the offer and sale of the shares, the selection and acquisition of our investments, the servicing of our loans and the administration of our other commercial real estate-related investments. They are paid substantial fees for these services, which reduces the amount of cash available for investment in real estate debt and securities or distribution to stockholders.
Because of our holding company structure, we depend on our operating partnership and its subsidiaries for cash flow and we will be structurally subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of such operating subsidiary and its subsidiaries, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions.
We are a holding company with no business operations of our own. Our only significant asset is and will be the general partnership interests of our operating partnership. We conduct, and intend to continue to conduct, all of our business operations through our operating partnership. Accordingly, our only source of cash to pay our obligations is distributions from our operating partnership and its subsidiaries of their net earnings and cash flows. There can be no assurance that our operating partnership or its subsidiaries will be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions to us that will enable us to make distributions to our stockholders from cash flows from operations. Each of our operating partnership’s subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from such entities. In addition, because we are a holding company, stockholders' claims will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets and those of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries will be able to satisfy stockholders' claims only after all of our and our operating partnerships and its subsidiaries liabilities and obligations have been paid in full.
Although our Advisor is responsible for calculating our estimated per share NAV, our Advisor will consider independent valuations of our investments, the accuracy of which our Advisor will not independently verify.
In calculating our estimated per share NAV, our Advisor will include the net value of our commercial real estate debt and other commercial real estate-related investments, taking into consideration valuations of investments obtained from our independent valuer. Although our Advisor is responsible for the accuracy of the NAV calculation and will provide our independent valuer with our valuation guidelines, which have been approved by our board of directors, our Advisor will not independently verify the appraised value of our investments. As a result, the appraised value of a particular investment may be greater or less than its potential realizable value, which would cause our estimated NAV to be greater or less than the potential realizable NAV.
Our estimated per share NAV may significantly change if the appraised values of our investments materially change.
We expect that our investments will be appraised annually for purposes of establishing our estimated per share NAV. To the extent conditions specific to the investment, or investment conditions generally have changed since the prior appraisal, the estimated appraised value of an investment may decrease significantly.
The estimated per share NAV that we published does not reflect changes in our NAV since such date and does not represent the actual value of your shares on any given day.
WeThe Company expects that our investments will only be valued annually for purposes of establishing our estimated per share NAV. The Company may experience events affecting our investments that may have a material impact on our NAV. For example, if a material borrower becomes insolvent or if investment conditions deteriorate generally, the value of an investment may materially change. Our NAV per share as published will not reflect such subsequent events. As a result, the NAV per share published after the announcement of a material event may differ significantly from our actual NAV per share. The resulting potential disparity may benefit repurchasing or non-repurchasing stockholders, depending on whether NAV is overstated or understated.


Risks Related to Our Financing Strategy
We useThe Company uses leverage in connection with our investments, which increases the risk of loss associated with our investments.
We finance the origination and acquisition of a portion of our investments with repurchase agreements, collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") and other borrowings. Although the use of leverage may enhance returns and increase the number of investments that we can make, it may also substantially increase the risk of loss. Our ability to execute this strategy depends on various conditions in the financing markets that are beyond our control, including liquidity and credit spreads. We may be unable to obtain additional financing on favorable terms or, with respect to our debt and other investments, on terms that parallelsparallel the maturities of the debt originated or other investments acquired, if we are able to obtain additional financing at all. If our strategy is not viable, we will have to find alternative forms of long-term financing for our assets, as secured revolving credit facilities and repurchase facilities may not accommodate long-term financing. This could subject us to more restrictive recourse borrowings and the risk that debt service on less efficient forms of financing would require a larger portion of our cash flows, thereby reducing cash available for distribution, for our operations and for future business opportunities. If alternative financing is not available, we may have to liquidate assets at unfavorable prices to pay off such financing or pay significant fees to extend our financing arrangements. OurThe return on our investments and cash available for distribution may be reduced to the extent that changes in market conditions cause the cost of our financing to increase relative to the income that we can derive from the assets we originate or acquire.
Lenders may require us to enter into restrictive covenants relating to our operations, which could limit our ability to make distributions.
When providing financing, a lender may impose restrictions on us that affect our distribution and operating policies, and our ability to incur additional borrowings. Financing agreements that we may enter into may contain covenants that limit our ability to further incur borrowings, restrict distributions or that prohibit us from discontinuing insurance coverage or replacing our Advisor. Certain limitations would decrease our operating flexibility and our ability to achieve our operating objectives, including making distributions.
In a period of rising interest rates, our interest expense could increase while the interest we earn on our fixed-rate assets would not change, which would adversely affect our profitability.
Our operating results depend in large part on differences between the income from our assets, reduced by any credit losses and financing costs. Income from our assets may respond more slowly to interest rate fluctuations than the cost of our borrowings. Consequently, changes in interest rates, particularly short-term interest rates, may significantly influence our net income. Increases in these rates will tend to decrease our net income and the market value of our assets. Interest rate fluctuations resulting in our interest expense exceeding the income from our assets would result in operating losses for us and may limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. In addition, if we need to repay existing borrowings during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to liquidate one or more of our investments at times that may not permit realization of the maximum return on those investments, which would adversely affect our profitability.
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We may not be able to access financing sources on attractive terms, if at all, which could dilute our existing stockholders and adversely affect our ability to grow our business.
We will require outside capital to significantly grow our business. Historically we have relied on debt financing and, until January 2016, equity financing from our primary equity offering. We terminated our primary offering in January 2016 and this has significantly reduced our access to equity financing. We have and may continue to raise equity capital through private placements to institutions and other investors. Because our common stock is not traded on ana securities exchange, in order to consummate these private placements, we have anyand may continue to have to sell our common stock and Preferred Stock, on an as-converted basis, at prices that reflect a significant discount to our book value per share. Sales of common stock at less than our book value per share and sales of Preferred Stock that is convertible at less than our book value per share will dilute the value of common stock held by our existing shareholders. In addition, our business may be adversely affected by disruptions in the debt and equity capital markets and institutional lending market, including the lack of access to capital or prohibitively high costs of obtaining or replacing capital. If we cannot obtain sufficient debt and equity capital on acceptable terms, our business and our ability to operate could be severely impacted.
We have broad authority to utilize leverage and high levels of leverage could hinder our ability to make distributions and decrease the value of our common stock.
Our charter does not limit the amount of our leverage. High leverage levels would cause us to incur higher interest charges and higher debt service payments and the agreements governing our borrowings may also include restrictive covenants. These factors could limit the amount of cash we have available to distribute to our stockholders and could result in a decline in the value of our common stock.

We use short-term borrowings, such as credit facilities and repurchase agreements to finance our investments, which require us to provide additional collateral in the event the lender determines there is a decrease in the fair value of our collateral, and these calls for collateral could significantly impact our liquidity position.
We use short-term borrowing through repurchase agreements, credit facilities and other arrangements that put our assets and financial condition at risk. We may need to use such short-term borrowings for extended periods of time to the extent we are unable to access long-term financing. Repurchase agreements economically resemble short-term, variable-rate financing and usually require the maintenance of specific loan-to-collateral value ratios. If the market value of the assets subject to a repurchase agreement decline, we may be required to provide additional collateral or make cash payments to maintain the loan-to-collateral value ratio. If we are unable to provide such collateral or cash repayments, the lender may accelerate the loan or we would be required to liquidate the collateral. In a weakening economic environment, or in an environment of widening credit spreads, we would generally expect the value of the commercial real estate debt or securities that serve as collateral for our short-term borrowings to decline, and in such a scenario, it is likely that the terms of our short-term borrowings would require us to provide additional collateral or to make partial repayment, which amounts could be substantial.
Further, such borrowings may require us to maintain a certain amount of cash reserves or to set aside unleveraged assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position that would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. In addition, such short-term borrowing facilities may limit the length of time that any given asset may be used as eligible collateral, and these short-term borrowing arrangements may also be restricted to financing certain types of assets, such as first mortgage loans, which could impact our asset allocation. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would choose,like, which could reduce our return on assets. In the event that we are unable to meet these collateral obligations, our financial condition could deteriorate rapidly.

Risks Related to Our Investments
Our commercial real estate debt investments are subject to the risks typically associated with commercial real estate.
Our commercial real estate debt and commercial real estate securities generally are directly or indirectly secured by a lien on real property. The occurrence of a default on a commercial real estate debt investment could result in our acquiring ownership of the property. We do not know whether the values of the properties ultimately securing our commercial real estate debt and loans underlying our securities will remain at the levels existing on the dates of origination of these loans and the dates of origination of the loans ultimately securing our securities, as applicable. If the values of the properties drop, our risk will increase because of the lower value of the security and reduction in borrower equity associated with such loans. In this manner, real estate values could impact the values of our debt and security investments. Therefore, our commercial real estate debt and securities investments are subject to the risks typically associated with real estate.
Our operating results may be adversely affected by a number of risks generally incident to holding real estate debt, including, without limitation:
natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods;
acts of war or terrorism, including the consequences of terrorist attacks;
adverse changes in national and local economic and real estate conditions;
adverse changes in economic and market conditions related to pandemics and health crises, such as COVID-19;
an oversupply of (or a reduction in demand for) space in the areas where particular properties securing our loans are located and the attractiveness of particular properties to prospective tenants;
changes in interest rates and availability of permanent mortgage funds that my render the sale of property difficult or unattractive;
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changes in governmental laws and regulations, fiscal policies and zoning ordinances and the related costs of compliance therewith and the potential for liability under applicable laws;
costs of remediation and liabilities associated with environmental conditions affecting properties; and
the potential for uninsured or underinsured property losses; and
periods of high interest rates and tight money supply.
The value of each property securing our loans is affected significantly by its ability to generate cash flow and net income, which in turn depends on the amount of rental or other income that can be generated net of expenses required to be incurred with respect to the property. Many expenses associated with properties (such as operating expenses and capital expenses) cannot be reduced when there is a reduction in income from the properties.

These factors may have a material adverse effect on the ability of our borrowers to pay their loans and the ability of the borrowers on the underlying loans securing our securities to pay their loans, as well as on the value and the return that we can realize from assets we acquire and originate.
The commercial real estate debt we originate and invest in and the commercial real estate loans underlying the commercial real estate securities we invest in could be subject to delinquency, foreclosure and loss, which could result in losses to us.
Commercial real estate loans are secured by commercial real estate and are subject to risks of delinquency, foreclosure, loss and bankruptcy of the borrower, all of which are and will continue to be prevalent if the overall economic environment does not continue to improve. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by commercial real estate is typically dependent primarily upon the successful operation of such property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced or is not increased, depending on the borrower’s business plan, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of a property can be affected by each of the following factors, among other things:
macroeconomic and local economic conditions;
tenant mix;
success of tenant businesses;
property management decisions;
property location and condition;
property operating costs, including insurance premiums, real estate taxes and maintenance costs;
competition from comparable types of properties;
effects on a particular industry applicable to the property, such as hotel vacancy rates;
changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation;
changes in laws that increase operating expenses or limit rents that may be charged;
increases in costs associated with renovation and/or construction
any need to address environmental contamination at the property;
the occurrence of any uninsured casualty at the property;
changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments;
declines in regional or local real estate values;
branding, marketing and operational strategies;
declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates;
increases in interest rates;
real estate tax rates and other operating expenses;
acts of God;
social unrest and civil disturbances; and
terrorism
Any one or a combination of these factors may cause a borrower to default on a loan or to declare bankruptcy. If a default or bankruptcy occurs and the underlying asset value is less than the loan amount, we will suffer a loss.
In the event of any default under a commercial real estate loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss of principal or accrued interest to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the commercial real estate loan, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations. In the event of a default by a borrower on a non-recourse commercial real estate loan, we will only have recourse to the underlying asset (including any escrowed funds and reserves) collateralizing the commercial real estate loan. If a borrower defaults on one of our commercial real estate debt investments and the underlying property collateralizing the commercial real estate debt is insufficient to satisfy the outstanding balance of the debt, we may suffer a loss of principal or interest. In addition, even if we have recourse to a borrower’s assets, we may not have full recourse to such assets in the event of a borrower bankruptcy as the loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the mortgaged property 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 are also exposed to

these risks though the commercial real estate loans underlying a commercial real estate security we hold may result in us not recovering a portion or all of our investment in such commercial real estate security.
Delays in liquidating defaulted commercial real estate debt investments could reduce our investment returns.
If we originate or acquire commercial real estate debt investments and there are defaults under those debt investments, we may not be able to repossess and sell the properties securing the commercial real estate debt investment quickly. Foreclosure of a loan can be an expensive and lengthy process that could have a negative effect on our return on the foreclosed loan. Borrowers often resist foreclosure actions by asserting numerous claims, counterclaims and defenses, including but not limited to, lender liability claims, in an effort to prolong the foreclosure action. In some states, foreclosure actions can take several years or more to resolve. At any time during the foreclosure proceedings, the borrower may file for bankruptcy, which would have the effect of staying the foreclosure action and further delaying the foreclosure process. The resulting time delay could reduce the value of our assets in the defaulted loans. Furthermore, an action to foreclose on a property securing a loan is regulated by state statutes and regulations and is subject to the delays and expenses associated with lawsuits if the borrower raises defenses or counterclaims. In the event of default by a borrower, these restrictions, among other things, may impede our ability to foreclose on or sell the property securing the loan or to obtain proceeds sufficient to repay all amounts due to us on the loan. In addition, we may be forced to operate any foreclosed properties for a substantial period of time, which could be a distraction for our management team and may require us to pay significant costs associated with such property.
Subordinate commercial real estate debt that we originate or acquire could constitute a significant portion of our portfolio and may expose us to greater losses.
We acquire and originate subordinate commercial real estate debt, including subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and participations in such loans. These types of investments could constitute a significant portion of our portfolio and may involve a higher degree of risk than the type of assets that will constitute the majority of our commercial real estate debt investments, namely first mortgage loans secured by real property. In the event a borrower declares bankruptcy, we may not have full recourse to the assets of the borrower or the assets of the borrower may not be sufficient to satisfy the first mortgage loan and our subordinate debt investment. If a borrower defaults on our subordinate debt or on debt senior to ours, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our subordinate debt will be satisfied only after the senior debt is paid in full. Where debt senior to our debt investment exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements may limit our ability to amend our debt agreements, assign our debt, accept prepayments, exercise our remedies (through “standstill periods”) and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to our borrowers. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment. In addition, real properties with subordinate debt may have higher loan-to-value ratios than conventional debt, resulting in less equity in the real property and increasing the risk of loss of principal and interest.
We may be subject to risks associated with construction lending, such as declining real estate values, cost overruns and delays in completion.
Our commercial real estate debt portfolio may include loans made to developers to construct prospective projects. The primary risks to us of construction loans are the potential for cost overruns, the developer’s failing to meet a project delivery schedule and the inability of a developer to sell or refinance the project at completion in accordance with its business plan and repay our commercial real estate loan due to declining real estate values. These risks could cause us to have to fund more money than we originally anticipated in order to complete the project. We may also suffer losses on our commercial real estate debt if the developer is unable to sell the project or refinance our commercial real estate debt investment.
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Jurisdictions with one action or security first rules or anti-deficiency legislation may limit the ability to foreclose on the property or to realize the obligation secured by the property by obtaining a deficiency judgment.
In the event of any default under our commercial real estate debt investments and in the loans underlying our commercial real estate securities, we bear the risk of loss of principal and nonpayment of interest and fees to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal amount of the loan. Certain states in which the collateral securing our commercial real estate debt and securities is located may have laws that prohibit more than one judicial action to enforce a mortgage obligation, requiring the lender to exhaust the real property security for such obligation first or limiting the ability of the lender to recover a deficiency judgment from the obligor following the lender’s realization upon the collateral, in particular if a non-judicial foreclosure is pursued. These statutes may limit the right to foreclose on the property or to realize the obligation secured by the property.
Our investments in commercial real estate debt and commercial real estate securities are subject to changes in credit spreads.
Our investments in commercial real estate debt and commercial real estate securities are subject to changes in credit spreads. When credit spreads widen, the economic value of such investments decrease. Even though such investment may be performing in accordance with its terms and the underlying collateral has not changed, the economic value of the investment may be negatively impacted by the incremental interest foregone from the widened credit spread.

Investments in non-conforming or non-investment grade rated loans or securities involve greater risk of loss.
Some of our 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 properties’ underlying cash flow or other factors. As a result, these investments may have a higher risk of default and loss than investment grade rated assets. Any loss we incur may be significant and may reduce distributions and adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Insurance may not cover all potential losses on the properties underlying our investments which may harm the value of our assets.
We generally require that each of the borrowers under our commercial real estate debt investments obtain comprehensive insurance covering the mortgaged property, including liability, fire and extended coverage. However, there are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. We may not require borrowers to obtain certain types of insurance if it is deemed commercially unreasonable. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also might make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds, if any, might not be adequate to restore the economic value of the property, which might impair our security and decrease the value of the property.
Investments that are not insured involve greater risk of loss than insured investments.
We may acquire and originate uninsured loans and assets as part of our investment strategy. Such loans and assets may include first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and participations in such loans and commercial real estate securities. While holding such interests, we are subject to risks of borrower defaults, bankruptcies, fraud, losses and special hazard losses that are not covered by standard hazard insurance. To the extent we suffer such losses with respect to our uninsured investments, the value of our company and the value of our common stock may be adversely affected.
We invest in CMBS, which may include subordinate securities, which entails certain risks.
We invest in a variety of CMBS, which may include subordinate securities that are subject to the first risk of loss if any losses are realized on the underlying mortgage loans. CMBS entitle the holders thereof to receive payments that depend primarily on the cash flow from a specified pool of commercial or multifamily mortgage loans. Consequently, CMBS will be adversely affected by payment defaults, delinquencies and losses on the underlying commercial real estate loans. Furthermore, if the rental and leasing markets deteriorate, it could reduce cash flow from the loan pools underlying our CMBS investments. The CMBS market is dependent upon liquidity for refinancing and will be negatively impacted by a slowdown in the new issue CMBS market.
Additionally, CMBS is subject to particular risks, including lack of standardized terms and payment of all or substantially all of the principal only at maturity rather than regular amortization of principal. Additional risks may be presented by the type and use of a particular commercial property. SpecialFor example, special risks are presented by hospitals, nursing homes, hospitality properties and certain other property types. Commercial property values and net operating income are subject to volatility, which may result in net operating income becoming insufficient to cover debt service on the related commercial real estate loan, particularly if the current economic environment continues to deteriorate.deteriorates. The repayment of loans secured by income-producing properties is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project rather than upon the liquidation value of the underlying real estate. Furthermore, the net operating income from and value of any commercial property are subject to various risks. The exercise of remedies and successful realization of liquidation proceeds relating to CMBS may be highly dependent upon the performance of the servicer or special servicer. Expenses of enforcing the underlying commercial real estate loans (including litigation expenses) and expenses of protecting the properties securing the commercial real estate loans may be substantial. Consequently, in the event of a default or loss on one or more commercial real estate loans contained in a securitization, we may not recover a portion or all of our investment.
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The CMBS in which we may invest are subject to the risks of the mortgage securities market as a whole and risks of the securitization process.
The value of CMBS may change due to shifts in the market’s perception of issuers and regulatory or tax changes adversely affecting the mortgage securities market as a whole. Due to our investment in subordinate CMBS, we are also subject to several risks created through the securitization process. Our subordinate CMBS are paid interest only to the extent that there are funds available to make payments. To the extent the collateral pool includes delinquent loans, there is a risk that the interest payment on subordinate CMBS will not be fully paid. Subordinate CMBS are also subject to greater credit risk than those CMBS that are senior and generally more highly rated.

We may not control the special servicing of the mortgage loans underlying the CMBS in which we invest and, in such cases, the special servicer may take actions that could adversely affect our interests.
Overall control over the special servicing of the underlying mortgage loans of the CMBS may be held by a directing certificate holder, which is appointed by the holders of the most subordinate class of such CMBS. We ordinarily do 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 that could adversely affect our interests.
We may invest in collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") and such investments involve significant risks.
We may invest in CDOs, which are multiple class securities secured by pools of assets, such as CMBS, subordinate mortgage and mezzanine loans and REIT debt. Like typical securities structures, in a CDO, the assets are pledged to a trustee for the benefit of the holders of the bonds. Like CMBS, CDO notes are affected by payments, defaults, delinquencies and losses on the underlying commercial real estate loans. CDOs often have reinvestment periods that typically last for five years during which proceeds from the sale of a collateral asset may be invested in substitute collateral. Upon termination of the reinvestment period, the static pool functions very similarly to a CMBS where repayment of principal allows for redemption of bonds sequentially. To the extent we invest in the equity securities of a CDO, we will be entitled to all of the income generated by the CDO after the CDO pays all of the interest due on the senior securities and its expenses. However, there will be little or no income or principal available to the holders of CDO equity securities if defaults or losses on the underlying collateral exceed a certain amount. In that event, the value of our investment in any equity class of a CDO could decrease substantially. In addition, the equity securities of CDOs are generally illiquid and often must be held by a REIT and because they represent a leveraged investment in the CDO’s assets, the value of the equity securities will generally have greater fluctuations than the values of the underlying collateral.
We have no established investment criteria limiting the size of each investment we make in commercial real estate debt, commercial real estate securities and other commercial real estate-related investments. If we have an investment that represents a material percentage of our assets, and that investment experiences a loss, the value of our common stock could be significantly diminished.
Certain of our commercial real estate debt, commercial real estate-related securities and other commercial real estate investments may represent a significant percentage of our assets. Any such investment may carry the risk associated with a significant asset concentration. Should any investment representing a material percentage of our assets, experience a loss on all or a portion of the investment, we could experience a material adverse effect, which would result in the value of our common stock being diminished.
We have no established investment criteria limiting the geographic concentration of our investments in commercial real estate debt, commercial real estate securities and other commercial real estate-related investments. If our investments are concentrated in an area that experiences adverse economic conditions, our investments may lose value and we may experience losses.
Certain commercial real estate debt, commercial real estate securities and other commercial real estate-related investments in which we invest may be secured by a single property or properties in one geographic location. These investments may carry the risks associated with significant geographical concentration. We have not established and do not plan to establish any investment criteria to limit our exposure to these risks for future investments. As a result, properties underlying our investments may be overly concentrated in certain geographic areas, and we may experience losses as a result. A worsening of economic conditions in the geographic area in which our investments may be concentrated could have an adverse effect on our business, including reducing the demand for new financings, limiting the ability of borrowers to pay financed amounts and impairing the value of our collateral.
We have no established investment criteria limiting the industry concentration of our investments in commercial real estate debt and commercial real estate-related securities and other commercial real estate investments. If our investments are concentrated in an industry that experiences adverse economic conditions, our investments may lose value and we may experience losses.
Certain commercial real estate debt and other commercial real estate-related investments in which we invest may be secured by a single property or properties serving a particular industry, such as hotel, office or otherwise. These investments may carry the risks associated with significant industry concentration. We have not established and do not plan to establish any investment criteria to limit our exposure to these risks for future investments. As a result, properties underlying our investments may be overly concentrated in certain industries, and we may experience losses as a result. A worsening of economic conditions in an industry in which we are concentrated could have an adverse effect on our business, including reducing the demand for new financings, limiting the ability of borrowers to pay financed amounts and impairing the value of our collateral.

Adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans may entail greater risks of default to us than fixed-rate commercial real estate loans.
Adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans we originate or acquire or that collateralize our commercial real estate securities may have higher delinquency rates than fixed-rate loans. Borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgage loans may be exposed to increased monthly payments if the related interest rate adjusts upward from the initial fixed-rate or a low introductory rate, as applicable, in effect during the initial period of the loan to the rate computed in accordance with the applicable index and margin. This increase in borrowers’ monthly payments, together with any increase in prevailing market interest rates, after the initial fixed-rate period, may result in significantly increased monthly payments for borrowers with adjustable-rate loans, which may make it more difficult for the borrowers to repay the loan or could increase the risk of default of their obligations under the loan.
Changes in interest rates could negatively affect the value of our investments, which could result in reduced income or losses and negatively affect the cash available for distribution.
We may invest in fixed-rate CMBS and other fixed-rate investments. Under a normal yield curve, an investment in these instruments will decline in value if long-term interest rates increase. We will also invest in floating-rate investments, for which decreases in interest rates will have a negative effect on interest income. Declines in fair value may ultimately reduce income or result in losses to us, which may negatively affect cash available for distribution.
Hedging against interest rate exposure may adversely affect our income, limit our gains or result in losses, which could adversely affect cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
We may enter into interest rate swap agreements or pursue other interest rate hedging strategies. Our hedging activity will vary in scope based on interest rate levels, the type of investments held, and other changing market conditions. Interest rate hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:
interest rate hedging can be expensive, particularly during periods of rising and volatile interest rates;
available interest rate hedging may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;
the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related liability or asset;
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our hedging opportunities may be limited by the treatment of income from hedging transactions under the rules determining REIT qualification;
the credit quality of the party owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction;
the party owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay; and
we may purchase a hedge that turns out not to be necessary.
Any hedging activity we engage in may adversely affect our income, which could adversely affect cash available for distribution. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions to seek to reduce interest rate risks, unanticipated changes in interest rates may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions being hedged or liabilities being hedged may vary materially. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not be able to establish a perfect correlation between hedging instruments and the investment being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.
Hedging instruments often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearinghouse or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities and involve risks and costs.
The cost of using hedging instruments increases as the period covered by the instrument lengthens and during periods of rising and volatile interest rates. We may increase our hedging activity and thus increase our hedging costs during periods when interest rates are volatile or rising and hedging costs have increased. In addition, hedging instruments involve risk since they often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities. Consequently, there are no regulatory or statutory requirements with respect to record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements underlying derivative transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory, commodity and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. The business failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in a default. Default by a party with whom we enter into a hedging transaction may result in the loss of unrealized profits and force us to cover our resale commitments, if any, at the then current market price. 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. There can be no assurance 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.
Our investments in commercial real estate securities, which may include preferred and common equity, will be subject to the specific risks relating to the particular issuer of the securities and may involve greater risk of loss than secured debt financings.
Our investments in securities, which may include preferred and common equity, will involve special risks relating to the particular issuer of the securities, including the financial condition and business outlook of the issuer. Issuers that are REITs and other real estate companies are subject to the inherent risks associated with real estate and real estate-related investments. Issuers that are finance companies are subject to the inherent risks associated with structured financing investments. Furthermore, securities, including preferred and common equity, may involve greater risk of loss than secured financings due to a variety of factors, including that such investments are generally unsecured and may also be subordinated to other obligations of the issuer. As a result, investments in securities, including preferred and common equity, are subject to risks of: (i) limited liquidity in the secondary trading market; (ii) substantial market price volatility resulting from changes in prevailing interest rates; (iii) subordination to the prior claims of banks and other senior lenders to the issuer; (iv) the operation of mandatory sinking fund or call or redemption provisions during periods of declining interest rates that could cause the issuer to reinvest redemption proceeds in lower yielding assets; (v) the possibility that earnings of the issuer may be insufficient to meet its debt service and distribution obligations; and (vi) the declining creditworthiness and potential for insolvency of the issuer during periods of rising interest rates and economic downturn. These risks may adversely affect the value of outstanding securities, including preferred and common equity, and the ability of the issuers thereof to make principal, interest and distribution payments to us.
Many of our investments are illiquid and we may not be able to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions, which may result in losses to us.
Many of our investments are illiquid. As a result, our ability to sell commercial real estate debt, securities or properties in response to changes in economic and other conditions, could be limited, even at distressed prices. The Internal Revenue Code also places limits on our ability to sell properties held for fewer than four years. These considerations could make it difficult for us to dispose of any of our assets even if a disposition were in the best interests of our stockholders. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to further changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited, which may result in losses to us.
Declines in the fair value of our investments may adversely affect periodic reported results of operations and credit availability, which may reduce earnings and, in turn, cash available for distribution.
Most of our security investments will be classified for accounting purposes as “available-for-sale.” These assets will be carried at estimated fair value and temporary changes in the fair value of those assets will be directly charged or credited to equity with no impact on our statement of operations. If we determine that a decline in the estimated fair value of an available-for-sale security falls below its amortized value and is not temporary, we will recognize a loss on that security on the statement of operations, which will reduce our income in the period recognized.
A decline in the fair value of our assets may adversely affect us particularly in instances where we have borrowed money based on the fair value of those assets. If the fair value of those assets declines, the lender may require us to post additional collateral to support the asset. If we were unable to post the additional collateral, our lenders may refuse to continue to lend to us or reduce the amounts they are willing to lend to us. Additionally, we may have to sell assets at a time when we might not otherwise choose to do so. A reduction in credit available may reduce our income and, in turn, cash available for distribution.
Further, lenders may require us to maintain a certain amount of cash reserves or to set aside unlevered assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position, which would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would choose, which could reduce our return on equity. In the event that we are unable to meet these contractual obligations, our financial condition could deteriorate rapidly.
The fair value of our investments may decline for a number of reasons, such as changes in prevailing market rates, increases in defaults, increases in voluntary prepayments for those investments that we have that are subject to prepayment risk, widening of credit spreads and downgrades of ratings of the securities by ratings agencies.
Some of our investments will be carried at estimated fair value as determined by us and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of these investments.
Some of our investments will be in the form of securities that are recorded at fair value but have limited liquidity or are not publicly-traded. The fair value of these securities and potentially other investments that have limited liquidity or are not publicly-traded may not be readily determinable. We estimate the fair value of these investments on a quarterly basis. Because such valuations are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on numerous estimates and assumptions, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a readily

available market for these securities 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.
Competition with third parties for originating and acquiring investments may reduce our profitability.
We have significant competition with respect to our origination and acquisition of assets with many other companies, including other REITs, insurance companies, commercial banks, private investment funds, hedge funds, specialty finance companies and other investors, many of which have greater resources than us. We may not be able to compete successfully for investments. In addition, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investments may increase. If we pay higher prices for investments or originate loans on more generous terms than our competitors, our returns will be lower and the value of our assets may not increase or may decrease significantly below the amount we paid for such assets. If such events occur, our investors may experience a lower return on their investment.
Our due diligence may not reveal all material issues relating to our origination or acquisition of a particular investment.
Before making an investment, we assess the strength and skills of the management of the borrower or the operator of the property and other factors that we believe are material to the performance of the investment. In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, we rely on the resources available to us and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. This process is particularly important and subjective with respect to newly organized or private entities because there may be little or no information publicly available about the entity. Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a particular investment, there can be no assurance that this diligence will uncover all material issues relating to such investment, or that factors outside of our control will not later arise. If our due diligence fails to identify issues specific to investment, we may be forced to write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our shares of common stock.
We depend on borrowers for a substantial portion
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Table of our revenue, and accordingly, our revenue and our ability to make distributions is dependent upon the success and economic viability of such borrowers.Contents
The success of our origination or acquisition of commercial real estate debt investments and our acquisition of commercial real estate securities significantly depends on the financial stability of the borrowers underlying such investments. The inability of a single major borrower or a number of smaller borrowers to meet their payment obligations could result in reduced revenue or losses.
A prolonged economic slowdown, a lengthy or severe recession or declining real estate values could harm our operations.
Many of our investments may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions, which could lead to financial losses in our investments and a decrease in revenues, earnings and assets. An economic slowdown or recession, in addition to other non-economic factors, such as an excess supply of properties, could have a material negative impact on the values of commercial real estate properties. Declining real estate values will likely reduce our level of new loan originations, since borrowers often use increases in the value of their existing properties to support the purchase or investment in additional properties. Borrowers may also be less able to pay principal and interest on our loans if the real estate economy weakens. Further, declining real estate values significantly increase the likelihood that we will incur losses on our loans in the event of a default because the value of our collateral may be insufficient to cover our cost on the loan. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect both our net interest income from loans in our portfolio as well as our ability to originate, sell and securitize loans, which would significantly harm our revenues, results of operations, financial condition, business prospects and our ability to make distributions.
If we overestimate the value or income-producing ability or incorrectly price the risks of our investments, we may experience losses.
Analysis of the value or income-producing ability of a commercial property is highly subjective and may be subject to error. We value our potential investments based on yields and risks, taking into account estimated future losses on the commercial real estate loans and the property included in the securitization’s pools or commercial real estate investments, and the estimated impact of these losses on expected future cash flows and returns. In the event that we underestimate the risks relative to the price we pay for a particular investment, we may experience losses with respect to such investment.
Our borrowers’ forms of entities may cause special risks or hinder our recovery.
Most of the borrowers for our commercial real estate loan investments will most likely be legal entities rather than individuals. As a result, our risk of loss may be greater than originators of loans made to or leases with individuals. Unlike individuals involved in bankruptcies, these legal entities generally do not have personal assets and creditworthiness at stake. As a result, the bankruptcy of one of our borrowers, or a general partner or managing member of that borrower, may impair our ability to enforce our rights and remedies under the related mortgage.

Real estate debt restructurings may reduce our net interest income.
Although our commercial real estate debt investments are relatively new and the commercial real estate market has exhibited signs of recovery, we may need to restructure our commercial real estate debt investments if the borrowers are unable to meet their obligations to us and we believe restructuring is the best way to maximize value. In order to preserve long-term value, we may determine to lower the interest rate on our commercial real estate debt investments in connection with a restructuring, which will have an adverse impact on our net interest income. We may also determine to extend the time to maturity and make other concessions with the goal of increasing overall value but there is no assurance that the results of our restructurings will be favorable to us. We may lose some or all of our investment even if we restructure in an effort to increase value.
We may be unable to restructure loans in a manner that we believe maximizes value, particularly if we are one of multiple creditors in large capital structures.
In the current environment, in order to maximize value we may be more likely to extend and work out a loan, rather than pursue foreclosure. However, in situations where there are multiple creditors in large capital structures, it can be particularly difficult to assess the most likely course of action that a lender group or the borrower may take and it may also be difficult to achieve consensus among the lender group as to major decisions. Consequently, there could be a wide range of potential principal recovery outcomes, the timing of which can be unpredictable, based on the strategy pursued by a lender group and/or by a borrower. These multiple creditor situations tend to be associated with larger loans. If we are one of a group of lenders, we may be a lender on a subordinated basis, and may not independently control the decision making. Consequently, we may be unable to restructure a loan in a manner that we believe would maximize value.
We may not be able to realize the benefits of any guarantees we may receive which could harm our ability to preserve our capital upon a default.
We sometimes obtain personal or corporate guarantees, which are not secured, from borrowers or their affiliates. These guarantees are often triggered only upon the occurrence of certain trigger, or “bad boy” events. In cases where guarantees are not fully or partially secured, we typically rely on financial covenants from borrowers and guarantors which are designed to require the borrower or guarantor to maintain certain levels of creditworthiness. As a result of the recent economic recession and persisting market conditions, many borrowers and guarantors face financial difficulties and may be unable to comply with their financial covenants. If the economy does not strengthen, our borrowers could experience additional financial stress. Where we do not have recourse to specific collateral pledged to satisfy such guarantees or recourse loans, we will only have recourse as an unsecured creditor to the general assets of the borrower or guarantor, some or all of which may be pledged to satisfy other lenders. There can be no assurance that a borrower or guarantor will comply with its financial covenants or that sufficient assets will be available to pay amounts owed to us under our commercial real estate debt and related guarantees.
We may be subject to risks associated with future advance obligations, such as declining real estate values and operating performance.
Our commercial real estate debt portfolio may include loans that require us to advance future funds. Future funding obligations subject us to significant risks that the property may have declined in value, projects to be completed with the additional funds may have cost overruns and the borrower may be unable to generate enough cash flow, or sell or refinance the property, in order to repay our commercial real estate loan due. We could determine that we need to fund more money than we originally anticipated in order to maximize the value of our investment even though there is no assurance additional funding would be the best course of action.
While we expectattempt to align the maturities of our liabilities with the maturities on our assets, we may not be successful in that regard which could harm our operating results and financial condition.
Our general financing strategy will include the use of “match-funded” structures. This means that we will seek to align the maturities of our liabilities with the maturities on our assets in order to manage the risks of being forced to refinance our liabilities prior to the maturities of our assets. In addition, we plan to match interest rates on our assets with like-kind borrowings, so fixed-rate assets are financed with fixed-rate borrowings and floating-rate assets are financed with floating-rate borrowings, directly or indirectly through the use of interest rate swaps, caps and other financial instruments or through a combination of these strategies. We may fail to appropriately employ match-funded structures on favorable terms, or at all. We may also determine not to pursue a match-funded structure with respect to a portion of our financings for a variety of reasons. If we fail to appropriately employ match-funded structures, our exposure to interest rate volatility and exposure to matching liabilities prior to the maturity of the corresponding asset may increase substantially which could harm our operating results, liquidity and financial condition.
Provision for loancredit losses is difficult to estimate.
OurOur provision for loancredit losses is evaluated on a quarterly basis. Our determination of provision for loancredit losses requires us to make certain estimates and judgments. Our estimates and judgments are based on a number of factors, including projected cash

flows from the collateral securing our commercial real estate debt, debt structure, including the availability of reserves and recourse guarantees, likelihood of repayment in full at the maturity of a loan, loan-to-value ("LTV"), potential for refinancing and expected market discount rates for varying property types. Our estimates and judgments may not be correct and, therefore, our results of operations and financial condition could be severely impacted.
IfSince the start of 2020 we enter into joint ventures, our joint venture partners could take actions that decreasehave been subject to the valueFASB’s Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of an investment to usCredit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new standard, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model, significantly changed how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and lower our overall return.
We may enter into joint ventures with third parties to make investments. We may also make investments in partnerships orcertain other co-ownership arrangements or participations. Such investments may involve risks not otherwise present with other methods of investment, including, for example, the following risks:
that our co-venturer or partner in an investment could become insolvent or bankrupt;
that such co-venturer or partner may at any time have economic or business interests or goalsinstruments that are or that become inconsistent with our business interests or goals; or
that such co-venturer or partner may be innot measured at fair value through net income. CECL amended the existing credit loss model to reflect a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives.
Anyreporting entity's current estimate of the above might subject us to liabilitiesall expected credit losses, not only based on historical experience and thus reduce our returns on our investment with that co-venturer or partner. In addition, disagreements or disputes between uscurrent conditions, but also by including reasonable and our co-venturer or partner could result in litigation, which could increase our expenses and potentially limitsupportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. This measurement takes place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and effort our officers and directors are able to devote to our business.updated quarterly thereafter. This differs significantly from the prior “incurred loss” model.

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Risks Related to the Conduit Segment of the Business
We use warehouse facilities that may limit our ability to acquire assets, and we may incur losses if the collateral is liquidated.
We utilize warehouse facilities pursuant to which we accumulate mortgage loans in anticipation of a securitization financing, which assets are pledged as collateral for such facilities until the securitization transaction is consummated. In order to borrow funds to acquire assets under any additional warehouse facilities, we expect that our lenders thereunder would have the right to review the potential assets for which we are seeking financing. We may be unable to obtain the consent of a lender to acquire assets that we believe would be beneficial to us and we may be unable to obtain alternate financing for such assets. In addition, no assurance can be given that a securitization transaction would be consummated with respect to the assets being warehoused. If the securitization is not consummated, the lender could liquidate the warehoused collateral and we would then have to pay any amount by which the original purchase price of the collateral assets exceeds its sale price, subject to negotiated caps, if any, on our exposure. In addition, regardless of whether the securitization is consummated, if any of the warehoused collateral is sold before the consummation, we would have to bear any resulting loss on the sale. No assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain additional warehouse facilities on favorable terms, or at all.
We directly or indirectly utilize non‑recourse securitizations, and such structures expose us to risks that could result in losses to us.
We utilize non‑recourse securitizations of our investments in mortgage loans to the extent consistent with the maintenance of our REIT qualification and exemption from the Investment Company Act in order to generate cash for funding new investments and/or to leverage existing assets. In most instances, this involves us transferring our loans to a special purpose securitization entity in exchange for cash. In some sale transactions, we also retain a subordinated interest in the loans sold. The securitization of our portfolio investments might magnify our exposure to losses on those portfolio investments because the subordinated interest we retain in the loans sold would be subordinate to the senior interest in the loans sold, and we would, therefore, absorb all of the losses sustained with respect to a loan sold before the owners of the senior interest experience any losses. Moreover, we cannot be assured that we will be able to access the securitization market in the future, or be able to do so at favorable rates. The inability to consummate securitizations of our portfolio investments 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 continue to grow our business.
The securitization market is subject to an evolvinga regulatory environment that may affect certain aspects of these activities.
As a result of the dislocation of the credit markets, the securitization marketindustry has become subject to additional regulation. In particular, pursuant to the Dodd‑FrankDodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, various federal agencies have promulgated a rule that generally requires issuers in securitizations to retain 5% of the risk associated with the securities. ToWhile the extent werule as adopted generally allows the purchase of the CMBS B-Piece by a party not affiliated with the issuer to satisfy the risk retention requirement, current CMBS B-Pieces are generally not large enough to fully satisfy the 5% requirement. Accordingly, buyers of B-Pieces such as us may be required to buy significant B‑Pieces inpurchase larger B-Pieces, potentially reducing returns on such investments. Furthermore, any such B-Pieces purchased by a party (such as us) unaffiliated with the issuer generally cannot be transferred for a period of five years following the closing date of the securitization or hedged against credit risk. These restrictions would reduce our securitizations, thisliquidity and could potentially reduce our returns in these transactions.on such investments.
We enter into hedging transactions that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future.

Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, part of our investment strategy involves entering into hedging transactions that require us to fund cash payments in certain circumstances (such as the early termination of the hedging instrument caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the hedging instrument). The amount due would be equal to the unrealized loss of the open swap positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees and charges. These economic losses will be reflected in our results of operations, and our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these obligations could adversely impact our financial condition.
Hedging may adversely affect our earnings, which could reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
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Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, we pursue various hedging strategies to seek to reduce our exposure to adverse changes in interest rates. Our hedging activity varies in scope based on the level and volatility
Table of interest rates, exchange rates, the types of assets held and other changing market conditions. Hedging may fail to protect or could adversely affect us because, among other things:Contents
interest rate, currency and/or credit hedging can be expensive and may result in us receiving less interest income;
available interest rate hedges may not correspond directly with the interest rate risk for which protection is sought;
due to a credit loss, prepayment or asset sale, the duration of the hedge may not match the duration of the related asset or liability;
the amount of income that a REIT may earn from hedging transactions (other than hedging transactions that satisfy certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code or that are done through a taxable REIT subsidiary) to offset losses is limited by U.S. federal tax provisions governing REITs;
the credit quality of the hedging counterparty owing money on the hedge may be downgraded to such an extent that it impairs our ability to sell or assign our side of the hedging transaction; and
the hedging counterparty owing money in the hedging transaction may default on its obligation to pay.
We may fail to recalculate, readjust or execute hedges in an efficient manner.
Any hedging activity in which we engage may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Therefore, while we may enter into such transactions seeking to reduce risks, unanticipated changes in interest rates, credit spreads or currencies may result in poorer overall investment performance than if we had not engaged in any such hedging transactions. In addition, the degree of correlation between price movements of the instruments used in a hedging strategy and price movements in the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged may vary materially. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio positions or liabilities being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.

Risks Related to Taxation
Our failure to qualify as a REIT could have significant adverse consequences to us and the value of our common stock.
We believe that we have qualified as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. We intend to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT, but we cannot assure stockholders that we qualify as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only a limited number of judicial and administrative interpretations exist. Moreover, 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. Even an inadvertent or technical mistake could jeopardize our REIT status. Our qualification as a REIT depends on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis.
If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and are unable to avail ourselves of certain savings provisions set forth in the Code, we would be subject to U.S federal and applicable state and local income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2018 we also could be subject to the U.S. federalrates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax.tax (which alternative minimum tax has been repealed for tax years after 2017)). Losing our REIT status would reduce our net income available for investment or distribution to stockholders because of the additional tax liability. In addition, distributions to stockholders would no longer qualify for the dividends-paid deduction, and we would no longer be required to make distributions. If this occurs, we might be required to borrow or liquidate some investments in order to pay the applicable tax. We would not be able to elect to be taxed as a REIT for four years following the year we first failed to qualify unless the IRS were to grant us relief under certain statutory provisions.

The failure of a mezzanine loan to qualify as a real estate asset could adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued Revenue Procedure 2003-65, which provides a safe harbor pursuant to which a mezzanine loan, if it meets certain requirements, will be treated by the IRS as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from such loan will be treated as qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the REIT 75% gross income test. Although the Revenue Procedure provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax law. We may originate or acquire mezzanine loans that do not satisfy all of the requirements for reliance on the safe harbor set forth in the Revenue Procedure, in which case, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the tax treatment of such loans. If such a challenge were sustained, we could fail to qualify as a REIT.
Stockholders who participate in our DRIP may have current tax liability on distributions if they elect to reinvest in our common stock.
Stockholders who participate in our DRIP, will be deemed to have received, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a distribution equal to the amount reinvested in shares of our common stock and an additional distribution to the extent the shares are purchased at a discount to fair market value. Such amounts will be taxable distributions, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. As a result, unless such investor is a tax-exempt entity, such investor may have to use cash from other sources to pay the tax liability on the value of the shares of common stock received.
Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow for distribution to our stockholders.
Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income or property. For example:
In order to qualify as a REIT, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders. To the extent that we satisfy the distribution requirement but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed income.
We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions we pay in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years.
If we have net income from the sale of foreclosure property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, we must pay a tax on that income at the highest corporate income tax rate.
If we sell an asset, other than a foreclosure property, that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, our gain would be subject to the 100% “prohibited transaction” tax. We might be subject to this tax if we were to dispose of or securitize loans in a manner that is treated as a sale of loans for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is subject to the prohibited transaction tax.
Any TRS of ours will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income, and non-arm’s length transactions between us and any TRS, could be subject to a 100% tax.
We could, in certain circumstances, be required to pay an excise or penalty tax (which could be significant in amount) in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders.
REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.
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We generally must distribute annually at least 90%
From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our income for financial reporting purposes prepared in accordance with GAAP, or differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash. For example:
we may be required to accrue income from mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), and other types of debt securities or interests in debt securities before we receive any payments of interest or principal on such assets;
we may acquire distressed debt investments that are subsequently modified by agreement with the borrower, which could cause us to have to recognize gain in certain circumstances;

we may recognize substantial amounts of “cancellation of debt” income for U.S. federal income tax purposes (but not for GAAP purposes) due to discount repurchases of our liabilities, which could cause our REIT taxable income to exceed our GAAP income;
we may deduct our capital losses only to the extent of our capital gains and not against our ordinary income, in computing our REIT taxable income for any given taxable year; and
certain of our assets and liabilities are marked-to-market for GAAP purposes but not for tax purposes which could result in losses for GAAP purposes that are not recognized in computing our REIT taxable income; and under the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” (the “TCJA”), we generally must accrue income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is taken into account as revenue in our financial statements, which could create additional differences between REIT taxable income and the receipt of cash attributable to such income.
As a result of both the requirement to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income each year (and to pay tax on any income that we do not distribute), and the fact that our taxable income may well exceed our cash income due to the factors mentioned above as well as other factors, we may find it difficult or impossible to meet the distribution requirements in certain circumstances while also having adequate cash resources to execute our business plan. In particular, where we experience differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash, the requirement to distribute a substantial portion of our taxable income could cause us to: (i) sell assets in adverse market conditions, (ii) borrow on unfavorable terms, (iii) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt or (iv) make a taxable distribution of our shares of our 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 requirements. These alternatives could increase our costs, reduce our equity, and/or result in stockholders being taxed on distributions of shares of stock without receiving cash sufficient to pay the resulting taxes. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
To maintain our REIT status, we may be forced to forgo and/or liquidate otherwise attractive opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT, we must 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 qualifying real estate assets, including certain mortgage loans and certain kinds of MBS. The remainder of our investment in securities (other than qualified 75% asset test assets) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our assets (other than qualified 75% asset test assets) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 25% (20% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of our total assets can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs, and no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by debt instruments issued by "publicly offered REITs" (i.e. REITs which are required to file annual and periodic reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act) that are “nonqualified” (e.g., not secured by real property or interests in real property). If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate from our portfolio, or contribute to a TRS, otherwise attractive investments in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income, increasing our income tax liability, and reducing amounts available for distribution to our stockholders. In addition, we may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, and may be unable to pursue investments (or, in some cases, forego the sale of such investments) that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make, and, in certain cases, maintain ownership of certain attractive investments.
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 are party to certain financing arrangements, and may in the future enter into additional 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 financings which are secured by the assets sold pursuant thereto. We believe that we would 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 agreement 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.


The “taxable mortgage pool” rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders incur, and may limit the manner in which we effect future securitizations.
Certain of our securitizations have resulted 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 interest in a taxable mortgage pool, we generally would not be adversely affected by the characterization as a taxable mortgage pool. Certain categories of stockholders, however, such as non-U.S. 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, will be subject to increased taxes on the portion of their dividend income from us that is attributable to any "excess inclusion income" that we have generated as a result of our securitization transactions, and may generate as a result of future securitization transactions. In addition, to the extent that our common stock is owned by 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 will incur a corporate-level tax on a portion of any excess inclusion income. 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 could face limitations in 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 prohibited transactions tax may limit our ability to engage in transactions, including certain methods of securitizing 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. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of assets, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. We might be subject to the prohibited transaction tax if we were to dispose of, modify or securitize loans in a manner that is treated as a sale of the loans for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, in order to avoid the prohibited transactions tax, we may choose not to engage in certain sales or modifications of loans at the REIT level and may limit the structures we utilize for our securitization transactions, even though the sales, modifications or structures might otherwise be beneficial to us. Additionally, we may be subject to the prohibited transaction tax upon a disposition of real property. Although a safe-harbor exception to prohibited transaction treatment is available, there can be no assurance that we can comply with the safe harbor or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.
It may be possible to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax by conducting certain activities through a TRS. However, to the extent that we engage in such activities through a TRS, the income associated with such activities may be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.
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 may limit our ability to hedge our assets and operations. Under these provisions, any income that we generate from hedging transactions will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the REIT 75% and 95% gross income tests if the instrument hedges: (i) interest rate risk on liabilities incurred to carry or acquire real estate assets; or (ii) risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the REIT 75% or 95% gross income tests, and such instrument is properly identified under applicable U.S. Department of Treasury regulations ("Treasury Regulations"). Income from hedging transactions that do not meet these requirements will generally constitute non-qualifying income for purposes of both the REIT 75% and 95% gross income tests. As a result, we may have to limit our use of hedging techniques that might otherwise be advantageous, which could result in greater risks associated with interest rate or other changes than we would otherwise incur.
18

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% prohibited transaction tax on any resultant gain if we sell assets that are treated as dealer property or inventory.
In connection with our qualification as a REIT, we are required to annually distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gain. Although we do not currently intend to do so, in order to satisfy this requirement, we are permitted, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to make distributions that are in part payable in shares of our common stock. Taxable stockholders receiving such distributions will be required to include the full amount of such distributions as ordinary dividend income. As a result, U.S. stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such distributions in excess of the cash portion of the distribution received. Since there is currently no market for our common stock, U.S. stockholders receiving a distribution of our shares of common stock may not be able to sell shares received in such distribution in order to satisfy any tax imposed on such distribution and therefore may be required to sell other stock or assets owned by them, at a time that may be disadvantageous. Furthermore,

with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock.
Modification of the terms of our debt investments and mortgage loans underlying our CMBS in conjunction with reductions in the value of the real property securing such loans could cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT.
Our debt and securities investments may be materially affected by a weak real estate market and economy in general. As a result, many of the terms of our debt and the mortgage loans underlying our securities may be modified to avoid taking title to a property. 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. In general, under applicable Treasury Regulations if a loan is secured by real property and other property and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan determined as of the date we agreed to acquire the loan or the date we significantly modified the loan, a portion of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT 95% gross income test. Although the law is not entirely clear, a portion of the loan will likely be a non-qualifying asset for purposes of the REIT 75% asset test. The non-qualifying portion of such a loan would be subject to, among other requirements, the requirement that a REIT not hold securities possessing more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer ("10% Value Test").
IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-51 provides a safe harbor pursuant to which we will not be required to redetermine the fair market value of real property securing a loan for purposes of the gross income and asset tests discussed above 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. No assurance can be provided that all of our loan modifications have or will qualify for the safe harbor in Revenue Procedure 2014-51. 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. 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. No assurance can be provided that the IRS will not successfully challenge our internal valuations. If the terms of our debt investments and the mortgage loans underlying our CMBS are "significantly modified" in a manner that does not qualify for the safe harbor in Revenue Procedure 2014-51 and the fair market value of the real property securing such loans has decreased significantly, we could fail the REIT 75% gross income test, the 75% asset test and/or the 10% Value Test. Unless we qualified for relief under certain Code cure provisions, such failures could cause us to fail to continue to qualify as a REIT.
Our qualification as a REIT may depend upon the accuracy of legal opinions or advice rendered or given or statements by the issuers of assets we acquire.
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, among other things, whether such securities represent debt or equity securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the value of such securities and to what extent those securities constitute qualified real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests and produce qualified income for purposes of the REIT 75% gross income test. The inaccuracy of any such opinions, advice or statements may adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
Dividends paid by REITs do not qualify for the preferential tax rates that apply to other corporate dividends.
The maximum tax rate for “qualified dividends” paid by non-REIT "C" corporations to U.S stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is generally 20%. Dividends payable by REITs to those U.S stockholders, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rate, except to the extent that certain holding requirements have been met and a REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received by a REIT from taxable corporations (such as a TRS), to income that was subject to tax at the REIT/corporate level, or to dividends properly designated by the REIT as “capital gain dividends.” Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, those U.S. stockholders may deduct 20% of their dividends from REITs (excluding qualified dividend income and capital gains dividends). For those U.S. stockholders in the top marginal tax bracket of 37%, the deduction for REIT dividends yields an effective income tax rate of 29.6% on REIT dividends, which is higher than the 20% tax rate on qualified dividend income paid by non-REIT “C” corporations but still lower than the effective rate that applied prior to 2018, which is the first year that this special deduction for REIT dividends is available. Although the reduced rates applicable to dividend income from non-REIT “C” corporations do not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends payable by REITs, it could cause investors who are non-corporate taxpayers to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT “C” corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
There is a risk of changes in the tax law applicable to REITs.
The IRS, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review U.S. federal income tax legislation, regulations and other guidance. We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new U.S. federal tax laws, regulations,

interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any legislative action may prospectively or retroactively modify our tax treatment and, therefore, may adversely affect taxation of us and/or our investors. In particular, the TCJA makes many significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws that will profoundly impact the taxation of individuals and corporations (both non-REIT “C” corporations as well as corporations that have elected to be taxed as REITs). A number of changes that affect non-corporate taxpayers will expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them. These changes will impact us and our stockholders in various ways, some of which are adverse or potentially adverse compared to prior law. To date, the IRS has issued only limited guidance with respect to certain of the new provisions, and there are numerous interpretive issues that will require guidance. It is highly likely that technical corrections legislation will be needed to clarify certain aspects of the new law and give proper effect to Congressional intent. There can be no assurance, however, that technical clarifications or changes needed to prevent unintended or unforeseen tax consequences will be enacted by Congress in the near future.
The ability of our board of directors to revoke our REIT election without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences to our stockholders.
Our charter provides that the board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without the approval of our stockholders, if the board determines that it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT. If we cease to qualify as a REIT, we would become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net taxable income and we generally would no longer be required to distribute any of our net taxable income to our stockholders, which may have adverse consequences on our total return to our stockholders.
Employee Benefit Plan and IRA Risks
If certain investors fail to meet the fiduciary and other standards under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") or the Code as a result of an investment in our stock, such investors could be subject to criminal and civil penalties.
Special considerations apply to the purchase of shares by employee benefit plans subject to the fiduciary rules of Title I of ERISA, including pension or profit sharing plans and entities that hold assets of such plans ("ERISA Plans") and plans and accounts that are not subject to ERISA, but are subject to the prohibited transaction rules of Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code, including IRAs, Keogh Plans and medical savings accounts (collectively, we refer to ERISA Plans and plans subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code as “Benefit Plans”). If an investor is investing the assets of any Benefit Plan, such investors should be satisfied that:
any investment is consistent with the its fiduciary obligations under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, or any other applicable governing authority in the case of a government plan; the investment is made in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the Benefit Plan, including the Benefit Plan’s investment policy;
the investment satisfies the prudence and diversification requirements of Sections 404(a)(1)(B) and 404(a)(1)(C) of ERISA, if applicable, and other applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code;
the investment will not impair the liquidity of the Benefit Plan;
the investment will not produce unrelated business taxable income for the Benefit Plan;
they will be able to value the assets of the Benefit Plan annually in accordance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code; and
the investment will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Fiduciaries may be held personally liable under ERISA for losses as a result of failure to satisfy the fiduciary standards of conduct and other applicable requirements of ERISA. In addition, if an investment in our shares constitutes a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code, the fiduciary of the Benefit Plan who authorized or directed the investment may be subject to imposition of excise taxes with respect to the amount invested and an IRA investing in our shares may lose its tax-exempt status.
Governmental plans, church plans and foreign plans that are not subject to ERISA or the prohibited transaction rules of the Internal Revenue Code, may be subject to similar restrictions under other laws. A plan fiduciary making an investment in our shares on behalf of such a plan should satisfy themselves that an investment in our shares satisfies both applicable law and is permitted by the governing plan documents.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Our headquarters are located in a leased space at 9 West 57th Street, Suite 4920, New York, New York 10019.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The Company has no knowledgeFor a description of material pendingthe Company’s legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidentalsee “Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies” to the business, or material pending or threatened regulatory proceedings, against the Company atour consolidated financial statements included in this time.Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.

19

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
No public trading market currently exists for ourthe Company's shares of common stock and wethe Company currently havehas no immediate plans to list our shares of common stock on a national securities exchange. Until our shares are listed on a national securities exchange, if ever, ourthe Company's stockholders may not sell their shares unless the buyer meets the applicable suitability and minimum purchase requirements. In addition, our charter prohibits the ownership of more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of stock or more than 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of any class or series of shares of our stock by a single investor, unless exempted by our board of directors. Consequently, there is the risk that our stockholders may not be able to sell their shares at a time or price acceptable to them. On November 9, 2017,2, 2020, the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the Advisor,Audit Committee of the board, unanimously approved and established anthe estimated NAV per share of the Company’s common stock proposed by the Advisor of $19.02.$17.88. The estimated per share NAV is based upon the estimated value of the Company’s assets less the Company’s liabilities as of September 30, 2017.2020. This valuation was performed in accordancea manner consistent with the provisions of Practice Guideline 2013-01, Valuations of Publicly Registered Non-Listed REITs, issued by the Investment Program Association in April 2013, including the use of an independent third-party valuation firmfirms to estimate the fair value of our commercialloan portfolio, securities portfolio and real estate debt investments and commercial mortgage backed securities.owned portfolio. See our current reportQuarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 20176, 2020 for ourthe Company's methodology for calculating our estimated per-share NAV.
There is no public trading market for the shares at this time, and there can be no assurance that stockholders would receive $19.02$17.88 per share if such a market did exist and they sold their shares or that they will be able to receive such amount for their shares in the future. Nor does this deemed value reflect the distributions that stockholders would be entitled to receive if ourthe Company's investments were sold and the sale proceeds were distributed upon liquidation of ourthe Company's assets. Such a distribution upon liquidation may be less than $19.02$17.88 per share for various reasons including changes in values between the September 30, 20172020 valuation date and the date of any liquidation.
We are The Company is currently offering our shares for $19.02$17.88 pursuant to the DRIP.
Holders
As of February 28, 2018, we2021, the Company had 31,533,37044,135,876 shares of common stock outstanding held by a total of 16,330 stockholders.16,061 stockholders of record.
Distributions
We haveThe Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with ourthe taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a REIT, if we meetthe Company meets certain organizational and operational requirements and distributedistributes at least 90% of ourits' "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to ourthe stockholders in a year, wethe Company will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that we distribute. Even if we qualifythe Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, wethe Company may be subject to certain state and local taxes on ourits' income and property and U.S. federal income and excise taxes on any undistributed income.
On May 13, 2013, ourIn April 2020, the Company’s board of directors authorized,unanimously approved a transition in the timing of the dividend payments, to holders of the Company’s common stock from a monthly payment with daily accruals to a quarterly accrual and we declaredpayment basis, starting with the second quarter 2020 dividend that was paid in July 2020. Similarly, the Company began paying accrued and unpaid dividends on Preferred Stock on a distribution, which is calculated based on stockholdersquarterly basis.
The monthly distributions for the first quarter of record each day during the applicable period2020 were paid at a daily rate of $0.00565068493 per day, which is equivalent to $2.0625$1.44 per annum, per share of common stock. In March 2016, our board of directors ratifiedStarting with the samesecond quarter 2020 distribution, amount. In August 2017, our board of directors authorized and declared a distribution calculated dailythe 2020 quarterly distributions were paid at a quarterly rate of $0.00394521 per day, which is equivalent to $1.44 per annum per annum,$0.275 per share of common stock.stock (equivalent to $1.10 per annum). Distribution payments are dependent on the availability of funds. The board of directors may reduce the amount of distributions paid or suspend distribution payments at any time, and therefore, distribution payments are not assured. Subject to the terms of the Preferred Stock, dividends on the Company’s Preferred Stock are generally paid on an as-converted basis with the common stock.
The distributions will beDistributions are generally payable by the fifth day following each monthquarter end to stockholders of record at the close of business each day during the prior month.quarter.
20

The below table reflects the value of distributions paid in cash and through the DRIP to common stockholders during the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016 (in2019 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Distributions:
  Cash distributions paid$36,798 $45,763 
  Distributions reinvested8,883 13,901 
Total Distributions$45,681 $59,664 
Source of Distribution Coverage:
  Net Income$36,798 80.6 %$45,763 76.7 %
  Common stock issued under DRIP8,883 19.4 %13,901 23.3 %
Total Sources of Distributions$45,681 100.0 %$59,664 100.0 %
Net Income applicable to common stock (GAAP)$39,826 $66,914 

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Distributions:       
Cash distributions paid$38,828
   $40,251
  
Distributions reinvested20,051
   25,047
  
Total distributions$58,879
   $65,298
  
Source of distribution coverage:       
Cash flows provided by operations$8,354
 14.2% $35,024
 53.6%
Available cash on hand30,474
 51.8% 5,227
 8.0%
Common stock issued under DRIP20,051
 34.0% 25,047
 38.4%
Total sources of distributions$58,879
 100.0% $65,298
 100.0%
Cash flows provided by operations (GAAP)$8,354
   $35,024
  
Net income (GAAP)$33,779
   $29,990
  

Share-Based Compensation
Restricted Share Plan
We haveThe Company has an employee and director incentive restricted share plan (the “RSP”), which provides usthe Company with the ability to grant awards of restricted shares to our directors, officers, and employees (if wethe Company ever havehas employees), employees of the Advisor and its affiliates, employees of entities that provide services to us,the Company, directors of the Advisor or of entities that provide services to usthe Company or certain consultants to usthe Company and the Advisor and its affiliates. The total number of common shares granted under the RSP shallmay not exceed 5.0% of our authorized common shares, and in any event, will not exceed 4.0 million shares (as such number may be adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, and similar events).
Restricted share awards entitle the recipient to receive common shares from usthe Company under terms that provide for vesting over a specified period of time or upon attainment of pre-established performance objectives. Such awards would typically be forfeited with respect to the unvested shares upon the termination of the recipient’s employment or other relationship with us.the Company. Restricted shares may not, in general, be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions are removed and the shares have vested. Holders of restricted shares may receive cash distributions prior to the time that the restrictions on the restricted shares have lapsed. Any distributions payable in common shares shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying restricted shares. The fair value of the restricted shares will be expensed over the vesting period of five years.the award.
As of December 31, 2017, we have2020, the Company has granted 21,39844,876 restricted shares to our independent directors of which 4,68327,823 shares have vested and 5,333 shares were forfeited. Based on a share price of $19.02, theThe compensation expense associated with the restricted share grants was $96,880$0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.2020. Additionally, wethe Company recorded a distribution payable of $26,623$3,248 at December 31, 20172020 in connection with these shares.
The following table provides information about our common stock that may be issued under our RSP as of December 31, 2017:
2020:
Plan CategoryNumber of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and RightsWeighted-Average Exercise of Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and RightsNumber of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders— 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders— 3,984,5863,977,510 
    Total3,984,5863,977,510

Recent Sale of Unregistered Equity Securities
On February 14, 2018 (the “Commitment Date”), the Company entered into stock purchase agreements (collectively, the “Purchase Agreements”), by and between the Company and certain institutional investors (the “Institutional Investors”), certain officers of the Company, and certain owners, employees and associates of the Advisor and its affiliates (collectively, the “Manager Investors,” and together with the Institutional Investors, the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Investors committed to purchase an aggregate amount of up to approximately $97.0 million of shares (the “Shares”) of Common Stock in one or more closings (each, a “Closing,” and collectively, the “Closings”). The timing of any Closing, and the amount of Shares to be sold at such Closing, will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, subject to certain limitations. As described in

the Purchase Agreements, the Company may enter into additional Purchase Agreements with other investors within 12 months of the Commitment Date. As of the date of this 10-K filing, there have been no Closings pursuant to the Purchase Agreements.
The Purchase Agreements each provide that the purchase price for the Shares shall be equal to $17.25, which is 90% of GAAP book value per share of the Common Stock as of December 31, 2017 (“Book Value”). However, in consideration of them being the first investors to commit to purchase Shares in the offering, the Company agreed to sell the Shares to the Investors at $16.87 per share. The Company further agreed that if subsequent investors in the offering are permitted to acquire Common Stock for less than 90% of Book Value, the effective purchase price of the Investors will be subject to downward adjustment. The Purchase Agreement also provides that the Company will enter into a liquidity event, such as a listing of the Common Stock, within three years of the Commitment Date, subject to certain restrictions. The Purchase Agreements contain customary representations, warranties and covenants and indemnification provisions.
Investors have agreed with the Advisor not to sell or otherwise transfer the Shares, without the consent of the Advisor, prior to 180 days after a listing of the Company’s Common Stock on a national securities exchange. In addition, the Investors will not be eligible to participate in the Company’s amended and restated share repurchase program for at least three years.
This offering was not registered under the Securities Act and was made pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and certain rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Closings to originate and acquire additional commercial real estate debt investments for the Company and for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Company.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Our BoardThe Company's board of directors unanimously approved an amended and restated share repurchase program (the “SRP”), which became effective on February 28, 2016. The SRP enables stockholders to sell their shares to us.the Company. Subject to certain conditions, stockholders that purchased shares of ourthe Company's common stock or received their shares from usthe Company (directly or indirectly) through one or more non-cash transactions and have held their shares for a period of at least one year may request that wethe Company repurchase their shares of common stock so long as the repurchase otherwise complies with the provisions of Maryland law.Law. Repurchase requests made following the death or qualifying disability of a stockholder will not be subject to any minimum holding period.
21

On August 10, 2017, our Boardthe Company's board of directors amended the SRP to provide that the repurchase price per share for requests will be equal to the lesser of (i) ourthe Company's most recent estimated per-share NAV, as approved by ourthe Company's board of directors from time to time, and (ii) ourthe Company's book value per share, computed in accordance with GAAP, multiplied by a percentage equal to (i) 92.5%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than one year and less than two years; (ii) 95%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than two years and less than three years; (iii) 97.5%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than three years and less than four years; or (iv) 100%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than four years or in the case of requests for death or qualifying disability. Investors in our private placements are not eligible to participate in the SRP for three years.
The Company’s most recent estimated per-share NAV is $19.02$17.88 and the Company’s GAAP book value per share as of December 31, 2017 is $19.17.2020 was $17.94.
Repurchases pursuant to the SRP, when requested, generally will be made semiannually (each six-month period ending June 30 or December 31, a “fiscal semester”). Repurchases for any fiscal semester will be limited to a maximum of 2.5% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year, with a maximum for any fiscal year of 5.0% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year. Funding for repurchases pursuant to the SRP for any given fiscal semester will be limited to proceeds received during that same fiscal semester through the issuance of common stock pursuant to any DRIP in effect from time to time, provided that the BoardCompany's board of directors has the power, in its sole discretion, to determine the amount of shares repurchased during any fiscal semester as well as the amount of funds to be used for that purpose. In addition, the board of directors may reject a request for redemption at any time. Due to these limitations, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all repurchase requests made during any fiscal semester or fiscal year. However, a stockholder may withdraw its request at any time or ask that we honor the request when funds are available. Pending repurchase requests will be honored on a pro rata basis. WeThe Company will generally pay repurchase proceeds, less any applicable tax or other withholding required by law, by the 31st day following the end of the fiscal semester during which the repurchase request was made.
When a stockholder requests redemptionrepurchase and the redemptionrepurchase is approved, wethe Company will reclassify such obligation from equity to a liability based on the settlement value of the obligation. Shares repurchased under the SRP will have the status of authorized but unissued shares.
We are only authorized toShare repurchase shares pursuant to the SRP using the proceeds received from the DRIP and will limit the amount spent to repurchase shares in a given quarter to the amount of proceeds received from the DRIP in that same quarter. In addition, the board of directors may reject a request for redemption at any time. Due to these limitations, we cannot guarantee that it will be able to accommodate all repurchase requests. Purchasesactivity under the SRP will be limited in any calendar year to 5% of the weighted average number of shares outstanding on December 31 of the previous calendar year.

The following table reflects the number of shares repurchased under the SRP cumulatively through December 31, 2017:
  Number of Requests Number of Shares Repurchased Average Price per Share
Cumulative as of January 1, 2013 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2013 1
 1,400
 25.00
Cumulative as of December 31, 2013 1
 1,400
 25.00
Year ended December 31, 2014 9
 19,355
 23.94
Cumulative as of December 31, 2014 10
 20,755
 24.01
Year ended December 31, 2015 (1)
 291
 360,719
 23.70
Cumulative as of December 31, 2015 301
 381,474
 23.72
Year ended December 31, 2016 (2)(3)
 684
 537,209
 24.11
Cumulative as of December 31, 2016 985
 918,683
 23.94
Year ended December 31, 2017 (4)(5)
 1,140
 1,072,708
 19.15
Cumulative as of December 31, 2017 2,125
 1,991,391
 21.36
________________________
1As permitted under the SRP, in January 2016, our board of directors authorized, with respect to redemption requests received during the quarteryear ended December 31, 2015, the repurchase of shares validly submitted for repurchase in an amount such that the aggregate amount of shares repurchased pursuant to redemption requests received for the year-ended December 31, 2015 equaled 5.0% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year.  Accordingly, 274,921 shares at an average per share of $23.37 (including all shares submitted for death and disability) were approved for repurchase and completed in February 2016, while 1,309,471 shares at an average price per share of $23.38 were not fulfilled.   There were no other unfulfilled share repurchases for the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015.2020 was as follows:
2 As permitted under
Number of Shares RepurchasedAverage Price per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or ProgramsMaximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - January 31, 2020373,135 $18.56 373,135 — 
February 1 - February 28, 2020— N/A— — 
March 1 - March 31, 2020— N/A— — 
April 1 - April 30, 2020— N/A— — 
May 1 - May 31, 2020— N/A— — 
June 1 - June 30, 2020— N/A— — 
July 1 - July 31, 2020206,332$16.25 206,332 — 
August 1 - August 31, 2020— N/A— — 
September 1 - September 30, 2020— N/A— — 
October 1 - October 31, 2020— N/A— — 
November 1 - November 30, 2020— N/A— — 
December 1 - December 31, 2020— N/A— — 
Total579,467 579,467 
For additional details about the SRP, see “Share Repurchase Program” in July 2016,“Note 9 - Stock Transactions” to our board of directors authorized, with respect to redemption requests received during the semi-annual period from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016, the repurchase of shares validly submitted for repurchaseconsolidated financial statements included in an amount limited to the proceeds reinvested through our DRIP.  As a result, redemption requests in the amount of 208,470 shares were not fulfilled.this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3 Amounts exclude 483 redemption requests, representing 473,807 shares, received during the semi-annual period from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, which were approved by the Board and repurchased in January 2017. As permitted under the SRP, in January 2017, our board of directors authorized, with respect to redemption requests received during the semi-annual period from June 30, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the repurchase of shares validly submitted for repurchase in an amount limited to the proceeds reinvested through our DRIP. There were no unfulfilled repurchase requests during this semi-annual period.
4 As permitted under the SRP, in July 2017, our board of directors authorized, with respect to redemption requests received during the semi-annual period from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017, the repurchase of shares validly submitted for repurchase in an amount limited to the proceeds reinvested through our DRIP.  There were no unfulfilled repurchase requests during this semi-annual period.
5 Amounts exclude 875 redemption requests, representing 1,024,874 shares during the semi-annual period from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, of which 417,376 shares were approved by the Board and repurchased in January 2018. As permitted under the SRP, in January 2018, our board of directors authorized, with respect to redemption requests received during the semi-annual period from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, the repurchase of shares validly submitted for repurchase in an amount limited to the proceeds reinvested through our DRIP.  As a result, redemption requests in the amount of 607,498 shares were not fulfilled.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and AnalysisIntentionally Omitted.
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  December 31,
Balance sheet data (in thousands) 2017 2016
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net $1,402,046
 $1,046,556
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale 
 21,179
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value 28,531
 
Real estate securities, available for sale, at fair value 
 49,049
Total assets 1,583,661
 1,248,125
Collateralized loan obligations 826,150
 278,450
Repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans 65,690
 257,664
Other financing - commercial mortgage loans 25,698
 
Repurchase agreements - real estate securities 39,035
 66,639
Total liabilities 973,322
 614,475
Total stockholders' equity 610,339
 633,650

  Year Ended December 31,
Operating data (in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Interest income:          
Interest income $89,564
 $79,404
 $59,393
 $15,466
 $775
Less: Interest expense 32,359
 23,169
 12,268
 2,196
 32
Net interest income 57,205
 56,235
 47,125
 13,270
 743
Expenses:          
Asset management and subordinated performance fee 9,273
 9,504
 7,615
 604
 
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses 4,197
 806
 7,916
 4,386
 
Administrative services expenses (1)
 6,765
 4,376
 644
 
 
Other expenses 9,281
 7,803
 5,699
 2,198
 641
Total expenses 29,516
 22,489
 21,874
 7,188
 641
Other (income)/loss:          
Loan loss (recovery) provision (715) 1,293
 318
 570
 
Realized (gain) loss on sale of real estate securities (172) 1,906
 
 
 
Realized (gain) loss on sale of commercial mortgage loan (120) 
 
 (112) 
Realized (gain) loss on sale of commercial mortgage loan, held-for-sale, measured at fair value (4,523) 
 
 
 
Impairment losses of real estate securities 
 310
 
 
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on loans held-for-sale (247) 247
 
 
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives 17
 
 
 
 
Realized (gain) loss on derivatives (555) 
 
 
 
Total other (income) /loss $(6,315) $3,756
 $318
 $458
 $
Income (loss) before taxes 34,004
 29,990
 24,933
 5,624
 102
Income tax expense (benefit) 225
 
 
 209
 
Net income (loss) $33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
 $5,415
 $102
           
Basic net income per share $1.06
 $0.95
 $1.03
 $0.75
 $0.19
Diluted net income per share $1.06
 $0.95
 $1.03
 $0.75
 $0.19
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 31,772,231
 31,659,274
 24,253,905
 7,227,169
 526,084
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 31,784,889
 31,666,504
 24,259,169
 7,232,559
 530,096
Distributions per common share $1.80
 $2.06
 $2.06
 $2.06
 $1.22
________________________
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company previously reported Administrative services expenses within the Professional fees line. For the year ended December 31, 2016 the amounts are presented separately and the change was applied retrospectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company did not incur administrative services expenses.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. the notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting the Company’s current expectations, estimates and assumptions concerning events and financial trends that may affect our future operating results or financial position. Actual results and timing of events may differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections of this Annual Report entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
We were incorporated in Maryland on November 15, 2012 and have conducted our operations to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 2013. The Company, through a subsidiary which is treated as a TRS, is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. On May 14, 2013, weWe commenced business operations after raising in excess of $2.0 million of equity, the amount required for us to release equity proceeds from escrow.May 2013. We primarily originate, acquire and manage a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments secured by properties located within and outside of the United States. Commercial real estate debt investments may include first mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans. Substantially all of our business is conducted through the OP, a Delaware limited partnership. We are the sole general partner and directly or indirectly hold all of the units of limited partner interests in the OP.
The Company has no direct employees. On September 29, 2016 we terminatedWe are managed by our advisory agreement with our Former Advisor pursuant to an affiliate of AR Global Investments, LLC,Amended and entered into, and executed, an advisory agreement with Benefit Street Partners L.L.C. onRestated Advisory Agreement, dated January 19, 2018. The appointment of the Advisor and the execution of the Advisory Agreement were recommended by a special committee of our board of directors consisting exclusively of our independent directors. The special committee, with the assistance of its independent financial advisor and independent legal counsel, conducted a competitive process to select a new advisor before selecting the Advisor.2018 (the "Advisory Agreement"). Our Advisor manages our affairs on a day-to-day basis. The Advisor receives compensation and fees for services related to the investment and management of our assets and our operations.
The Advisor, an SEC-registered investment adviser, is a credit-focused alternative asset management firm. The Advisor manages funds for institutions and high-net-worth investors across various credit funds and complementary strategies including high yield, levered loans, private / opportunistic debt, liquid credit, structured credit and commercial real estate debt. These strategies complement each other as they all leverage the sourcing, analytical, compliance, and operational capabilities that encompass the Advisor’s robust platform. On February 1, 2019, Franklin Resources, Inc. and Templeton International, Inc. (collectively, “Franklin Templeton”) acquired the Advisor (the “Transaction”). The Transaction did not impact the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Transaction did not result in any changes to the executive officers of the Company.
The Company invests in commercial real estate debt investments, which may include first mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans. The Company also originates conduit loans which the Company intends to sell through its TRS into CMBS securitization transactions at a profit. The Company also owns real estate which it acquires through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure, and which it purchases for investment, typically subject to triple net leases.
The Company may also investinvests in commercial real estate securities. Real estate securities may include CMBS, senior unsecured debt of publicly traded REITs, debt or equity securities of other publicly traded real estate companies and CDOs.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Since December 2019, COVID-19 has spread globally, including to every state in the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and subsequently, the United States declared a national emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant repercussions across domestic and global economies and financial markets, including the industries in which our borrowers operate. The global impact of the COVID-19 outbreak evolved rapidly and many governmental authorities, including state and local governments in regions in which our borrowers own properties, have reacted by instituting government restrictions, border closings, quarantines, “shelter-in-place” orders and “social distancing” guidelines which have forced many of our borrowers to suspend or significantly restrict their business activities. The effects of the pandemic have resulted in a dramatic increase in national unemployment and numerous corporate bankruptcies.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had and is continuing to have a negative impact on our operations, however during the second half of 2020 the impact was less significant:
Impact on Operating Results. With respect to our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drove a significant increase in our allowance for credit loss provision on our loan portfolio and an increase in the realized loss on our securities portfolio. Specifically, for the year ended December 31, 2020, we experienced an increase in our provision for expected credit losses on our loan portfolio, primarily driven by the decline in the overall economic outlook as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we had realized losses of $10.1 million on our real estate securities portfolio, the majority of which occurred during the first half of 2020. This was a result of dislocation in the broader capital markets and uncertainty due to COVID-19 and its expected impact on values of properties underlying our real-estate debt assets. Due primarily to changes in market conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the weighted average risk rating of our loan portfolio increased from 2.1 as of December 31, 2019 to 2.2 as of December 31, 2020, and the amortized cost basis of our loans past due increased by $37.8 million to $94.9 million over this period.
In the second and third quarters of 2020, we made limited modifications to certain loans to assist borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic, but none of these modifications qualify as troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs").
Impact on Liquidity. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were significant disruptions in the financial markets that impacted our real estate securities portfolio. This resulted in decreases in market value for these assets due to volatility and lack of liquidity. During the second quarter of 2020, we received margin calls from certain of our lenders due to the decline in pricing, which we satisfied through the contribution of additional cash, thereby reducing our liquidity position and substantially reducing our levered returns on this portfolio of assets. As of December 31, 2020 the Company has significantly reduced its real estate securities portfolio, further reducing mark to market exposure and the associated liquidity risk from counterparty margin calls on real estate securities repurchase agreements compared to prior quarters. In addition, the financial market dislocations created by the COVID-19 pandemic have currently made financing through CDO or CLO securitizations more difficult.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our future operating results and liquidity will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, including any resurgences, or mutations of the virus, the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures, and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatment therapies and the distribution thereof. The inability of our borrowers to meet their loan obligations and/or borrowers filing for bankruptcy protection would reduce our cash flows, which would impact our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. As a result of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting the second quarter of 2020 our board of directors reduced the amount of our regular common stock dividend. The board may reduce or eliminate the dividend in the future in the event of further economic deterioration or dislocations in the capital markets.
Estimated Per Share NAV
On November 9, 2017,2, 2020, the board of directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee of the board, unanimously approved and established the estimated net asset value ("NAV") per share of the Company’s common stock proposed by the Advisor of$17.88. The estimated per share NAV is based upon the estimated value of the Company’s assets less the Company’s liabilities as of September 30, 2020 (the “Valuation Date”). This valuation was performed in a manner consistent with the provisions of Practice Guideline 2013-01, Valuations of Publicly Registered Non-Listed REITs, issued by the Investment Program Association in April 2013, including the use of independent third-party valuation firms to estimate the fair value of our loan portfolio, securities portfolio and real estate owned portfolio.
These valuation firms estimated the value of our loan portfolio using customary valuation methods, including a discounted cash flow analysis with respect to our loan portfolio, available market pricing information with respect to our securities portfolio, and real estate appraisals with respect to our real estate owned portfolio. Based on these methodologies these firms determined a range of estimated valuations. To estimate the Company’s NAV, the Advisor added the amounts of cash and other tangible assets reflected on our balance sheet (as computed in accordance with GAAP) and subtracted our liabilities as reflected on our balance sheet (computed in accordance with GAAP). Based on this the Advisor estimated that the Company’s NAV as of September 30, 2020 is $17.88 which is the midpoint of the valuation range of $17.14 to $18.62.
The Advisor recommended our board of directors unanimously approved and established anapprove the estimated (“NAV”) per share NAV of $19.02. Refer$17.88. As with any methodology used to "Item 5. Marketestimate value, the methodologies employed to estimate the NAV were based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. If different judgments, assumptions or opinions were used, a different estimate would likely result.
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We believe that the method used to determine the estimated per share NAV of the Company’s common stock is the methodology most commonly used by public, non-listed REITs to estimate per share NAV. The estimated per share NAV does not represent the per share amount a third party would pay to acquire us, or the price at which our common stock would trade in the event we were listed on a national securities exchange. For example, the estimated per share NAV of the Company’s common stock does not reflect a liquidity discount for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Mattersthe fact that the shares are not currently traded on a national securities exchange and Issuer Purchasesother costs that may be incurred in connection with a liquidity event. Our estimated per share NAV does not reflect the conversion of Equity Securities"any of this Form 10-K for additional information regardingour Series A convertible preferred stock ("Series A Preferred Stock") or Series C convertible preferred stock (“Series C Preferred Stock,” and with the Series A Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”).
The estimated per share NAV was determined at a moment in time and as of the Valuation Date and the values of our assets and liabilities will change over time as a result of changes relating to the individual loans in our portfolio as well as changes and developments in the real estate and capital markets generally, including changes in interest rates. For example, material adverse developments in the real estate or credit markets related to the COVID-19 pandemic after September 30, 2020 would have a significant impact on our estimated per share NAV. Therefore, stockholders should not rely on the estimated per share NAV per share.in making a decision to buy or sell shares of our common stock.
Significant Accounting Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. In preparing the financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. In preparing the financial statements, management has utilized available information, including our past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments, giving due consideration to materiality. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations to

those of companies in similar businesses. As our expected operating plans occur, we will describe additional critical accounting policies in the notes to our future financial statements in addition to those discussed below.
Set forth below is a summary of the significant accounting estimates and critical accounting policies that management believes are important to the preparation of our financial statements. Certain of our accounting estimates are particularly important for an understanding of our financial position and results of operations and require the application of significant judgment by our management. As a result, these estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Commercial mortgage loans that are held for investment purposes and are anticipated to be held until maturity, are carried at cost, net of unamortized acquisition expenses, discounts or premiums and unfunded commitments. Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment purposes, that are deemed to be impaired will be carried at amortized cost less a specific allowance for loan losses.credit loss. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and related discounts, premiums and acquisition expenses on investments are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in our consolidated statements of operations. Guaranteed loan exit fees payable by the borrower upon maturity are accreted over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The accretion of guaranteed loan exit fees is recognized in interest income in our consolidated statements of operations and the associated receivable is included in the consolidated balance sheet.
Commercial mortgage loans that are intended to be sold in the foreseeable future are reported as held-for-sale and are transferred at fair value then recorded at the lower of cost or fair value with changes recorded through the statement of operations. Unamortized loan origination costs for commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale that are carried at the lower of cost or fair value are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the loans and recognized upon the sale of such loans. Amortization of origination costs ceases upon transfer of commercial mortgage loans to held-for-sale.
The Company has elected to measure commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale in the Company's TRS under the fair value option to better reflect those commercial mortgage loans that are part of securitization warehousing activity. These commercial mortgage loans are included in the Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet. Interest income received on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale is recorded on the accrual basis of accounting and is included in interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition expenses on originating these investments are expensed when incurred.
Allowance
25

Real Estate Owned
Real estate owned assets are carried at their estimated fair value at acquisition and presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired real estate assets based on the fair value of the acquired land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Real estate owned assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for Loanbuildings and improvements and up to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the real estate owned assets are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Real estate owned revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. The Company is considered to have satisfied all performance obligation at a point in time.
Real estate owned assets that are probable to be sold within one year are reported as held-for-sale. Real estate owned assets classified as held-for-sale shall be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Real estate owned assets shall not be depreciated or amortized while it is classified as held-for-sale. Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group classified as held-for-sale shall continue to be accrued. Upon the disposition of a real estate owned asset, the Company calculates realized gains and losses as net proceeds received less the carrying value of the real estate owned asset. Net proceeds received are net of direct selling costs associated with the disposition of the real estate owned asset.
Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses for the Company’s financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans held for investment and unfunded loan losses reflects management'scommitments represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. Factors considered by the Company when determining the allowance for credit losses reserve include loan-specific characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, vintage year, loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio asterm, property type, occupancy and geographic location, financial performance of the balance sheet date. The reserve is increased through the loan loss provision on the Company's consolidated statementborrower, expected payments of operationsprincipal and is decreased by charge-offs when losses are confirmed through the receipt of assets, suchinterest, as cash in a pre-foreclosure salewell as internal or upon ownership control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of the loan upon foreclosure or when significant collection efforts have ceased. The Company uses a uniform process for determining its allowance for loan losses. external information relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist for multiple financial instruments. If similar risk characteristics do not exist, the Company measures the allowance for credit losses on an individual instrument basis. The determination of whether a particular financial instrument should be included in a pool can change over time. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics change, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to continue to keep the financial instrument in its existing pool or evaluate it individually.
In measuring the allowance for credit losses for financial instruments including our unfunded loan commitments that share similar risk characteristics, the Company primarily applies a probability of default (“PD”)/loss given default (“LGD”) model for instruments that are collectively assessed, whereby the allowance for credit losses includesis calculated as the product of PD, LGD and exposure at default (“EAD”). The Company’s model principally utilizes historical loss rates derived from a general, formula-based componentcommercial mortgage backed securities database with historical losses from 1998 to 2020 provided by a reputable third party, forecasting the loss parameters using a scenario-based statistical approach over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of twelve months, followed by an asset-specific component.
General reserves are recordedimmediate reversion to average historical losses. For financial instruments assessed on an individual basis, including when (i) available information as of each balance sheet date indicates that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest on the instrument, the Company applies a loss has occurred indiscounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology.
For financial instruments where the portfolioborrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company’s assessment at the reporting date and (ii) the amountrepayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Thecollateral, the Company currently estimates loss rates based on historical realized losses experienced inmay elect to use as a practical expedient the industry and takes into account currentfair value of the collateral and economic conditions affectingat the probability and severity of lossesreporting date when establishingdetermining the allowance for loancredit losses. The
In developing the allowance for credit losses for its loans held for investment, the Company performs a comprehensive analysis of its loan portfolio and assigns risk ratings to loans that incorporate management's current judgments about their credit quality based on all known and relevant internal and external factors that may affect collectability. The Company considers, among other things, payment status, lien position, borrower financial resources and investmentcollectability, using similar factors as those in collateral, collateral type, project economics and geographic location as well as national and regional economic factors.developing the allowance for credit losses. This methodology results in loans being segmented by risk classification into risk rating categories that are associated with estimated probabilities of default and principal loss. Risk rating categories range from "1" to "5" with "1" representing the lowest risk of loss and "5" representing the highest risk of loss.loss with the ratings updated quarterly.
The asset-specific reserve component relatesLoans are placed on nonaccrual status and considered non-performing when full payment of principal and interest is unpaid for 90 days or more or where reasonable doubt exists as to reservestimely collection, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. Interest received on nonaccrual status loans are accounted for losses on individual impaired loans. Theunder the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Upon restructuring the nonaccrual loan, the Company considersmay return a loan to be impairedaccrual status when based upon current informationrepayment of principal and events, it believes that itinterest is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual termsreasonably assured.
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For collateral dependent impaired loans, impairment is measured using the estimated fair value of collateral less the estimated cost to sell. Valuations are performed or obtained at the time a loan is determined to be impaired and designated non-performing, and they are updated if circumstances indicate that a significant change in value has occurred. The Advisor generally will use the income approach through internally developed valuation models to estimate the fair value of the collateral for such loans. In more limited cases, the Advisor will obtain external "as is" appraisals for loan collateral, generally when third party participations exist.
A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). A TDR occurs when a concession is granted and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. Impairments on TDR loans are generally measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loans.
The Company designates non-performing loans at such time as (i) loan payments become 90-days past due; (ii) the loan has a maturity default; or (iii) in the opinion of the Company, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. Income recognition will be suspended when a loan is designated non-performing and resumed only when the suspended loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to have resumed. A loan will be written off when it is no longer realizable and legally discharged.
Real Estate Securities
On the acquisition date, all of our commercial real estate securities will be classified as available for sale and will be carried at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. However, we may elect the fair value option for certain of our real estateto transfer these assets to trading securities, and as a result, any unrealized gains or losses on such real estate securities will be recorded as unrealized gains or losses on investments in our consolidated statementstatements of operations. Related discounts, premiums, and acquisition expenses on investments are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Credit Impairment Analysis of Real Estate Securities
Commercial real estate securities for which the fair value option has not been elected will be periodically evaluated for other-than-temporarycredit impairment. IfAFS real estate securities which have experienced a decline in the fair value of a security is less than itsbelow their amortized cost basis (i.e., impairment) are evaluated each reporting period to determine whether the securitydecline in fair value is considered impaired. Impairmentdue to credit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in other comprehensive income, while credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding adjustment on the consolidated statements of a security will be considered to be other-than-temporary when (i)operations. If the Advisor has the intentCompany intends to sell thean impaired security; (ii) it isreal estate security or more likely than not we will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the Advisor does not expect to recoversuch a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis.
The Company analyzes the AFS security portfolio on a periodic basis for credit losses at the individual security level using the same criteria described above for those amortized cost financial assets subject to an allowance for credit losses including but not limited to; performance of the security. Ifunderlying assets in the Advisor determines that an other-than-temporary impairment existssecurity, borrower financial resources and a saleinvestment in collateral, collateral type, credit ratings, project economics and geographic location as well as national and regional economic factors.
The non-credit loss component of the unrealized loss within the Company’s AFS portfolio is likely, the impairment charge will be recognized as an impairment of assets on our consolidated statement of operations. If a sale is not expected,adjustment to the portion of the impairment charge relatedindividual security’s asset balance with an offsetting entry to credit factors will be recorded as an impairment of assets on our consolidated statement of operations with the remainder recorded as an unrealized gain or loss on investments reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.in the consolidated balance sheets.
Commercial real estate securities for which the fair value option has been elected will not be evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment as changes in fair value are recorded in our consolidated statement of operations.
Income Taxes
We haveThe Company has conducted ourits operations to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with the taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a REIT, if we meetthe Company meets certain organizational and operational requirements and distribute at least 90% of our "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders in a year, weit will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that we distribute.it distributes. However, even if we qualifythe Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, weit may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income in addition to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on ourits undistributed income. OurThe Conduit business segment is operated through our wholly owned TRS subsidiary.the Company’s TRS. The TRS is subject to U.S. federal and applicable state income taxes.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.  The Company does not designate derivatives as hedges to qualify for hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes and therefore any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of these derivatives have been recognized currently in gain/(loss) on derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company records derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis with any collateral posted with or received from counterparties recorded separately on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Certain derivatives that the Company has entered into are subject to master netting agreements with its counterparties, allowing for netting of the same transaction, in the same currency, on the same date.

Per Share Data
The Company’s Series of Preferred Stock are considered to be participating securities. As such, the Company calculatesis required to include the Preferred Stock in the calculation of basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributable toand calculate basic earnings per share using the Company fortwo-class method. The Company’s dilutive earnings per share calculation is computed using the period bymore dilutive result of the weighted-average number of shares oftreasury stock method, assuming the participating security is a potential common stock outstanding for that period.share, or the two-class method, assuming the participating security is not converted. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that that could occur from shares outstanding if potential shares of common stock with a dilutive effect have been issued in connection with the restricted stock plan and if convertibleor upon conversion of the outstanding shares were exercised,of the Company’s Preferred Stock, except when doing so would be anti-dilutive.
Reportable Segments
27

Results of Operations
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2020 to the Year Ended December 31, 2019
The Company conducts its business through the following segments:
The real estate debt business which is focusedfocuses on originating, acquiring and asset managing commercial real estate debt investments, including first mortgage loans,mortgages, subordinate mortgages, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans.
The real estate securities business which is focusedfocuses on investing in and asset managing commercial real estate securities primarily consisting of CMBS and may include unsecured REIT debt, CDO notes and other securities.
The conduit business operated business through the Company's TRS, which is focused on generating superior risk-adjusted returns by originating and subsequently selling fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market at a profitprofit.
See Note 14 - Segment Reporting for further information regardingThe real estate owned business represents real estate acquired by the Company'sCompany through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or purchase.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is generated on our interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities and is recorded as part of our real estate debt, real estate securities and TRS segments.
The following table presents the average balance of interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities, associated interest income and expense and corresponding yield earned and incurred for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Average Carrying Value (1)
Interest Income / Expense (2)
WA Yield / Financing Cost (3)
Average Carrying Value (1)
Interest Income / Expense (2)
WA Yield / Financing Cost (3)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate debt$2,606,081$165,907 6.4 %$2,482,946$181,434 7.3 %
Real estate conduit83,6183,111 3.7 %132,0427,716 5.8 %
Real estate securities351,85910,854 3.1 %153,4846,149 4.0 %
   Total$3,041,558 $179,872 5.9 %$2,768,472 $195,299 7.1 %
Interest-bearing Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans$249,289$10,908 4.4 %$259,945$16,816 6.5 %
Other financing and loan participation- commercial mortgage loans16,704916 5.5 %2,686225 8.4 %
Repurchase agreements - real estate securities313,22713,637 4.4 %161,4605,117 3.2 %
Collateralized loan obligations1,706,20741,095 2.4 %1,641,74067,927 4.1 %
Derivative instruments— N/A334  N/A
   Total$2,285,427$66,556 2.9 %$2,065,831$90,419 4.4 %
Net interest income/spread$113,316 3.0 %$104,880 2.7 %
Average leverage % (4)
75.1 %74.6 %
Weighted average levered yield (5)
15.0 %14.9 %
________________________
Portfolio(1) Based on amortized cost for real estate debt and real estate securities and principal amount for repurchase agreements. Amounts are calculated based on daily averages for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2) Includes the effect of amortization of premium or accretion of discount and deferred fees.
(3) Calculated as interest income or expense divided by average carrying value.
(4) Calculated by dividing total average interest-bearing liabilities by total average interest-earning assets.
(5) Calculated by dividing net interest income/spread by the average interest-earning assets less average interest-bearing liabilities.
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Interest income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $179.9 million and $195.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2020, our portfolio consisted of 69 and 71130 commercial mortgage loans, three commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value and nine investments in CMBS. The main driver in the decrease in interest income was due to a decrease in the one-month LIBOR, the benchmark index for our loans. The decrease in the one-month LIBOR was partially offset by the index floors we have on our loans and a higher average carrying value of interest-earning assets in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $66.6 million compared to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $90.4 million. Similar to our interest income, the decrease in interest expense was due to a decrease in the one-month LIBOR, the benchmark index for our financing lines.
Realized Gain/Loss on Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale
Realized gain on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value at the TRS for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $15.9 million compared to $37.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The $21.9 million decrease in realized gain was due to lower sales volumes with total proceeds of $328.1 million from the sale of fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market during the year ended December 31, 2020 versus transactions of total proceeds of $1,013.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Realized Gain/Loss on Real Estate Securities Available for Sale
For the year ended December 31, 2020 our real estate securities, available for sale, measured at fair value had a realized loss of $10.1 million included within the consolidated statements of operations. The loss is attributable to 20 CMBS securities sold during the year ended December 31, 2020 in response to the dislocations in the capital markets due to COVID-19. There had been no sales of CMBS securities during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Unrealized Gain/Loss on Real Estate Securities Available for Sale
For the year ended December 31, 2020 our real estate securities, available for sale, measured at fair value had an unrecognized unrealized loss of $7.3 million included within the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The deterioration in fair value of real estate securities for the year ended December 31, 2020 can be attributed to the significant market volatility and credit uncertainties related to the outbreak of COVID-19 followed by some recovery in CMBS markets in the second half of 2020.
Expenses from operations
Expenses from operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were made up of the following (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Asset management and subordinated performance fee$15,178 $16,226 
Acquisition expenses696 900 
Administrative services expenses13,120 16,363 
Professional fees10,964 11,631 
Real estate owned operating expenses3,653 2,802 
Depreciation and amortization2,233 507 
Other expenses3,312 3,771 
Total expenses from operations$49,156 $52,200 
The decrease in our expenses from operations was primarily related to lower administrative services expenses. The decrease in administrative services expenses was due to fewer conduit activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in asset management and subordinated performance fee was primarily driven by the lower stockholders’ equity and preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was due to $2.2 million of expenses incurred on a total of two real estate owned assets during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $0.5 million incurred on two real estate owned assets during the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.
29

Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2019 to the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is generated on our interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities and is recorded as part of our real estate debt and real estate securities segments.
The following table presents the average balance of interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities, associated interest income and expense and corresponding yield earned and incurred for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Average Carrying Value (1)
Interest Income / Expense (2)
WA Yield / Financing Cost (3)
Average Carrying Value (1)
Interest Income / Expense (2)
WA Yield / Financing Cost (3)
Interest-earning assets:
Real estate debt$2,482,946$181,434 7.3 %$1,877,159$144,967 7.7 %
Real estate conduit132,0427,716 5.8 %106,7036,604 6.2 %
Real estate securities153,4846,149 4.0 %15,166717 4.7 %
   Total$2,768,472$195,299 7.1 %$1,999,028$152,288 7.6 %
Interest-bearing Liabilities:
Repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans$259,945$16,816 6.5 %$285,257$17,023 6.0 %
Other financing and loan participation- commercial mortgage loans2,686225 8.4 %9,4461,244 13.2 %
Repurchase agreements - real estate securities161,4605,117 3.2 %21,986770 3.5 %
Collateralized loan obligations1,641,74067,927 4.1 %1,124,42450,679 4.5 %
Derivative instruments334  N/A284 N/A
   Total$2,065,831$90,419 4.4 %$1,441,113$70,000 4.9 %
Net interest income/spread$104,880 2.7 %$82,288 2.7 %
Average leverage % (4)
74.6 %72.1 %
Weighted average levered yield (5)
14.9 %14.7 %
________________________
(1) Based on amortized cost for real estate debt and real estate securities and principal amount for repurchase agreements. All amounts are calculated based on quarterly averages for years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
(2) Includes the effect of amortization of premium or accretion of discount and deferred fees.
(3) Calculated as interest income or expense divided by average carrying value.
(4) Calculated by dividing total average interest-bearing liabilities by total average interest-earning assets.
(5) Calculated by dividing net interest income/spread by the net of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
Interest income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $195.3 million and $152.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, our portfolio consisted of 122 commercial mortgage loans, 7 commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value and 21 investments in CMBS. The main driver in the increase in interest income was an increase of $769.4 million in the average carrying value of our interest-earning assets.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased to $90.4 million compared to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $70.0 million. The increase in interest expense was due to an increase of $624.7 million in the average carrying value of our interest-bearing liabilities.
Realized Gain/Loss on Commercial Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale
Realized gain on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value at the TRS for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $37.8 million compared to $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The $26.5 million increase in realized gain was due to total proceeds of $1,013.1 million from the sale of fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market during the year ended December 31, 2019 versus transactions of total proceeds of $567.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
30

Expenses from operations
Expenses from operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were made up of the following (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Asset management and subordinated performance fee$16,226 $10,299 
Acquisition expenses900 452 
Administrative services expenses16,363 13,446 
Professional fees11,631 8,318 
Real estate owned operating expenses2,802 — 
Depreciation and amortization507 — 
Other expenses3,771 4,887 
Total expenses from operations$52,200 $37,402 
The increase in our expenses from operations was primarily related to asset management and subordinated performance fees, administrative services expenses and professional fees. The increase in asset management and subordinated performance fee was primarily driven by the larger stockholders’ equity and preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. In addition to a higher equity base, we accrued approximately $2.0 million of subordinated performance fee during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $0.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in administrative services expenses and professional fees was primarily driven by the increase in outstanding equity during 2019 and a larger portfolio. In addition, the increase in real estate owned operating expense was driven by the two new real estate owned assets on our balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to none for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Portfolio
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our portfolio consisted of 130 and 122 commercial mortgage loans, respectively, excluding commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option, and zero and 6 investments in CMBS, respectively.option. The commercial mortgage loans held for investment as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 had a total carrying value, net of allowance for loancredit losses, of $1,402.0$2,693.8 million and $1,046.6$2,762.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 the Company's total commercial mortgage loans, held for sale,held-for-sale, measured at fair value comprised of 3three loans with total fair value of $67.6 million and zeroseven loans respectively. We had no CMBS investments aswith total fair value of December 31, 2017.$112.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's total2020 and 2019, our real estate securities, available for sale, at fair value comprised of nine CMBS investments had awith total fair value of $49.0 million. For our commercial mortgage loans, excluding commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the$171.1 million and 21 CMBS investments with total fair value option, we currently estimate loss rates based on historical realized losses experienced in the industry and take into account current collateral and economic conditions affecting the probability or severity of losses when establishing the allowance for loan losses. We recorded a general allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 in the amount of $1.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively. There were no impaired or specifically reserved loans in the portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
$386.3 million. As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,December 31, 2019, our other real estate investments, measured at fair value, comprised one investment with a total fair value of $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, our real estate owned portfolio comprised one investment with a carrying value of $26.5 million and two investments with a carrying value of $35.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, we had two loans with unpaid contractual principal balance for a total carrying value of $94.9 million, one with interest past due for greater than 90 days and the other with interest past due greater than 30 days. We did not take any asset specific reserves for these loans. As of December 31, 2019, we had one loan with unpaid contractual principal balance and carrying value of $57.1 million that had interest past due for greater than 90 days.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our commercial mortgage loans, excluding commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option, had a weighted average coupon of 6.7%5.5% and 6.1%5.6%, and a weighted average remaining life of 1.31.7 years and 1.91.8 years, respectively. We had no CMBS as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016,2020 and 2019, our CMBS investments had a weighted average coupon of 5.8%2.2% and 3.7%, and a weighted average remaining life of 3.1 years.12.8 years and 15.8 years, respectively.
31

The following charts summarize our portfolio as a percentage of par value, including CMBS,commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, by the collateral type, geographical region and coupon rate type, collateral type and geographical region as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
bsprt-20201231_g1.jpgbsprt-20201231_g2.jpg

32


bsprt-20201231_g3.jpgbsprt-20201231_g4.jpg



33


bsprt-20201231_g5.jpgbsprt-20201231_g6.jpg





An investments region classification is defined according to the below map based on the location of investments secured property.
bsprt-20201231_g7.jpg



34

The following charts show the par value by contractual maturity year for the investments in our portfolio as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019:
bsprt-20201231_g8.jpg


bsprt-20201231_g9.jpg



35

The following table shows selected data from our commercial mortgage loans, held for investment in our portfolio as of December 31, 2017 (in2020 (dollars in thousands):
Loan TypeProperty TypePar Value
Interest Rate (1)
Effective Yield
Loan to Value (2)
Senior Debt 1Industrial$33,6551 month LIBOR + 4.00%4.20%65.0%
Senior Debt 2Mixed Use12,8391 month LIBOR + 5.00%5.75%73.3%
Senior Debt 3Office14,0341 month LIBOR + 4.45%5.45%64.2%
Senior Debt 4Office8,3911 month LIBOR + 6.00%7.00%74.0%
Senior Debt 5Multifamily37,8121 month LIBOR + 3.35%5.60%76.0%
Senior Debt 6Office26,8111 month LIBOR + 4.15%5.40%69.5%
Senior Debt 7Hospitality10,4001 month LIBOR + 6.25%6.50%61.6%
Senior Debt 8Hospitality5,8941 month LIBOR + 3.50%4.50%77.0%
Senior Debt 9Hospitality57,0751 month LIBOR + 5.19%6.19%51.8%
Senior Debt 10Multifamily77,9451 month LIBOR + 4.50%5.50%22.4%
Senior Debt 11Hospitality10,2501 month LIBOR + 5.25%6.25%60.7%
Senior Debt 12Hospitality23,0001 month LIBOR + 6.00%6.50%48.1%
Senior Debt 13Office23,7261 month LIBOR + 5.15%6.60%56.4%
Senior Debt 14Multifamily41,8261 month LIBOR + 3.70%4.50%63.7%
Senior Debt 15Hospitality28,2721 month LIBOR + 4.00%5.25%68.0%
Senior Debt 16Hospitality22,7001 month LIBOR + 4.40%5.00%72.7%
Senior Debt 17Multifamily35,8861 month LIBOR + 3.00%4.50%83.6%
Senior Debt 18Self Storage3,8511 month LIBOR + 4.05%5.00%45.5%
Senior Debt 19Self Storage6,4961 month LIBOR + 4.05%5.05%55.8%
Senior Debt 20Self Storage7,6061 month LIBOR + 4.05%5.05%57.6%
Senior Debt 21Self Storage2,4001 month LIBOR + 4.05%5.00%37.6%
Senior Debt 22Self Storage6,3101 month LIBOR + 5.05%5.19%59.1%
Senior Debt 23Hospitality22,3551 month LIBOR + 3.50%4.80%68.8%
Senior Debt 24Mixed Use59,4511 month LIBOR + 4.87%5.27%49.0%
Senior Debt 25Office21,1001 month LIBOR + 3.75%5.80%70.0%
Senior Debt 26Self Storage6,2991 month LIBOR + 6.00%7.75%58.9%
Senior Debt 27Office16,3421 month LIBOR + 3.40%5.30%67.5%
Senior Debt 28Retail29,5006.25%6.25%68.5%
Senior Debt 29Self Storage11,9661 month LIBOR + 5.50%7.25%68.1%
Senior Debt 30Multifamily16,1721 month LIBOR + 3.15%4.95%80.3%
Senior Debt 31Multifamily22,4171 month LIBOR + 3.40%4.95%80.5%
Senior Debt 32Multifamily29,8681 month LIBOR + 3.35%5.25%73.0%
Senior Debt 33Land16,4001 month LIBOR + 6.00%8.25%45.7%
Senior Debt 34Hospitality8,5231 month LIBOR + 4.80%6.75%62.5%
Senior Debt 35Industrial14,1601 month LIBOR + 3.95%5.95%66.4%
Senior Debt 36Multifamily48,5001 month LIBOR + 3.75%6.15%69.5%
Senior Debt 37Multifamily23,2951 month LIBOR + 5.70%7.50%70.7%
Senior Debt 38Office7,2001 month LIBOR + 3.90%5.95%67.6%
Senior Debt 39Manufactured Housing8,8931 month LIBOR + 4.40%6.50%60.3%
Senior Debt 40Hospitality14,0001 month LIBOR + 4.47%6.72%44.8%
Senior Debt 41Retail14,2501 month LIBOR + 3.95%6.45%61.2%
Senior Debt 42Hospitality21,0001 month LIBOR + 4.14%6.64%56.0%
Senior Debt 43Multifamily24,7111 month LIBOR + 3.10%5.40%73.1%
Senior Debt 44Multifamily37,6431 month LIBOR + 3.10%5.40%73.4%
Senior Debt 45Office42,6311 month LIBOR + 3.50%5.75%71.0%
Senior Debt 46Retail8,5001 month LIBOR + 7.50%7.64%51.6%
36

Loan TypeProperty TypePar Value
Interest Rate (1)
Effective Yield
Loan to Value (2)
Senior 1Office$31,250 1M LIBOR + 4.50%5.98%71.1%
Senior 2Retail9,450 1M LIBOR + 4.90%6.38%69.2%
Senior 3Office41,885 1M LIBOR + 5.25%6.73%72.1%
Senior 4Office30,451 1M LIBOR + 4.60%6.08%70.0%
Senior 5Retail11,684 1M LIBOR + 4.50%5.98%74.8%
Senior 6Multifamily14,990 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%63.9%
Senior 7Retail10,790 1M LIBOR + 5.25%6.73%72.0%
Senior 8Hospitality16,800 1M LIBOR + 4.90%6.38%74.0%
Senior 9Multifamily26,410 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%79.7%
Senior 10Multifamily14,980 1M LIBOR + 4.50%5.98%68.4%
Senior 11Retail14,600 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%65.0%
Senior 12Retail27,249 1M LIBOR + 4.75%6.23%67.4%
Senior 13Office9,844 1M LIBOR + 4.65%6.13%70.8%
Senior 14Industrial19,553 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%68.0%
Senior 15Multifamily18,941 1M LIBOR + 4.20%5.68%76.4%
Senior 16Hospitality10,350 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%69.9%
Senior 17Hospitality15,375 1M LIBOR + 5.30%6.78%73.5%
Senior 18Office45,235 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%72.6%
Senior 19Retail7,500 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%59.0%
Senior 20Retail4,725 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%72.0%
Senior 21Multifamily44,595 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%77.0%
Senior 22Office14,250 1M LIBOR + 4.75%6.23%74.4%
Senior 23Multifamily24,387 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%69.6%
Senior 24Multifamily5,538 1M LIBOR + 3.85%5.33%76.8%
Senior 25Multifamily5,519 1M LIBOR + 3.95%5.43%77.5%
Senior 26Multifamily13,120 1M LIBOR + 3.95%5.43%78.2%
Senior 27Multifamily5,894 1M LIBOR + 4.05%5.53%80.0%
Senior 28Industrial33,655 1M LIBOR + 4.00%5.48%65.0%
Senior 29Office12,000 1M LIBOR + 4.75%6.23%54.1%
Senior 30Office35,000 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%79.0%
Senior 31Office29,163 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%73.3%
Senior 32Office15,030 1M LIBOR + 5.35%6.83%48.2%
Senior 33Multifamily14,000 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%56.3%
Senior 34Office16,300 1M LIBOR + 6.00%7.48%66.4%
Senior 35Retail13,700 1M LIBOR + 4.75%6.23%62.6%
Senior 36Retail28,500 1M LIBOR + 4.73%6.21%73.1%
Senior 37Retail12,700 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%73.3%
Senior 38Multifamily37,410 1M LIBOR + 6.75%8.23%72.8%
Senior 39Retail15,750 1M LIBOR + 5.25%6.73%70.5%
Senior 40Retail25,000 1M LIBOR + 4.40%5.88%71.4%
Senior 41Multifamily14,817 1M LIBOR + 7.10%8.58%76.4%
Senior 42Hospitality12,600 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%61.6%
Senior 43Hospitality11,750 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%71.2%
Senior 44Retail20,450 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%60.9%
Senior 45Multifamily26,000 1M LIBOR + 7.50%8.98%69.7%
Senior 46Hospitality14,900 1M LIBOR + 6.25%7.73%69.0%
Senior 47Office11,580 1M LIBOR + 4.45%5.93%64.2%
Senior 48Office9,750 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%74.0%
Senior 49Multifamily39,700 1M LIBOR + 5.50%6.98%76.0%
Senior 50Multifamily25,500 1M LIBOR + 4.85%6.33%83.1%

Loan TypeProperty TypePar Value
Interest Rate (1)
Effective Yield
Loan to Value (2)
Senior Debt 47Hospitality10,5801 month LIBOR + 4.50%6.75%68.7%
Senior Debt 48Multifamily18,1001 month LIBOR + 3.40%5.35%76.4%
Senior Debt 49Hospitality19,9001 month LIBOR + 4.15%6.50%61.8%
Senior Debt 50Multifamily18,6561 month LIBOR + 3.10%5.50%67.4%
Senior Debt 51Office34,4001 month LIBOR + 3.90%6.15%68.2%
Senior Debt 52Hospitality20,9301 month LIBOR + 3.75%6.10%62.6%
Senior Debt 53Hospitality15,5001 month LIBOR + 4.00%6.50%56.4%
Senior Debt 54Hospitality5,2501 month LIBOR + 4.25%6.50%47.7%
Senior Debt 55Hospitality12,7501 month LIBOR + 4.45%6.85%62.9%
Senior Debt 56Hospitality9,5451 month LIBOR + 4.50%6.85%64.0%
Senior Debt 57Retail9,4001 month LIBOR + 4.20%6.30%77.1%
Senior Debt 58Manufactured Housing12,2001 month LIBOR + 3.65%5.90%48.4%
Senior Debt 59Manufactured Housing24,1001 month LIBOR + 3.65%5.90%53.8%
Senior Debt 60Multifamily23,1491 month LIBOR + 2.65%4.75%75.8%
Senior Debt 61Office29,7501 month LIBOR + 3.35%5.42%54.3%
Senior Debt 62Hospitality34,4841 month LIBOR + 3.99%5.74%31.0%
Senior Debt 63Multifamily12,8391 month LIBOR + 2.65%4.50%71.6%
Senior Debt 64Multifamily37,0211 month LIBOR + 2.75%4.50%79.3%
Senior Debt 65Industrial53,5001 month LIBOR + 3.75%5.50%59.7%
Senior Debt 66Office21,8251 month LIBOR + 3.50%5.40%70.9%
Senior Debt 67Hospitality7,1001 month LIBOR + 4.00%5.75%70.3%
Senior Debt 68Industrial22,2301 month LIBOR + 3.55%5.25%69.7%
Senior Debt 69Multifamily21,0831 month LIBOR + 2.75%4.25%71.7%
Senior Debt 70Multifamily27,0871 month LIBOR + 3.15%4.95%71.6%
Senior Debt 71Multifamily26,1301 month LIBOR + 2.70%2.84%76.0%
Senior Debt 72Multifamily7,1501 month LIBOR + 4.75%5.80%75.3%
Senior Debt 73Multifamily25,0001 month LIBOR + 3.00%4.50%75.5%
Senior Debt 74Office25,5001 month LIBOR + 4.35%6.05%64.9%
Senior Debt 75Multifamily14,1811 month LIBOR + 3.10%4.50%63.7%
Senior Debt 76Office48,2761 month LIBOR + 3.70%5.00%65.7%
Senior Debt 77Industrial25,3501 month LIBOR + 3.50%5.20%58.1%
Senior Debt 78Multifamily11,8001 month LIBOR + 3.15%4.75%72.4%
Senior Debt 79Office27,5981 month LIBOR + 2.70%2.84%71.4%
Senior Debt 80Multifamily75,1001 month LIBOR + 4.35%6.00%64.7%
Senior Debt 81Manufactured Housing1,3855.50%5.50%62.8%
Senior Debt 82Industrial14,6501 month LIBOR + 6.00%6.75%59.9%
Senior Debt 83Multifamily7,1491 month LIBOR + 4.75%5.75%62.6%
Senior Debt 84Multifamily6,7641 month LIBOR + 4.90%5.65%53.2%
Senior Debt 85Multifamily46,0001 month LIBOR + 4.75%5.75%69.4%
Senior Debt 86Multifamily5,5501 month LIBOR + 6.87%7.87%75.0%
Senior Debt 87Industrial16,4001 month LIBOR + 6.25%7.00%61.0%
Senior Debt 88Multifamily14,5051 month LIBOR + 4.75%5.50%65.3%
Senior Debt 89Multifamily23,4381 month LIBOR + 4.65%5.40%52.7%
Senior Debt 90Multifamily4,3001 month LIBOR + 5.50%6.50%87.4%
Senior Debt 91Manufactured Housing7,6801 month LIBOR + 4.50%5.00%66.7%
Senior Debt 92Mixed Use30,4651 month LIBOR + 5.15%6.15%67.0%
Senior Debt 93Multifamily3,1401 month LIBOR + 6.25%6.75%73.5%
Senior Debt 94Industrial24,6571 month LIBOR + 4.60%5.10%20.7%
37

Loan TypeProperty TypePar Value
Interest Rate (1)
Effective Yield
Loan to Value (2)
Senior 51Retail7,500 1M LIBOR + 5.25%6.73%70.5%
Senior 52Office62,040 1M LIBOR + 4.50%5.98%69.2%
Senior 53Multifamily39,033 1M LIBOR + 4.50%5.98%73.8%
Senior 54Hospitality8,875 1M LIBOR + 6.20%7.68%67.7%
Senior 55Office25,120 1M LIBOR + 4.15%5.63%69.5%
Senior 56Multifamily34,875 1M LIBOR + 3.80%5.28%71.2%
Senior 57Multifamily81,000 1M LIBOR + 7.00%8.48%69.4%
Senior 58Office29,800 1M LIBOR + 7.00%8.48%69.0%
Senior 59Hospitality10,600 1M LIBOR + 5.00%6.48%61.6%
Senior 60Office20,000 1M LIBOR + 4.25%5.73%68.6%
Senior 61Hospitality7,700 1M LIBOR + 5.75%7.23%77.0%
Senior 62Hospitality57,075 1M LIBOR + 5.75%7.23%51.8%
Senior 63Hospitality18,0005.75%5.75%52.9%
Mezzanine 1Multifamily4,00012.00%12.00%74.5%
Mezzanine 2Office7,00012.00%12.00%78.3%
Mezzanine 3Multifamily3,4809.50%9.50%84.3%
Mezzanine 4Office10,00010.00%10.00%78.7%
Mezzanine 5Multifamily3,000 1M LIBOR + 13.00%14.48%77.7%
Mezzanine 6Multifamily8,000 1M LIBOR + 13.00%14.48%76.4%
  $1,407,718 6.71%70.0%
Loan TypeProperty TypePar Value
Interest Rate (1)
Effective Yield
Loan to Value (2)
Senior Debt 95 (3)
Multifamily1 month LIBOR + 5.25%5.39%—%
Senior Debt 96Hospitality27,0001 month LIBOR + 6.50%6.85%62.7%
Senior Debt 97Multifamily2,4651 month LIBOR + 5.75%6.50%66.6%
Senior Debt 98Multifamily50,0001 month LIBOR + 6.69%7.44%80.0%
Senior Debt 99Self Storage29,8951 month LIBOR + 5.00%5.25%58.8%
Senior Debt 100Multifamily11,6221 month LIBOR + 4.75%5.25%70.0%
Senior Debt 101Manufactured Housing3,4001 month LIBOR + 5.00%5.25%58.6%
Senior Debt 102Multifamily27,5501 month LIBOR + 5.75%6.00%69.8%
Senior Debt 103Multifamily76,0001 month LIBOR + 4.10%4.35%67.9%
Senior Debt 104Multifamily58,0001 month LIBOR + 5.25%5.39%74.7%
Senior Debt 105Manufactured Housing5,0201 month LIBOR + 5.25%5.39%65.9%
Senior Debt 106Office19,0031 month LIBOR + 4.50%5.25%47.9%
Senior Debt 107Office69,6755.15%5.15%52.5%
Senior Debt 108Office30,9001 month LIBOR + 5.20%5.45%66.0%
Senior Debt 109Multifamily10,9451 month LIBOR + 7.04%7.29%63.3%
Senior Debt 110Self Storage11,6001 month LIBOR + 4.76%5.01%66.6%
Senior Debt 111Industrial24,5521 month LIBOR + 4.35%4.60%69.8%
Senior Debt 112Manufactured Housing5,0001 month LIBOR + 5.90%6.50%58.8%
Senior Debt 113Office12,7501 month LIBOR + 5.00%5.25%67.8%
Senior Debt 114Multifamily40,9371 month LIBOR + 4.35%4.60%73.2%
Senior Debt 115Multifamily36,2001 month LIBOR + 4.45%4.70%66.5%
Senior Debt 116Multifamily8,2501 month LIBOR + 5.50%5.75%73.7%
Senior Debt 117Retail11,9631 month LIBOR + 4.87%5.12%75.0%
Senior Debt 118Manufactured Housing3,5851 month LIBOR + 5.40%5.90%76.3%
Senior Debt 119Multifamily5,7301 month LIBOR + 5.00%5.25%73.5%
Senior Debt 120Multifamily18,8001 month LIBOR + 4.00%4.14%79.7%
Senior Debt 121Industrial14,2501 month LIBOR + 4.50%4.75%66.3%
Senior Debt 122Office11,5501 month LIBOR + 5.50%5.75%68.8%
Senior Debt 123Multifamily21,0001 month LIBOR + 4.60%4.75%66.7%
Senior Debt 124Office26,0001 month LIBOR + 5.00%5.25%63.9%
Senior Debt 125Hospitality17,4015.75%5.75%52.9%
Mezzanine Loan 1Multifamily3,4809.50%9.50%84.3%
Mezzanine Loan 2Retail3,50010.00%10.00%59.7%
Mezzanine Loan 3Multifamily6,5001 month LIBOR + 10.25%11.00%90.4%
Mezzanine Loan 4Retail1,4381 month LIBOR + 10.75%11.00%84.0%
Mezzanine Loan 5Multifamily1,00011.00%11.00%68.9%
$2,722,8635.50%64.0%
________________________
(1) Our floating rate loan agreements contain the contractual obligation for the borrower to maintain an interest rate cap to protect against rising interest rates. In a simple interest rate cap, the borrower pays a premium for a notional principal amount based on a capped interest rate (the “cap rate”). When the floating rate exceeds the cap rate, the borrower receives a payment from the cap counterparty equal to the difference between the floating rate and the cap rate on the same notional principal amount for a specified period of time. When interest rates rise, the value of an interest rate cap will increase, thereby reducing the borrower's exposure to rising interest rates.
(2) Loan to value percentage is from metrics at origination.

(3) The total commitment of this loan is $40.5 million, however none was funded as of December 31, 2020.
38

The following table shows selected data from our commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value.
Loan TypeProperty TypePar ValueInterest RateEffective Yield
Loan to Value (1)
TRS Senior 1 Multifamily$7,2004.87%4.9%49.7%
TRS Senior 2 Multifamily6,3314.95%5.0%65.0%
TRS Senior 3 Multifamily15,0005.00%5.0%67.6%
  $28,531 n/m60.8%
value as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
Loan TypeProperty TypePar ValueInterest RateEffective Yield
Loan to Value (1)
TRS Senior Debt 1Industrial$58,5003.33%3.33%58.0%
TRS Senior Debt 2Industrial9,0504.30%4.30%58.4%
TRS Mezzanine Loan 3Multifamily1001 month LIBOR + 14.00%15.00%76.4%
$67,6503.48%58.1%
________________________
(1)Loan to value percentage is from metrics at origination.
n/m - not meaningful.

Results of Operations
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016
We conductThe following table shows selected data from our business through the following segments:
The real estate debt business focuses on originating, acquiring and asset managing commercial real estate debt investments, including first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgages, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans.
The real estate securities, business focuses on investing in and asset managing commercial real estate securities primarily consisting of CMBS and may include unsecured REIT debt, CDO notes and other securities.
The conduit business operated through the Company's TRS, which is focused on generating superior risk-adjusted returns by originating and subsequently selling fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization marketavailable for sale, measured at a profit. .

Net Interest Income
Net interest income is generated on our interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities and is recorded as part of our real estate debt and real estate securities segments.
The following table presents the average balance of interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities, associated interest income and expense and corresponding yield earned and incurred for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
  Years Ended December 31,
  2017 2016
  
Average Carrying Value(1)
 
Interest Income/Expense(2)
 
WA Yield/Financing Cost(3)(4)
 
Average Carrying Value(1)
 
Interest Income/Expense(2)
 
WA Yield/Financing Cost(3)(4)
Interest-earning assets:            
Real estate debt $1,231,824
 $88,213
 7.2% $1,123,992
 $73,884
 6.6%
Real estate securities 19,016
 1,351
 7.1% 109,035
 5,520
 5.1%
Total $1,250,840
 $89,564
 7.2% $1,233,027
 $79,404
 6.4%
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Repurchase Agreements - commercial mortgage loans $300,199
 $14,142
 4.7% $250,788
 $12,079
 4.8%
Other financing - commercial mortgage loans 20,086
 1,213
 6.0% 
 
 n/a
Repurchase Agreements - real estate securities 50,379
 1,499
 3.0% 106,086
 2,450
 2.3%
Collateralized loan obligations 406,262
 15,385
 3.8% 286,936
 8,640
 3.0%
Derivative instruments 
 120
 n/a
 
 
 n/a
Total $776,926
 $32,359
 4.2% $643,810
 $23,169
 3.6%
Net interest income/spread   $57,205
 3.0%   $56,235
 2.8%
Average leverage %(5)
 62.1%     52.2%    
Weighted average levered yield(6)
     9.1%   

 7.9%
________________________
(1) Based on amortized cost for real estate debt and real estate securities and principal amount for repurchase agreements. Amounts are calculated based on daily averages for year ended December 31, 2017 and quarterly averages for the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively.
(2) Includes the effect of amortization of premium or accretion of discount and deferred fees.
(3) Calculated as interest income or expense divided by average carrying value.
(4) Annualized.
(5) Calculated by dividing total average interest-bearing liabilities by total average interest-earning assets.
(6) Calculated by taking the sum of (i) the net interest spread multiplied by the average leverage and (ii) the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets.
Interest income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $89.6 million and $79.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, our portfolio consisted of 69 loans and no investments in CMBS. The main driver in the increase in interest income was due to an increase in the 1 Month LIBOR, the benchmark for our loans. As of December 31, 2017, our loans had an average carryingfair value of $1,231.8 million and our CMBS investments had an average carrying value of $19.0 million, while as of December 31, 2016, our loans had an average carrying value of $1,124.0 million and our CMBS investments had an average carrying value of $109.0 million. The decrease2020 (dollars in the average carrying value of our CMBS portfolio was offset by an increase in asset yields of 80 basis points, primarily due to an increase in the 1 Month LIBOR.thousands):
TypePar ValueInterest RateEffective Yield
CMBS 1$13,2501 month LIBOR + 2.95%3.1%
CMBS 210,8001 month LIBOR + 2.10%2.2%
CMBS 340,0001 month LIBOR + 2.35%2.5%
CMBS 48,0001 month LIBOR + 1.85%2.0%
CMBS 524,0001 month LIBOR + 2.00%2.1%
CMBS 612,0001 month LIBOR + 2.15%2.3%
CMBS 720,0001 month LIBOR + 1.33%1.5%
CMBS 825,0001 month LIBOR + 1.63%1.8%
CMBS 925,6651 month LIBOR + 2.15%2.3%
$178,7152.2%
Interest expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased to $32.4 million compared to interest expense for year ended December 31, 2016 of $23.2 million, primarily due to increase in average borrowings of approximately $133.1 million year over year, of which approximately $202.3 million is an increase due to the issuance of two CLOs issued in 2017. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our total average borrowings outstanding were $776.9 million and $643.8 million, respectively. The increase in interest expense also equates to a 50 basis points increase in rates on interest-bearing liabilities primarily due to increases in the 1 Month LIBOR, the benchmark index for our financing lines.

Expenses from operations
Expenses from operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were made up of the following (in thousands):
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016
Asset management and subordinated performance fee $9,273
 $9,504
Administrative services expenses 6,765
 4,376
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses 4,197
 806
Professional fees 5,444
 5,467
Other expenses 3,837
 2,336
Total expenses from operations $29,516
 $22,489

The increase in our expenses from operations was primarily related to administrative services expenses, acquisition fees and acquisition expenses, and other expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we incurred asset management and subordinated performance fees of $9.3 million and $9.5 million, respectively. The entire $9.3 million in the asset management and subordinated performance fee line is composed of asset management fees, as there was no subordinated performance fee for 2017 due to applicable conditions not having been satisfied. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we have incurred approximately $6.8 million of administrative service expenses related to general and administrative expense reimbursement, of which the full amount was attributable to our Advisor. Additionally, we incurred approximately $3.2 million more in acquisition fees during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 primarily due to the fact that we had nominal origination activity in 2016.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2016 to the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is generated on our interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities and is recorded as part of our real estate debt and real estate securities segments.
The following table presents the average balance of interest-earning assets less related interest-bearing liabilities, associated interest income and expense and corresponding yield earned and incurred for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):
  Years Ended December 31,
  2016 2015
  
Average Carrying Value(1)
 
Interest Income/Expense(2)
 
WA Yield/Financing Cost(3)(4)
 
Average Carrying Value(1)
 
Interest Income/Expense(2)
 
WA Yield/Financing Cost(3)(4)
Interest-earning assets:            
Real estate debt $1,123,992
 $73,884
 6.6% $719,206
 $56,040
 7.8%
Real estate securities 109,035
 5,520
 5.1% 84,803
 3,353
 4.0%
Total 1,233,027
 79,404
 6.4% 804,009
 59,393
 7.4%
Interest-bearing liabilities:            
Repurchase Agreements - Loans 250,788
 12,079
 4.8% 262,727
 9,543
 3.6%
Repurchase Agreements - Securities 106,086
 2,450
 2.3% 63,687
 1,119
 1.8%
Collateralized loan obligations 286,936
 8,640
 3.0% 58,223
 1,606
 2.8%
Total 643,810
 23,169
 3.6% 384,637
 12,268
 3.2%
Net interest income/spread   $56,235
 2.8%   $47,125
 4.2%
Average leverage %(5)
 52.2%     47.8%    
Weighted average levered yield(6)
     7.9%     9.4%
________________________
(1) Based on amortized cost forshows selected data from our other real estate debt and real estate securities and principal amount for repurchase agreements. All amounts are calculated based on quarterly averages for years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
(2) Includes the effect of amortization of premium or accretion of discount and deferred fees.
(3) Calculated as interest income or expense divided by average carrying value.
(4) Annualized.

(5) Calculated by dividing total average interest-bearing liabilities by total average interest-earning assets.
(6) Calculated by taking the sum of (i) the net interest spread multiplied by the average leverage and (ii) the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets.
Interest income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $79.4 million and $59.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, our portfolio consisted of 71 Loans and 6 investments, in CMBS. The main driver in the increase in interest income was the increase in the average carryingmeasured at fair value of our portfolio due to investing capital raised through the Offering into real estate debt. As of December 31, 2016, our Loans had an average carrying value of $1,124.0 million and our CMBS investments had an average carrying value of $109.0 million, while as of December 31, 2015, the Loans had an average carrying value of $719.2 million and2020 (dollars in thousands):
 TypeProperty TypePar ValuePreferred Return
Preferred Equity 1Retail$2,50012.5%
$2,500
The following table shows selected data from our CMBS investments had an average carrying value of $84.8 million. The increasereal estate owned assets in the average carrying value of our portfolio was offset by a decrease in asset yieldsas of 100 basis point due to a shift in the composition of the portfolio predominately to lower yielding senior loans over the course of 2015 and into 2016.
Interest expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased to $23.2 million compared to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $12.3 million, primarily due to increase2020 (dollars in average borrowings of approximately $259.2 million year over year and payment of various extension fees on the Repo Facilities, of which approximately $287.5 million is an increase due to the issuance of a CLO issued on October 19, 2015. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, our total average borrowing outstanding was $643.8 million and $384.6 million, respectively. The increase in interest expense also equates to a 40 basis points increase in rates on interest-bearing liabilities due to the extension fees paid to our borrowers on the Repo Facilities and increases in LIBOR index rate during the year.thousands):
TypeProperty TypeCarrying Value
Real Estate Owned 1Office$26,510
$26,510
Expenses from operations
Expenses from operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were made up of the following (in thousands):
  Year Ended December 31,
  2016 2015
Asset management and subordinated performance fee $9,504
 $7,615
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses 806
 7,916
Administrative services expenses (1)
 4,376
 644
Professional fees 5,467
 4,353
Other expenses (2)
 2,336
 1,346
Total expenses from operations $22,489
 $21,874
________________________
(1) During the years ended December 31, 2015, the Company previously reported Administrative services expenses within the Professional fees line. For the year ended December 31, 2016 the amounts are presented separately and the change was applied retrospectively.
(2) Other expenses include board of directors and insurance expenses.
The increase in our expenses from operations was primarily related to asset management, administrative services expenses, other expenses and professional fees. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred asset management and subordinated performance fees of $9.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively, an increase of $1.9 million due to incurring a full year of asset management fees for the year ended December 31, 2016 as there was no waiver of asset management fee during 2016 as was the case for 2015. The entire $9.5 million in the asset management and subordinated performance fee line is composed of asset management fees, as there was no subordinated performance fee for 2016 due to applicable conditions not having been satisfied. Additionally, we have incurred approximately $4.4 million of administrative service expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016, related to general and administrative expense reimbursement, of which approximately $1.0 million and $3.4 million was attributable to our Advisor and the Former Advisor, respectively. Additionally, we have incurred approximately $1.1 million more in professional fees during year ended December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to an increase in consulting and legal fees, slightly offset by a decrease in audit fees.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal demands for cash will be funding our loan investments, payment of feescontinuing debt service obligations, distributions to our stockholders and reimbursements owed to the Advisor, the payment of our operating and administrative expenses, continuing debt service obligations and distributions to our stockholders. We currently believe that we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources available for all anticipated uses, including the origination of loan investments, required debt service and the payment of cash dividends.expenses.

We expectThe Company expects to use additional debt and equity financing as a source of capital. OurThe board of directors currently intends to operate at a leverage level of between one to three times book value of equity. However, our board of directors may change this target without shareholder approval. We anticipateIn addition, in 2020 the Company raised $10.9 million through sales of common and preferred equity to institutional and individual investors. The Company anticipates that adequateour debt and equity financing sources and our anticipated cash will be generated from operations will be adequate to fund our operating and administrative expenses, continuing debt service obligations and the paymentanticipated uses of distributions.capital.
In addition to our current mix of financing sources, wethe Company may also access additional forms of financings, including credit facilities, securitizations, public and private, secured and unsecured debt issuances by us or our subsidiaries, or through capital recycling initiatives whereby we sell certain assets in our portfolio and reinvest the proceeds in assets with more attractive risk-adjusted returns.
Refer to “COVID-19 Pandemic” above for information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our liquidity.
39

Collateralized Loan Obligations
On January 15, 2020, the Company called all of the outstanding notes issued by BSPRT 2017-FL2 Issuer, Ltd., a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Company. The outstanding principal of the notes on the date of the call was $21.0 million. The Company recognized all the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of $4.5 million recorded within the Interest expense line of the consolidated statements of operations, which was a non-cash charge.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the notes issued by BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer, Ltd. and BSPRT 2018-FL3 Co-Issuer, LLC, wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 27 and 41 mortgage assets having a principal balance of $417.9 million and $523.2 million, respectively (the "2018-FL3 Mortgage Assets"). The sale of the 2018-FL3 Mortgage Assets to BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer, Ltd. is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 5, 2018, between the Company and BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer, Ltd.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the notes issued by BSPRT 2018-FL4 Issuer, Ltd. and BSPRT 2018-FL4 Co-Issuer, LLC, wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 59 and 49 mortgage assets having a principal balance of $852.1 million and $867.9 million, respectively (the "2018-FL4 Mortgage Assets"). The sale of the 2018-FL4 Mortgage Assets to BSPRT 2018-FL4 Issuer, Ltd. is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 12, 2018, between the Company and BSPRT 2018-FL4 Issuer, Ltd.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the notes issued by BSPRT 2019-FL5 Issuer, Ltd. and BSPRT 2019-FL5 Co-Issuer, LLC, each wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 54 and 48 mortgage assets having a principal balance of $799.8 million and $809.4 million respectively (the "2019-FL5 Mortgage Assets"). The sale of the 2019-FL5 Mortgage Assets to BSPRT 2019-FL5 Issuer, Ltd. is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of May 30, 2019, between the Company and BSPRT 2019-FL5 Issuer, Ltd.
Repurchase Agreements, Commercial Mortgage Loans
As of December 31, 2017, we have2020, the Company has repurchase facilities with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (the "JPM Repo Facility"), Goldman Sachs Bank USA (the "GS Repo Facility"), U.S Bank National Association (the "USB Repo Facility"), Barclays Bank PLC (the "Barclays Revolver Facility" and the "Barclays Repo Facility"), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "WF Repo Facility"), and Credit Suisse AG (the "CS Repo Facility" and together with JPM Repo Facility, GS Repo Facility, USB Repo Facility, WF Repo Facility, Barclays Revolver Facility, and Barclays Repo Facility, the "Repo Facilities").
The JPM Repo Facility has a maturity date of June 12, 2019 plus a one-year extension at the Company's option and provides up to $300 million in advances. The GS Repo Facility has a maturity date of December 27, 2018 with a one-year extension at the Company’s option,Facilities are financing sources through which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and provides up to $250 million in advances. The USB Repo Facility matures on June 15, 2020, with two one-year extensions at the option of an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and provides up to $100.0 million in advances. The CS Repo Facility matures on August 30, 2018 and provides up to $250.0 million in advances. Prior to the end of each calendar quarter, the Company may requestpledge one or more mortgage loans to the financing entity in exchange for funds typically at an extensionadvance rate of between 65% to 80% of the termination date for an additional 364 days fromprincipal amount of the end of such calendar quarter subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and approvals.mortgage loan being pledged.
We expectThe Company expects to use the advances from these Repo Facilities to finance the acquisition or origination of eligible loans, including first mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and participation interests therein.
As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was $42.0 million and $257.7 million outstanding under the JPM Repo Facility, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, we had $13.5 million outstanding under the GS Repo Facility, $0.0 million outstanding under the USB Repo Facility and $10.1 million outstanding under the CS Repo Facility. The Company had no advances under the GS Repo Facility, no advances under the USB Repo Facility and no advances under the CS Repo Facility as of December 31, 2016.
The Company entered into the Barclays Facility on September 19, 2017.  The Barclays Facility provides for a senior secured $75.0 million revolving line of credit and bears interest at per annum rates equal to one of two base rates plus an applicable margin. The Barclays Facility has a maturity of September 19, 2019, subject to an extension term of one year, and provides for quarterly interest-only payments, with all principal and interest outstanding being due on the maturity date. The Company expects to use advances on the Barclays Facility to finance the origination of eligible loans, including first lien mortgage loans, junior mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, and participation interests therein.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no advances under the Barclays Facility.
The Repo Facilities generally provide that in the event of a decrease in the value of the Company'sour collateral, the lenders can demand additional collateral. Should the value of the Company’sour collateral decrease as a result of deteriorating credit quality, resulting margin calls may cause an adverse change in the Company’sour liquidity position.
40

The details of our Repo Facilities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31, 2020
Repurchase FacilityCommitted FinancingAmount Outstanding
Interest Expense(1)
Ending Weighted Average Interest RateInitial Term Maturity
JPM Repo Facility (2)
$300,000 $113,884 $5,020 2.54 %10/6/2022
USB Repo Facility (3)
100,000 5,775 599 2.40 %6/15/2021
CS Repo Facility (4)
200,000 106,971 3,539 2.84 %8/19/2021
WF Repo Facility (5)
175,000 27,150 1,041 2.50 %11/21/2021
Barclays Revolver Facility (6)
100,000 — 387 N/A9/20/2021
Barclays Repo Facility (7)
300,000 22,560 1,046 2.51 %3/15/2022
Total$1,175,000 $276,340 $11,632 
__________________________
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2020. Includes amortization of deferred financing costs.
(2) On October 6, 2020 the maturity date was amended to October 6, 2022.
(3) On June 9, 2020, the Company exercised the extension option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and extended the term maturity to June 15, 2021.
(4) On August 28, 2020, the Company exercised the extension option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and extended the term maturity to August 19, 2021. Additionally, in 2020 the committed financing amount was downsized from $300 million to $200 million.
(5) On November 17, 2020, the Company exercised the extension option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and extended the term maturity to November 21, 2021. There are two more one-year extension options available at the Company's discretion.
(6) There is one one-year extension option available at the Company's discretion.
(7) Includes two one-year extensions at the Company's option.
As of December 31, 2019
Repurchase FacilityCommitted FinancingAmount Outstanding
Interest Expense(1)
Ending Weighted Average Interest RateInitial Term Maturity
JPM Repo Facility (2)
$300,000 $107,526 $6,862 4.51 %1/30/2021
USB Repo Facility (3)
100,000 — 622 N/A6/15/2020
CS Repo Facility (4)
300,000 87,375 5,563 4.84 %3/27/2020
WF Repo Facility (5)
175,000 24,942 1,333 3.65 %11/21/2020
Barclays Revolver Facility (6)
100,000 — 976 N/A9/20/2021
Barclays Facility (7)
300,000 32,700 1,260 3.80 %3/15/2022
Total$1,275,000 $252,543 $16,616 
_______________________
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2019. Includes amortization of deferred financing costs.
(2) On September 3, 2019, the committed financing amount was downsized from $520 million to $300 million and the maturity date was amended to January 30, 2021.
(3) Includes two one-year extensions at the option of an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.
(4) On March 26, 2019, the Company exercised the extension option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and extended the term maturity to March 27, 2020.
(5) Includes three one-year extensions at the Company’s option, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.
(6) On September 13, 2019, the Company exercised the extension option, and extended the term maturity to September 20, 2021. There is one more one-year extension option available at the Company's discretion.
(7) Includes two one-year extensions at the Company's option.
Other financing and loan participation - Commercial Mortgage Loans
We entered into a financing arrangement with Pacific Western Bank for term financing ("PWB Financing") on May 17, 2017. The PWB Financing providedOn March 23, 2020, the Company with $36.2transferred $15.2 million and is collateralized byof its interest in a portfolio assetterm loan to Sterling National Bank ("SNB") via a participation agreement. During 2020, the Company's outstanding loan increased resultant of $54.2 million.future fundings, leading to an increase in amount outstanding via the participation agreement. The PWB Financing initially maturesCompany incurred $0.5 million of interest expense on June 9, 2019, with two one-year extension option atSNB for the Company’s option.year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2017, we had $26.22020 there was an outstanding balance of $31.4 million. The loan matures on February 9, 2023.
41

Mortgage Note Payable
On October 15, 2019, the Company obtained a commercial mortgage loan for $29.2 million related to the real estate owned portfolio. As of December 31, 2020 the loan accrued interest at an annual rate of 3.85% and matures on November 6, 2034. The Company incurred $1.1 million of interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, on January 6, 2020, the Company obtained a commercial mortgage loan for $11.0 million related to the real estate owned portfolio (see Note 5 - Real Estate Owned). As of December 31, 2020 the loan and related real estate owned assets were no longer held by the Company. The Company incurred $0.8 million of interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
Unsecured Debt
Pursuant to a lending and security agreement with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company ("SBL"), which was entered into in February 2020 and amended in March and August 2020, the Company may borrow up to $100.0 million at a rate of one-month LIBOR + 4.5%. The facility has a maturity of February 10, 2023 and is secured by a pledge of equity interests in certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company incurred $0.2 million of interest expense on the lending agreement with SBL for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the PWB Financing.lending agreement.
CMBSRepurchase Agreements - Real Estate Securities
The Company has entered into various Master Repurchase Agreements ("MRAs"(the "MRAs")
We entered into various MRAs that allow usthe Company to sell real estate securities while providing a fixed repurchase price for the same real estate securities in the future. The repurchase contracts on each security under an MRA generally mature in 30 to 9030-90 days and terms are adjusted for current market rates as necessary. As
Below is a summary of the Company's MRAs as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016, we entered into six MRAs, of which one and three were2019 (dollars in use for each respective periods presented, described below (in thousands):
Weighted Average
CounterpartyAmount OutstandingAccrued Interest
Collateral Pledged (1)
Interest RateDays to Maturity
As of December 31, 2020
JP Morgan Securities LLC$33,791 $1,668 $43,612 1.75 %31
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC— 1,057 — N/A N/A
Goldman Sachs International22,440 455 30,794 1.68 %16
Barclays Capital Inc.76,809 2,102 97,244 1.71 %33
Credit Suisse AG— 905 — N/A N/A
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.53,788 2,532 71,723 1.70 %29
Total/Weighted Average$186,828 $8,719 $243,373 1.71 %33
As of December 31, 2019
JP Morgan Securities LLC$83,353 $124 $93,500 2.53 %20
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC178,304 1,199 209,873 2.94 %11
Barclays Capital Inc.40,720 221 47,475 2.81 %23
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.91,982 413 103,453 2.69 %19
Total/Weighted Average$394,359 $1,957 $454,301 2.79 %16
________________________

  Amount     Weighted Average
Counterparty Outstanding Accrued Interest 
Collateral Pledged(*)
 Interest Rate Days to Maturity
As of December 31, 2017          
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC $39,035
 $11
 $56,044
 3.32% 26
      Total $39,035
 $11
 $56,044
 3.32% 26
           
As of December 31, 2016          
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC $59,122
 $96
 $92,658
 2.55% 6
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. 3,879
 1
 4,850
 2.11% 26
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC 3,638
 4
 4,850
 2.05% 13
      Total/Weighted Average $66,639
 $101
 $102,358
 2.50% 8
________________________
(*) Collateral includes $56.0(1) Includes $72.2 million and $53.3$68.5 million Tranche C of Company issued CLO notes, held by the Company, which eliminatesis eliminated within the Real estate securities, at fair value line of the consolidated balance sheets as of as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.
42

The following tables summarize our Repurchase Agreements, Commercial Mortgage Loans and our MRAs for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 respectively:
As of December 31, 2020
Amount OutstandingAverage Outstanding Balance
Q1Q2Q3Q4Q1Q2Q3Q4
Repurchase Agreements, Commercial Mortgage Loans$234,524 $226,224 $183,033 $276,340 $282,282 $238,280 $197,632 $279,187 
Repurchase Agreements, Real Estate Securities$496,880 $335,256 $177,541 $186,828 $412,809 $351,202 $316,229 $183,632 
As of December 31, 2019
Amount OutstandingAverage Outstanding Balance
Q1Q2Q3Q4Q1Q2Q3Q4
Repurchase Agreements, Commercial Mortgage Loans$370,889 $132,870 $111,937 $252,543 $357,850 $337,970 $132,126 $214,812 
Repurchase Agreements, Real Estate Securities$22,078 $85,022 $244,308 $394,359 $52,711 $84,179 $181,198 $324,545 
As of December 31, 2018
Amount OutstandingAverage Outstanding Balance
Q1Q2Q3Q4Q1Q2Q3Q4
Repurchase Agreements, Commercial Mortgage Loans$501,310 $304,975 $565,329 $149,440 $313,509 $222,339 $456,636 $183,689 
Repurchase Agreements, Real Estate Securities$— $10,600 $22,272 $44,539 $19,542 $3,029 $23,056 $42,079 
The use of our warehouse lines is dependent upon a number of factors including but not limited to: origination volume, loan repayments and prepayments, our use of other financing sources such as collateralized loan obligations, our liquidity needs and types of loan assets and underlying collateral that we hold.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 the maximum average outstanding balance was $721.0 million, of which $268.2 million was related to repurchase agreements on our commercial mortgage loans and $452.8 million for repurchase agreements on our real estate securities.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the maximum average outstanding balance was $612.0 million, at the end of November 30, 2019, of which $266.6 million was related to repurchase agreements on our commercial mortgage loans and $345.4 million for repurchase agreements on our real estate securities.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the maximum average outstanding balance was $560.6 million, at the end of September 30, 2018, of which $534.8 million was related to repurchase agreements on our commercial mortgage loans and $25.8 million for repurchase agreements on our real estate securities.
43

Private Placements
Since February 2018, we have been conducting offerings of our common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and Series C Preferred Stock in offerings exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The following table summarizes the issuance of common stock in these offerings (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Total
Shares IssuedProceeds
Balance, December 31, 201912,136,262$201,225 
January 2020284,9834,762 
February 2020365,0516,100 
March 2020— 
April 2020— 
May 2020— 
June 2020— 
July 2020— 
August 2020— — 
September 2020— — 
October 2020— — 
November 2020— — 
December 2020— — 
Balance, December 31, 202012,786,296 $212,087 
As of December 31, 2020, we had no outstanding binding purchase commitments for common stock.
The following table summarizes the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock in these offerings (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Total
Shares IssuedProceeds
Balance, December 31, 201940,496 $202,549 
January 2020— 
February 20201470 
March 2020— 
April 2020— 
May 2020— 
June 2020— 
July 2020— 
August 2020— 
September 2020— 
October 2020— 
November 2020— 
December 2020— 
Balance, December 31, 202040,510 $202,619 
As of December 31, 2020, we had no outstanding binding purchase commitments for Series A Preferred Stock.
There were no issuances of Series C Preferred Stock during the year ended December 31, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020, we had no outstanding binding purchase commitments for Series C Preferred Stock.
44

The following tables present the activity in the Company's Series A Preferred Stock for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Series A Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 201940,500 $202,144 
Issuance of Preferred Stock14 70 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock
Offering costs— (23)
Amortization of offering costs— 94 
Ending Balance, December 31, 202040,515 $202,292 
Series A Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 201829,249 $145,786 
Issuance of Preferred Stock11,247 56,233 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock24 
Offering costs— — 
Amortization of offering costs— 101 
Ending Balance, December 31, 201940,500 $202,144 
The following table presents the activity in the Company's Series C Preferred Stock for the period ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Preferred C StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 20191,400 $6,966 
Issuance of Preferred Stock— — 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock— — 
Offering costs(11)
Amortization of offering costs— 
Ending Balance, December 31, 20201,400 $6,962 
Series C Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2018— $— 
Issuance of Preferred Stock1,400 6,998 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock— — 
Offering costs— (33)
Amortization of offering costs— 
Ending Balance, December 31, 20191,400 $6,966 
45

Distributions
In order to maintain its election to qualify as a REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount equal to 90% of its taxable income, without regard to the deduction for distributions paid and excluding net capital gains. The Company must distribute 100% of its taxable income (including net capital gains) to avoid paying corporate U.S. federal income taxes.
In March 2016,Distributions on our common stock are payable when authorized and declared by our board of directors authorized and declared ongoing monthly distributions at a rate equivalent to $2.0625 per annum, per share. In August 2017, our board of directors authorized and declared ongoing monthly distributions at a rate equivalent to $1.44 per annum, per share.
The Company's distributions are payable by the fifth day following each month end to stockholders of record at the close of business each day during the prior month.directors. Distribution payments are dependent on the availability of funds. The Company'sOur board of directors may reduce the amount of distributions paid or suspend distribution payments at any time, and therefore, distributions payments are not assured.
Dividends payable on each share of Series A and Series C Preferred Stock are generally equal to the quarterly dividend that would have been paid had such share of Preferred Stock been converted to a share of common stock, except to the extent common stock dividends have been reduced below certain specified levels. To the extent dividends on Preferred Shares are not authorized and declared by our board of directors and paid by the Company monthly, the dividend amounts will accrue.
In April 2020, the Company’s board of directors unanimously approved a transition in the timing of the dividend payments to holders of the Company’s common stock from a monthly payment with daily accruals to a quarterly accrual and payment basis. Similarly, the Company began paying accrued and unpaid dividends on Preferred Stock on a quarterly basis.
In November 2020, the Company’s board of directors declared the following fourth quarter 2020 dividends: (i) a quarterly cash dividend of $0.275 per common share (equivalent to $1.10 per annum) which was paid in January 2021 to holders of record on December 31, 2020, and (ii) a quarterly cash dividend per share of Preferred Stock equivalent to the amount of distributions that would have been paid upon a conversion of such share of Preferred Stock into common stock, which was paid in January 2021 to holders of record on December 31, 2020.
The below table shows the distributions paid on shares outstanding of common stock, as well as the amount of shares of common stock issued upon reinvestment of distributions by stockholders under our DRIP during the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016 (in2019 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Payment DateAmount Paid in CashAmount Issued under DRIP
January 2, 2020$4,154 $1,211 
February 5, 20204,177 1,210 
March 2, 20203,919 1,130 
April 1, 20205,413 — 
May 1, 2020— — 
June 1, 2020— — 
July 1, 20209,463 2,679 
August 1, 2020— — 
September 1, 2020— — 
October 1, 20209,540 2,653 
November 1, 2020— — 
December 23, 2020 (1)
132 — 
Total$36,798 $8,883 
_____________________
(1) Payment relates to second quarter dividend distributions which were recalculated as a result of the transition from a monthly payment with daily accruals to a quarterly payment and accrual basis.
46

Year Ended December 31, 2017

Payment Date
 Amount Paid in Cash Amount Issued under DRIP
January 3, 2017 $3,575
 $2,007
February 1, 2017 3,560
 1,957
March 1, 2017 3,231
 1,770
April 1, 2017 3,621
 1,926
May 1, 2017 3,536
 1,846
June 1, 2017 3,692
 1,887
July 3, 2017 3,607
 1,809
August 1, 2017 3,755
 1,854
September 1, 2017 2,580
 1,283
October 2, 2017 2,513
 1,232
November 1, 2017 2,615
 1,263
December 4, 2017 2,543
 1,217
Total $38,828
 $20,051
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Payment DateAmount Paid in CashAmount Issued under DRIP
January 4, 2019$3,576 $1,171 
February 1, 20193,657 1,168 
March 1, 20193,333 1,053 
April 1, 20193,749 1,167 
May 1, 20193,678 1,143 
June 3, 20193,870 1,182 
July 1, 20193,796 1,141 
August 2, 20194,033 1,181 
September 3, 20194,051 1,182 
October 1, 20193,951 1,138 
November 1, 20194,093 1,194 
December 2, 20193,976 1,181 
Total$45,763 $13,901 

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Payment Date
 Amount Paid in Cash Amount Issued under DRIP
January 4, 2016
$3,225

$2,324
February 2, 2016
3,337

2,159
March 2, 2016
3,057

2,099
April 1, 2016
3,342

2,188
May 2, 2016
3,296

2,068
June 1, 2016
3,446

2,112
July 1, 2016
3,361

2,034
August 3, 2016
3,423

2,070
September 1, 2016
3,465

2,045
October 3, 2016
3,371

1,968
November 3, 2016
3,505

2,028
December 3, 2016
3,423

1,952
Total $40,251
 $25,047
The following table shows the sources for the payment of distributions to common stockholders for the periods presented (in(dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Distributions:
  Cash distributions paid$36,798 $45,763 
  Distributions reinvested8,883 13,901 
Total Distributions$45,681 $59,664 
Source of Distribution Coverage:
  Net Income$36,798 80.6 %$45,763 76.7 %
  Common stock issued under DRIP8,883 19.4 %13,901 23.3 %
Total Sources of Distributions$45,681 100.0 %$59,664 100.0 %
Net Income applicable to common stock (GAAP)$39,826 $66,914 
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Distributions:       
Cash distributions paid$38,828
   $40,251
  
Distributions reinvested20,051
   25,047
  
Total distributions$58,879
   $65,298
  
Source of distribution coverage:       
Cash flows provided by operations$8,354
 14.2% $35,024
 53.6%
Available cash on hand30,474
 51.8% 5,227
 8.0%
Common stock issued under DRIP20,051
 34.0% 25,047
 38.4%
Total sources of distributions$58,879
 100.0% $65,298
 100.0%
Cash flows provided by operations (GAAP)$8,354
   $35,024
  
Net income (GAAP)$33,779
   $29,990
  
The following table compares cumulative distributions paid to cumulative net income (in accordance with GAAP) for the period from November 15, 2012 (date of inception) through December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
  For the period from November 15, 2012 (date of inception) to December 31, 2017
Distributions paid:  
Common stockholders in cash $113,906
Common stockholders pursuant to DRIP / offering proceeds 70,475
Total distributions paid $184,381
Reconciliation of net income:  
Net interest income $174,578
Realized loss on sale of real estate securities (1,734)
Realized gain on sale of commercial mortgage loan 232
Acquisition fees and expenses (17,305)
Other operating expenses (66,094)
Net income $89,677
Cash flows provided by operations $72,272

Cash Flows
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 20172020
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year endedDecember 31, 20172020 was $8.4$115.3 million. Cash inflows were primarily driven by an increase in net income to $33.8of $54.7 million offset byand net cash outflowsproceeds of $24.0$44.7 million related to originations of and proceeds from sales of commercial mortgage loans, measured at fair value.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $240.7 million. Cash inflows were primarily driven by proceeds from principal repayments of $1,228.2 million received on commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, proceeds received from the sale/repayment of real estate securities of $346.2 million, $77.2 million of proceeds received from the sale of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale and $22.5 million of proceeds received from sale of real estate owned assets. Inflows were partially offset by the origination and acquisition of $1,281.2 million of commercial mortgage loans and the purchase of real estate securities of $148.6 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $373.0 million. Cash outflows were primarily driven by repayments on CLOs of $182.7 million, net payment on CMBS repurchase agreements of $207.5 million, $49.8 million in cash distributions to stockholders and $10.3 million of stock repurchases. Outflows were offset by $31.4 million of proceeds received from borrowing on other financing and loan participation for commercial mortgage loans, $11.7 million from borrowing on mortgage note payable and net proceeds of $23.8 million received from repurchase agreements on commercial mortgage loans.
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $45.4 million. Cash inflows were primarily driven by an increase in net income to $83.9 million, offset by net cash outflows of $45.5 million related to originations of and proceeds from sales of commercial mortgage loans, measured at fair value.
47

Net cash used in investing activities for the year endedDecember 31, 20172019 was $332.8$969.2 million. Cash outflows were primarily driven by the origination and acquisition of $837.0$1,321.6 million of commercial mortgage loans.loans and $369.9 million of CMBS. Outflows were offset by proceeds from principal repayments of $381.9$756.1 million received on commercial mortgage loans, held for investment and proceeds from sale of commercial mortgage loans, held for saleheld-for-sale of $121.7$0.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 20172019 was $290.1$828.6 million. Cash inflows were primarily driven byby: proceeds of $700.9$639.9 million from issuance of two CLOs,one CLO, BSPRT 2017-FL1 and BSPRT 2017-FL2. This was partially offset by cash outflows of $192.0 million2019-FL5; proceeds from net repaymentsborrowing on the Repo Facilities $27.6 millionof $103.1 million; proceeds from net paymentborrowing on our CMBS MRAs of $349.8 million. Inflows were partially offset by the payment of $38.8$60.6 million in cash distributions to stockholders, $20.5$13.8 million of stock repurchases and repayments on CDOsCLOs of $143.1 million
Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $35.0 million. Cash inflows were primarily driven by an increase in net income to $30.0$343.2 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year endedDecember 31, 2016 was $139.4 million. Cash inflows were primarily driven by proceeds from the sale of real estate securities of $79.1 million, proceeds from the sale of commercial mortgage loans of $44.4 million and principal repayments of $69.6 million, partially offset by additional funding of $53.6 million on existing loans.
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $71.2 million. Cash outflows were primarily driven by $51.4 million from net borrowings on the JPM Repo Facility offset by $50.6 million from net payment on our CMBS MRAs, the payments of $40.3 million in cash distributions to stockholders, $19.0 million of stock repurchases and repayments on CDOs of $9.2 million.
Election as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a REIT, if we meet certain organizational and operational requirements and distribute at least 90% of our "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders in a year, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that we distribute. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property, and U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Our contractual obligations, excluding expected interest payments,obligations (as amounts are not fixed or determinable), as of December 31, 20172020 are summarized as follows (in(dollars in thousands):
Less than 1 year1 to 3 years3 to 5 yearsMore than 5 yearsTotal
Unfunded loan commitments (1)
$59,692 $161,300 $7,700 $— $228,692 
Repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans139,896 136,444 — — 276,340 
Repurchase agreements - real estate securities186,828 — — — 186,828 
CLOs (2)
— — — 1,639,227 1,639,227 
Mortgage Note Payable— — — 29,167 29,167 
Total$386,416 $297,744 $7,700 $1,668,394 $2,360,254 
________________________
  Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 3 to 5 years More than 5 years Total
Unfunded loan commitments (1)
 $36,475
 $47,063
 $
 $
 $83,538
JPM Repo Facility 
 42,042
 
 
 42,042
GS Repo Facility 13,500
 
 
 
 13,500
CS Repo Facility 10,148
 
 
 
 10,148
CLOs (2)
 
 
 
 842,812
 842,812
JPM MRA 39,035
 
 
 
 39,035
PWB Financing 
 26,183
 
 
 26,183
Total $99,158
 $115,288
 $
 $842,812
 $1,057,258
________________________
(1) The allocation of our unfunded loan commitments is based on the earlier of the commitment expiration date or the loan maturity date.
(2) Excludes $56.0$267.1 million of Tranche CCLO notes, issued by 2015 CLO Issuer, $16.0 million of Tranche E notes and $14.9 million of Tranche F notes issued by 2017-FL2 Issuer, which are held by the Company, andwhich are eliminated within the Collateralizedcollateralized loan obligationsobligation line of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017.2020.


In addition, we have contractual obligations under our agreements with the Advisor as described below.
Related Party Arrangements
Benefit Street Partners L.L.C.
Amended Advisory Agreement
On January 19, 2018, wethe Company entered into an amendment toand restatement of the Advisory Agreement. The amended Advisory Agreement amends and restates the Advisory Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2016, by and among the Company, the Operating Partnership and the Advisor.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Committee”) of our Board,the Company's board of directors, which consists solely of the Company’s independent directors, negotiated, approved and recommended that the Boardboard of directors approve, the amended Advisory Agreement. The Committee engaged independent legal counsel to assist the Committee in negotiating the amended Advisory Agreement.
ThePursuant to the amended Advisory Agreement, the Advisor will continue to provideprovides the daily management for the Company and the Operating Partnership, including an investment program consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Company as determined and adopted from time to time by the Board. The Advisor shall continue to be entitled to an asset management fee equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%)board of Equity (as defined in the amended Advisory Agreement). The Advisor shall continue to be entitled to an annual subordinated performance fee equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the Total Return (as defined in the amended Advisory Agreement) over a six percent (6%) per annum hurdle, subject to certain limitations. The Advisor shall not be entitled to acquisition or disposition fees. The Company or the Operating Partnership shall continue to pay directly or reimburse the Advisor for all the expenses paid or actually incurred by the Advisor in connection with the services it provides to the Company and the Operating Partnership pursuant to the amended Advisory Agreement, subject to certain limitations.
directors. The initial term of the amended Advisory Agreement iswas three-years and shall bewas automatically renewed for an additional one-year period on January 19, 2021 and will continue to automatically renew for additional one-year periods unless either party elects not to renew.
48

The Company may terminate the amended Advisory Agreement for a Cause Event (as defined in the amended Advisory Agreement) without payment of a termination fee. Following the expiration of a term, and upon 180 days’ prior written notice, the Company may, without cause, elect not to renew the amended Advisory Agreement upon the determination by two-thirds of the Company’s independent directors that (i) there has been unsatisfactory performance by the Advisor or (ii) that the asset management fee and annual subordinated performance fee payable to the Advisor are not fair, subject to certain conditions. In such case, the Company shall be obligated to pay a termination fee.
Pursuant to the amended Advisory Agreement, the Advisor and/or its affiliates are required to acquire equity securities of the Company equal to a purchase price of not less than $10 million, subject to certain conditions. During the term of the amended Advisory Agreement, the Advisor shall not, directly or indirectly, manage or advise another REIT that is engaged in the business of the Company in any geographical region in which the Company has a significant investment, or provide any services related to fixed-rate conduit lending to any other person, subject to certain conditions.
Advisory Agreement Fees and Reimbursements
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Company is or was required to make the following payments and reimbursements to the Advisor:
The Company reimburses the Advisor’s costs of providing services pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, except the salaries and benefits paid by the Advisor to the Company's executive officers.
The Company pays the Advisor, or its affiliates, a monthly asset management fee equal to one-twelfth of 1.5% of stockholders' equity as calculated pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.
The Company will pay the Advisor an annual subordinated performance fee calculated on the basis of total return to stockholders, payable monthly in arrears, such that for any year in which total return on stockholders’ capital exceeds 6.0% per annum, the Advisor will be entitled to 15.0% of the excess total return; provided that in no event will the annual subordinated performance fee payable to the Advisor exceed 10.0% of the aggregate total return for such year.
The Company reimburses the Advisor for insourced expenses incurred by the Advisor on the Company's behalf related to selecting, evaluating, originating and acquiring investments in an amount up to 0.5% of the principal amount funded by the Company to originate or acquire commercial mortgage loans and up to 0.5% of the anticipated net equity funded by the Company to acquire real estate securities investments.
Investment in Common and Preferred Stock
On February 14, 2018 (the “Commitment Date”),Refer to Note 9 - Stock Transactions for a description of the Company entered into stock purchase agreements (collectively, the “Purchase Agreements”), by and between the Company and certain officersCompany’s private placements. Officers of the Company and certain owners,other employees and associates of the Advisor and its affiliates (collectively, the “Manager(“Manager Investors”), pursuant to whichas well as members of the Manager Investors committed to purchase an aggregate amountCompany's board of up to approximately $10.0 million of shares ofdirectors, have acquired common stock ofand Series A and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock in these private placements on substantially the same terms applying to purchases by third party accredited investors unaffiliated with the Company in one or more closings (each, a “Closing,” and collectively, the “Closings”). The timing of any Closing, and the amount of shares of common stock to be sold at such Closing, will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, subject to certain limitations. As described in the Purchase Agreements, the Company may enter into additional Purchase Agreements with other investors within 12 months of the Commitment Date.
The Purchase Agreements provide that the purchase price for the shares of common stock shall be equal to 90% of GAAP book value per share of the common stock as of December 31, 2017 (“Book Value”). However, in consideration of them being the first investors to commit to purchase shares in the offering, the Company agreed to sell the shares to the Manager Investors at 88% of Book Value. The Company further agreed that if subsequent investors in the offering are permitted to acquire common stock for less than 90% of Book Value, the effective purchase price of the Manager Investors will be subject to downward adjustment. The Purchase Agreements also provide that the Company will enter into a liquidity event, such as a listing of the common stock, within three years of the Commitment Date, subject to certain restrictions. The Purchase Agreements contain customary representations, warranties and covenants and indemnification provisions.Advisor.
The Manager Investors have agreed with the Advisor not to sell or otherwise transfer the shares of common stock,securities purchased in the private placement without the consent of the Advisor, prior to 180 days after a listing of the Company’s common stock on a national securities exchange. In addition, the Manager Investors will not be eligible to participate in the Company’s amended and restated share repurchase programSRP for at least three years.

The board of directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the board of directors each reviewed and unanimously approved the Company’s entry intoissuance of shares to the Purchase AgreementsManager Investors and the terms therein including the offering price.
Acquisition of Loans
In December 2017, we purchased a commercial mortgage loan from an entity that is an affiliate of our Advisor, for an aggregate purchase price of $17.1 million. The loan is included in "Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment" in the consolidated balance sheet. The purchase of the commercial mortgage loan and the $17.1 million purchase price were approved by the Company’s board of directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which consists solely of independent directors.
Advisory Agreement Fees and Reimbursements
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, we are or were required to make the following payments and reimbursements to the Advisor:
We reimburse our Advisor’s costs of providing services pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, except the salaries and benefits paid by the Advisor to our executive officers.
We pay our Advisor, or its affiliates, a monthly asset management fee equal to one-twelfth of 1.5% of stockholder’s equity as calculated pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.
We will pay our Advisor an annual subordinated performance fee calculated on the basis of total return to stockholders, payable monthly in arrears, such that for any year in which total return on stockholders’ capital exceeds 6.0% per annum, our Advisor will be entitled to 15.0% of the excess total return; provided that in no event will the annual subordinated performance fee payable to our Advisor exceed 10.0% of the aggregate total return for such year.
Until September 2017, we paid our Advisor an acquisition fee of 1.0% of the principal amount funded by us to originate or acquire commercial mortgage loans and 1.0% of the anticipated net equity funded by us to acquire real estate securities.
We reimburse our Advisor for insourced expenses incurred by our Advisor on our behalf related to selecting, evaluating, originating and acquiring investments in an amount up to 0.5% of the principal amount funded by us to originate or acquire commercial mortgage loans and up to 0.5% of the anticipated net equity funded by us to acquire real estate securities investments.
Until September 29, 2016, the Former Advisor served as the Company's advisor and the Company paid the Former Advisor certain fees and expense reimbursements pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Former Advisor. The types of fees and reimbursements paid to the Former Advisor were similar to those paid to the Advisor prior to September 2017. In addition, prior to January 2016 we paid dealer-manager fees and selling commissions to an affiliate of the Former Advisor, prior to February 2016 we paid transfer agent fees to an affiliate of the Former Advisor, and prior to November 2015 we paid various financial services fees to an affiliate of the Former Advisor.offering.
Loan AcquisitionAcquisitions
On February 22, 2018, the Company purchased commercial mortgage loans from an entity that is an affiliate of ourthe Company's Advisor, for an aggregate purchase price of $27.8 million. The purchase of the commercial mortgage loans and the $27.8 million purchase price were approved by the independent directors of the Company’s board of directors. TheseOn April 18, 2018, the Company sold $23.3 million of these commercial mortgage loans are expected to be sold into a securitization vehicle through our TRS segment.CMBS securitization. The remaining $4.5 million of these commercial mortgage loans, recorded as held for investment, were fully paid down during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Lending Agreement with Stockholder

Pursuant to a lending and security agreement with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company ("SBL"), which was entered into in February 2020 and amended in March and August 2020, the Company may borrow up to $100.0 million at a rate of one-month LIBOR + 4.5%. The facility has a maturity of February 10, 2023 and is secured by a pledge of equity interests in certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. SBL also holds 14,950 of the Company’s outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Company incurred $0.2 million interest expense on the lending agreement with SBL for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 there was no outstanding balance under the lending agreement.
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The table below shows the costs incurred due to arrangements with our Advisor and with respect to periods prior to September 30, 2016, the Former Advisor and its affiliates during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 and the associated amounts payable as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016 (in2019 (dollars in thousands):. See Note 911 - Related Party Transactions and Arrangements for further detail.
Year Ended December 31,Payable as of December 31,
20202019201820202019
Acquisition expenses (1)
696 900 452 — 225 
Administrative services expenses13,120 16,363 13,446 2,940 1,238 
Asset management and subordinated performance fee15,178 16,226 10,299 4,773 3,326 
Other related party expenses (2)(3)
703 1,610 1,259 1,812 — 
Total related party fees and reimbursements$29,697 $35,099 $25,456 $9,525 $4,789 
______________________
  Year Ended December 31, Payable as of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2017 2016
Total commissions and fees incurred from the Former Dealer Manager in connection with the offering $
 $
 $37,092
 $
 $
Total compensation and reimbursement for services provided by the Former Advisor, its affiliates, entities under common control with the Former Advisor and the Former Dealer Manager(1)
 
 
 7,442
 480
 480
Acquisition fees and expenses (2)
 4,197
 806
 7,916
 
 
Administrative services expenses (3)
 6,765
 4,376
 644
 3,480
 1,000
Advisory and investment banking fee 
 6
 56
 
 
Asset management and subordinated performance fee 9,273
 9,504
 7,615
 2,315
 2,439
Other related party expenses 394
 84
 364
 146
 145
Total $20,629
 $14,776
 $61,129
 $6,421
 $4,064
________________________
(1) During 2016, the Company received reimbursement of excess payment of $0.8 million of offering costs from the Former Advisor. The reimbursement resulted in an increase to our Additional Paid-In Capital.
(2) Total acquisition fees and expenses paid during the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 were $10.2$7.1 million, $8.4 million and $0.8$8.1 million respectively, of which $6.0$6.4 million, $7.5 million and $0.0$7.6 million were capitalized within the commercial mortgage loans, held for investment line of the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018.
(3) During(2) These are related to reimbursable costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2015,increase in loan origination activities and are included in Other expenses in the Company previously disclosed Administrative services expenses withinCompany's consolidated statements of operations.
(3) The related party payable includes $1.8 million of payments made by the Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses lineAdvisor to third party vendors on behalf of this table. For the periods ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the amounts are presented separately and the change was applied retrospectively.Company.
The payablesamounts payable as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 in the table above are included in Due to affiliates on ourthe Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We currently have no off balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 20172020 and through the date of the filing of this Form 10-K.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Funds from Operations and Modified Funds from Operations
Due to certain unique operating characteristics of real estate companies, as discussed below, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") and the Investment Program Association ("IPA") industry trade groups, have each promulgated measures respectively known as funds from operations ("FFO") and modified funds from operations ("MFFO"), which we believe to be appropriate supplemental measures to reflect the operating performance of a REIT. The use of FFO and MFFO is recommended by the REIT industry as supplemental performance measures. However, FFO and MFFO are not equivalentssubstitutes to ourGAAP net income or lossloss. We believe our presentations of FFO and MFFO assist investors in analyzing and comparing our operating and financial performance between reporting periods. In addition, we believe MFFO is a useful financial metric for shareholders as determined underhistorically, over time, MFFO has been a strong indicator of our distributions per share and is a metric we consider in declaring our distributions. As a REIT, we generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").must distribute annually at least 90% of our net taxable income, and distributions are one of the principal reasons shareholders invest in our common stock.
We define FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established by the White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as revised in FebruaryFebruary 2004 (the "White Paper"). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses from sales of depreciable property, propertycertain real estate assets, gains or losses from change in control and asset impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity, depreciation and amortization related to real estate and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures are calculated to reflect FFO.on the same basis. Our business plan is to operate as a mortgage REIT with our portfolio consisting of commercialcommercial mortgage loan investments, and investments in real estate securities. We will typically have no FFO adjustments to our net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP as a resultsecurities and real estate owned assets.
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Publicly registered, non-listed REITs typically operate differently from exchange traded REITs because they generally have a limited life followed by a liquidity event or other targeted exit strategy. Non-listed REITs typically have a significant amount of acquisition activity and are substantially more dynamic during their initial years of investment and operation as

compared to later years when the proceeds from their continuous public offering have been fully invested and when the Company is seeking to implement a liquidity event or other exit strategy. However, it is likely that we will make investments past the acquisition stage, albeit at a substantially lower level.
The origination and acquisition of debt investments is a key operating feature of our business plan that results in the generation of income and cash flows in order to make distributions to stockholders. Acquisition fees paid to our Advisor and acquisition expenses reimbursed to our Advisor in connection with the origination and acquisition of debt investments are evaluated in accordance with GAAP to determine if they should be expensed in the period incurred or capitalized and amortized over the life of the investment. Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses that are deemed to be expensed in the period incurred are included in the computation of net income or loss from operations. The amortization of acquisition fees and acquisition expenses that are able to be capitalized are included in the computation of net income or loss from operations. All such acquisition fees and acquisition expenses are paid in cash when incurred that would otherwise be available to distribute to our stockholders. When proceeds from the Offering have not been sufficient to fund the payment of acquisition fees and the reimbursement of acquisition expenses to our Advisor, such fees and expenses have been paid from other sources, including financings, operating cash flow, net proceeds from the sale of investments or from other cash flows. We believe that acquisition fees and acquisition expenses incurred by us negatively impact our operating performance during the period in which such investments are originated or acquired by reducing cash flows and therefore the potential distributions to stockholders. However, we only add back acquisition fees and acquisition expenses reflected in net income or loss from operations in the current period.
We define MFFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the IPA's Guideline 2010 - 01, Supplemental Performance Measure for Publicly Registered, Non-Listed REITs: Modified Funds from Operations (the "Practice Guideline") issued by the IPA in November 2010. We define MFFO as FFO further adjusted for the following items, as applicable: acquisition fees; accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and other loan expenses on debt investments; fair value adjustments on real estate related investments such as commercial real estate securities or derivative investments included in net income; impairments of real estate related investments, gains or losses included in net income from the extinguishment or sale of debt, hedges, foreign exchange, derivatives or securities holdings where trading of such holdings is not a fundamental attribute of the business plan, unrealized gains or losses from fair value adjustments on real estate securities, including commercial mortgage backed securities and other securities, interest rate swaps and other derivatives not deemed to be hedges and foreign exchanges holdings; unrealized gains or losses resulting from consolidation from, or deconsolidation to, equity accounting, and after adjustments for consolidated and unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures, with such adjustments calculated to reflect MFFO on the same basis. The accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and other loan expenses on debt investments, gains and losses on hedges, foreign exchange, derivatives or securities holdings, unrealized gains and losses resulting from consolidations, as well as other listed cash flow adjustments are adjustments made to net income in calculating the cash flows provided by operating activities and, in some cases, reflect gains or losses which are unrealized and may not ultimately be realized. While we will be responsible for managing interest rate, hedge and foreign exchange risk, we expect to retain an outside consultant to review all our hedging agreements. Inasmuch as interest rate hedges are not a fundamental part of our operations, we believe it is appropriate to exclude such gains and losses in calculating MFFO, as such gains and losses are not reflective of our core operations.
Our MFFO calculation excludes impairments of real estate related investments, including loans. We assess the credit quality of our investments and adequacy of loancredit loss reserves on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary. For loans classified as held-for-investment,held for investment, we establish and maintain a general allowance for loancredit losses inherent in our portfolio at the reporting date and, where appropriate, a specific allowance for loancredit losses for loans we have determined to be impaired at the reporting date. An individual loan is considered impaired when it is deemed probable that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. Real estate related securities which have experienced a decline in fair value below their amortized cost basis (i.e., impairment) are evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment wheneach reporting period to determine whether the decline in fair value is due to credit-related factors. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding adjustment on the consolidated statements of a security falls below its net amortized cost.operations. Significant judgment is required in this analysis. We consider the estimated net recoverable value of the loan or security as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the prospects for the borrower and the competitive situation of the region where the borrower does business. Fair value is typically estimated based upon discounting the expected future cash flows of the underlying collateral taking into consideration the discount rate, capitalization rate, occupancy, creditworthiness of major tenants and many other factors. This requires significant judgment and because it is based upon projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amounts ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the loan, a specific allowance for loancredit losses is recorded. In the case of real estate securities, all or a portion of a deemed impairment may be recorded. Due to our limited life, any allowance for loancredit losses or impairment of real estate securities recorded may be difficult to recover.
MFFO is a metric used by management to evaluate our performance against other non-listed REITs which have limited lives with short and defined acquisition periods and targeted exit strategies shortly thereafter and is not intended to be used as a liquidity measure. Although management uses the MFFO metric to evaluate future operating performance, this metric excludes
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We believe that FFO provides useful context for understanding MFFO, and we believe that MFFO is a useful non-GAAP measure for non-listed REITs. It is helpful to management and stockholders in assessing our future operating performance once our organization and offering and acquisition and development stages are complete, because it eliminates from net income non-cash fair value adjustments on our real estate securities and acquisition fees and acquisition expenses that are incurred as part of our investment activities. However, MFFO may not be a useful measure of our operating performance or as a comparable measure to other typical non-listed REITs if we do not continue to operate in a similar manner to other non-listed REITs, including if we were to extend our acquisition and development stage or if we determined not to pursue an exit strategy.
However, MFFO does have certain limitations. For instance, the effect of any amortization or accretion on investments originated or acquired at a premium or discount, respectively, is not reported in MFFO. In addition, realized gains or losses from acquisitions and dispositions and other adjustments listed above are not reported in MFFO, even though such realized gains or losses and other adjustments could affect our operating performance and cash available for distribution. Stockholders should note that any cash gains generated from the sale of investments would generally be used to fund new investments. Any mark-to-market or fair value adjustments may be based on many factors, including current operational or individual property issues or general market or overall industry conditions.
Neither FFO nor MFFO is equivalent to net income or loss or cash flow provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the GAAP methodology in evaluating our operating performance. Neither FFO nor MFFO is necessarily indicative of cash flow available to fund our cash needs including our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. FFO and MFFO do not represent amounts available for management’s discretionary use because of needed capital replacement or expansion, debt service obligations or other commitments or uncertainties. Furthermore, neither FFO nor MFFO should be considered as an alternative to net income or loss as an indicator of our operating performance.
Neither the SEC, NAREIT nor any other regulatory body has passed judgment on the acceptability of the adjustments that we use to calculate FFO or MFFO. In the future, the SEC, NAREIT or another regulatory body may decide to standardize the allowable adjustments across the non-listed REIT industry and we would have to adjust our calculation and characterization of FFO or MFFO.
The table below reflects the items deducted or added to net income or loss in our calculation of FFO and MFFO for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, December 31, 2019 and 2015 (inDecember 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Funds From Operations:
Net income$54,746 $83,924 $52,825 
Impairment losses on real estate owned assets398 — — 
Depreciation and amortization2,233 — — 
Funds from operations$57,377 $83,924 $52,825 
Modified Funds From Operations:
Funds from operations$57,377 $83,924 $52,825 
Amortization of premiums, discounts and fees on investments, net(5,999)(6,144)(4,572)
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses696 900 452 
Unrealized (gain)/loss on financial instruments1,102 (2,081)1,611 
Provision/(benefit) for credit losses13,296 3,007 3,370 
Modified funds from operations (1)
$66,472 $79,606 $53,686 
____________________________
(1) Modified funds from operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes a non-cash charge of $4.5 million related to the call of BSPRT 2017 - FL2 CLO on January 15, 2020. Excluding the non-cash charge modified funds from operations would be $71.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Modified funds from operations for year ended December 31, 2019 includes a non-cash charge of $4.5 million related to the call of BSPRT 2017 - FL1 CLO on April 15, 2019. Excluding this non-cash charge, modified funds from operations would have been $84.1 million. Modified funds from operations for year ended December 31, 2018 includes a non-cash charge of $6.4 million related to the call of RFT 2015-FL1 CLO on February 15, 2018. Excluding this non-cash charge, modified funds from operations would have been $60.1 million.
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Funds From Operations:      
Net income $33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
Funds from operations $33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
Modified Funds From Operations:      
Funds from operations $33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
Amortization of premiums, discounts and fees on investments, net (2,554) (2,336) (1,561)
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses 4,197
 806
 7,916
Impairment losses on real estate securities 
 310
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on financial instruments (230) 247
 
Loan loss (recovery)/provision (715) 1,293
 318
Modified funds from operations $34,477
 $30,310
 $31,606

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Credit Risk
Our investments are subject to a high degree of credit risk. Credit risk is the exposure to loss from loan defaults. Default rates are subject to a wide variety of factors, including, but not limited to, borrower financial condition, property performance, property management, supply/demand factors, construction trends, consumer behavior, regional economics, interest rates, the

strength of the U.S. economy, and other factors beyond our control. All loans are subject to a certain probability of default. We manage credit risk through the underwriting process, acquiring our investments at the appropriate discount to face value, if any, and establishing loss assumptions. We also carefully monitor the performance of the loans, as well as external factors that may affect their value.
Capital Market Risk
We are exposed to risks related to the debt capital markets, and our related ability to finance our business through borrowings under repurchase obligations or other debt instruments. As a REIT, we are required to distribute a significant portion of our taxable income annually, which constrains our ability to accumulate operating cash flow and therefore requires us to utilize debt or equity capital to finance our business. We seek to mitigate these risks by monitoring the debt capital markets to inform our decisions on the amount, timing and terms of capital we raise.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in extreme volatility in a variety of global markets, including the real estate-related debt markets. We have and may continue to receive margin calls from our lenders as a result of the decline in the market value of the assets pledged by us to our lenders under our repurchase agreements and warehouse credit facilities, and if we fail to resolve such margin calls when due by payment of cash or delivery of additional collateral, the lenders may exercise remedies including demanding payment by us of our aggregate outstanding financing obligations and/or taking ownership of the loans or other assets securing the applicable obligations and liquidating them at inopportune prices.
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Interest Rate Risk
Our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk relating to interest rate fluctuations. Many factors including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors that are beyond our control contribute to interest rate risk. To meet our short and long-term liquidity requirements, we may borrow funds at fixed and variable rates. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes in earnings and cash flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, from time to time, we may enter into interest rate hedge contracts such as swaps, collars and treasury lock agreements in order to mitigate our interest rate risk with respect to various debt instruments. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in benefits of lower interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments with fixed interest rates. During the periods covered by this report, we did not engage in interest rate hedging activities. We do not hold or issue derivative contracts for trading or speculative purposes. We do not have any foreign denominated investments, and thus, we are not exposed to foreign currency fluctuations.
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, our portfolio included 64133 and 62135 variable rate investments, respectively, based on LIBOR for various terms. Borrowings under our repurchase agreements are also based on LIBOR. The following table quantifies the potential changes in interest income net of interest expense should interest rates increase by 2550 or 50100 basis points or decrease by 25 basis points, assuming that our current balance sheet was to remain constant and no actions were taken to alter our existing interest rate sensitivity.
For the LIBOR sensitivity (in thousands):range, a reduction in LIBOR results in an increase in our portfolio return. This is driven by the LIBOR floor in place for majority of our commercial mortgage loans, held for investment. In contrast, the majority of our financing instruments do not have LIBOR floors. The presence of a LIBOR floor on interest-bearing assets coupled with lack of LIBOR floor on interest bearing liabilities allows the portfolio to generate a higher return for a decrease in LIBOR rate compared to increase in LIBOR rate for the LIBOR range presented:
Estimated Percentage Change in Interest Income Net of Interest Expense
Change in Interest RatesDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(-) 25 Basis Points2.16 %3.22 %
Base Interest Rate— %— %
(+) 50 Basis Points(5.87)%(2.20)%
(+) 100 Basis Points(9.86)%(0.26)%
  Estimated Percentage Change in Interest Income Net of Interest Expense
Change in Interest Rates December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(-) 25 Basis Points (1.61)% (1.94)%
Base Interest Rate  %  %
(+) 50 Basis Points 3.23 % 3.89 %
(+) 100 Basis Points 6.45 % 7.78 %
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The information required by this Item 8 is hereby incorporated by reference to our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, as of the end of such period, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management's Annual Reporting on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
In connection with the preparation of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2020. In making that assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on its assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017,2020, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
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The rules of the SEC do not require, and this Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended December 31, 2017,2020, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item9B. Other Information.
None.On March 10, 2021, we filed a corrected version of our Articles of Amendment and Restatement (“Articles”) to address a scrivener’s error relating to an incorrect cross-reference. The Articles are filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





54

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of our executive officers and directors, including but not limited to, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. A copy of our Code of Ethics may be obtained, free of charge, by sending a written request to our executive office – 9 West 57th Street - Suite 4920, New York, NY 10019, attention Chief Financial Officer of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. In addition, the Code of Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.bsprealtytrust.com by clicking on “Investor Relations - Corporate Governance - Code of Ethics.” Any amendments and waivers to our Code of Ethics will be disclosed on our website.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC with respect to our 20182021 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC with respect to our 20182021 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC with respect to our 20182021 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC with respect to our 20182021 annual meeting of stockholders.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC with respect to our 20182021 annual meeting of stockholders.

55

PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)    Financial Statement Schedules
See the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.
(b)    Exhibits
See the Index to Exhibit below.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172020 (and are numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
Exhibit No.Description
3.1(1)
3.1*
3.1(2)3.2(1)
3.3(2)
3.4(3)
3.5(4)
3.6(5)
4.1(2)(7)
4.2(3)(8)
10.1(3)4.3(6)
10.1(8)†
10.2(3)(8)†
10.34)(9)
10.4(5)(10)
10.5(6)(11)
10.6(7)(12)
10.7(8)(13)
10.8(9)(14)
10.9(10)(15)
10.10(11)
10.12(12)10.10(16)
10.13(12)
10.14(13)
10.15(14)
10.11*
10.16(14)10.12(16)

56

10.21(16)10.17(18)
10.22(16)10.18(18)
10.23(17)10.19(19)
10.24(18)10.20(20)
10.25(19)10.21(21)
21*10.22(5)
10.23(22)
10.24(22)
10.25(22)
10.26(22)
10.27(23)
10.28(24)
10.29*
21*
23.1*
23.1*
23.2*
31.1*
31.1*
31.2*
31.2*
32*
32*
101*
101*

____________________________________________
*Filed herewith.
(1)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 17, 2017.
(2)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2015.
(3)Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on March 29, 2017.
(4)Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC on July 11, 2014.
(5)Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No.12 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC on July 8, 2015.
(6)Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed with the SEC on October 8, 2015.
(7)Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 11, 2016.
(8)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 12, 2016.

(9)Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC on October 8, 2014.
(10)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 23, 2015.
(11)Filed as an exhibit to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2016.
(12)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2017.
(13)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 6, 2017.
(14)Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2017.
(15)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 7, 2017.
(16)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 25, 2017.
(17)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 5, 2017.
(18)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2018.
(19)Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2018.

† Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(1) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 26, 2018.
(2) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 11, 2018.
(3) Filed as exhibit 3.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 18, 2019.
(4) Filed as exhibit 3.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 5, 2019.
(5) Filed as an exhibit to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 filed with the SEC on November 9, 2018.
(6) Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 17, 2020.
(7) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2015.
(8) Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on March 29, 2017.
(9) Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC on July 11, 2014.
57

(10) Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No.12 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC on July 8, 2015.
(11) Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed with the SEC on October 8, 2015.
(12) Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on March 11, 2016.
(13) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 12, 2016.
(14) Filed as an exhibit to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC on October 8, 2014.
(15) Filed as an exhibit to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on November 14, 2016.
(16) Filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 filed with the SEC on August 23, 2017.
(17) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 7, 2017.
(18) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 25, 2017.
(19) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 5, 2017.
(20) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2018.
(21) Filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2018.
(22) Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2019.
(23) Filed as an exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 5, 2019.
(24) Filed as exhibit 10.1 to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 15, 2020.
58

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized this 16th day of March, 2018.
authorized.
Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. 
Date: March 10, 2021By/s/ Richard J. Byrne
Richard J. Byrne
Chief Executive Officer and President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this annual report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NameCapacityDate
/s/ Richard J. ByrneChief Executive Officer and PresidentMarch 10, 2021
Richard J. Byrne(Principal Executive Officer)
NameCapacityDate
/s/ Richard J. ByrneChief Executive Officer and PresidentMarch 16, 2018
Richard J. Byrne(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jerome S. BaglienChief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)March 16, 201810, 2021
Jerome S. Baglien
/s/ Elizabeth K. TuppenyLead Independent DirectorMarch 16, 201810, 2021
Elizabeth K. Tuppeny
/s/ Buford OrtaleDirectorMarch 16, 201810, 2021
Buford Ortale
/s/ Jamie HandwerkerDirectorMarch 16, 201810, 2021
Jamie Handwerker
/s/ Peter McDonoughDirectorMarch 16, 201810, 2021
Peter McDonough

59


BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statementstatements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the yearthree years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule IV (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements“statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the yearthree years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Adoption of new accounting standard

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for credit losses in 2020. As explained below, auditing Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust Inc.’s allowance for credit losses – Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment, including the adoption of the new accounting guidance, was a critical audit matter.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’sCompany's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our auditaudits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our auditaudits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our auditaudits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures includeincluded examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our auditaudits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit providesaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosures to which it relates.


F-2


Allowance for credit losses – Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment

Description of the MatterAllowance for credit losses – Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment totaled $20.9 million as of December 31, 2020. As disclosed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the allowance for credit losses for the Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment carried at amortized cost, represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. As discussed above and in Note 2 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2020 the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to the estimate of allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is established for current expected credit losses on the Company’s loan portfolio by utilizing expected loss models. When determining expected losses, the Company uses an economic scenario over a reasonable and supportable forecast period and then fully reverts to historical loss experience to estimate losses over the remaining asset lives. The Company performs a comprehensive analysis of its loan portfolio and assigns risk ratings to loans that incorporate management's current judgments about their credit quality based on all known and relevant internal and external factors that may affect collectability. Auditing the Allowance for credit losses – Commercial mortgage loans held-for-investment was complex due to the use of intricate expected loss models and the highly judgmental nature of the economic scenario and the key inputs of the models.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWith the support of specialists, we assessed the economic scenario by, among other procedures, evaluating management’s methodology and agreeing a sample of key economic variables used to external sources. We also performed and considered the results of various sensitivity analyses and analytical procedures, including comparison of a sample of the key economic variables to alternative external sources, historical statistics and peer real estate investment trust information. With respect to expected loss models, with the support of specialists, we evaluated model calculation design and re-performed the calculation for the models. We also tested the appropriateness of a sample of key inputs and assumptions used in these models by agreeing significant inputs and underlying data to internal and external sources, as well as recalculating when required. We evaluated the overall allowance amount, including model estimates and whether the recorded allowance for credit losses appropriately reflects expected credit losses on the loan portfolio. We reviewed historical loss statistics, peer real estate investment trust information, subsequent events and transactions and considered whether they corroborate or contradict the Company’s measurement of the allowance for credit losses.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.


New York, New York
March 16, 2018



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. (formerly Realty Finance Trust, Inc.) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2016. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule titled Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2016, 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 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


/s/ KPMG LLP


New York, New York
March 29, 201710, 2021







F-3


BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Audited)
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents$82,071 $87,246 
Restricted cash10,070 21,876 
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net of allowance of $20,886 and $921 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively2,693,848 2,762,042 
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value67,649 112,562 
Real estate securities, available for sale, measured at fair value, amortized cost of $179,392 and $387,294 as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively171,136 386,316 
Derivative instruments, measured at fair value25 1,119 
Other real estate investments, measured at fair value2,522 2,557 
Receivable for loan repayment (1)
98,551 89,317 
Accrued interest receivable15,295 16,308 
Prepaid expenses and other assets8,538 5,322 
Intangible lease asset, net of amortization13,546 14,377 
Operating right of use asset, net of amortization5,979 
Real estate owned, net of depreciation26,510 35,333 
Receivable for unsettled trades0266 
Total assets$3,189,761 $3,540,620 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Collateralized loan obligations$1,625,498 $1,803,185 
Repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans276,340 252,543 
Repurchase agreements - real estate securities186,828 394,359 
Mortgage note payable29,167 29,167 
Other financing and loan participation - commercial mortgage loans31,379 0
Derivative instruments, measured at fair value403 1,581 
Interest payable2,110 4,958 
Distributions payable15,688 6,912 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses5,125 10,925 
Due to affiliates9,525 4,789 
Operating lease liability6,136 
Deferred rent revenue150 
Total liabilities$2,182,063 $2,514,705 
Redeemable convertible preferred stock Series A, $0.01 par value, 60,000 authorized and 40,515 and 40,500 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively$202,292 $202,144 
Redeemable convertible preferred stock Series C, $0.01 par value, 20,000 authorized and 1,400 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively6,962 6,966 
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized, NaN issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively00
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 949,999,000 shares authorized, 44,510,051 and 43,916,815 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively446 441 
Additional paid-in capital912,725 903,310 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(8,256)(978)
Accumulated deficit(106,471)(85,968)
Total stockholders' equity$798,444 $816,805 
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity$3,189,761 $3,540,620 
___________________
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
ASSETS   
Cash and cash equivalents$83,711
 $118,048
Restricted cash7,997
 5,021
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net of allowance of $1,466 and $2,1811,402,046
 1,046,556
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale
 21,179
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value28,531
 
Real estate securities, available for sale, at fair value
 49,049
Derivative instruments, at fair value132
 
Receivable for loan repayment (1)
49,085
 401
Accrued interest receivable8,152
 5,955
Prepaid expenses and other assets4,007
 1,916
Total assets$1,583,661
 $1,248,125
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
Collateralized loan obligations$826,150
 $278,450
Repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans65,690
 257,664
Other financing - commercial mortgage loans25,698
 
Repurchase agreements - real estate securities39,035
 66,639
Derivative instruments, at fair value357
 
Interest payable1,544
 897
Distributions payable3,917
 5,591
Accounts payable and accrued expenses4,510
 1,170
Due to affiliates6,421
 4,064
Total liabilities$973,322
 $614,475
Commitment and Contingencies (See Note 8)

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016$
 $
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 949,999,000 shares authorized, 31,834,072 and 31,884,631 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively320
 319
Additional paid-in capital704,101
 704,500
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 (500)
Accumulated deficit(94,082) (70,669)
Total stockholders' equity610,339
 633,650
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,583,661
 $1,248,125
_______________________
(1) Includes $48.7$98.6 million and $89.3 million of cash held by the servicer related to CLO loan payoffs pledged to the CLOs as of December 31, 2017.


2020 and December 31, 2019.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4



BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Audited)
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Interest income:     
Interest income$89,564
 $79,404
 $59,393
Less: Interest expense32,359
 23,169
 12,268
Net interest income57,205
 56,235
 47,125
Expenses:     
Asset management and subordinated performance fee9,273
 9,504
 7,615
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses4,197
 806
 7,916
Administrative services expenses6,765
 4,376
 644
Professional fees5,444
 5,467
 4,353
Other expenses3,837
 2,336
 1,346
Total expenses29,516
 22,489
 21,874
Other (income)/loss:     
Loan loss (recovery)/provision(715) 1,293
 318
Realized (gain) loss on sale of real estate securities(172) 1,906
 
Realized (gain) loss on sale of commercial mortgage loan held-for-sale(120) 
 
Realized (gain) loss on sale of commercial mortgage loan, held-for-sale, measured at fair value(4,523) 
 
Impairment losses on real estate securities
 310
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale(247) 247
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives17
 
 
Realized (gain) loss on derivatives(555) 
 
Total other (income)/loss$(6,315) $3,756
 $318
Income (loss) before taxes34,004
 29,990
 24,933
Provision for income tax225
 
 
Net income$33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
      
Basic net income per share$1.06
 $0.95
 $1.03
Diluted net income per share$1.06
 $0.95
 $1.03
Basic weighted average shares outstanding31,772,231
 31,659,274
 24,253,905
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding31,784,889
 31,666,504
 24,259,169



Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Interest Income:
  Interest income$179,872 $195,299 $152,288 
  Less: Interest expense66,556 90,418 70,000 
Net interest income113,316 104,881 82,288 
Revenue from real estate owned4,299 3,169 
Total Income$117,615 $108,050 $82,288 
Expenses:
Asset management and subordinated performance fee15,178 16,226 10,299 
Acquisition expenses696 900 452 
Administrative services expenses13,120 16,363 13,446 
Professional fees10,964 11,631 8,318 
Real estate owned operating expenses3,653 2,802 
Depreciation and amortization2,233 507 
Other expenses3,312 3,771 4,887 
Total expenses$49,156 $52,200 $37,402 
Other (income)/loss:
Provision/(benefit) for credit losses13,296 3,007 3,370 
Impairment losses on real estate owned assets398 
Realized (gain)/loss on extinguishment of debt(3,678)
Realized (gain)/loss on sale of real estate securities10,137 107
Realized (gain)/loss on sale of commercial mortgage loan, held-for-sale(184)25 
Realized (gain)/loss on sale of real estate owned assets, held-for-sale(1,851)
Realized (gain)/loss on sale of commercial mortgage loan, held-for-sale, measured at fair value(15,931)(37,832)(11,288)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value75 (312)237 
Unrealized (gain)/loss on other real estate investments, measured at fair value32 (47)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on derivatives995 (1,722)1,374 
Realized (gain)/loss on derivatives12,486 4,324 (1,827)
Total other (income)/loss$15,775 $(32,557)$(8,018)
Income before taxes52,684 88,407 52,904 
Provision/(benefit) for income tax(2,062)4,483 $79 
Net income$54,746 $83,924 $52,825 
Net income applicable to common stock$39,826 $66,914 $49,181 
Basic net income per share$0.90 $1.60 $1.44 
Diluted net income per share$0.90 $1.60 $1.44 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding44,384,813 41,859,142 34,268,707 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding44,398,879 41,871,646 36,779,735 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5



BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars In thousands)
(Audited)
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income$54,746 $83,924 $52,825 
Unrealized gain/(loss) on available for sale securities(7,278)(978)(459)
Comprehensive income attributable to Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc.$47,468 $82,946 $52,366 
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income$33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities500
 1,754
 (1,947)
Comprehensive income attributable to Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc.$34,279
 $31,744
 $22,986




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



F-6

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)
Common Stock
Number of SharesPar ValueAdditional Paid-In CapitalAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 201731,834,072 $320 $704,101 $ $(94,082)$610,339 
Issuance of common stock7,533,834 75 124,260 — — 124,335 
Common stock repurchases(809,023)(8)(15,077)— — (15,085)
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan739,052 14,015 — — 14,023 
Share-based compensation5,775 — 157 — — 157 
Offering costs— — 102 — — 102 
Net income— — — — 52,825 52,825 
Distributions declared— — — — (53,009)(53,009)
Other comprehensive income— — — (459)— (459)
Balance, December 31, 201839,303,710 $395 $827,558 $(459)$(94,266)$733,228 
Issuance of common stock4,601,904 46 76,846 — — 76,892 
Common stock repurchases(741,853)(7)(13,806)— — (13,813)
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan746,654 13,903 — — 13,910 
Share-based compensation6,400 — 156 — — 156 
Offering costs— — (1,347)— — (1,347)
Net income— — — — 83,924 83,924 
Distributions declared— — — — (75,626)(75,626)
Other comprehensive income— — — (519)— (519)
Balance, December 31, 201943,916,815 $441 $903,310 $(978)$(85,968)$816,805 
Issuance of common stock650,034 10,880 — — 10,886 
Common stock repurchases(579,467)(6)(10,253)— — (10,259)
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan511,899 8,809 — — 8,814 
Share-based compensation10,770 — 193 — — 193 
Offering costs— — (214)— — (214)
Net income— — — — 54,746 54,746 
Distributions declared— — — — (67,488)(67,488)
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-13 (Note 2)— — — — (7,761)(7,761)
Other comprehensive income— — — (7,278)— (7,278)
Balance, December 31, 202044,510,051 $446 $912,725 $(8,256)$(106,471)$798,444 
 Convertible Stock Common Stock        
 Number of Shares Amount Number of Shares Par Value Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Deficit Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 20141,000
 $1
 15,472,192
 $155
 $340,874
 $(307) $(10,216) $330,507
Issuance of common stock
 
 15,428,195
 155
 385,000
 
 
 385,155
Common stock repurchases
 
 (360,719) (4) (8,550) 
 
 (8,554)
Common stock offering costs, commissions and dealer manager fees
 
 
 
 (45,917) 
 
 (45,917)
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan
 
 842,946
 8
 20,153
 
 
 20,161
Share-based compensation
 
 2,666
 
 30
 
 
 30
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 24,933
 24,933
Distributions declared
 
 
 
 
 
 (50,039) (50,039)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (1,947) 
 (1,947)
Balance, December 31, 20151,000
 1
 31,385,280
 314
 691,590
 (2,254) (35,322) 654,329
Common stock repurchases
 
 (537,209) (5) (12,965) 
 
 (12,970)
Common stock offering costs(1)

 
 
 
 793
 
 
 793
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan
 
 1,031,812
 10
 25,037
 
 
 25,047
Share-based compensation
 
 4,748
 
 44
 
 
 44
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 29,990
 29,990
Distributions declared
 
 
 
 
 
 (65,337) (65,337)
Conversion of convertible stocks(1,000) (1) 
 
 1
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 1,754
 
 1,754
Balance, December 31, 2016
 
 31,884,631
 319
 704,500
 (500) (70,669) 633,650
Common stock repurchases
 
 (1,072,708) (11) (20,535) 
 
 (20,546)
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan
 
 1,016,165
 12
 20,039
 
 
 20,051
Share-based compensation
 
 5,984
 
 97
 
 
 97
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 33,779
 33,779
Distributions declared
 
 
 
 
 
 (57,192) (57,192)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 500
 
 500
Balance, December 31, 2017
 $
 31,834,072
 $320
 $704,101
 $
 $(94,082) $610,339
_______________________
(1)During 2016, the Company received reimbursement of excess payment of $0.8 million from the Former Advisor for previously paid Offering cost. Please refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for additional details of this reimbursement.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



F-7

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)





For the Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$54,746 $83,924 $52,825 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Premium amortization and (discount accretion), net(5,999)(6,144)(4,572)
Accretion of deferred commitment fees(6,410)(2,754)(1,577)
Amortization of deferred financing costs9,585 9,584 12,681 
Share-based compensation193 156 157 
Realized (gain)/loss from sale of real estate securities10,137 107 
Realized (gain)/loss from sale of real estate owned, held-for-sale(1,851)
Realized (gain)/loss from extinguishment of debt(3,678)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale75 (359)237 
Unrealized (gain)/losses on derivative instruments995 (1,722)1,374 
Unrealized loss on other real estate securities32 
Depreciation and amortization2,233 
Recognition of deferred rent revenue(150)
Increase/(decrease) for credit losses13,296 3,007 3,370 
Impairment losses on real estate owned assets398 
Origination of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale(267,553)(1,020,702)(621,597)
Proceeds from sale of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale312,206 975,243 573,010 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable7,423 (765)(3,060)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(7,079)(4,020)(4,133)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(5,837)6,428 (13)
Due to affiliates4,736 1,560 (3,192)
Interest payable(2,164)1,933 1,481 
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities$115,334 $45,369 $7,098 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Origination and purchase of commercial mortgage loans, held for investment$(1,281,158)$(1,321,644)$(1,598,786)
Principal repayments received on commercial mortgage loans, held for investment1,228,225 756,141 753,921 
Purchase of other real estate investments(2,511)
Purchase of real estate owned and capital expenditures(2,824)(42,018)
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned, held-for-sale22,472 
Proceeds from sale of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale77,164 16,910 
Purchase of real estate securities(148,580)(369,911)(39,510)
Proceeds from sale/repayment of real estate securities346,201 9,369 12,456 
Purchase of derivative instruments(813)1,333 (804)
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities$240,687 $(969,241)$(855,813)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of common stock$10,672 $75,545 $124,335 
Proceeds from issuances of redeemable convertible preferred stock47 63,197 146,245 
Common stock repurchases(10,259)(13,813)(15,085)
Reimbursements/(payments) of offering costs and fees related to stock issuances(887)
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Premium amortization and (discount accretion), net(2,554) (2,336) (1,561)
Accretion of deferred commitment fees(1,372) (1,535) (1,068)
Amortization of deferred financing costs4,650
 4,048
 2,819
Share-based compensation97
 44
 30
Realized loss on sale of real estate securities
 1,906
 
Impairment losses on real estate securities
 310
 
Change in unrealized gains on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale(247) 247
 
Change in unrealized losses on derivative instruments17
 
 
Loan loss (recovery)/provision(715) 1,293
 318
Origination of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value(156,101) 
 
Proceeds from sale of commercial mortgage loans, held for sale, at fair value132,093
 
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:     
Accrued interest receivable(2,197) 940
 (1,426)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(5,441) (85) 723
Accounts payable and accrued expenses3,341
 360
 (1,707)
Due to affiliates2,357
 (263) 1,812
Interest payable647
 105
 560
Net cash provided by operating activities$8,354
 $35,024
 $25,433
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Origination and purchase of commercial mortgage loans, held for investment$(836,961) $(53,640) $(793,731)
Receivable for loan repayment(48,684) 
 
Purchase of real estate securities
 
 (85,463)
Proceeds from sale of real estate securities34,888
 79,082
 
Purchase of derivative instruments(592) 
 
Proceeds from sale of commercial mortgage loans, held for sale121,658
 44,355
 
Principal repayments received on commercial mortgage loans, held for investment381,933
 67,396
 126,336
Principal repayments received on real estate securities15,000
 2,218
 3,010
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities$(332,758) $139,411
 $(749,848)
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuances of common stock$
 $
 $385,203
Common stock repurchases(20,546) (18,965) (2,555)
Reimbursements/(payments) of offering costs and fees related to common stock issuances(1)

 793
 (45,357)
Borrowings under collateralized loan obligation700,862
 
 292,484
Repayments of collateralized loan obligation(143,086) (9,150) 
Borrowings on repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans652,978
 233,855
 423,538
Repayments of repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans(844,952) (182,430) (367,468)
Borrowings on repurchase agreements - real estate securities499,290
 1,208,244
 690,406
Repayments of repurchase agreements - real estate securities(526,894) (1,258,816) (599,464)

F-8

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)





Borrowings under collateralized loan obligation639,899 1,161,002 
Repayments of collateralized loan obligation(182,680)(343,191)(478,177)
Borrowings on repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans682,970 1,035,524 1,833,838 
Repayments of repurchase agreements - commercial mortgage loans(659,173)(932,420)(1,750,088)
Borrowings on repurchase agreements - real estate securities2,675,218 1,570,331 280,837 
Repayments of repurchase agreements - real estate securities(2,882,749)(1,220,511)(275,332)
Proceeds from other financing and loan participation - commercial mortgage loans31,379 10,000 
Repayments on other financing and loan participation - commercial mortgage loans(10,000)(26,182)
Borrowing on mortgage note payable11,712 29,167 
Payments of deferred financing costs(349)(4,540)(12,128)
Distributions paid(49,790)(60,613)(36,952)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities:$(373,002)$828,575 $961,426 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$(16,981)$(95,297)$112,711 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period109,122 204,419 91,708 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period$92,141 $109,122 $204,419 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Taxes paid$4,400 $$355 
Interest paid59,819 78,901 53,029 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash flow information:
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan$8,814 13,903 14,023 
Commercial mortgage loans transferred from held for investment to held-for-sale76,979 16,750 
Distribution payable15,688 6,912 5,834 
Commercial mortgage loans transferred from held-for-sale to held for investment10,072 
Real estate owned received in foreclosure35,411 8,110 
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents$82,071 $87,246 $191,390 
Restricted cash10,070 21,876 13,029 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period$92,141 $109,122 $204,419 
 For the Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Borrowings on other financing - commercial mortgage loans36,200
 
 
Repayments on other financing - commercial mortgage loans(10,017) 
 
Decrease/(Increase) in restricted cash related to financing activities(2,976) 345
 (5,298)
Payments of deferred financing costs(11,964) (4,819) (5,704)
Distributions paid(38,828) (40,251) (26,949)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities:$290,067
 $(71,194) $738,836
Net change in cash and cash equivalents$(34,337) $103,241
 $14,421
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period118,048
 14,807
 386
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$83,711
 $118,048
 $14,807
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:     
Income taxes paid$
 $
 $159
Interest paid27,062
 19,016
 8,889
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash flow information:     
Common stock issued through distribution reinvestment plan20,051
 25,047
 20,161
Distributions payable3,917
 5,591
 5,552
Loans transferred to commercial real estate loans, held-for-sale, transferred at fair value100,005
 21,179
 
_______________________
(1) During 2016, the Company received reimbursement of excess payment of $0.8 million from the Former Advisor for Offering costs. Please refer to Note 9 of the consolidated financial statements for additional details of this reimbursement.



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-9

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020



Note 1 - Organization and Business Operations
Benefit Street Partners Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Company"), formerly known as Realty Finance Trust, Inc., is a real estate finance company that primarily originates, acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate debt investments secured by properties located within and outside the United States. The Company was incorporated in Maryland on November 15, 2012 and commenced operations on May 14, 2013.
The Company made a tax election to be treated as a real estate investment trust (a "REIT") for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2013. The Company believes that it has qualified as a REIT and intends to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. In addition, the Company, through a subsidiary which is treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary (a "TRS") is indirectly subject to U.S federal, state and local income taxes. The majority of the Company's business is conducted through Benefit Street Partners Realty Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “OP”), a Delaware limited partnership. The Company is the sole general partner and directly or indirectly holds all of the units of limited partner interests in the OP.
The Company has no direct employees. Benefit Street Partners L.L.C. serves as the Company's advisor (the "Advisor") pursuant to an advisory agreement executed on September 29, 2016 (the “Advisory Agreement”), as amendedAmended and restated by the amended and restated advisory agreement, executed onRestated Advisory Agreement, dated January 19, 2018.2018 (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. which, together with its various subsidiaries, operates as Franklin Templeton. The Advisor, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), is a credit-focused alternative asset management firm. Established in 2008, the Advisor's credit platform manages funds for institutions and high-net-worth investors across various credit funds and complementary strategies including high yield, levered loans, private / opportunistic debt, liquid credit, structured credit and commercial real estate debt. These strategies complement each other as they all leverage the sourcing, analytical, compliance, and operational capabilities that encompass the platform. The Advisor is in partnership with Providence Equity Partners L.L.C., a global private equity firm. The Advisor manages the Company's affairs on a day-to-day basis. The Advisor receives compensation and fees for services related to the investment and management of the Company's assets and the operations of the Company. Prior to September 29, 2016, Realty Finance Advisor, LLC ("Former Advisor") was the Company's advisor. The Former Advisor was controlled by AR Global Investments, LLC ("AR Global").
The Company invests in commercial real estate debt investments, which may include first mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans. The Company also originates conduit loans which the Company intends to sell through its TRS into commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS") at a profit.
The Company may also investinvests in commercial real estate securities. Real estate securities may include CMBS, senior unsecured debt of publicly traded REITs, debt or equity securities of other publicly traded real estate companies and collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"). The Company also owns real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure, and purchased for investment, typically subject to triple net leases.
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The accompanyingCompany's consolidated financial statements and related footnotes have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Regulation S-X, as appropriate.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current presentation. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results of the periods presented have been included. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results in any subsequent reporting period.
Use of Estimates
GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially. In the opinion of management, the annualinterim data includes all adjustments, of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current presentation. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results of the periods presented have been included. The current period’s results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of results inthat ultimately may be achieved for the entire year or any subsequent reporting period.periods.
F-10

Table of Contents
BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
In response to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous countries, including the U.S., have declared national emergencies with respect to COVID-19 and certain jurisdictions, including those where our corporate headquarters and/or properties that secure our investments, or properties that the Company owns, are located, have at times imposed “stay-at-home” guidelines or orders or other restrictions to help prevent its spread. The effects of COVID-19 may negatively and materially impact significant estimates and assumptions used by the Company including, but not limited to estimates of expected credit losses, valuation of our equity method investments and the fair value estimates of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the OP and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In determining whether the Company has a controlling financial interest in a joint venture and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, management considers factors such as ownership interest, authority to make decisions and contractual and substantive participating rights of

F-10

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

the other partners or members, as well as whether the entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.
The Company has determined the OP is a VIE of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Substantially all of the Company's assets and liabilities are held by the OP.
The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through either majority ownership or voting rights. In addition, the Company consolidates all VIEs of which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. VIEs are 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 its primary beneficiary and is generally the entity with (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s 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.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") issued and securitized by wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company has determined the CLOs are VIEs of which the Company's subsidiary is the primary beneficiary. The assets and liabilities of the CLOs are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets in accordance with ASCFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation.Consolidation.
Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses
The Company has historically incurred acquisition fees and acquisition expenses payable to the Advisor. The Company’s obligation to pay the Advisor acquisition fees terminated in September 2017. Prior to then, the Company paid the Advisor an acquisition fee based on the principal amount funded by the Company to originate or acquire commercial mortgage loan investments or on the anticipated net equity funded by the Company to acquire real estate securities. Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses paid to the Company's Advisor in connection with the origination and acquisition of commercial mortgage loan investments and acquisition of real estate securities were evaluated based on the nature of the expense to determine if they should be expensed in the period incurred or capitalized and amortized over the life of the investment. The Company capitalizes certain direct costs relating to the loan origination activities and theactivities. The cost is amortized over the life of the loan. Pursuant toloan and recognized in interest income in the Advisory Agreement,Company's consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition expenses paid on future funding amounts are expensed within the Advisor is entitledacquisition expenses line in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash consists of amounts deposited with high quality financial institutions. These deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company up to an acquisition feeinsurance limit. Cash equivalents include short-term, liquid investments in money market funds with original maturities of 1.0%90 days or less when purchased.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of cash pledged as margin on repurchase agreements and derivative transactions. The duration of this restricted cash generally matches the duration of the principal amount funded by the Company to originaterelated repurchase agreements or acquire commercial mortgage loans (or anticipated net equity funded by the Company in the case of acquisition of real estate securities) until the aggregate purchase price for all investments acquired reaches $600,000,000 and reimbursement for insourced acquisition expenses of 0.5%. In September 2017, the Company's aggregate purchase price for all investments acquired reached $600,000,000, which concurrently terminated the 1.0% acquisition fee payments to the Advisor for all investments subsequent to the limit being reached.derivative transaction.
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Held-for-InvestmentHeld for Investment - Commercial mortgage loans that are held for investment purposes and are anticipated to be held until maturity, are carried at cost, net of unamortized acquisition expenses, discounts or premiums and unfunded commitments. Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment purposes, that are deemed to be impaired are carried at amortized cost less a specific allowance for loancredit losses. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and related discounts, premiums and acquisition expenses on investments are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Guaranteed loan exitcommitment fees payable by the borrower upon maturity are accreted over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The accretion of guaranteed loan exitcommitment fees is recognized in interest income in the Company's consolidated statements of operation.operations.
F-11

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Held-for-Sale - Commercial mortgage loans that are intended to be sold in the foreseeable future are reported as held-for-saleheld-for sale and are transferred at fair value and recorded at the lower of cost or fair value with changes recorded through the statements of operations. Unamortized loan origination costs for commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale that are carried at the lower of cost or fair value are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the loans and recognized upon the sale of such loans. Amortization of origination costs ceases upon transfer of commercial mortgage loans to held-for-sale.
Held-for-Sale, Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option - The fair value option provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial assets, financial liabilities, and written loan commitments. The Company has elected to measure commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale in the Company's TRS under the fair value option. These commercial mortgage loans are included in the Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet.sheets. Interest income received on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value is recorded on the accrual basis of accounting and is included in interest income in the consolidated statements of operations. Costs to originate these investments are expensed when incurred.
AsReal estate owned
Real estate owned (“REO”) assets represent real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or purchase. REO assets are carried at their estimated fair value at acquisition and are presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired real estate assets based on the fair value of the acquired assets such as land, building, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Asset acquisitions in which monetary consideration is given generally includes the transaction costs of the asset acquisition. Acquiring assets in groups requires not only ascertaining the cost of the asset (or net asset) group but also allocating that cost to the individual assets (or individual assets and liabilities) that make up the group. The cost of a group of assets acquired in an asset acquisition shall be allocated to the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values and shall not give rise to goodwill.
Real estate owned assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of up to 40 years for buildings and improvements and up to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Renovations and/or replacements that improve or extend the life of the real estate owned assets are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Real estate owned revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. The Company is considered to have satisfied all performance obligations at a point in time.
Real estate owned assets that are probable to be sold within one year are reported as held-for-sale. Real estate owned assets classified as held-for-sale shall be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Real estate owned assets shall not be depreciated or amortized while it is classified as held-for-sale. Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group classified as held-for-sale shall continue to be accrued. Upon the disposition of a real estate owned asset, the Company calculates realized gains and losses as net proceeds received less the carrying value of the real estate owned asset. Net proceeds received are net of direct selling costs associated with the disposition of the real estate owned asset.
Leases
Operating right of use assets "ROU" represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. Leases will be classified as either a finance or operating lease, with such classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the consolidated statements of operations. For leases greater than 12 months, the Company determines, at the inception of the contract, if the arrangement meets the classification criteria for an operating or finance lease. For leases that have extension options, which can be exercised at the Company's discretion, management uses judgment to determine if it is reasonably certain that such extension options will be elected. If the extension options are reasonably certain to occur, the Company includes the extended term's lease payments in the calculation of the respective lease liability. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The incremental borrowing rate used to discount the lease liability is determined at commencement of the lease, or upon modification of the lease, as the interest rate a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a fully collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The Company's incremental borrowing rate considers information at both the corporate and property level and analysis of current market conditions for obtaining new financings. All leases as of December 31, 2017,2020 and December 31, 2019 were operating leases.
Separately, on October 15, 2019, the fair value amountCompany acquired certain real estate assets which had an existing in-place lease asset. This in-place lease asset is recorded as an Intangible lease asset on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized using the straight-line method over the contractual principal outstanding of commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option was $28.5 million. Nonelife of the Company's commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option are in default or greater than ninety days past due. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the

lease.
F-11
F-12

Table of Contents
BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which amends the credit impairment model for financial instruments. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.
Following our adoption of ASU 2016-13, our previous incurred loss model was replaced with a lifetime current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model for financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans, loan commitments, held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities, financial guarantees, net investments in leases, reinsurance and trade receivables, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available for sale (“AFS”) debt securities, unrealized credit losses are recognized as allowances rather than reductions in amortized cost basis and elimination of the other than temporary impairment concept will result in more frequent estimation of credit losses. The accounting model for purchased credit impaired loans and debt securities has been simplified, including elimination of some of the asymmetrical treatment between credit losses and credit recoveries, to be consistent with the CECL model for originated and purchased non-credit impaired assets. The adopted model for ASC 326 as it applies to HTM and AFS securities, encompassing the beneficial interest model for securities that are not of high credit quality, has been clarified to include the effective interest method as a realized gainbasis for the projection of $4.5cash collections method in connection with the newly adopted impairment models for HTM and AFS debt securities under ASC 326 when securities are not of high credit quality. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, the Company recorded an additional allowance for credit losses for our outstanding loans and unfunded loan commitments of $7.8 million, relatingor $0.18 per share, which was 0.27% of the aggregate commitment amount of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2019.
Pre-adoptionTransition AdjustmentPost-adjustment
Assets
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net of allowance$2,762,042 $(7,211)$2,754,831 
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1)
10,925 (550)10,375 
Equity
Accumulated deficit$(85,968)$(7,761)$(93,729)
_______________________
(1) Includes allowance associated with unfunded loan commitment.
The following discussion highlights changes to the saleCompany’s accounting policies as a result of commercial mortgage loans that are accounted for under the fair value option. Acquisition expenses on originating these investments are expensed when incurred. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not account for any of its commercial mortgage loans under the fair value option.this adoption.
Allowance for Loan Lossescredit losses
The allowance for credit losses for the Company’s financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans held for investment and unfunded loan losses reflects management'scommitments represents a lifetime estimate of expected credit losses. Factors considered by the Company when determining the allowance for credit losses reserve include loan-specific characteristics such as loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio, vintage year, loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio asterm, property type, occupancy and geographic location, financial performance of the balance sheet date. The reserve is increasedborrower, expected payments of principal and interest, as well as internal or decreased through the loan loss provision or recovery on the Company's consolidated statements of operationsexternal information relating to past events, current conditions and is decreased by charge-offs when losses are confirmed through the receipt of assets, such as cash in a pre-foreclosure sale or upon ownership control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of the loan upon foreclosure or when significant collection efforts have ceased. The Company uses a uniform process for determining its allowance for loan losses. reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist for multiple financial instruments. If similar risk characteristics do not exist, the Company measures the allowance for credit losses on an individual instrument basis. The determination of whether a particular financial instrument should be included in a pool can change over time. If a financial asset’s risk characteristics change, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to continue to keep the financial instrument in its existing pool or evaluate it individually.
In measuring the allowance for credit losses for financial instruments including our unfunded loan commitments that share similar risk characteristics, the Company primarily applies a probability of default (“PD”)/loss given default (“LGD”) model for instruments that are collectively assessed, whereby the allowance for credit losses includesis calculated as the product of PD, LGD and exposure at default (“EAD”). The Company’s model principally utilizes historical loss rates derived from a general, formula-based componentcommercial mortgage backed securities database with historical losses from 1998 to 2020 provided by a reputable third party, forecasting the loss parameters using a scenario-based statistical approach over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of twelve months, followed by an asset-specific component.
General reserves are recordedimmediate reversion to average historical losses. For financial instruments assessed on an individual basis, including when (i) available information as of each balance sheet date indicates that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest on the instrument, the Company applies a loss has occurred indiscounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology.
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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
For financial instruments where the portfolioborrower is experiencing financial difficulty based on the Company’s assessment at the reporting date and (ii) the amountrepayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates loss rates based on historical realized losses experienced in the industry, given the factcollateral, the Company has not experienced any losses, and takes into account currentmay elect to use as a practical expedient the fair value of the collateral and economic conditions affectingat the probability and severity of lossesreporting date when establishingdetermining the allowance for loancredit losses. The
In developing the allowance for credit losses for its loans held for investment, the Company performs a comprehensive analysis of its loan portfolio and assigns risk ratings to loans that incorporate management's current judgments about their credit quality based on all known and relevant internal and external factors that may affect collectability. The Company considers, among other things, payment status, lien position, borrower financial resources and investmentcollectability, using similar factors as those in collateral, collateral type, project economics and geographic location as well as national and regional economic factors.developing the allowance for credit losses. This methodology results in loans being segmented by risk classification into risk rating categories that are associated with estimated probabilities of default and principal loss. RatingsRisk rating categories range from "1" to "5" with "1" representing the lowest risk of loss and "5" representing the highest risk of loss.loss with the ratings updated quarterly. At the time of origination or purchase, loans held for investment are ranked as a “2” and will move accordingly going forward based on the ratings which are defined as follows:
1.Very Low Risk- Investment exceeding fundamental performance expectations and/or capital gain expected. Trends and risk factors since time of investment are favorable.
2.Low Risk- Performing consistent with expectations and a full return of principal and interest expected. Trends and risk factors are neutral to favorable.
3.Average Risk- Performing investments requiring closer monitoring. Trends and risk factors show some deterioration.
4.High Risk/Delinquent/Potential for Loss- Underperforming investment with the potential of some interest loss but still expecting a positive return on investment. Trends and risk factors are negative.
5.Impaired/Defaulted/Loss Likely- Underperforming investment with expected loss of interest and some principal.
The asset-specific reserve component relatesCompany also considers qualitative and environmental factors, including, but not limited to, reserves for losses on individual impaired loans. The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current informationeconomic and events, it believes that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual termsbusiness conditions, nature and volume of the loan agreement. This assessment is made on an individual loan basis each quarter based onportfolio, lending terms, volume and severity of past due loans, concentration of credit and changes in the level of such factors as payment status, lien position, borrower financial resources and investmentconcentrations in collateral, collateral type, project economics and geographical location as well as national and regional economic factors. A reserve is established for an impaired loan when the present value of payments expected to be received, observable market prices or the estimated fair valueits determination of the collateral (for loans thatallowance for credit losses.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses for the Company’s financial instruments are dependentrecorded in Provision/(benefit) for credit losses on the collateralconsolidated statements of operations with a corresponding offset to the financial instrument’s amortized cost recorded on the consolidated balance sheets, or as a component of Accounts payable and accrued expenses for repayment)unfunded loan commitments.
The Company has elected to not measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable as it is lower thantimely, following three months time, reversed against interest income when a loan, real estate security or preferred equity investment is placed on nonaccrual status. The Company did not record reversals of accrued interest receivable during the carrying valueyear ended December 31, 2020. Loans are charged off against the Provision/(benefit) for credit losses when all or a portion of that loan.
For collateral dependent impaired loans, impairment is measured using the estimated fair value of collateral less the estimated cost to sell. Valuations are performed or obtained at the time a loanprincipal amount is determined to be impaireduncollectible.
Past due and designatednonaccrual status
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status and considered non-performing when full payment of principal and they are updated if circumstances indicate that a significant change in value has occurred. The Advisor generally will useinterest is unpaid for 90 days or more or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, unless the income approach through internally developed valuation models to estimate the fair value of the collateral for such loans. In more limited cases, the Advisor will obtain external "as is" appraisals for loan collateral, generally when third party participations exist.
A loan is also considered impaired if itsboth well secured and in the process of collection. Interest received on nonaccrual status loans are accounted for under the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Upon restructuring the nonaccrual loan, the Company may return a loan to accrual status when repayment of principal and interest is reasonably assured.
Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”)
The Company classifies an individual financial instrument as a TDR when it has a reasonable expectation that the financial instrument’s contractual terms arewill be modified in a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). A TDR occurs when amanner that grants concession is granted andto the debtorborrower who is experiencing financial difficulties. Impairments on TDR loans are generally measured baseddifficulty. Concessions could include term extensions, payment deferrals, interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, forbearance, or other actions designed to maximize the Company’s collection on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loans.
financial instrument. The Company designates non-performing loans at such time as (i) loan payments become 90-days past due; (ii)determines the loan has a maturity default; or (iii) in the opinionallowance for credit losses for financial instruments that are TDRs individually.
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Real Estate Securities
On the acquisition date, all of the Company’s commercial real estate securities were classified as available for sale and carried at fair value, and subsequently any unrealized gains or losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The Company may elect the fair value option for its real estate securities, and as a result, any unrealized gains or losses on such real estate securities will be recorded in the Company’s consolidated statementstatements of operations. No such election has been made to date. Related discounts, premiums and acquisition expenses on investments are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Amortization is reflected as an adjustment to interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Impairment Analysis of Real Estate Securities
Commercial The Company uses the specific identification method in determining the cost relief for real estate securities forsold. Realized gains and losses from the sale of real estate securities are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
AFS real estate securities which have experienced a decline in the fair value option hasbelow their amortized cost basis (i.e., impairment) are evaluated each reporting period to determine whether the decline in fair value is due to credit-related factors. Any impairment that is not been elected are periodically evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment.credit-related is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, while credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding adjustment on the consolidated statements of operations. If the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost, the security is considered impaired.

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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

Impairment of a security is considered other-than-temporary when (i) the Company has the intentintends to sell thean impaired security; (ii) it isreal estate security or more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security; or (iii) the Company does not expect to recoversuch a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis.
The Company analyzes the AFS security portfolio on a periodic basis for credit losses at the individual security level using the same criteria described above for those amortized cost financial assets subject to an allowance for credit losses including but not limited to; performance of the security. Ifunderlying assets in the Company determines that an other-than-temporary impairment existssecurity, borrower financial resources and a sale is likely,investment in collateral, collateral type, credit ratings, project economics and geographic location as well as national and regional economic factors.
The non-credit loss component of the impairment chargeunrealized loss within the Company’s AFS portfolio is recognized as an impairment of assets onadjustment to the Company's consolidated statement of operations. If a sale is not expected, the portion of the impairment charge relatedindividual security’s asset balance with an offsetting entry to credit factors is recorded as an impairment of assets on the Company's consolidated statement of operations with the remainder recorded as an unrealized gain or loss on investments reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.in the consolidated balance sheets.
Repurchase Agreements
Commercial mortgage loans and real estate securities sold under repurchase agreements have been treated as collateralized financing transactions because the Company maintains effective control over the transferred securities. Commercial mortgage loans and real estate securities financed through a repurchase agreement remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheetsheets as an asset and cash received from the purchaser is recorded as a liability. Interest paid in accordance with repurchase agreements is recorded in interest expense on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
Cash and Cash EquivalentsDeferred Financing Costs
Cash represents deposits with high quality financial institutions. These deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company up to an insurance limit. Cash equivalents include short-term, liquid investments in money market funds.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of cash pledged as margin on repurchase agreements.
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses consists ofThe deferred financing costs related to ourthe Company's various Master Repurchase Agreements as well as certain prepaid subscription costs.costs are included in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing cost on the Company's collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") are netted against the Company's CLO payable in the Collateralized loan obligations on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the terms of the respective financing agreement using the effective interest method and included in interest expense on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Unamortized deferred financing costs are generally expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity.
Share Repurchase Program
The Company has a Share Repurchase Program (the "SRP"), which became effective as of February 28, 2016, that enables stockholders to sell their shares to the Company.
SubjectCompany, subject to certain conditions, stockholders that purchased shares of our common stock or received their shares from us (directly or indirectly) through one or more non-cash transactions and have held their sharesconditions. Refer to Note 9 - Stock Transactions for a period of at least one year may request that we repurchase their shares of common stock so long as the repurchase otherwise complies with the provisions of Maryland law. Repurchase requests made following the death or qualifying disability of a stockholder will not be subject to any minimum holding period.
On August 10, 2017, our board of directors amended the SRP to provide that the repurchase price per share for requests will be equal to the lesser of (i) our most recent estimated per-share NAV, as approved by our board of directors from time to time, and (ii) our book value per share, computed in accordance with GAAP, multiplied by a percentage equal to (i) 92.5%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than one year and less than two years; (ii) 95%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than two years and less than three years; (iii) 97.5%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than three years and less than four years; or (iv) 100%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than four years or in the case of requests for death or disability.
Calculations of our estimated per-share NAV will occur periodically, at the discretiondescription of the board of directors, provided that such calculations will be made at least annually. Following its calculation, our estimated per-share NAV will be disclosed in a periodic report. The most recent calculation of our estimated per-share NAV approved by the board of directors occurred on November 10, 2017 based on our net asset value as of September 30, 2017 and was equal to $19.02.
Repurchases pursuant to the SRP, when requested, generally will be made semiannually (each six-month period ending June 30 or December 31, a “fiscal semester”). Repurchases for any fiscal semester will be limited to a maximum of 2.5% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year, with a maximum for any fiscal year of 5.0% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year. Funding for repurchases pursuant to the SRP for any given fiscal semester will be limited to proceeds received during that same fiscal semester through the issuance of common stock pursuant to any DRIP in effect from time to time, provided that the board of directors has the power, in its sole discretion, to determine the amount of shares repurchased during any fiscal semester as well as the amount of funds to be used for that purpose. Due to these limitations, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all repurchase requests made during any fiscal semester or fiscal year. However, a stockholder may withdraw its request at any time or ask that we honor the request when funds are available. Pending repurchase requests will be honored on a

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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

pro rata basis. We will generally pay repurchase proceeds, less any applicable tax or other withholding required by law, by the 31st day following the end of the fiscal semester during which the repurchase request was made.
SRP. When a stockholder requests a redemption and the redemption is approved by the board of directors, wethe Company will reclassify such obligation from equity to a liability based on the settlement value of the obligation. Shares repurchased under the SRP will have the status of authorized but unissued shares.
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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Offering and Related Costs
PriorSince 2018, the Company has from time to January 2016, we were offering for sale a maximumtime offered, and may in the future offer, shares of $2.0 billion ofthe Company’s common stock on a reasonable best efforts basisor one or more series of its preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”), including its Series A convertible preferred stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) and Series C convertible preferred stock (the "Offering"“Series C Preferred Stock,”), pursuant to a in private placements exempt from the registration statement on Form S-11 filed with the SEC underrequirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Prior to the termination of the Offering, offering and related costs included all expenses incurred inIn connection with the Offering. Offering costs (other than selling commissions and the dealer manager fee) ofthese offerings, the Company were paid by the Former Advisor, and Realty Capital Securities, LLC (the "Former Dealer Manager") or their affiliates on behalf of the Company. Offering costs were reclassified from deferred costs to stockholders' equity on the day the Company commenced its operations. Offering costs included all expenses incurred by the Company in connection with its Offering as of the balance sheet date presented.incurs various offering costs. These offering costs include but wereare not limited to (i) legal, accounting, printing, mailing and filing fees; (ii) escrow service related fees; (iii) reimbursement of the Former Dealer Manager for amounts it paid to reimburse the bona fidefees, and diligence expenses of broker-dealers; and (iv) reimbursement tobroker-dealers. Offering costs for the Former Advisor for a portion ofcommon stock are recorded in the costs of its employees and other costs in connection with preparing supplemental sales materials and related offering activities. The Company was obligated to reimburseCompany’s stockholders’ equity, while the Former Advisor or its affiliates, as applicable, for organizational and offering costs paid by themfor the Preferred Stock are included within Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, respectively, on behalf of the Company to the extent organizational and offering costs (excluding selling commissions and the dealer manager fee) incurred by the Company in the Offering did not exceed 2% of gross offering proceeds. The Former Advisor was required to reimburse the Company to the extent that organization and offering and related costs paid by the Company exceeded 2% of gross offering proceeds. As a result, these costs were only a liability of the Company to the extent aggregate selling commissions, the dealer manager fees and other organization and offering costs did not exceed 12% of the gross Offering proceeds determined at the end of the Offering. See Note 9 - Related Party Transactions and Arrangements.Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
Pursuant to the DRIP,Company's distribution reinvestment plan ("DRIP"), stockholders may elect to reinvest distributions by purchasing shares of common stock in lieu of receiving cash. No dealer manager fees or selling commissions are paid with respect to shares purchased pursuant to the DRIP. Participants purchasingThe purchase price for shares pursuant topurchased through the DRIP haveis the same rightslesser of (i) the Company’s most recent estimated per share NAV, and are treated in(ii) the same manner as if such shares were issued pursuant to the Offering.Company’s GAAP book value per share. There is no market for our common stock. The board of directors may designate that certain cash or other distributions be excluded from the DRIP. The Company has the right to amend any aspect of the DRIP or terminate the DRIP with ten days’ notice to participants. Shares issued under the DRIP are recorded to equity in the consolidated balance sheetsheets in the period distributions are declared.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company has a share-based incentive plan for certain of the Company's directors, officers and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates. Share-based awards are measured at the grant date fair value and is recognized as compensation expense on a on a straight line basis over the related vesting period of the award. See Note 1012 - Share-Based Compensation.
Income Taxes
The Company has conducted its operations to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a REIT, if the Company meets certain organizational and operational requirements and distributes at least 90% of its "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to its stockholders in a year, it will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that it distributes. However, even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain state and local taxes on income in addition to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed income. The Company, through its TRS, is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. The Company’s TRS is not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but is instead taxed as a C corporation. For financial reporting purposes, the TRS is consolidated and a provision for current and deferred taxes is established for the portion of earnings recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in its TRS. Total income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $0.2 million. There was no income tax provisionprovision/(benefit) for the years ended December 31, 20162020, December 31, 2019 and 2015.December 31, 2018 were $(2.1) million, $4.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
The Company uses a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition of tax positions taken or to be taken in a tax return. The Company has assessed its tax positions for all open tax years beginning with December 31, 20142017 and concluded that there were no uncertainties to be recognized. The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as provision for income taxes.

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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

The estimated tax characteristic of $1.80 distributions per common share declared during 2017 was $1.07 ordinary income and $0.73 return of capital. The estimated tax characteristics of the $2.06 distributions per common share declared during 2016 was $0.98 ordinary income and $1.08 return of capital.
The Company utilizeutilizes the TRS to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax and to avoid penalty for the holding of assets not qualifying as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests. Any income associated with a TRS is fully taxable because the TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes as a domestic C corporation based upon its net income.
Enacted on December 22, 2017, the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") made many significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders, and may lessen the relative competitive advantage of operating as a REIT rather than as a C corporation. Pursuant to this legislation, as of January 1, 2018, (1) the federal income tax rate applicable to corporations is reduced to 21%, (2) the highest marginal individual income tax rate is reduced to 37% (through taxable years ending in 2025), (3) the corporate alternative minimum tax is repealed, and (4) the backup withholding rate for U.S. stockholders is reduced to 24%. The amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of operations is provisional. Due to the timing of the enacted legislation, as well as the technical corrections, amendments or administrative guidance that could clarify the treatment of certain provisions, the Company will continue to evaluate its conclusions and update its estimates as necessary.
Derivatives and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and may undertake a strategy to limit these risks through the use of derivatives. The Company uses derivatives primarily to economically hedge against interest rates, CMBS spreads and macro market risk in order to minimize volatility. The Company may use a variety of derivative instruments that are considered conventional, such asincluding but not limited to: Treasury note futures and credit derivatives on various indices including CMBX and CDX.
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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The Company recognizes all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company does not designate derivatives as hedges to qualify for hedge accounting for financial reporting purposes and therefore any net payments under, or fluctuations in the fair value of these derivatives have been recognized currently in unrealized gain/(loss)(gain)/loss on derivative instruments in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company records derivative asset and liability positions on a gross basis with any collateral posted with or received from counterparties recorded separately within Restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Certain derivatives that the Company has entered into are subject to master netting agreements with its counterparties, allowing for netting of the same transaction, in the same currency, on the same date.
Per Share Data
The Company’s Preferred Stock is considered a participating security and the Company calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method. The Company’s dilutive earnings per share calculation is computed using the more dilutive result of the treasury stock method, assuming the participating security is a potential common share, or the two-class method, assuming the participating security is not converted. The Company calculates basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributableapplicable to the Companycommon stock for the period by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for that period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur from shares outstanding if potential shares of common stock with a dilutive effect have been issued in connection with the restricted stock plan or upon conversion of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock, except when doing so would be anti-dilutive.
Reportable Segments
The Company has determined that it has three4 reportable segments based on how the chief operating decision maker reviews and manages the business. The three4 reporting segments are as follows:
The real estate debt business which is focused on originating, acquiring and asset managing commercial real estate debt investments, including first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgages, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans.
The real estate securities business which is focused on investing in and asset managing commercial real estate securities primarily consisting of CMBS and may include unsecured REIT debt, CDO notes and other securities.
The commercial conduit operated business throughin the Company's TRS, which is focused on originating and subsequently selling fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market at a profit.market.
The real estate owned business represents real estate acquired by the Company through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or purchase.
See Note 1416 - Segment Reporting for further information regarding the Company's segments.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance where a reporting entity will need to evaluate if it should consolidate a VIE. The amendments change the evaluationCompany’s outstanding Preferred Stock is classified outside of whether a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by changing how a single decision maker of a VIE treats indirect interestspermanent equity in the entity held through related parties that are under commonconsolidated balance sheets. Subject to certain conditions, the outstanding Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the holders of the Preferred Stock, outside of the control withof the reporting entity. The revised guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017. The applicationCompany. As set forth in the Articles Supplementary relating to each of this guidance did not have a material impact onthe Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Articles Supplementary”) to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Articles of Amendment and Restatement, the Preferred Stock is redeemable for shares of the Company's common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Common Stock") at the option of the holder upon a change of control (as defined in the Articles Supplementary) or after the sixth anniversary of the date of issuance. A change in control of the Company occurs if any person acquires more than 50% of the total economic interests or voting power of all securities of the Company, other than in a liquidity event.

Shares of Preferred Stock rank senior to shares of Common Stock with respect to rights to receive dividends and to participate in distributions or payments upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Dividends payable on each share of outstanding Preferred Stock will be equal to the greater of (i) an amount equal to $16.67 per share and (ii) the monthly dividend that would have been paid had such share of Preferred Stock been converted to a share of Common Stock, subject to proration in the event that such share of Preferred Stock was not outstanding for the full month.
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BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Future Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance which requires an entity to determine whether the nature of its promise to provide goods or servicesImmediately prior to a customer“Liquidity Event,” each outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock shall convert into 299.2 shares of Common Stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments (the “Conversion Rate”). Each outstanding share of Series C Preferred Stock will convert into shares of Common Stock at the same Conversion Rate on the one-year anniversary of a Liquidity Event, subject to the Company’s right to accelerate the conversion to a date no earlier than six months after the Liquidity Event, upon at least ten days prior notice to the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock. A “Liquidity Event” is performeddefined as (i) the listing of the Common Stock on a national securities exchange or quotation on an electronic inter-dealer quotation system; (ii) a merger or business combination involving the Company pursuant to which outstanding shares Common Stock are exchanged for securities of another company which are listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on an electronic inter-dealer quotation system; or (iii) any other transaction or series of transaction that results in all shares of Common Stock being transferred or exchange for cash or securities which are listed on a principalnational securities exchange or agent capacityquoted on an electronic inter-dealer quotation system. If there has not been a Liquidity Event within six years from the initial issuance of the outstanding Preferred Stock, each holder of Preferred Stock shall have the right to convert all, but not less than all, of the Preferred Stock held by such holder into Common Stock at the Conversion Rate. Each holder also has the option to convert its shares of outstanding Preferred Stock into Common Stock upon a change in control (as defined in the respective Articles Supplementary for the Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock) of the Company. In addition, neither the Company nor a holder of shares of outstanding Preferred Stock may redeem shares of the Preferred Stock until six years from the initial issuance of the Preferred Stock, except in cases of a change in control (as defined in the respective Articles Supplementary).
Holders of the outstanding Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company upon which the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote, upon which the holders of the Preferred Stock and holders of the Common Stock shall vote together as a single class. The number of votes applicable to a share of outstanding Preferred Stock will be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock a share of Preferred Stock could have been converted into as of the record date set for purposes of such stockholder vote (rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares of Common Stock). In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock is required to approve the issuance of any equity securities senior to the Preferred Stock and to recognize revenue in a gross or net manner based on its principal/agent designation. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The adoptiontake certain actions materially adverse to the holders of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.Preferred Stock.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In August 2016,On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the US GAAP guidance on how certain transactions shouldcontract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be classified and presented in the statement of cash flows as either operating, investing or financing activities. Among other things, the update provides specific guidance on where to classify debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, payments for contingent consideration made after a business combination and distributions received from equity method investments.applied through December 31, 2022. The Company has not adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. Theany of the optional expedients or exceptions through December 31, 2020, but will continue to evaluate the possible adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact onany such expedients or exceptions during the Company's consolidated financial statements.effective period as circumstances evolve.

In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the classification of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The amendment requires restricted cash to be included in the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total cash amounts. Therefore, transfers between cash and restricted cash will no longer be shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes how entities measure credit losses for financial assets carried at amortized cost. The update eliminates the requirement that a credit loss must be probable before it can be recognized and instead requires an entity to recognize the current estimate of all expected credit losses. Additionally, the update requires credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be carried as an allowance rather than as a direct write-down of the asset. The amendments become effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments may be adopted early for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance.
In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that allows an entity to elect to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income into retained earnings. The amendments become effective January 1, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance.

F-16

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

Note 3 - Commercial Mortgage Loans
The following table is a summary of the Company's commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment,held for investment, carrying values by class (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Senior loans$2,698,823 $2,721,325 
Mezzanine loans15,911 41,638 
Total gross carrying value of loans2,714,734 2,762,963 
Less: Allowance for credit losses (1)
20,886 921 
Total commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net$2,693,848 $2,762,042 
________________________
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Senior loans$1,368,425
 $901,907
Mezzanine loans35,087
 136,830
Subordinated loans
 10,000
Total gross carrying value of loans1,403,512
 1,048,737
Less: Allowance for loan losses1,466
 2,181
Total commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment, net$1,402,046
 $1,046,556
The following table presents the activity(1)As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there have been no specific reserves for loans in the Company's allowance for loan losses (dollars in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Beginning of period$2,181
 $888
Loan loss (recovery)/provision(715) 1,293
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Ending allowance for loan losses$1,466
 $2,181
non-performing status.
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,December 31, 2019, the Company's total commercial mortgage loan portfolio, excluding commercial mortgage loans accounted for under the fair value option, was comprised of 69130 and 71122 loans, respectively.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table presents the activity in the Company's allowance for credit losses, excluding the unfunded loan commitments, as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
F-18

Table of Contents
BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Year Ended December 31, 2020
MultiFamilyRetailOfficeIndustrialMixed UseHospitalitySelf StorageManufactured HousingTotal
Beginning Balance$322 $202 $249 $23 $4 $103 $0 $18 $921 
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-133,220 386 1,966 434 739 399 58 7,211 
Current Period:
Provision/(benefit) for credit losses(447)(184)(640)3,338 119 11,231 (282)46 13,181 
Write offs(427)(427)
Ending Balance$3,095 $404 $1,575 $3,795 $132 $11,646 $117 $122 $20,886 
The Company recorded an increase in its allowance for credit losses during the year ended December 31, 2020 of $13.2 million. This is primarily driven by the significant adverse change in the overall economic outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following table presents the activity in the Company's allowance for credit losses, for the unfunded loan commitments, as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2020
MultiFamilyRetailOfficeIndustrialMixed UseHospitalitySelf StorageManufactured HousingTotal
Beginning Balance$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-13239 40 150 30 57 28 550 
Current Period:
Provision/(benefit) for credit losses(154)(40)(103)388 13 44 (28)(5)115 
Ending Balance$85 $0 $47 $418 $14 $101 $0 $0 $665 
The following table represents the composition by loan type of the Company's commercial mortgage loans portfolio, excluding commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair valueheld for investment (dollars in thousands).:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Loan TypePar ValuePercentagePar ValuePercentage
Multifamily$1,202,694 44.2 %$1,491,971 53.9 %
Office517,464 19.0 %414,772 15.0 %
Hospitality403,908 14.8 %446,562 16.1 %
Industrial243,404 8.9 %118,743 4.3 %
Mixed Use102,756 3.8 %58,808 2.1 %
Self Storage86,424 3.2 %67,767 2.4 %
Retail78,550 2.9 %111,620 4.0 %
Manufactured Housing71,263 2.6 %44,656 1.6 %
Land16,400 0.6 %16,400 0.6 %
Total$2,722,863 100.0 %$2,771,299 100.0 %
F-19
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Loan Type Par Value Percentage Par Value Percentage
Multifamily $505,189
 35.9% $329,203
 30.6%
Office 455,698
 32.4% 340,944
 31.6%
Retail 209,598
 14.9% 154,684
 14.4%
Hospitality 184,025
 13.1% 143,582
 13.3%
Industrial 53,208
 3.7% 52,688
 4.9%
Mixed Use 
 % 56,136
 5.2%
Total (1)
 $1,407,718
 100.0% $1,077,237
 100.0%
         
(1) Excludes $28.5 million in commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value in the Company's TRS segment.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's total commercial mortgage loans excluding those held-for-sale, measured at fair value comprised of 3 and zero loans, respectively.

F-17

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company's total commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value was comprised of 3 and 7 loans, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the contractual principal outstanding of commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value was $67.6 million and $112.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, none of the Company's commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value were in default or greater than 90 days past due.
The following table represents the composition by loan type of the Company's commercial mortgage loans, excluding those held-for-sale, measured at fair value (dollars in thousands).:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Loan TypePar ValuePercentagePar ValuePercentage
Industrial$67,550 99.9 %$23,625 21.0 %
Multifamily100 0.1 %78,250 69.6 %
Retail%2,613 2.3 %
Hospitality%8,000 7.1 %
Total$67,650 100.0 %$112,488 100.0 %
Loan Credit Quality and Vintage
The following tables present the amortized cost of our commercial mortgage loans, held for investment as of December 31, 2020, by loan type, the Company’s internal risk rating and year of origination. The risk ratings are updated as of December 31, 2020.
202020192018201720162015PriorTotal
Multifamily:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$583,550 $349,588 $188,975 $$$$3,488 $1,125,601 
3-4 internal grade35,887 37,812 73,699 
Total Multifamily Loans$583,550 $349,588 $224,862 $37,812 $0 $0 $3,488 $1,199,300 
Retail:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$13,277 $22,760 $16,400 $$$$$52,437 
3-4 internal grade12,872 29,425 42,297 
Total Retail Loans$13,277 $35,632 $45,825 $0 $0 $0 $0 $94,734 
Office:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$244,301 $160,709 $61,169 $40,846 $$$$507,025 
3-4 internal grade8,392 8,392 
Total Office Loans$244,301 $160,709 $61,169 $49,238 $0 $0 $0 $515,417 
Industrial:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$119,193 $89,590 $$$$33,655 $$242,438 
3-4 internal grade
Total Industrial Loans$119,193 $89,590 $0 $0 $0 $33,655 $0 $242,438 
Mixed Use:
F-20

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Loan Type Par Value Percentage Par Value Percentage
Multifamily $28,531
 100.0% $
 %
Mixed Use 
 % 
 %
Industrial 
 % 
 %
Retail 
 % 
 %
Total $28,531
 100.0% $
 %
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$30,246 $$59,451 $12,839 $$$$102,536 
3-4 internal grade
Total Mixed Use Loans$30,246 $0 $59,451 $12,839 $0 $0 $0 $102,536 
Hospitality:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$26,878 $10,547 $$$$$$37,425 
3-4 internal grade160,079 115,026 90,612 365,717 
Total Hospitality Loans$26,878 $170,626 $115,026 $90,612 $0 $0 $0 $403,142 
Self Storage:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$41,305 $$44,908 $$$$$86,213 
3-4 internal grade
Total Self Storage Loans$41,305 $0 $44,908 $0 $0 $0 $0 $86,213 
Manufactured Housing:
Risk Rating:
1-2 internal grade$25,905 $45,049 $$$$$$70,954 
3-4 internal grade
Total Manufactured Housing Loans$25,905 $45,049 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $70,954 
Total$1,084,655 $851,194 $551,241 $190,501 $0 $33,655 $3,488 $2,714,734 

Past Due Status
The following table presents an aging summary of the loans amortized cost basis at December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
MultifamilyRetailOfficeIndustrialMixed UseHospitalitySelf StorageManufactured HousingTotal
Status:
Current$1,161,488 $94,734 $515,417 $242,438 $102,536 $346,067 $86,213 $70,954 $2,619,847 
1-29 days past due
30-59 days past due (1)
37,812 37,812 
60-89 days past due
90-119 days past due
120+ days past due (1)
57,075 57,075 
Total$1,199,300 $94,734 $515,417 $242,438 $102,536 $403,142 $86,213 $70,954 $2,714,734 
________________________
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2020, interest income recognized on these two loans was $1.9 million.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 2 loans on non-accrual status with a total cost basis of $94.9 million for which there was no related allowance for credit losses. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had 1 loan on non-accrual status with a cost basis of $57.1 million.
F-21

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Credit Characteristics
As part of the Company's process for monitoring the credit quality of its commercial mortgage loans, excluding those held-for-sale, measured at fair value, it performs a quarterly loan portfolio assessment and assigns risk ratings to each of its loans. The loans are scored on a scale of 1 to 5 as follows:
InvestmentRatingInvestment RatingSummary Description
1Investment exceeding fundamental performance expectations and/or capital gain expected. Trends and risk factors since time of investment are favorable.
2Performing consistent with expectations and a full return of principal and interest expected. Trends and risk factors are neutral to favorable.
3Performing investments requiring closer monitoring. Trends and risk factors show some deterioration.
4Underperforming investment with the potential of some interest loss but still expecting a positive return on investment. Trends and risk factors are negative.
5Underperforming investment with expected loss of interest and some principal.
All commercial mortgage loans, excluding loans classified as commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value within the consolidated balance sheets, are assigned an initial risk rating of 2.0. As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the weighted average risk ratings of loans were 2.2 and 2.1, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
The following table represents the Company did not have anyallocation by risk rating for the Company's commercial mortgage loans, that were past due on their payments, in non-accrual status or impaired.held for investment, measured at fair value:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Risk Rating  Number of LoansPar ValueRisk RatingNumber of LoansPar Value
1  $1
2  104 2,232,045 2113 2,452,330 
3  22 384,040 3298,994 
4  106,778 419,975 
5  5
  130 $2,722,863 122 $2,771,299 
For the yearyears ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,December 31, 2019, the activity in the Company's commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investmentheld for investment portfolio was as follows (in(dollars in thousands):
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Balance at Beginning of Year$1,046,556
 $1,124,201
Acquisitions and originations837,861
 53,640
Dispositions
 (44,355)
Principal repayments(381,933) (66,490)
Discount accretion and premium amortization2,554
 2,279
Loans transferred to commercial real estate loans, held-for-sale(100,005) (21,179)
Unrealized losses on loans held-for-sale
 (247)
Loan loss recovery/(provision)715
 (1,293)
Fees capitalized into carrying value of loans(3,702) 
Balance at End of Year$1,402,046
 $1,046,556

Year Ended December 31,
20202019
Balance at Beginning of Year$2,762,042 $2,206,830 
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption of ASU 2016-13(7,211)— 
Acquisitions and originations1,287,720 1,326,983 
Principal repayments(1,223,490)(771,774)
Discount accretion/premium amortization6,146 6,264 
Loans transferred from/(to) commercial real estate loans, held-for-sale(76,979)10,100 
Net fees capitalized into carrying value of loans(6,562)(5,339)
Provision/(benefit) for credit losses(13,181)(3,007)
Charge-off from allowance427 6,922 
Transfer to real estate owned(35,064)
Transfer on deed in lieu of foreclosure to real estate owned(14,937)
Balance at End of Year$2,693,848 $2,762,042 
F-18
F-22

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company wrote off a commercial mortgage loan, held for investment, with a carrying value of $14.4 million in exchange for the possession of a REO investment at a fair value of $14.0 million at the time of the transfer. This $14.0 million REO investment was comprised of $11.6 million of real property (land, building and improvements) and $2.4 million of personal property (furniture, fixture, and equipment). The transfer occurred when the Company took possession of the property by completing a foreclosure transaction in March 2020, resulting in a $0.4 million impairment loss at the time of transfer. Since the foreclosure was entered into due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulty and the recorded investment in the receivable was more than the fair value for the collateral collected, the transaction qualifies as a TDR. The Company sold this REO asset during the year ended December 31, 2020 for a $1.4 million gain, presented net of direct selling costs associated with the disposition of the asset, included within Realized gain/loss on sale of real estate owned assets, held-for-sale in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The results of operations of the REO and the gain on sale have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company reached an agreement with a borrower to take possession of certain real estate collateral. At the time of transfer, the carrying value of the commercial mortgage loan, held for investment was $21.1 million, which was exchanged for possession of the REO asset at a purchase price of $21.4 million. This $21.4 million REO investment was comprised of $18.9 million of real property (land, building and improvements) and $2.5 million of personal property (furniture, fixture, and equipment). The Company accounted for the REO acquired during the year ended December 31, 2020 as an asset acquisition. No gain or loss was recognized at the time of transfer. The Company sold this REO asset during the year ended December 31, 2020 for a $0.4 million gain, included within Realized gain/loss on sale of real estate owned assets, held-for-sale in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
F-23

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Note 4 - Real Estate Securities
The following is a summary of the Company's real estate securities, CMBS (dollars in thousands):
    Weighted Average    
  Number of Investments Interest Rate Maturity Par Value Fair Value
December 31, 2017 
 % N/A $
 $
December 31, 2016 6
 5.8% February 2020 $50,000
 $49,049
December 31, 2020
TypeInterest RateMaturityPar ValueFair Value
CMBS 13.0%5/15/2022$13,250$12,657
CMBS 22.2%6/26/202510,80010,335
CMBS 32.5%2/15/203640,00038,292
CMBS 41.9%6/15/20378,0007,892
CMBS 52.1%9/15/203724,00023,297
CMBS 62.3%6/15/203412,00011,580
CMBS 71.5%12/15/203620,00018,975
CMBS 81.8%12/15/203625,00023,268
CMBS 92.3%3/15/203525,66524,840
December 31, 2019
TypeInterest RateMaturityPar ValueFair Value
CMBS 14.7%5/15/2022$13,250$13,274
CMBS 23.8%6/26/202512,13112,151
CMBS 34.1%2/15/203640,00040,186
CMBS 43.7%5/15/203618,50018,535
CMBS 53.1%5/15/203615,00015,019
CMBS 63.2%5/15/203713,50013,525
CMBS 73.4%5/15/203715,00015,028
CMBS 83.2%6/15/20377,0007,013
CMBS 93.6%2/15/20369,6009,641
CMBS 103.5%8/15/203610,00010,027
CMBS 113.6%6/15/20378,0008,015
CMBS 123.3%7/15/203813,00013,022
CMBS 133.3%9/15/203732,00032,074
CMBS 143.7%9/15/203724,00024,084
CMBS 153.3%10/19/203850,00050,094
CMBS 163.7%10/19/203826,00026,029
CMBS 173.2%6/15/203415,00015,022
CMBS 183.5%6/15/20346,5006,509
CMBS 193.9%6/15/203412,00012,022
CMBS 203.1%12/15/203620,00020,021
CMBS 213.4%12/15/203625,00025,025
The Company classified its CMBS investments as available-for-saleavailable for sale as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016.December 31, 2019. These investments are reported at fair value in the consolidated balance sheetsheets with changes in fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income income/(loss). The following table showsweighted average contractual maturity for CLO investments included within the changes in fair value of the Company's CMBS investments (in thousands):
  Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value
December 31, 2017 $
 $
 $
 $
December 31, 2016 $49,548
 $
 $(499) $49,049

Asportfolio as of December 31, 2017, the Company held no CMBS positions. As2020 and December 31, 2019 was 14 and 17 years. The weighted average contractual maturity for single asset single borrower "SASB" investments as of December 31, 2016, the Company held six CMBS positions with an aggregate carrying value of $49.5 million2020 and an unrealized loss of $0.5 million, of which two positions had a total unrealized loss of $0.2 million for a period greater than twelve months. One CMBS security was other than temporarily impaired at December 31, 20162019 was 14 and losses of $0.3 million were recognized, within the impairment losses on real estate securities in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.5 years.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company has recognized a gain of approximately $0.2 million, recorded within realized (gain) loss on sale of real estate securities in the consolidated statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized losses of approximately $1.9 million on the sale of ten securities. The Company did not have any realized (gains) losses during the year ended December 31, 2015.


F-19
F-24

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

The following table shows the amortized cost, allowance for expected credit losses, unrealized gain/(loss) and fair value of the Company's CMBS investments by investment type (dollars in thousands):
Amortized CostCredit Loss AllowanceUnrealized GainUnrealized LossFair Value
December 31, 2020
CLO$123,444 $$$(4,888)$118,556 
SASB55,948 (3,368)52,580 
Total$179,392 $0 $0 $(8,256)$171,136 
December 31, 2019
CLO$330,000 $$(881)$329,120 
SASB57,294 (98)57,196 
Total$387,294 $0 $1 $(979)$386,316 
As of December 31, 2020 the Company held 9 CMBS positions with an amortized cost basis of $179.4 million and an unrealized loss of $8.3 million, of which 7 positions had an unrealized loss for a period greater than twelve months. As of December 31, 2019, the Company held 21 CMBS positions with an amortized cost basis of $387.3 million and an unrealized loss of $1.0 million of which 2 positions had an unrealized loss for a period greater than twelve months.
The following table provides information on the unrealized losses and fair value on the Company's real estate securities, CMBS, available for sale that were in an unrealized loss position, and for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (amounts in thousands):
Fair ValueUnrealized Loss
Securities with an unrealized loss less than 12 monthsSecurities with an unrealized loss greater than 12 monthsSecurities with an unrealized loss less than 12 monthsSecurities with an unrealized loss greater than 12 months
December 31, 2020
CLOs$63,131 $55,425 $(2,824)$(2,064)
SASB52,580 (3,368)
Total$63,131 $108,005 $(2,824)$(5,432)
December 31, 2019
CLOs$315,845 $13,275 $(863)$(17)
SASB45,045 12,151 (67)(31)
Total$360,890 $25,426 $(930)$(48)
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were 7 securities and 2 securities, respectively with unrealized losses for a period greater than twelve months reflected in the table above. After evaluating the securities, the Company concluded that the unrealized losses reflected above were noncredit-related and would be recovered from the securities’ estimated future cash flows. The Company considered a number of factors in reaching this conclusion, including that the Company did not intend to sell the securities, it was not considered more likely than not that we would be forced to sell the securities prior to recovering our amortized cost, the portfolio is made up of investment grade securities of recent originations and higher tranches, and that there were no material credit events that would have caused us to otherwise conclude that the Company would not recover our cost. The allowance for credit losses is calculated using a discounted cash flow approach and is measured as the difference between the original cash flows expected to be collected to the revised cash flows expected to be collected discounted using the effective interest rate, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Significant judgment is used in projecting cash flows. As a result, actual income and/or credit losses could be materially different from what is currently projected and/or reported.
F-25

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The following table provides information on the amounts of gains (losses)gain/(loss) on the Company's real estate securities, CMBS, available-for-saleavailable for sale (dollars in thousands):
  Years Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Unrealized gains/(losses) available-for-sale securities $19
 $329
 $(1,947)
Reclassification of net gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities included in net income (loss) 481
 1,425
 
Unrealized gains (losses) available-for-sale securities, net of reclassification adjustment $500
 $1,754
 $(1,947)
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Unrealized gain/(loss) available for sale securities$(8,026)$(978)$(459)
Reclassification of net (gain)/loss on available for sale securities included in net income (loss)748 
Unrealized gain/(loss) available for sale securities, net of reclassification adjustment$(7,278)$(978)$(459)
The amounts reclassified for net (gain)/loss on available-for-saleavailable for sale securities are included in the realized (gain)/loss on sale of real estate securities in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company's unrealized gain/(loss) on available for sale securities is net of tax. Due to the Company's designation as a REIT, there was no tax impact on unrealized gain/(loss) on available for sale securities.

The deterioration in fair value of real estate securities for both collateralized loan obligations and other securities as of December 31, 2020 can be attributed mainly to the market down-turn and volatility as a result of high unemployment and credit uncertainties related to the outbreak of COVID-19. Management currently does not have the intention to sell any of the real estate securities as of December 31, 2020.
Note 5 - Real Estate Owned
The following table summarizes the Company's real estate owned assets as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31, 2020
Acquisition DateProperty TypePrimary Location(s)LandBuilding and ImprovementsFurniture, Fixtures and EquipmentAccumulated DepreciationReal Estate Owned, net
October 2019 (1)
OfficeJeffersonville, IN$1,887 $21,989 $3,565 $(931)$26,510 
$1,887 $21,989 $3,565 $(931)$26,510 
________________________
(1) Refer to Note 2 for the useful life of the above assets.
The following table summarizes the Company's real estate owned assets as of December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31, 2019
Acquisition DateProperty TypePrimary Location(s)LandBuilding and ImprovementsFurniture, Fixtures and EquipmentAccumulated DepreciationReal Estate Owned, net
August 2019 (1)(2)
HotelChicago, IL$$8,110 $$(86)$8,024 
October 2019 (1)
OfficeJeffersonville, IN1,887 25,554 (133)$27,309 
$1,887 $33,664 $0 $(219)$35,333 
________________________
(1) Refer to Note 2 for the useful life of the above assets.
(2) Represents assets acquired by the Company by completing a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transaction.
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $1.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company entered into a deed in lieu of foreclosure agreement which resulted in the transfer of the REO asset located in Chicago, Illinois to a third party and thereby extinguished $11.0 million of debt that was acquired by the Company in 2020. The cost basis of the REO asset at the time of transfer was $16.3 million and liabilities assumed by the third party, including the extinguishment of debt, were $19.5 million, resulting in a realized gain of $3.2 million recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition, during the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded $0.4 million of Impairment losses on real estate owned assets in the consolidated statement of operations as indicators of impairment were noted through the Company's test for recoverability and review of the valuation estimates and operating results.
F-20
F-26

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Note 6 - Leases
Operating Right of Use Asset
The Company had no operating right of use assets as of December 31, 2020 (see Note 5 - Real Estate Owned).
The following table summarizes the Company's operating right of use asset recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Acquisition DateProperty TypePrimary Location(s)Operating Right of Use Asset GrossAccumulated AmortizationOperating Right of Use Asset, Net of Amortization
August 2019HotelChicago, IL$6,109 $(130)$5,979 
$6,109 $(130)$5,979 
Operating Lease Liabilities
The Company had no operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 (see Note 5 - Real Estate Owned).
On August 19, 2019, in conjunction with a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transaction, the Company assumed a non-cancelable ground lease for the land on which the property is located and classified the lease as an operating lease. The ground lease required monthly rental payments with annual increases of 3%. The initial term of the lease expired in 2067, which included a sixty-year period renewal. Rent expense for this operating lease for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The discount rate used to calculate the lease liability was 9% and the remaining lease term was 47.95 years as of December 31, 2019.
Intangible Lease Asset
The following table summarizes the Company's intangible lease asset recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):
Acquisition DateProperty TypePrimary Location(s)Intangible Lease Asset, GrossAccumulated AmortizationIntangible Lease Asset, Net of Amortization
October 2019OfficeJeffersonville, IN$14,509 $(963)$13,546 
$14,509 $(963)$13,546 
The following table summarizes the Company's intangible lease asset recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Acquisition DateProperty TypePrimary Location(s)Intangible Lease Asset, GrossAccumulated AmortizationIntangible Lease Asset, Net of Amortization
October 2019OfficeJeffersonville, IN$14,509 $(131)$14,377 
$14,509 $(131)$14,377 
Rental Income
On October 15, 2019, the Company purchased an office building that was subject to an existing triple net lease. The minimum rental amount due under the lease is subject to annual increases of 1.5%. The initial term of the lease expires in 2037 and contains renewal options for four consecutive five-year terms. The remaining lease term is 16.3 years. Rental income for this operating lease for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $2.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively and is included in Revenue from real estate owned in the consolidated statements of operations.
F-27

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The following table summarizes the Company's schedule of future minimum rents to be received under the lease (dollars in thousands):
Minimum RentsDecember 31, 2020
2021$2,568 
20222,607 
20232,646 
20242,686 
20252,726 
2026 and beyond34,168 
Total minimum rent$47,401 
AmortizationExpense
Intangible lease assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the contractual life of the lease, of a period up to 20 years. The weighted average life of intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 is approximately 16.3 years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
The following table summarizes the Company's expected amortization for intangible assets over the next five years, assuming no further acquisitions or dispositions (dollars in thousands):
Amortization ExpenseDecember 31, 2020
2021$(825)
2022(825)
2023(825)
2024(825)
2025(825)
Note 7 - Debt
Repurchase Agreements - Commercial Mortgage Loans
The Company has entered into repurchase facilities with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association (the "JPM Repo Facility"), Goldman Sachs Bank USA (the "GS Repo Facility"), U.S Bank National Association (the "USB Repo Facility"), Barclays Bank PLC (the "Barclays Revolver Facility" and the "Barclays Repo Facility"), Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "WF Repo Facility"), and Credit Suisse AG (the "CS Repo Facility" and together with JPM Repo Facility, GS Repo Facility, USB Repo Facility, WF Repo Facility, Barclays Revolver Facility, and Barclays Repo Facility, the "Repo Facilities").
Advances underThe Repo Facilities are financing sources through which the JPM Repo Facility currently accrue interest at per annum rates generally equalCompany may pledge one or more mortgage loans to the sum of (i) the applicable LIBOR indexfinancing entity in exchange for funds typically at an advance rate plus (ii) a margin of 2.40%. Borrowings under the GS Repo Facility accrue interest at per annum rates generally equal to the sum of (i) a spread over LIBOR of between 2.35%65% to 2.85%, depending on the attributes80% of the purchased asset, and (ii) 0.50%. Borrowings under the USB Repo Facility accrue interest at per annum rates generally equal to the sum of (i) the applicable LIBOR index rate plus (ii) a margin between 2.25% to 3.00%, depending on the attributesprincipal amount of the purchased assets. Borrowings under the CS Repo Facility accrue interest at per annum rates generally equal to the summortgage loan being pledged.
F-28

The Company entered into the Barclays Facility on September 19, 2017. The Barclays Facility provides for a senior secured revolving line of credit and bears interest, at the Company's option, at per annum rates equal to (i) a spread over the Base Rate of 1.75% or (ii) a spread over the Eurodollar Rate of 2.75%, and provides for quarterly interest-only payments, with all principal and interest outstanding being due on the maturity date. The Barclays Facility may be prepaid from time to time and at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty. The Company expects to use advances on the Barclays Facility to finance the origination of eligible loans, including first lien mortgage loans, junior mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, and participation interests therein.BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The details of the Company's Repo Facilities at December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
As of December 31, 2020
Repurchase FacilityCommitted FinancingAmount Outstanding
Interest Expense(1)
Ending Weighted Average Interest RateInitial Term Maturity
JPM Repo Facility (2)
$300,000 $113,884 $5,020 2.54 %10/6/2022
USB Repo Facility (3)
100,000 5,775 599 2.40 %6/15/2021
CS Repo Facility (4)
200,000 106,971 3,539 2.84 %8/19/2021
WF Repo Facility (5)
175,000 27,150 1,041 2.50 %11/21/2021
Barclays Revolver Facility (6)
100,000 387 N/A9/20/2021
Barclays Repo Facility (7)
300,000 22,560 1,046 2.51 %3/15/2022
Total$1,175,000 $276,340 $11,632 
________________________
As of December 31, 2017       Ending Weighted Average Interest Rate Initial Term Maturity
Repurchase Facility Committed Financing Amount Outstanding 
Interest Expense (1)
  
JPM Repo Facility (2)
 $300,000
 $42,042
 $8,453
 3.77% 6/12/2019
GS Repo Facility (3)
 250,000
 13,500
 4,573
 3.83% 12/27/2018
USB Repo Facility (4)
 100,000
 
 303
 N/A
 6/15/2020
CS Repo Facility (5)
 250,000
 10,148
 577
 3.99% 8/30/2018
Barclays Facility (6)
 75,000
 
 236
 N/A
 9/19/2019
Total $975,000
 $65,690
 $14,142
    
__________________________
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2020. Includes amortization of deferred financing costs.
(2) Includes a one-yearOn October 6, 2020 the maturity date was amended to October 6, 2022.
(3) On June 9, 2020, the Company exercised the extension at the Company's option.
(3) Includes a one-year extension at the Company’s option which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.conditions, and extended the term maturity to June 15, 2021.
(4) On August 28, 2020, the Company exercised the extension option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and extended the term maturity to August 19, 2021. Additionally, in 2020 the committed financing amount was downsized from $300 million to $200 million.
(5) On November 17, 2020, the Company exercised the extension option upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and extended the term maturity to November 21, 2021. There are two more one-year extension options available at the Company's discretion.
(6) There is 1 one-year extension option available at the Company's discretion.
(7) Includes two one-year2 one-year extensions at the Company's option.
As of December 31, 2019
Repurchase FacilityCommitted FinancingAmount Outstanding
Interest Expense(1)
Ending Weighted Average Interest RateInitial Term Maturity
JPM Repo Facility (2)
$300,000 $107,526 $6,862 4.51 %1/30/2021
USB Repo Facility (3)
100,000 622 N/A6/15/2020
CS Repo Facility (4)
300,000 87,375 5,563 4.84 %3/27/2020
WF Repo Facility (5)
175,000 24,942 1,333 3.65 %11/21/2020
Barclays Revolver Facility (6)
100,000 976 N/A9/20/2021
Barclays Facility (7)
300,000 32,700 1,260 3.80 %3/15/2022
Total$1,275,000 $252,543 $16,616 
________________________
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2019. Includes amortization of deferred financing costs.
(2) On September 3, 2019, the committed financing amount was downsized from $520 million to $300 million and the maturity date was amended to January 30, 2021.
(3) Includes 2 one-year extensions at the option of an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.
(5) Prior to the end of each calendar quarter,(4) On March 26, 2019, the Company may request anexercised the extension of the termination date for an additional 364 days from the end of such calendar quarter subject tooption upon the satisfaction of certain conditions, and approvals.extended the term maturity to March 27, 2020.
(6)(5) Includes an extension term of 3 one year.


F-21

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

As of December 31, 2016       Ending Weighted Average Interest Rate Initial Term Maturity
Repurchase Facility Committed Financing Amount Outstanding 
Interest Expense (1)
  
JPM Repo Facility (2)
 $300,000
 $257,664
 6,016
 3.08% 6/18/2016
GS Repo Facility (3)
 250,000
 
 
 N/A
 12/27/2018
Barclays Repo Facility (4)
 
 
 6,063
 N/A
 10/6/2016
Total $550,000
 $257,664
 $12,079
    
_______________________
(1) Includes amortization of deferred financing costs.
(2) The Company exercised its one-year extension option with the JPM Repo Facility lender, extending the maturity date to June 17, 2017.
(3) Includes a one-year extension-year extensions at the Company’s option, which may be exercised upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.
(4)(6) On October 5, 2016,September 13, 2019, the Company paid offexercised the outstanding balance onextension option, and extended the Barclays Repo Facility andterm maturity to September 20, 2021. There is 1 more one-year extension option available at the Barclays Repo Facility was terminated.Company's discretion.
We expect(7) Includes 2 one-year extensions at the Company's option.
F-29

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The Company expects to use the advances from the Repo Facilities to finance the acquisition or origination of eligible loans, including first mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans, mezzanine loans and participation interests therein.
The Repo Facilities generally provide that in the event of a decrease in the value of the Company's collateral, the lenders can demand additional collateral. Should the value of the Company’s collateral decrease as a result of deteriorating credit quality, resulting margin calls may cause an adverse change in the Company’s liquidity position. As of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.
Other financing and loan participation - Commercial Mortgage Loans
On March 23, 2020, the Company transferred $15.2 million of its interest in a term loan to Sterling National Bank ("SNB") via a participation agreement. During 2020, the Company's outstanding loan increased resultant of future fundings, leading to an increase in amount outstanding via the participation agreement. The Company entered into a financing arrangement with Pacific Western Bankincurred $0.5 million of interest expense on SNB for term financing (“PWB Financing”) on May 17, 2017. The PWB Financing provided the Company with $36.2 million and is collateralized by a portfolio asset of $54.2 million. The PWB Financing currently accrues interest at per annum rates equal to the sum of (i) the applicable LIBOR index rate plus (ii) a margin of 4.0%. The PWB Financing initially matures on June 9, 2019, with two one-year extension options at the Company’s option.year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2017,2020 the outstanding participation balance was $31.4 million. The loan matures on February 9, 2023.
Mortgage Note Payable
On October 15, 2019, the Company had $26.2obtained a commercial mortgage loan for $29.2 million related to the real estate owned portfolio. As of outstanding principal underDecember 31, 2020 the PWB Financing.loan accrued interest at an annual rate of 3.85% and matures on November 6, 2034. The Company incurred $1.2$1.1 million of interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, on January 6, 2020, the Company obtained a commercial mortgage loan for $11.0 million related to the real estate owned portfolio. As of December 31, 2020 the loan and related real estate owned asset was no longer held by the Company (see Note 5 - Real Estate Owned). The Company incurred $0.8 million of interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.
Unsecured Debt
Pursuant to a lending and security agreement with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company ("SBL"), which was entered into in February 2020 and amended in March and August 2020, the Company may borrow up to $100.0 million at a rate of one-month LIBOR + 4.5%. The facility has a maturity of February 10, 2023 and is secured by a pledge of equity interests in certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company incurred $0.2 million of interest expense on the PWB Financinglending agreement with SBL for the yeartwelve months ended December 31, 2017, including amortization2020. As of deferred financing costs.December 31, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the lending agreement.
Repurchase Agreements - Real Estate Securities
The Company has entered into various Master Repurchase Agreements (the "MRAs") that allow the Company to sell real estate securities while providing a fixed repurchase price for the same real estate securities in the future. The repurchase contracts on each security under an MRA generally mature in 30-90 days and terms are adjusted for current market rates as necessary. As of December 31, 2017, the Company pledged Tranche C of RFT 2015-FL1 Issuer under its MRAs. As of December 31, 2016, the Company pledged Tranche C of RFT 2015-FL1 Issuer and its real estate securities available for sale under its MRAs.

F-22
F-30

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Below is a summary of the Company's MRAs as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 (dollars in thousands):
        Weighted Average
Counterparty Amount Outstanding Accrued Interest 
Collateral Pledged (*)
 Interest Rate Days to Maturity
As of December 31, 2017          
JP Morgan Securities LLC $39,035
 $11
 $56,044
 3.32% 26
Total $39,035
 $11
 $56,044
 3.32% 26
           
As of December 31, 2016          
JP Morgan Securities LLC $59,122
 $96
 $92,658
 2.55% 6
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. 3,879
 1
 4,850
 2.11% 26
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC 3,638
 4
 4,850
 2.05% 13
Total/Weighted Average $66,639
 $101
 $102,358
 2.50% 8
Weighted Average
CounterpartyAmount OutstandingAccrued Interest
Collateral Pledged (1)
Interest RateDays to Maturity
As of December 31, 2020
JP Morgan Securities LLC$33,791 $1,668 $43,612 1.75 %31
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC1,057 N/A N/A
Goldman Sachs International22,440 455 30,794 1.68 %16
Barclays Capital Inc.76,809 2,102 97,244 1.71 %33
Credit Suisse AG905 N/A N/A
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.53,788 2,532 71,723 1.70 %29
Total/Weighted Average$186,828 $8,719 $243,373 1.71 %33
As of December 31, 2019
JP Morgan Securities LLC$83,353 $124 $93,500 2.53 %20
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC178,304 1,199 209,873 2.94 %11
Barclays Capital Inc.40,720 221 47,475 2.81 %23
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.91,982 413 103,453 2.69 %19
Total/Weighted Average$394,359 $1,957 $454,301 2.79 %16
________________________
*(1) Includes $56.0$72.2 million and $53.3$68.5 million Tranche C of Company issued CLO notes, held by the Company, which eliminatesis eliminated within the Real estate securities, at fair value line of the consolidated balance sheets as of as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.
Collateralized Loan Obligation
On January 15, 2020, the Company called all of the outstanding notes issued by BSPRT 2017-FL2 Issuer, Ltd., a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Company. The outstanding principal of the notes on the date of the call was $21.0 million. The Company recognized all the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of $4.5 million recorded within the Interest expense line of the consolidated statements of operations, which was a non-cash charge.
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,December 31, 2019 the notes issued in 2015by BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer, Ltd. and BSPRT 2018-FL3 Co-Issuer, LLC, wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 1327 and 2741 mortgage assets having a total principal balance of $276.2$417.9 million and $419.3$523.2 million, respectively (the “ 2015-FL1"2018-FL3 Mortgage Assets”Assets") originated by a subsidiary of the Company.. The sale of the 2015-FL12018-FL3 Mortgage Assets to BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer, Ltd. is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 5, 2018, between the RFT 2015-FL1Company and BSPRT 2018-FL3 Issuer, Ltd.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the notes issued by BSPRT 2018-FL4 Issuer, Ltd. and BSPRT 2018-FL4 Co-Issuer, LLC, each wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 59 and 49 mortgage assets having a principal balance of $852.1 million and $867.9 million, respectively (the "2018-FL4 Mortgage Assets"). The sale of the 2018-FL4 Mortgage Assets to BSPRT 2018-FL4 Issuer, Ltd. is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 19, 2015,12, 2018, between the Company and RFT 2015-FL1 Issuer. In connection with the securitization, the RFT 2015-FL1BSPRT 2018-FL4 Issuer, and RFT 2015-FL1 Co-Issuer offered and sold the following classes of Notes to third parties: Class A, Class B, and Class C Notes. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company retained approximately $56.0 million of the total $76.0 million of Class C Notes and all of the preferred equity in the RFT 2015-FL1 Issuer. The retained Class C Notes and its related interest income, interest receivable and the preferred equity are eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements.Ltd.
As of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2019, the notes issued by BSPRT 2019-FL5 Issuer, Ltd. and BSPRT 2019-FL5 Co-Issuer, LLC, each wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the BSPRT 2017-FL1 IssuerCompany, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 2554 and 48 mortgage assets having a total principal balance of $418.1$799.8 million and $809.4 million respectively (the “2017-FL1"2019-FL5 Mortgage Assets”Assets") originated by a subsidiary of the Company.. The sale of the 2017-FL12019-FL5 Mortgage Assets to the 2017-FL1BSPRT 2019-FL5 Issuer, Ltd. is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 29, 2017,May 30, 2019, between the Company and the 2017-FL1 Issuer.
As of December 31, 2017 the notes issued by the BSPRT 2017-FL22019-FL5 Issuer, are collateralized by interests in a pool of 20 mortgage assets having a total principal balance of $440.7 million (the “2017-FL2 Mortgage Assets”) originated by a subsidiary of the Company. The sale of the 2017-FL2 Mortgage Assets to the BSPRT 2017-FL2 Issuer is governed by a Mortgage Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of November 29, 2017, between the Company and the BSPRT 2017-FL2 Issuer.










Ltd.
F-23
F-31

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, holds the preferred equity tranches of all three of the above CLOs of approximately $204.3 million.$256.9 million and $305.4 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The following table represents the terms of the notes issued by the 2015-FL12018-FL3 Issuer, 2017-FL12018-FL4 Issuer, and 2017-FL22019-FL5 Issuer (the "CLOs), respectively, (dollars in thousands):
CLO Facility As of December 31, 2017 Par Value Issued 
Par Value Outstanding (1) (2)
 Interest Rate Maturity Date
2015-FL1 Issuer Tranche A $231,345
 $79,109
 1M LIBOR + 175 8/1/2030
2015-FL1 Issuer Tranche B 42,841
 42,841
 1M LIBOR + 388 8/1/2030
2015-FL1 Issuer Tranche C 76,044
 20,000
 1M LIBOR + 525 8/1/2030
2017-FL1 Issuer Tranche A 223,600
 223,600
 1M LIBOR + 135 7/1/2027
2017-FL1 Issuer Tranche B 48,000
 48,000
 1M LIBOR + 240 7/1/2027
2017-FL1 Issuer Tranche C 67,900
 67,900
 1M LIBOR + 425 7/1/2027
2017-FL2 Issuer Tranche A 237,970
 237,970
 1M LIBOR + 82 10/15/2034
2017-FL2 Issuer Tranche A-S 36,357
 36,357
 1M LIBOR + 110 10/15/2034
2017-FL2 Issuer Tranche B 26,441
 26,441
 1M LIBOR + 140 10/15/2034
2017-FL2 Issuer Tranche C 25,339
 25,339
 1M LIBOR + 215 10/15/2034
2017-FL2 Issuer Tranche D 35,255
 35,255
 1M LIBOR + 345 10/15/2034
    $1,051,092
 $842,812
    
           
CLO Facility As of December 31, 2016 Par Value Issued 
Par Value Outstanding (1)
 Interest Rate Maturity Date
2015-FL1 Issuer Tranche A $231,345
 $222,195
 1M LIBOR + 175 8/1/2030
2015-FL1 Issuer Tranche B 42,841
 42,841
 1M LIBOR + 388 8/1/2030
2015-FL1 Issuer Tranche C 76,044
 20,000
 1M LIBOR + 525 8/1/2030
    $350,230
 $285,036
    
________________________
(1) Excludes $56.0 million and $56.0 million of Tranche C notes issued by 2015-FL1 Issuer, held by the Company, which eliminates within the collateralized loan obligation line of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2020 (dollars in thousands):
CLO FacilityTranchePar Value Issued
Par Value Outstanding (1)
Interest RateMaturity Date
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche A$286,700 $161,745 1M LIBOR + 10510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche A-S77,775 77,775 1M LIBOR + 13510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche B41,175 41,175 1M LIBOR + 16510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche C39,650 39,650 1M LIBOR + 25510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche D42,700 42,700 1M LIBOR + 34510/15/2034
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche A416,827 416,659 1M LIBOR + 1059/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche A-S73,813 73,813 1M LIBOR + 1309/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche B56,446 56,446 1M LIBOR + 1609/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche C68,385 68,385 1M LIBOR + 2109/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche D57,531 57,531 1M LIBOR + 2759/15/2035
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche A407,025 407,025 1M LIBOR + 1155/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche A-S76,950 76,950 1M LIBOR + 1485/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche B50,000 50,000 1M LIBOR + 1405/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche C61,374 61,373 1M LIBOR + 2005/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche D48,600 5,000 1M LIBOR + 2405/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche E20,250 3,000 1M LIBOR + 2855/15/2029
$1,825,201 $1,639,227 
________________________
(2)(1) Excludes $16.0$267.1 million of Tranche ECLO notes, and $14.9 million of Tranche F notes issued by 2017-FL2 Issuer, held by the Company, which are eliminated within the collateralized loan obligation line of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017.

2020.
F-24
F-32

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

The following table represents the terms of the notes issued by the 2017-FL1 Issuer, 2017-FL2 Issuer, 2018-FL3 Issuer, 2018-FL4 Issuer, and 2019-FL5 Issuer (the "CLOs), respectively, as of December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
CLO FacilityTranchePar Value Issued
Par Value Outstanding (1)
Interest RateMaturity Date
2017-FL2 IssuerTranche A$237,970 $1M LIBOR + 8210/15/2034
2017-FL2 IssuerTranche A-S36,357 1M LIBOR + 11010/15/2034
2017-FL2 IssuerTranche B26,441 1M LIBOR + 14010/15/2034
2017-FL2 IssuerTranche C25,339 1M LIBOR + 21510/15/2034
2017-FL2 IssuerTranche D35,255 21,444 1M LIBOR + 34510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche A286,700 286,700 1M LIBOR + 10510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche A-S77,775 77,775 1M LIBOR + 13510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche B41,175 41,175 1M LIBOR + 16510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche C39,650 39,650 1M LIBOR + 25510/15/2034
2018-FL3 IssuerTranche D42,700 42,700 1M LIBOR + 34510/15/2034
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche A416,827 416,827 1M LIBOR + 1059/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche A-S73,813 73,813 1M LIBOR + 1309/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche B56,446 56,446 1M LIBOR + 1609/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche C68,385 68,385 1M LIBOR + 2109/15/2035
2018-FL4 IssuerTranche D57,531 57,531 1M LIBOR + 2759/15/2035
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche A407,025 407,025 1M LIBOR + 1155/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche A-S76,950 76,950 1M LIBOR + 1485/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche B50,000 50,000 1M LIBOR + 1405/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche C61,374 61,374 1M LIBOR + 2005/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche D48,600 24,300 1M LIBOR + 2405/15/2029
2019-FL5 IssuerTranche E20,250 20,250 1M LIBOR + 2855/15/2029
$2,186,563 $1,822,345 
________________________
(1) Excludes $261.4 million of CLO notes, held by the Company, which are eliminated within the collateralized loan obligation line of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019.
F-33

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The below table reflects the total assets and liabilities of the Company's threeoutstanding CLOs. The CLOs are considered VIEs and are consolidated into the Company's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 as the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company is the primary beneficiary of the CLOs because (i) the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the right to receive benefits from the VIEs or the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs that could be significant to the VIE.
Assets (dollars in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
$99,025 $89,946 
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net (2)
2,044,956 2,294,663 
Accrued interest receivable5,626 6,254 
Total Assets$2,149,607 $2,390,863 
Liabilities
Notes payable (3)(4)
$1,892,616 $2,064,601 
Accrued interest payable1,240 2,576 
Total Liabilities$1,893,856 $2,067,177 
________________________
Assets (dollars in thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Cash (1)
 $49,017
 $5
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment, net of allowance (2)
 1,033,427
 417,057
Accrued interest receivable 4,212
 1,101
Total Assets $1,086,656
 $418,163
     
Liabilities    
Notes payable (3)(4)
 $912,800
 $334,246
Interest payable 1,462
 564
Total Liabilities $914,262
 $334,810
________________________
(1) Includes $48.7$98.6 million and $89.3 million of cash held by the servicer related to CLO loan payoffs as of December 31, 2017.2020 and December 31, 2019.
(2) The balance is presented net of allowance for loan losscredit losses of $1.3$19.4 million and $1.0$0.8 million as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.
(3) Includes $55.8$267.1 million and $55.8$261.4 million of Tranche C of Company issued CLO held by the Company as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Also includes $16.0 million of Tranche E notes and $14.9 million of Tranche F notes issued by 2017-FL2 Issuer held by the Company as of December 31, 2017. The notes, held by the Company, which are eliminated within the Collateralcollateralized loan obligationsobligation line of the consolidated balance sheets.sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
(4) The balance is presented net of deferred financing cost and discount of $16.9$13.7 million and $6.8$19.2 million as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.
Note 68 - Net IncomeEarnings Per Share
The Company uses the two-class method in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. Net income is allocated between our common stock and other participating securities based on their participation rights. Diluted net income per share has been computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and other dilutive securities. The following table ispresents a summaryreconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net incomeearnings per share computationcomputations and the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
Numerator202020192018
Net income$54,746 $83,924 $52,825 
Less: Preferred stock dividends14,920 15,337 3,644 
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stock1,673 
Net income attributable to common shareholders (for basic and diluted earnings per share)$39,826 $66,914 $49,181 
Denominator
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share44,384,813 41,859,142 34,268,707 
  Effect of dilutive shares:
Unvested restricted shares14,066 12,504 14,229 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share44,398,879 41,871,646 36,779,735 
Basic earnings per share$0.90 $1.60 $1.44 
Diluted earnings per share$0.90 $1.60 $1.44 
F-34
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income (in thousands)$33,779
 $29,990
 $24,933
Basic weighted average shares outstanding31,772,231
 31,659,274
 24,253,905
Unvested restricted shares12,658
 7,230
 5,264
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding31,784,889
 31,666,504
 24,259,169
Basic net income per share$1.06
 $0.95
 $1.03
Diluted net income per share$1.06
 $0.95
 $1.03

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Note 79 - Common Stock Transactions
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,December 31, 2019, the Company had 31,834,07244,510,051 and 31,884,63143,916,815 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively, including shares issued pursuant to the DRIP,Company's distribution reinvestment plan (the "DRIP"), share repurchases and unvested restricted shares.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had 40,515 and 40,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding, respectively and 1,400 and 1,400 shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding, respectively.
The following tables present the activity in the Company's Series A Preferred Stock for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Series A Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 201940,500 $202,144 
Issuance of Preferred Stock14 70 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock
Offering costs— (23)
Amortization of offering costs— 94 
Ending Balance, December 31, 202040,515 $202,292 
Series A Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 201829,249 $145,786 
Issuance of Preferred Stock11,247 56,233 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock24 
Offering costs— 
Amortization of offering costs— 101 
Ending Balance, December 31, 201940,500 $202,144 
The following tables present the activity in the Company's Series C Preferred Stock for the periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
Series C Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 20191,400 $6,966 
Issuance of Preferred Stock
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock
Offering costs— (11)
Amortization of offering costs— 
Ending Balance, December 31, 20201,400 $6,962 
Series C Preferred StockSharesAmount
Beginning Balance, December 31, 2018$
Issuance of Preferred Stock1,400 6,998 
Dividends paid in Preferred Stock
Offering costs— (33)
Amortization of offering costs— 
Ending Balance, December 31, 20191,400 $6,966 
F-35

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Distributions
In order to maintain its election to qualify as a REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount equal to 90% of its taxable income, without regard to the deduction for distributions paid and excluding net capital gains. The Company must distribute 100% of its taxable income (including net capital gains) to avoid paying corporate U.S. federal income taxes.

F-25

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

On May 13, 2013, thefunds. The Company's board of directors authorized,may reduce the amount of distributions paid or suspend distribution payments at any time, and the Company declared a distribution, which is calculated based on stockholders of record each day during the applicable period at a rate of $0.00565068493 per day, which is equivalent to $2.0625 per annum, per share of common stock. therefore, distributions payments are not assured.
In March 2016, the Company's board of directors ratified the existing distribution amount a change to the daily distribution amount equivalent to $2.0625 per annum for calendar year 2016. On November 10, 2016April 2020, the Company’s board of directors changedunanimously approved a transition in the DRIP offer pricetiming of the dividend payments to $20.05, which is equalholders of the Company’s common stock from a monthly payment with daily accruals to a quarterly payment and accrual basis. The first quarterly dividend was the estimated per-share NAV assecond quarter 2020 dividend payable in July 2020. Similarly, the Company began paying accrued and unpaid dividends on Preferred Stock on a quarterly basis.
The monthly distributions for the first quarter of September 30, 2016 approved by the board of directors. In August 2017, the Company's board of directors authorized and declared a distribution calculated daily2020 were paid at a daily rate of $0.00394521 per day, which is equivalent to $1.44 per annum, per share of common stock. The price change applied toStarting with the reinvestmentsecond quarter 2020 distribution, the 2020 quarterly distributions were paid at a quarterly rate of distributions commencing with October 2017 distributions.
On May 10, 2017, the Company’s board of directors changed the methodology used to determine the DRIP offer price to be the lesser of (i) the Company’s most recent estimated per-share NAV, as approved by the Company’s board of directors from time to time, and (ii) the Company’s book value$0.275 per share computed in accordance with GAAP. Based on this new methodology, the DRIP offer price for June 2017, July 2017 and August 2017 was $19.62of common stock (equivalent to $1.10 per share, which was the GAAP book value per share as of March 31, 2017. The DRIP offer price for September 2017, October 2017 and November 2017 was $19.29 per share, which was the GAAP book value per share as of June 30, 2017. The DRIP offer price since December 2017, has been $19.02, which is the estimated per share NAV as determined by the board of directors on November 10, 2017.
The Company's distributions are payable by the fifth day following each month end to stockholders of record at the close of business each day during the prior month.annum). Distribution payments are dependent on the availability of funds. The board of directors may reduce the amount of distributions paid or suspend distribution payments at any time, and therefore, distributionsdistribution payments are not assured. Subject to the terms of the Preferred Stock, dividends on the Company’s Preferred Stock are generally paid on an as-converted basis with the common stock.
The Company distributed $58.9$45.7 million of common stock dividends during the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, comprised of $38.8$36.8 million in cash and $20.1$8.9 million in shares of common stock issued under the DRIP. The DRIP was temporarily suspended for the March 2020 dividend due to COVID-19 related valuation volatility, but was reactivated for the second quarter 2020 dividend. The Company distributed $65.3$59.7 million of common stock dividends during the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, comprised of $40.3$45.8 million in cash and $25.0$13.9 million in shares of common stock issued under the DRIP.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had declared but unpaid common stock distributions of $12.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Additionally, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had declared but unpaid distributions of $3.3 million and $1.5 million for Series A Preferred Stock, respectively and $0.1 million and $0.1 million for Series C Preferred Stock, respectively. These amounts are included in Distributions payable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Share Repurchase Program
The Company's board of directors unanimously approved an amended and restated share repurchase program (the “SRP”), which became effective on February 28, 2016. The SRP enables stockholders to sell their shares to the Company. Subject to certain conditions, stockholders that purchased shares of the Company's common stock or received their shares from us (directly or indirectly) through one or more non-cash transactions and have held their shares for a period of at least one year may request that the Company repurchase their shares of common stock so long as the repurchase otherwise complies with the provisions of Maryland law. Repurchase requests made following the death or qualifying disability of a stockholder will not be subject to any minimum holding period.
On August 10, 2017, the Company's board of directors amended the SRP to provide that theThe repurchase price per share for requests will beSRP repurchases is equal to the lesser of (i) the Company’s most recent estimated per-share NAV,net asset value ("NAV"), as approved by the Company’s board of directors from time to time, and (ii) the Company’s book value per share, computed in accordance with GAAP, multiplied by a percentage equal to (i) 92.5%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than one year and less than two years; (ii) 95%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than two years and less than three years; (iii) 97.5%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than three years and less than four years; or (iv) 100%, if the person seeking repurchase has held his or her shares for a period greater than four years or in the case of requests for death or disability.
The Company’s most recent estimated per-share NAV is $19.02,as of December 31, 2020, as determined by the board of directors, as of September 30, 2017.is $17.88. The Company’s GAAP book value per share as of December 31, 20172020 is $19.17.$17.94.
F-36

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Repurchase requests related to death or a qualifying disability must satisfy certain conditions, each of which are assessed by and at the sole discretion of the Company, including the following conditions. In the case of death, the shareholder must be a natural person (or a revocable grantor trust) and the Company must receive a written notice from the estate of the shareholder, the recipient of the shares through bequest or inheritance, or the trustee in the case of a revocable grantor trust. In the case of a “qualifying disability”, the shareholder must be a natural person (or a revocable grantor trust) and the Company must receive a written notice from the shareholder, or the trustee in the case of a revocable grantor trust, that the condition was not pre-existing on the date the shares were acquired. In order for a disability to be considered a “qualifying disability”, the shareholder must receive and provide evidence (the shareholder application and the notice of final determination) of disability based upon a physical or mental condition or impairment made by a government agency responsible for reviewing and determining disability retirement benefits (e.g. the Social Security Administration).

F-26

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

Repurchases pursuant to the SRP, when requested, generally will be made semiannually (each six-month period ending June 30 or December 31, a “fiscal semester”). Repurchases for any fiscal semester will be limited to a maximum of 2.5% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year, with a maximum for any fiscal year of 5.0% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year. Funding for repurchases pursuant to the SRP for any given fiscal semester will be limited to proceeds received during that same fiscal semester through the issuance of common stock pursuant to any DRIP in effect from time to time, provided that the Company's board of directors has the power, in its sole discretion, to determine the amount of shares repurchased during any fiscal semester as well as the amount of funds to be used for that purpose. Any repurchase requests received during such fiscal semester will be paid at the price, computed as described above on the last day of such fiscal semester. Due to these limitations, the Company cannot guarantee that the Company will be able to accommodate all repurchase requests made during any fiscal semester or fiscal year. However, a stockholder may withdraw its request at any time or ask that the Company honors the request when funds are available. Pending repurchase requests will be honored on a pro rata basis. The Company will generally pay repurchase proceeds, less any applicable tax or other withholding required by law, by the 31st day following the end of the fiscal semester during which the repurchase request was made.
Calculations of the Company's estimated per-share NAV occurs periodically, at the discretion of the board of directors, provided that such calculations will be made at least annually. Following its calculation, the Company's estimated per-share NAV will be disclosed in a periodic report. The most recent calculation of the Company's estimated per-share NAV approved by the board of directors occurred on November 10, 2017 based on the Company's net asset value as of September 30, 2017 and was equal to $19.02.
When a stockholder requests redemption and the redemption is approved, the Company will reclassify such obligation from equity to a liability based on the settlement value of the obligation. Shares repurchased under the SRP will have the status of authorized but unissued shares.
The following table reflects the number of shares repurchased under the SRP cumulatively through December 31, 2017:2020:
Number of RequestsNumber of Shares RepurchasedAverage Price per Share
Cumulative as of December 31, 20195,878 3,542,267 $20.23 
January 1 - January 31, 2020 (1)
1,170 373,135 18.56 
February 1 - February 28, 2020N/A
March 1 - March 31, 2020N/A
April 1 - April 30, 2020 (1)
N/A
May 1 - May 31, 2020N/A
June 1 - June 30, 2020N/A
July 1 - July 31, 2020 (2)
1,046206,33216.25 
August 1 - August 31, 2020N/A
September 1 - September 30, 2020 (2)
N/A
October 1 - October 31, 2020N/A
November 1 - November 30, 2020N/A
December 1 - December 31, 2020N/A
Cumulative as of December 31, 20208,0944,121,734$19.88 
________________________
 Number of Requests Number of Shares Repurchased Average Price per Share
Cumulative as of December 31, 2016985
 918,683
 $23.94
January 1 - March 31, 2017502
 496,678
 19.04
April 1 - June 30, 20172
 327
 20.08
July 1 - September 30, 2017636
 575,703
 19.24
September 30 - December 31, 2017 (1)

 
 
Cumulative as of December 31, 20172,125
 1,991,391
 $21.36
_______________________
(1) Amounts exclude 875 Reflects shares repurchased pursuant to repurchase requests submitted for the second semester of 2019, including 11,306 shares which for administrative reasons were processed in April 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the SRP, the Company is only authorized to repurchase up to the amount of proceeds reinvested through our DRIP during the applicable semester. As a result, redemption requests representing 607,498in the amount of 1,986,803 shares receivedwere not fulfilled for the second semester of 2019.
(2) Reflects shares repurchased pursuant to repurchase requests submitted for the first semester of 2020, including 771 shares which for administrative reasons were processed in September 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the SRP, the Company is only authorized to repurchase up to the amount of proceeds reinvested through our DRIP during the semi-annual period from July 1, 2017 to applicable semester. As a result, redemption requests in the amount of 1,677,268 shares were not fulfilled for the first semester of 2020.
F-37

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017, which were approved by the board of directors and repurchased in January 2018.2020

Note 810 - Commitments and Contingencies
Unfunded Commitments Under Commercial Mortgage Loans
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the Company had the below unfunded commitments to the Company's borrowers.
Funding Expiration December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
2017 $
 $7,794
2018 36,475
 62,368
2019 26,465
 9,072
2020 20,598
 
  $83,538
 $79,234
borrowers (dollars in thousands):
Funding ExpirationDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
2020$$90,519 
202159,692 100,861 
202291,420 56,863 
202369,880 8,637 
2024 and beyond7,700 5,450 
$228,692 $262,330 
The borrowers are required to meet or maintain certain metrics in order to qualify for the unfunded commitment amounts.
Litigation and Regulatory Matters

F-27

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

Inbusiness. However, the Company is involved in routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, the Company may become subject to litigation, claims and regulatory matters. The Company has no knowledgenone of material legal or regulatory proceedings pending or known to be contemplated against the Company at this time. On June 6, 2016, an action was filed against the Company and two of its directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and styled Rurode v. Realty Finance Trust, Inc., et. al., No. 1:16-cv-04553.  The plaintiff’s individual and derivative complaint alleged that the Company made material misstatements in the proxy statement for its 2016 annual stockholder’s meeting related to an alleged planned merger transaction between the Company and an affiliate of its Former advisor.  The plaintiff alleged violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and sought to enjoin the Company’s 2016 annual meeting.  On June 28, 2016, the parties filed, and the court subsequently entered, a stipulation and order of dismissal of the action, but provided that the court would retain jurisdiction to consider any application by plaintiff for an award of attorneys’ fees.  On October 20, 2016, the plaintiff submitted a request for $0.75 million in fees and expenses. On November 14, 2016, the defendants filed a memorandum of law in opposition to that fee request. On July 19, 2017, the Company and the plaintiff entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Company paid $245,000believes, individually or in attorneys’ fees and expenses and the plaintiff agreed to withdraw its October 20, 2016 fee request toaggregate, will have a material impact on the court and to release the Company from any further claims related to such fee request.Company’s financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
Note 911 - Related Party Transactions and Arrangements
Advisory Agreement Fees and Reimbursements
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Company makes or wasis required to make the following payments and reimbursements to the Advisor:
The Company reimburses the Advisor’s costs of providing services pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, except the salaries and benefits paid by the Advisor to the Company’s executive officers.
The Company pays the Advisor, or its affiliates, a monthly asset management fee equal to one-twelfth of 1.5% of stockholder’sstockholders' equity as calculated pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.
The Company will pay the Advisor an annual subordinated performance fee calculated on the basis of total return to stockholders, payable monthly in arrears, such that for any year in which total return on stockholders’ capital exceeds 6.0% per annum, our Advisor will be entitled to 15.0% of the excess total return; provided that in no event will the annual subordinated performance fee payable to our Advisor exceed 10.0% of the aggregate total return for such year.
Until September 2017, the Company paid its Advisor an acquisition fee of 1.0% of the principal amount funded by us to originate or acquire commercial mortgage loans and 1.0% of the anticipated net equity funded by the Company to acquire real estate securities.
The Company reimburses the Advisor for insourced expenses incurred by the Advisor on the Company‘sCompany's behalf related to selecting, evaluating, originating and acquiring investments in an amount up to 0.5% of the principal amount funded by the Company to originate or acquire commercial mortgage loans and up to 0.5% of the anticipated net equity funded by the Company to acquire real estate securities investments.
Until September 29, 2016, the Former Advisor served as the Company's advisor and the Company paid the Former Advisor certain fees and expense reimbursements pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Former Advisor. The types of fees and reimbursements paid to the Former Advisor were similar to those paid to the Advisor prior to September 2017. In addition, prior to January 2016, the Company paid dealer-manager fees and selling commissions to an affiliate ("Former Dealer Manager") of the Former Advisor.
The table below shows the compensation and reimbursement to the Former Advisor, its affiliates, entities under common control with the Former Advisor and the Former Dealer Manager incurred for services relating to the Company's public offering during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and the associated payable as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively (dollars in thousands):
  Years Ended December 31, Payable as of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2017 2016
Total commissions and fees incurred from the Former Dealer Manager $
 $
 $37,092
 $
 $

F-28
F-38

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Total compensation and reimbursement for services provided by the Former Advisor, its affiliates, entities under common control with the Former Advisor and the Former Dealer Manager(1)
 $
 $
 $7,442
 $480
 $480
________________________
(1) During 2016, the Company received reimbursement of excess payment of $0.8 million of offering costs from the Former Advisor. The reimbursement resulted in an increase to our Additional Paid-In Capital in the consolidated balance sheets.
The payables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 in the table above are included in "Due to affiliates" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The fees incurred are recorded within the Additional paid in capital line in the consolidated balance sheets.

F-29

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017


The table below shows the costs incurred due to arrangements with our Advisor and with respect to periods prior to September 30, 2016, the Former Advisor and its affiliates during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 and the associated payable as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,Payable as of December 31,
20202019201820202019
Acquisition expenses (1)
696 900 452 225 
Administrative services expenses13,120 16,363 13,446 2,940 1,238 
Asset management and subordinated performance fee15,178 16,226 10,299 4,773 3,326 
Other related party expenses (2)(3)
703 1,610 1,259 1,812 
Total related party fees and reimbursements$29,697 $35,099 $25,456 $9,525 $4,789 
________________________
  Years Ended December 31, Payable as of December 31,
  2017 2016 2015 2017 2016
Acquisition fees and acquisition expenses (1)
 $4,197
 $806
 $7,916
 $
 $
Administrative services expenses 6,765
 4,376
 644
 3,480
 1,000
Advisory and investment banking fee 
 6
 56
 
 
Asset management and subordinated performance fee 9,273
 9,504
 7,615
 2,315
 2,439
Other related party expenses (2)
 394
 84
 364
 146
 145
Total related party fees and reimbursements $20,629
 $14,776
 $16,595
 $5,941
 $3,584
________________________
(1) Total acquisition fees and expenses paid during the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 were $10.2$7.1 million, $8.4 million and $0.8$8.1 million respectively, of which $6.0$6.4 million, $7.5 million and $0.0$7.6 million were capitalized within the commercial mortgage loans, held for investment line of the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016.2018.
(2) Included These are related to reimbursable costs incurred related to the increase in loan origination activities and are included in Other expenses in the Company's consolidated statementstatements of operations.
(3) The related party payable includes $1.8 million of payments made by the Advisor to third party vendors on behalf of the Company.
The payables as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 in the table above are included in Due to affiliates on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Share Ownership
As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, entities wholly-owned by AR Global owned 52,771 and 52,771 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, respectively.
Other Transactions
In December 2017,On February 22, 2018, the Company purchased a commercial mortgage loanloans, held-for-sale from an entity that is an affiliate of ourthe Company's Advisor, for an aggregate purchase price of $17.1 million and is included in Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment in the consolidated balance sheet.$27.8 million. The purchase of the commercial mortgage loanloans and the $17.1$27.8 million purchase price were approved by the Company’s board of directorsdirectors. On April 18, 2018, the Company sold $23.3 million of these commercial mortgage loans into a CMBS securitization. The remaining $4.5 million of these commercial mortgage loans, recorded as held for investment, were fully paid down during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Pursuant to a lending and security agreement with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company ("SBL"), which was entered into in February 2020 and amended in March and August 2020, the NominatingCompany may borrow up to $100.0 million at a rate of one-month LIBOR + 4.5%. SBL is an entity that also holds 14,950 of the Company’s outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The facility has a maturity of February 10, 2023 and Corporate Governance Committee, which consists solelyis secured by a pledge of independent directors.equity interests in certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company incurred $0.2 million of interest expense on the lending agreement with SBL for the year ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 there was 0 outstanding balance under the lending agreement.
Note 1012 - Share-Based Compensation
Restricted Share Plan
The Company has an employee and director incentive restricted share plan (the "RSP"), which provides the Company with the ability to grant awards of restricted shares to the Company’s directors, officers and employees (if the Company ever has employees), employees of the Advisor and its affiliates, employees of entities that provide services to the Company, directors of the Advisor or of entities that provide services to the Company, the Advisor and its affiliates. The total number of common shares granted under the RSP shall not exceed 5.0% of the Company’s authorized common shares pursuant to the Offering, and in any event, will not exceed 4.0 million shares (as such number may be adjusted for stock splits, stock distributions, combinations and similar events).
Restricted share awards entitle the recipient to receive common shares from the Company under terms that provide for vesting over a specified period of time or upon attainment of pre-established performance objectives. Such awards would typically be forfeited with respect to the unvested shares upon the termination of the recipient’s employment or other relationship with the Company. Restricted shares may not, in general, be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions are removed and the shares have vested. Holders of restricted shares may receive cash distributions prior to the time that the restrictions on the restricted shares have lapsed. Any distributions payable in common shares shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying restricted shares. The fair value of the restricted share awards are expensed over the vesting period.
F-39

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company had granted 21,39844,876 restricted shares to its independent directors, of which 5,333 were forfeited and 4,68327,823 have vested, leaving a balance of 11,38211,720 unvested restricted shares. As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company had granted 15,41434,106 restricted shares to its independent directors, of which 2,3995,333 were forfeited and 2,39920,207 have

F-30

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

vested, leaving a balance of 10,0818,566 unvested restricted shares. Based on a share price of $20.05, which was the NAV per share as of the most recent grant, theThe compensation expense associated with the restricted share grants was $96.9 thousand, $44.3 thousand$0.2 million, $0.2 million and $29.6 thousand,$0.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively and are included within Other expenses line on the consolidated statements of operations.
Note 1113 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on the observability of inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair values. GAAP establishes market-based or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by valuation models using management assumptions in the absence of market inputs. The three levels of the hierarchy are described below:
Level I - Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
Level II - Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level I) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability through correlation with market data at the measurement date and for the duration of the instrument’s anticipated life.
Level III - Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and are consequently not based on market activity, but rather through particular valuation techniques.
The determination of where an asset or liability falls in the above hierarchy requires significant judgment and factors specific to the asset or liability. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company evaluates its hierarchy disclosures each quarter and depending on various factors, it is possible that an asset or liability may be classified differently from quarter to quarter.
The Company has implemented valuation control processes to validate the fair value of the Company's financial instruments measured at fair value including those derived from pricing models. These control processes are designed to assure that the values used for financial reporting are based on observable inputs wherever possible. In the event that observable inputs are not available, the control processes are designed to assure that the valuation approach utilized is appropriate and consistently applied and the assumptions are reasonable.
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
CMBS recorded in real estate securities, available for sale, measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are valued utilizing both observable and unobservable market inputs. These factors include projected future cash flows, ratings, subordination levels, vintage, remaining lives, credit issues, and recent trades of similar real estate securities and the spreads used in the prior valuation.securities. Depending upon the significance of the fair value inputs used in determining these fair values, these real estate securities are classified in either Level II or Level III of the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2017 the Company had no CMBS. As of2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, the Company obtained broker quotesthird party pricing for determining the fair value of each CMBS investment. As the broker quotes were both limited and non-binding, the Company has classified the CMBS asinvestment, resulting in a Level III.II classification.
Commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value in the Company's TRS are initially recorded at transaction proceeds, which are considered to be the best initial estimate of fair value. The Company engaged the services of a third party independent valuation firm to determine fair value of certain investments held by the Company. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model that primarily considers changes in interest rates and credit spreads, weighted average life and current performance of the underlying collateral. Commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value that are originated in the last month of the reporting period are held and marked to the transaction proceeds. The Company classified the commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale, measured at fair value as Level III.
Other real estate investments, measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are valued using unobservable inputs. The Company engaged the services of a third party independent valuation firm to determine fair value of certain investments, including preferred equity investments, held by the Company. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model that primarily considers changes in interest rates and credit spreads, weighted average life and current performance of the underlying collateral. The Company classified the other real estate investments, measured at fair value as Level III.
F-40

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
The fair value for Treasury note futures is derived using market prices. Treasury note futures trade on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”). The instruments are a variety of recently issued 10-year U.S. Treasury notes. The future contracts are liquid and are centrally cleared through the CME. Treasury note futures are generally categorized in Level I of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value for credit default swapswaps and interest rate swaps contracts isare derived using a pricing modelmodels that isare widely accepted by marketplace participants. Credit default swaps and interest rate swaps are traded in the OTC market. The pricing model takesmodels take into account multiple inputs including specific contract terms, interest rate yield curves, interest rates, credit curves, recovery rates, andand/or current credit spreads obtained from swap counterparties and other market participants. Most inputs into the modelmodels are not subjective as they

F-31

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

are observable in the marketplace or set per the contract. Valuation is primarily determined by the difference between the contract spread and the current market spread. The contract spread (or rate) is generally fixed and the market spread is determined by the credit risk of the underlying debt or reference entity. If the underlying indices are liquid and the OTC market for the current spread is active, credit default swaps and interest rate swaps are categorized in Level II of the fair value hierarchy. If the underlying indices are illiquid and the OTC market for the current spread is not active, credit default swaps are categorized in Level III of the fair value hierarchy. The credit default swaps and
interest rate swaps are generally categorized in Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
A review of the fair value hierarchy classification is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the type of inputs may result in a reclassification for certain assets.assets or liabilities. The Company's policy with respect to transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy is to recognize transfers into and out of each level as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no material transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy during the yearyears ended December 31, 2017.  During the quarter ended2020 and December 31, 2016 the Company's CMBS investments were transferred from Level II to Level III due to a decrease in the observable relevant market data because2019.  
F-41

The following table presents the Company's financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets by its level in the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2020TotalLevel ILevel IILevel III
Assets, at fair value
Real estate securities, available for sale, measured at fair value$171,136 $$171,136 $
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value67,649 67,649 
Other real estate investments, measured at fair value2,522 2,522 
Interest rate swaps25 25 
Total assets, at fair value$241,332 $0 $171,161 $70,171 
Liabilities, at fair value
 Credit default swaps$297 $$297 $
 Treasury note futures106 106 
Total liabilities, at fair value$403 $106 $297 $0 
December 31, 2019
Assets, at fair value
Real estate securities, available for sale, measured at fair value$386,316 $$386,316 $
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value112,562 112,562 
Other real estate investments, measured at fair value2,557 2,557 
Credit default swaps59 59 
Interest rate swaps325 325 
Treasury note futures735 735 
Total assets, at fair value$502,554 $735 $386,700 $115,119 
Liabilities, at fair value
Credit default swaps$1,581 $$1,581 $
Total liabilities, at fair value$1,581 $0 $1,581 $0 

F-42

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
 Total Level I Level II Level III
December 31, 2017       
Real estate securities$
 $
 $
 $
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale (1)
28,531
 
 
 28,531
Treasury note futures132
 132
 
 
Total assets, at fair value$28,663
 $132
 $
 $28,531
        
Liabilities, at fair value       
Credit default swaps$357
 $
 $357
 $
Total liabilities, at fair value$357
 $
 $357
 $
        
December 31, 2016
      
Real estate securities$49,049
 $
 $
 $49,049
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale (1)

 
 
 
Treasury note futures
 
 
 
Credit default swaps
 
 
 
Total assets, at fair value$49,049
 $
 $
 $49,049
________________________
(1) Loans held in the Company's TRS, reported within Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the Level III category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the Level III category may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs. The following table summarizes the valuation method and significant unobservable inputs used for the Company’s financial instruments that are categorized within Level III of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 (dollars in thousands).
Asset CategoryFair ValueValuation Methodologies
Unobservable Inputs (1)
Weighted Average (2)
Range
December 31, 2020
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value$67,649 Discounted Cash FlowYield16.6%15.6% - 17.6%
Other real estate investments, measured at fair value2,522 Discounted Cash FlowYield13.2%12.2% - 14.2%
December 31, 2019
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value$112,562 Discounted Cash FlowYield4.9%4.7% - 5.2%
Other real estate investments, measured at fair value2,557 Broker QuotesYield12.4%11.4% - 13.4%
 Asset CategoryFair ValueValuation Methodologies
Unobservable Inputs (1)
Weighted Average (2)
Range
December 31, 2017Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value$28,531Discounted Cash FlowYield4.93%4.8% - 5.3%
       
December 31, 2016
Real estate securities, available for sale, at fair value

$49,049Discounted Cash FlowYield6.50%3.7% - 8.3%
________________________

F-32

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

(1) In determining certain of these inputs, the Company evaluates a variety of factors including economic conditions, industry and market developments, market valuations of comparable companies and company specific developments including exit strategies and realization opportunities. The Company has determined that market participants would take these inputs into account when valuing the investments.
(2) Inputs were weighted based on the fair value of the investments included in the range.

Increases or decreases in any of the above unobservable inputs in isolation would result in a lower or higher fair value measurement for such assets.
F-33
F-43

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020


The following table presents additional information about the Company’s financial instruments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 20162019 for which the Company has used Level III inputs to determine fair value (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2020
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair valueOther real estate investments, measured at fair value
Beginning balance, January 1, 2020$112,562 $2,557 
Transfers into Level III (2)
23,625 
Total realized and unrealized gain/(loss) included in earnings:
Realized gain/(loss) on sale of commercial mortgage loan, held-for-sale15,931 
Unrealized gain/(loss) on commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale and other real estate investments(75)(32)
Net accretion(3)
Purchases (1)
267,552 
Sales / paydowns (1)
(328,321)
Transfers out of Level III (2)
(23,625)
Ending Balance, December 31, 2020$67,649 $2,522 
December 31, 2019
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair valueOther real estate investments, measured at fair value
Beginning balance, January 1, 2019$76,863 $0 
Transfers into Level III (2)
Total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings:
Realized gain (loss) on sale of real estate securities— 
Realized gain (loss) on sale of commercial mortgage loan held-for-sale37,832 
Unrealized gain (loss) on commercial mortgage loans held-for-sale and other real estate investments312 47 
Net accretion
Unrealized gain (loss) included in OCI
Purchases1,015,677 2,510 
Sales / paydowns(1,008,050)
Cash repayments / receipts
Transfers out of Level III (2)
(10,072)
Ending Balance, December 31, 2019$112,562 $2,557 
  December 31, 2017
  Commercial Mortgage Loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value Real Estate Securities
Beginning balance, January 1, 2017 $
 $49,049
Transfers into Level III 
 
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings:    
Realized gain on sale of real estate securities 
 172
Realized gain on sale of commercial mortgage loan held-for-sale 4,523
 
Net accretion 
 167
Unrealized gains included in OCI 
 500
Purchases 156,101
 
Sales (132,093) (34,888)
Cash repayments/receipts 
 (15,000)
Transfers out of Level III 
 
December 31, 2017 balance $28,531
 $
     
  December 31, 2016
  Commercial Mortgage Loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value Real Estate Securities
Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 $
 $
Transfers into Level III 
 57,639
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) 
  
Realized (gain) loss on sale of real estate securities 
 (874)
Impairment losses on real estate securities 
 (310)
Net accretion 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) included in OCI 
 1,719
Purchases 
 
Sales/paydown 
 (9,125)
Cash repayments/receipts 
 
Transfers out of Level III 
 
December 31, 2016 balance $
 $49,049
________________________

(1) Excluded from Purchases and Sales/paydowns are $679.1 million and $682.0 million, respectively, of loans that collateralize a CMBS investment required to be consolidated in connection with the Company's retention of the B tranche during the year ended December 31, 2020. Upon disposition of the B tranche during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a gain of $2.8 million that is recorded in Realized gain/loss on sale of real estate securities on the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Transfers in and transfers out include transfers between Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale and Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment.
F-34
F-44

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020




Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
As of December 31, 2017 the Company did not hold financial instruments carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The following table presents the Company's financial instruments carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets by its level in the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):
 Total Level I Level II Level III
December 31, 2016       
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale$21,179
 $
 $
 $21,179

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions that the Company has classified within the Level III category. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the Level III category may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs. The following table summarizes the valuation method and significant unobservable inputs used for the Company’s financial instruments that are categorized within Level III of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands).
 Asset CategoryFair ValueValuation Methodologies
Unobservable Inputs (1)
Weighted Average (2)
Range
December 31, 2016Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale$21,179
Discounted Cash FlowYield10.80%10.5% - 11%
________________________
(1) In determining certain of these inputs, the Company evaluates a variety of factors including economic conditions, industry and market developments, market valuations of comparable companies and company specific developments including exit strategies and realization opportunities. The Company has determined that market participants would take these inputs into account when valuing the investments.
(2) Inputs were weighted based on the fair value of the investments included in the range.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are measured using observable quoted market prices, or Level I inputs and their carrying value approximates their fair value. The fair value of borrowings under repurchase agreements approximate their carrying value on the consolidated balance sheets due to their short-term nature, and are measured using Level II inputs.

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
The fair values of the Company's commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investmentheld for investment and collateralized loan obligations, which are not reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are reported below as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 (dollars in thousands):
LevelCarrying AmountFair Value
December 31, 2020
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment (1)
AssetIII$2,714,734 $2,724,039 
Collateralized loan obligationLiabilityIII1,625,498 1,606,478 
Mortgage note payableLiabilityIII29,167 29,167 
Other financing and loan participation - commercial mortgage loansLiabilityIII31,379 31,379 
December 31, 2019
Commercial mortgage loans, held for investment (1)
AssetIII$2,762,963 $2,784,650 
Collateralized loan obligationLiabilityIII1,803,185 1,822,386 
Mortgage note payableLiabilityIII29,167 29,167 
________________________
   Level Carrying Amount Fair Value
December 31, 2017       
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment (1)
Asset III $1,403,512
 $1,396,406
Collateralized loan obligationLiability II 826,150
 842,812
December 31, 2016      
Commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investment (1)
Asset III 1,048,737
 $1,029,756
Collateralized loan obligationLiability II 278,450
 282,001
(1) The carrying value is gross of $1.5$20.9 millionand $2.2$0.9 millionof allowance for loancredit losses as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively.
The fair value of the commercial mortgage loans, held-for-investmentheld for investment is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, based on the Advisor's experience with similar types of investments. The Company estimates the fair value of the collateralized loan obligations using external broker quotes.

The fair value of the other financing and loan participation-commercial mortgage loans is generally estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis. At December 31, 2020, the Mortgage note payable was initially recorded at transaction proceeds, which are considered to be the best initial estimate of fair value.
F-35
F-45

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Note 1214 - Derivative Instruments
The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to economically manage the fair value variability of fixed rate assets caused by interest rate fluctuations and overall portfolio market risk.

As of December 31, 2017,2020, the net premiums received on derivative instrument assets were $0.6$1.3 million.

The following derivative instruments were outstanding as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
 ��  Fair Value  
Contract type Notional 
Assets (1)
Liabilities (1)
 Net
Credit default swaps $30,000
 $32
$357
 $(325)
Treasury note futures 43,906
 100

 100
Total $73,906
 $132
$357
 $(225)
        
(1) Shown as derivative instruments, at fair value, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The Company did not have any derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

Fair Value
Contract typeNotional
Assets
Liabilities
As of December 31, 2020
Credit default swaps$46,000 $$297 
Interest rate swaps32,517 25 
Treasury note futures43,500 106 
Total$122,017 $25 $403 
As of December 31, 2019
Credit default swaps$94,300 $59 $1,581 
Interest rate swaps42,546 325 
Treasury note futures74,000 735 
Total$210,846 $1,119 $1,581 
The following table indicates the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives, by primary underlying risk exposure, as included in loss on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for year ended December 31, 2017. The Company did not have any net realized2020 and unrealized gain or loss on derivatives during the year ended December 31, 2016.2019:
Year Ended December 31, 2020Year Ended December 31, 2019
Contract typeUnrealized
(Gain)/Loss
Realized
(Gain)/Loss
Unrealized
(Gain)/Loss
Realized
(Gain)/Loss
Credit default swaps$(143)$323 $456 $2,230 
Interest rate swaps296 7,463 (380)(269)
Treasury note futures842 4,665 (1,798)1,962 
Options35 401 
Total$995 $12,486 $(1,722)$4,324 

F-46
  Year Ended December 31, 2017
Contract type 
Unrealized
(Gain)/Loss
 
Realized
(Gain)/Loss
 Total
Credit default swaps $117
 $373
 $490
Treasury note futures (100) (928) (1,028)
Total $17
 $(555) $(538)


F-36

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 20172020

Note 1315 - Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
The Company's consolidated balance sheets used a gross presentation of repurchase agreements and collateral pledged. The table below provides a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting and a net presentation of the Company's derivative instruments and repurchase agreements within the scope of ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet—Offsetting, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
        Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet  
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet Net Amount of Assets Presented on the Balance Sheet Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Pledged Net Amount
December 31, 2017            
Derivative instruments, at fair value $132
 $
 $132
 $
 $
 $

        Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet  
  Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Gross Amounts Offset on the Balance Sheet Net Amount of Liabilities Presented on the Balance Sheet Financial Instruments 
Cash Collateral Pledged (2)
 Net Amount
December 31, 2017            
Repurchase agreements, commercial mortgage loans $65,690
 $
 $65,690
 $163,235
 $5,005
 $
Repurchase agreements, real estate securities (1)
 39,035
 
 39,035
 56,044
 
 
Derivative instruments, at fair value 357
 
 357
 
 2,961
 
December 31, 2016            
Repurchase agreements, commercial mortgage loans 257,664
 
 257,664
 399,914
 5,000
 
Repurchase agreements, real estate securities (*)
 66,639
 
 66,639
 102,358
 21
 
________________________
1) Includes $56.0 million and $53.3 million of Tranche C of Company issued CLO held by the Company, which eliminates within the real estate securities, at fair value line of the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016, respectively.2019 (dollars in thousands):
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet
AssetsGross Amounts of Recognized AssetsGross Amounts Offset on the Balance SheetNet Amount of Assets Presented on the Balance SheetFinancial Instruments
Cash Collateral (1)
Net Amount
December 31, 2020
Derivative instruments, at fair value$25 $$25 $$$25 
December 31, 2019
Derivative instruments, at fair value$1,119 $$1,119 $$10,895 $
2)
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Balance Sheet
LiabilitiesGross Amounts of Recognized LiabilitiesGross Amounts Offset on the Balance SheetNet Amount of Assets Presented on the Balance SheetFinancial Instruments
Cash Collateral (1)
Net Amount
December 31, 2020
Repurchase agreements, commercial mortgage loans$276,340 $$276,340 $496,030 $5,016 $
Repurchase agreements, real estate securities186,828 186,828 245,956 1,146 
Derivative instruments, at fair value403 403 3,435 
December 31, 2019
Repurchase agreements, commercial mortgage loans$252,543 $$252,543 $394,229 $5,011 $
Repurchase agreements, real estate securities394,359 394,359 454,301 1,657 
Derivative instruments, at fair value1,581 1,581 3,679 
________________________
(1) These cash collateral amounts are recorded within the Restricted cash balanceand Accounts payable and accrued expenses balances on the consolidated balance sheets.


F-47

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Note 1416 - Segment Reporting
Effective the third quarter of 2017, the Company realigned certain of its reportable segments with changes in its organizational structure and how the chief operating decision maker reviews and manages the business. A new reportable segment was added for the TRS business, a new line of business introduced by the Company during 2017. The Company usesconducts its business through the accounting policies for its segments as described in Note 2- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The threefollowing reporting segments are as follows:segments:
The real estate debt business focuses on originating, acquiring and asset managing commercial real estate debt investments, including first mortgage loans, subordinate mortgages, mezzanine loans and participations in such loans.
The real estate securities business focuses on investing in and asset managing commercial real estate securities primarily consisting of CMBS and may include unsecured REIT debt, CDO notes and other securities.

F-37

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

The commercial real estate conduit business operated through the Company's TRS, which is focused on generating risk-adjusted returns by originating and subsequently selling fixed-rate commercial real estate loans into the CMBS securitization market at a profit.
The Company's historical segment reporting has been retrospectively recast to reflectreal estate owned business represents real estate acquired by the Company's current organizational structure.Company through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or purchase.
The following table represents the Company's operations by segment for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, December 31, 2019 and 2015 (inDecember 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):
December 31, 2017 Total Real Estate Debt Real Estate Securities TRS
December 31, 2020December 31, 2020TotalReal Estate Debt and Other Real EstateReal Estate SecuritiesTRSReal Estate Owned
Interest incomeInterest income$179,872 $165,907 $10,854 $3,111 $
Revenue from real estate ownedRevenue from real estate owned4,299 4,299 
Interest expenseInterest expense66,556 54,480 7,914 2,185 1,977 
Net incomeNet income54,746 66,383 (7,207)(5,559)1,129 
Total assets as of December 31, 2020Total assets as of December 31, 20203,189,761 2,866,790 175,088 105,364 42,519 
December 31, 2019December 31, 2019
Interest incomeInterest income$195,299 $181,434 $6,149 $7,716 $
Revenue from real estate ownedRevenue from real estate owned3,169 3,169 
Interest expenseInterest expense90,418 83,597 2,911 3,670 240 
Net incomeNet income83,924 61,936 3,238 19,130 (380)
Total assets as of December 31, 2019Total assets as of December 31, 20193,540,620 2,964,233 388,170 131,193 57,024 
December 31, 2018December 31, 2018
Interest income $89,564
 $87,014
 $1,351
 $1,199
Interest income$152,288 $144,967 $717 $6,604 $
Interest expense 32,359
 30,407
 1,254
 698
Interest expense70,000 65,521 770 3,709 
Net income 33,779
 33,184
 269
 326
Net income52,825 50,041 (160)2,944 
Total assets 1,583,661
 1,517,021
 389
 66,251
December 31, 2016        
Interest income 79,404
 73,884
 5,520
 
Interest expense 23,169
 20,719
 2,450
 
Net income 29,990
 29,797
 193
 
Total assets 1,248,125
 1,198,806
 49,319
 
December 31, 2015        
Interest income 59,393
 56,040
 3,353
 
Interest expense 12,268
 11,149
 1,119
 
Net income 24,933
 24,401
 532
 
Total assets 1,282,484
 1,150,858
 131,626
 
Total assets as of December 31, 2018Total assets as of December 31, 20182,606,078 2,492,440 26,474 87,164 
For the purposes of the table above, any expenses not associated with a specific segment have been allocated to the business segments using a percentage derivederived by using the sum of commercial mortgage loans net and real estate securities, at fair valueoriginated during the year as the denominator and commercial mortgage loans, held for investment net of allowance and real estate securities,commercial mortgage loans, held-for-sale, measured at fair value as the numerators.numerator.
F-48

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Note 1517 - Income Taxes
The Company has conducted its operations to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with its tax return for the taxable year ended December 31, 2013. As a REIT, if the Company meets certain organizational and operational requirements and distributedistributes at least 90% of its "REIT taxable income" (determined before the deduction of dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to its stockholders in a year, it will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent of the income that it distributes. The Company did not have any REIT— U.S federal taxable income, net of dividends paid for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and therefore, has not provided for REIT U.S. federal income tax expense. However, even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain state and local taxes on income in addition to U.S. federal income and excise and franchise taxes.
taxes on its undistributed income. The Company, through a subsidiary which is treated asits TRS, is indirectly subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. TRS permit the Company to participate in certain activities from which REITs are generally precluded, as long as these activities meet specific criteria, are conducted within the parameters of certain limitations established by the Code, and are conducted in entities which elect to be treated as taxable subsidiaries under the Code. To the extent these criteria are met, the Company expects to continue to maintain its qualification as a REIT. The Company’s TRS is not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but areis instead taxed as a C corporation. For financial reporting purposes, the TRS is consolidated and a provision for current and deferred taxes is established for the portion of earnings recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in its TRS.
The Company's TRS recognized pre-tax income of approximately $0.6 million and U.S. federal Total income tax expense of $0.2 million(benefit) for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017, which has been included on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The TRS did not have any activity during the year ended2020, December 31, 2016.

F-38

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2019 and December 31, 2017

Components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Current expense (benefit)     
U.S. Federal$140
 $
 $
State and local61
 
 
Total current expense (benefit)201
 
 
Deferred expense (benefit)     
U.S. Federal18
 
 
State and local6
 
 
Total deferred expense (benefit)24
 
 
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)$225
 $
 $

2018 were $(2.1) million, $4.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
The Company’sCompany uses a more-likely-than-not threshold for recognition and derecognition of tax returns are subjectpositions taken or to audit by taxing authorities. Generally, as of December 31, 2017, the tax years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictionsbe taken in which the Company is subject to taxes. The Company does not expect tax expense to have an impact on either short or long-term liquidity or capital needs.
Under GAAP, a tax benefit related to an income tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on the technical merits of the position. A position that meets this standard is measured at the largest amount of benefit that will more likely than not be realized upon settlement.return. The Company has assessed its tax positions for all open tax years beginning with its taxable year December 31, 20142017 and concluded that there were no uncertainties to be recognized. The Company’s accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties is to classify these amounts as provision for income taxes.
Enacted on December 22, 2017,Components of the recently passed Tax Cutsprovision for income taxes consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Current expense/(benefit)
U.S. Federal$(2,086)$4,076 $68 
State and local370 397 12 
  Total current expense/(benefit)$(1,716)$4,473 $80 
Deferred expense/(benefit)
U.S. Federal$$10 $(1)
State and local(346)
  Total deferred expense/(benefit)$(346)$10 $(1)
Provision for income tax expense/(benefit)$(2,062)$4,483 $79 
The tax characteristics of the $1.30 distributions per common share declared during 2020 was $1.24 ordinary income and Jobs$0.06 capital gain. Of the $1.24 of ordinary income, $1.24 represents the amount of the ordinary dividend that may be eligible for the 20% deduction applicable to qualified REIT dividends under Internal Revenue Code Section 199A. The tax characteristics of the $390.48 distributions per share of Series A Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock declared during 2020 was $370.93 ordinary income and $19.55 capital gain. Of the $370.93 of ordinary income, $370.93 represents the amount of the ordinary dividend that may be eligible for the 20% deduction applicable to qualified REIT dividends under Section 199A. The tax characteristics of the $1.44 distributions per common share declared during 2019 was $1.20 ordinary income and $0.24 return of capital. The tax characteristics of the $430.88 distributions per share of Series A Preferred Stock declared during 2019 was all ordinary income. The tax characteristics of the $35.41 distributions per share of Series C Preferred Stock declared during 2019 was all ordinary income.
The Company utilizes the TRS to reduce the impact of the prohibited transaction tax and to avoid penalty for the holding of assets not qualifying as real estate assets for purposes of the REIT asset tests. Any income associated with a TRS is fully taxable because the TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes as a domestic C corporation based upon its net income.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("TCJA") made many significant changes(CARES Act) was enacted in response to the U.S. federalCOVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, permits NOL carryovers and carrybacks to offset 100% of taxable income tax laws applicable to businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders, and may lessen the relative competitive advantage of operating as a REIT rather than as a C corporation. For example, pursuant to this legislation, as of January 1, 2018, (1) the U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to corporations is reduced to 21%, (2) the highest marginal individual income tax rate is reduced to 37% (throughfor taxable years endingbeginning before 2021. In addition, the CARES Act allows NOLs incurred in 2025), (3) the corporate alternative minimum tax is repealed,2018, 2019, and (4) the backup withholding rate for U.S. stockholders is reduced2020 to 24%. The amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of operations is provisional. Duebe carried back to the timingeach of the enacted legislation, as well as the technical corrections, amendments or administrative guidance that could clarify the treatment of certain provisions, the Company will continue to evaluate its conclusions and update its estimates as necessary.
The reduced corporate tax rate will apply to the Company's TRS and any other TRS it forms. Changes in tax rates and tax laws are accounted for in the period of enactment. In addition, individuals, estates and trusts may deduct up to 20% of certain pass-through income, including ordinary REIT dividends that are not "capital gain dividends" or "qualified dividend income," subject to certain limitations. For taxpayers qualifying for the full deduction, the effective maximum tax rate on ordinary REIT dividends would be 29.6% (throughfive preceding taxable years ending in 2025).to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes. The maximum rateCompany is currently evaluating the impact of withholding with respectthe CARES Act, and expects to fully utilize the Company's distributions to non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as attributable to gains fromcurrent year NOL under the sale or exchangeNOL carryback provision of U.S. real property interests is also reduced from 35% to 21%. The deductionthe CARES Act.
F-49

Note 1618 - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

F-39

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

March 31June 30September 30December 31
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
2017       
20202020
Net interest income$13,451
 $13,126
 $13,350
 $17,278
Net interest income$23,362 $28,106 $29,301 $32,547 
Net income$6,049
 $6,281
 $6,975
 $14,474
Net income(7,400)7,814 21,497 32,835 
Net income applicable to common stockNet income applicable to common stock(11,915)4,359 16,739 25,624 
Basic net income per share$0.19
 $0.20
 $0.22
 $0.46
Basic net income per share$(0.27)$0.10 $0.38 $0.58 
Diluted net income per share$0.19
 $0.20
 $0.22
 $0.46
Diluted net income per share$(0.27)$0.10 $0.38 $0.58 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding31,740,256
 31,850,897
 31,741,679
 31,754,734
Basic weighted average shares outstanding44,263,334 44,376,437 44,405,196 44,492,325 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding31,750,045
 31,860,444
 31,756,503
 31,769,048
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding44,274,852 44,389,380 44,421,084 44,508,213 
2016       
20192019
Net interest income$15,523
 $14,829
 $12,933
 $12,950
Net interest income$26,145 $22,356 $29,349 $27,031 
Net income$9,420
 $8,860
 $5,373
 $6,337
Net income19,890 14,526 25,913 23,595 
Net income applicable to common stockNet income applicable to common stock16,108 11,036 20,460 19,310 
Basic net income per share$0.30
 $0.28
 $0.17
 $0.20
Basic net income per share$0.40 $0.27 $0.48 $0.44 
Diluted net income per share$0.30
 $0.28
 $0.17
 $0.20
Diluted net income per share$0.40 $0.27 $0.48 $0.44 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding31,548,897
 31,802,261
 31,516,876
 31,767,915
Basic weighted average shares outstanding39,798,215 41,226,805 42,795,038 43,549,406 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding31,555,011
 31,807,927
 31,523,911
 31,777,994
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding39,811,304 41,239,548 42,807,773 43,560,937 
20182018
Net interest incomeNet interest income$10,734 $19,738 $25,823 $25,993 
Net incomeNet income5,296 12,102 19,000 16,427 
Net income applicable to common stockNet income applicable to common stock5,296 12,086 17,745 14,054 
Basic net income per shareBasic net income per share$0.17 $0.38 $0.49 $0.37 
Diluted net income per shareDiluted net income per share$0.17 $0.38 $0.49 $0.37 
Basic weighted average shares outstandingBasic weighted average shares outstanding31,670,518 31,762,199 35,468,648 38,088,364 
Diluted weighted average shares outstandingDiluted weighted average shares outstanding31,684,832 31,820,527 38,942,428 44,504,418 
Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed independently based on the weighted-average shares of common stock and restricted shares outstanding for each period. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not agree to the total for the year.
Note 1719 - Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and determined that there have not been any events that have occurred that would require adjustments to disclosures in the consolidated financial statements except for the following transactions:
Distributions Paid
On January 2, 2018, the Company paid a distribution of $3.9 million to stockholders of record during the month of December 31, 2017. Approximately $2.6 million of the distribution was paid in cash, while $1.2 million was used to purchase 65,288 shares for those stockholders that chose to reinvest distributions through the DRIP.
Share Repurchase Program
As permitted under the SRP, in January 2018, our board of directors approved, with respect to redemption requests received during the semi-annual period from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, the repurchase of shares validly submitted for repurchase in an amount such that the aggregate amount of shares repurchased pursuant to redemption requests received for the semi-annual period ended December 31, 2017 did not exceed 2.5% of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the previous fiscal year.  Accordingly, 417,376 shares at an average per share of $18.56 (including all shares submitted for death and disability) were approved for repurchase and completed in January 2017.
Liquidity
Subsequent to year end, on February 15, 2018 the Company negotiated an increase in credit line to the existing JPM Repo Facility from $300.0 million to $520.0 million, of which $70.0 million is reserved for a specific asset. The Company used the increased capacity to call the CLO RFT 2015 - FL1 by paying off all note holders.

10-K.
F-40
F-50

BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2017

Related Party Transactions
Amended Advisory Agreement
On January 19, 2018, the Company entered into an amendment to the Advisory Agreement. The amended Advisory Agreement amends and restates the Advisory Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2016, by and among the Company, the Operating Partnership and the Advisor. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the board of directors, which consists solely of the Company’s independent directors, negotiated, approved and recommended that the board of directors approve, the amended Advisory Agreement. The Committee engaged independent legal counsel to assist the Committee in negotiating the amended Advisory Agreement.
Loan Acquisition
On February 22, 2018, the Company purchased commercial mortgage loans from an entity that is an affiliate of our Advisor, for an aggregate purchase price of $27.8 million. The purchase of the commercial mortgage loans and the $27.8 million purchase price were approved by the Company’s board of directors. These loans are expected to be sold into a securitization vehicle through our TRS segment.
Equity Offering
On February 14, 2018 (the “Commitment Date”) the Company entered into stock purchase agreements (collectively, the “Purchase Agreements”), by and between the Company and certain institutional investors (the “Institutional Investors”), certain officers of the Company, and certain owners, employees and associates of the Advisor and its affiliates (collectively, the “Manager Investors,” and together with the Institutional Investors, the “Investors”), pursuant to which the Investors committed to purchase an aggregate amount of up to approximately $97.0 million of common stock (including Manager Investor commitments of approximately $32.1 million) of the Company in one or more closings. The purchase price will be $16.87 per share. The timing of any closing, and the amount of shares to be sold at such Closing, will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, subject to certain limitations. As described in the Purchase Agreements, the Company may enter into additional Purchase Agreements with other investors within 12 months of the Commitment Date.


BENEFIT STREET PARTNERS REALTY TRUST, INC.

SCHEDULE IV - MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 20172020
(InDollars in thousands)

DescriptionProperty TypeFace AmountCarrying AmountInterest
Rate
 Payment
Terms
Maturity Date
Senior Debt 1Industrial$33,655 $33,655 1 month LIBOR + 4.00% Interest Only11/9/2021
Senior Debt 2Mixed Use12,839 12,839 1 month LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only4/9/2021
Senior Debt 3Office14,034 14,034 1 month LIBOR + 4.45% Interest Only9/9/2021
Senior Debt 4Office8,391 8,391 1 month LIBOR +6.00% Amortizing Balloon10/9/2021
Senior Debt 5Multifamily37,812 37,812 1 month LIBOR + 3.35%Amortizing Balloon1/9/2022
Senior Debt 6Office26,811 26,811 1 month LIBOR + 4.15%Amortizing Balloon10/9/2021
Senior Debt 7Hospitality10,400 10,400 1 month LIBOR + 6.25% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 8Hospitality5,894 5,894 1 month LIBOR + 3.50%Amortizing Balloon12/9/2021
Senior Debt 9Hospitality57,075 57,075 1 month LIBOR + 5.19% Interest Only6/9/2019
Senior Debt 10Multifamily77,945 77,701 1 month LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only12/31/2021
Senior Debt 11Hospitality10,250 10,247 1 month LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only2/9/2021
Senior Debt 12Hospitality23,000 22,998 1 month LIBOR + 6.00% Interest Only1/9/2021
Senior Debt 13Office23,726 23,726 1 month LIBOR + 5.15% Interest Only2/9/2021
Senior Debt 14Multifamily41,826 41,811 1 month LIBOR + 3.70% Interest Only3/9/2021
Senior Debt 15Hospitality28,272 28,255 1 month LIBOR + 4.00% Interest Only4/9/2021
Senior Debt 16Hospitality22,700 22,688 1 month LIBOR + 4.40% Interest Only4/9/2021
Senior Debt 17Multifamily35,886 35,886 1 month LIBOR + 3.00% Interest Only5/9/2021
Senior Debt 18Self Storage3,851 3,849 1 month LIBOR + 4.05% Interest Only5/9/2021
Senior Debt 19Self Storage6,496 6,492 1 month LIBOR + 4.05% Interest Only5/9/2021
Senior Debt 20Self Storage7,606 7,600 1 month LIBOR + 4.05% Interest Only5/9/2021
Senior Debt 21Self Storage2,400 2,398 1 month LIBOR + 4.05% Interest Only6/9/2021
Senior Debt 22Self Storage6,310 6,305 1 month LIBOR + 5.05% Interest Only6/9/2021
Senior Debt 23Hospitality22,355 22,332 1 month LIBOR + 3.50% Interest Only3/9/2023
Senior Debt 24Mixed Use59,451 59,451 1 month LIBOR + 4.87% Interest Only7/9/2021
Senior Debt 25Office21,100 21,100 1 month LIBOR + 3.75% Interest Only9/9/2021
Senior Debt 26Self Storage6,299 6,299 1 month LIBOR + 6.00% Interest Only9/9/2021
Senior Debt 27Office16,342 16,342 1 month LIBOR + 3.40%Amortizing Balloon9/9/2021
Senior Debt 28Retail29,500 29,426 6.25% Interest Only9/9/2023
Senior Debt 29Self Storage11,966 11,966 1 month LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only10/9/2021
Senior Debt 30Multifamily16,172 16,172 1 month LIBOR + 3.15% Interest Only11/9/2021
Senior Debt 31Multifamily22,417 22,417 1 month LIBOR + 3.40% Interest Only11/9/2021
Senior Debt 32Multifamily29,868 29,868 1 month LIBOR + 3.35% Interest Only11/9/2021
Senior Debt 33Land16,400 16,400 1 month LIBOR + 6.00% Interest Only12/11/2021
Senior Debt 34Hospitality8,523 8,507 1 month LIBOR + 4.80%Amortizing Balloon1/9/2022
Senior Debt 35Industrial14,160 14,159 1 month LIBOR + 3.95% Interest Only1/9/2021
Senior Debt 36Multifamily48,500 48,498 1 month LIBOR + 3.75% Interest Only1/9/2021
Senior Debt 37Multifamily23,295 23,196 1 month LIBOR + 5.70% Interest Only8/9/2021
Senior Debt 38Office7,200 7,198 1 month LIBOR + 3.90% Interest Only2/9/2021
Senior Debt 39Manufactured Housing8,893 8,858 1 month LIBOR + 4.40% Interest Only3/9/2022
Senior Debt 40Hospitality14,000 13,985 1 month LIBOR + 4.47% Interest Only4/9/2021
Senior Debt 41Retail14,250 14,260 1 month LIBOR + 3.95% Interest Only4/9/2021
Senior Debt 42Hospitality21,000 20,981 1 month LIBOR + 4.14% Interest Only5/9/2021
F-51

   Face Carrying Interest Payment Maturity
DescriptionProperty Type Amount Amount Rate Terms Date
Senior 1Office $31,250
 $31,250
  1M LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only 9/9/2018
Senior 2Retail 9,450
 9,451
  1M LIBOR + 4.90% Interest Only 9/9/2018
Senior 3Office 41,885
 41,791
  1M LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only 12/9/2018
Senior 4Office 30,451
 30,394
  1M LIBOR + 4.60% Interest Only 2/9/2019
Senior 5Retail 11,684
 11,665
  1M LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only 2/9/2019
Senior 6Multifamily 14,990
 14,988
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 2/9/2018
Senior 7Retail 10,790
 10,787
  1M LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only 3/9/2018
Senior 8Hospitality 16,800
 16,795
  1M LIBOR + 4.90% Interest Only 4/9/2018
Senior 9Multifamily 26,410
 26,388
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 5/9/2018
Senior 10Multifamily 14,980
 14,968
  1M LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only 5/9/2018
Senior 11Retail 14,600
 14,591
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 5/9/2018
Senior 12Retail 27,249
 27,245
  1M LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only 6/9/2018
Senior 13Office 9,844
 9,832
  1M LIBOR + 4.65% Interest Only 6/9/2018
Senior 14Industrial 19,553
 19,533
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 7/9/2018
Senior 15Multifamily 18,941
 18,927
  1M LIBOR + 4.20% Interest Only 7/9/2018
Senior 16Hospitality 10,350
 10,336
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 7/9/2018
Senior 17Hospitality 15,375
 15,362
  1M LIBOR + 5.30% Interest Only 7/9/2018
Senior 18Office 45,235
 45,179
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 7/9/2018
Senior 19Retail 7,500
 7,487
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 7/9/2018
Senior 20Retail 4,725
 4,715
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 8/9/2018
Senior 21Multifamily 44,595
 44,529
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 8/9/2018
Senior 22Office 14,250
 14,229
  1M LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only 3/9/2019
Senior 23Multifamily 24,387
 24,363
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 24Multifamily 5,538
 5,554
  1M LIBOR + 3.85% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 25Multifamily 5,519
 5,525
  1M LIBOR + 3.95% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 26Multifamily 13,120
 13,127
  1M LIBOR + 3.95% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 27Multifamily 5,894
 5,898
  1M LIBOR + 4.05% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 28Industrial 33,655
 33,647
  1M LIBOR + 4.00% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 29Office 12,000
 11,984
  1M LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only 11/9/2019
Senior 30Office 35,000
 34,978
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 11/9/2018
Senior 31Office 29,163
 29,136
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 1/9/2019
Senior 32Office 15,030
 14,991
  1M LIBOR + 5.35% Interest Only 3/9/2019
Senior 33Multifamily 14,000
 13,990
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 2/9/2019
Senior 34Office 16,300
 16,250
  1M LIBOR + 6.00% Interest Only 2/9/2019
Senior 35Retail 13,700
 13,684
  1M LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only 3/9/2019
Senior 36Retail 28,500
 28,478
  1M LIBOR + 4.73% Interest Only 4/9/2019
Senior 37Retail 12,700
 12,690
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 4/9/2019
Senior 38Multifamily 37,410
 37,347
  1M LIBOR + 6.75% Interest Only 6/9/2019
Senior 39Retail 15,750
 15,732
  1M LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only 6/9/2019

DescriptionProperty TypeFace AmountCarrying AmountInterest
Rate
 Payment
Terms
Maturity Date
Senior Debt 43Multifamily24,711 24,669 1 month LIBOR + 3.10% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 44Multifamily37,643 37,581 1 month LIBOR + 3.10% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 45Office42,631 42,519 1 month LIBOR + 3.50% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 46Retail8,500 8,500 1 month LIBOR + 7.50% Interest Only12/9/2021
Senior Debt 47Hospitality10,580 10,547 1 month LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only6/9/2022
Senior Debt 48Multifamily18,100 18,097 1 month LIBOR + 3.40% Interest Only6/9/2021
Senior Debt 49Hospitality19,900 19,850 1 month LIBOR + 4.15% Interest Only6/9/2022
Senior Debt 50Multifamily18,656 18,604 1 month LIBOR + 3.10% Interest Only6/9/2022
Senior Debt 51Office34,400 34,232 1 month LIBOR + 3.90% Interest Only6/9/2022
Senior Debt 52Hospitality20,930 20,852 1 month LIBOR + 3.75% Interest Only8/9/2022
Senior Debt 53Hospitality15,500 15,452 1 month LIBOR + 4.00% Interest Only10/9/2022
Senior Debt 54Hospitality5,250 5,242 1 month LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only7/9/2021
Senior Debt 55Hospitality12,750 12,708 1 month LIBOR + 4.45% Interest Only8/9/2022
Senior Debt 56Hospitality9,545 9,525 1 month LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only8/9/2021
Senior Debt 57Retail9,400 9,371 1 month LIBOR + 4.20% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 58Manufactured Housing12,200 12,162 1 month LIBOR + 3.65% Interest Only10/9/2022
Senior Debt 59Manufactured Housing24,100 24,029 1 month LIBOR + 3.65% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 60Multifamily23,149 23,103 1 month LIBOR + 2.65% Interest Only9/9/2021
Senior Debt 61Office29,750 29,681 1 month LIBOR + 3.35% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 62Hospitality34,484 34,407 1 month LIBOR + 3.99%Amortizing Balloon11/9/2021
Senior Debt 63Multifamily12,839 12,787 1 month LIBOR + 2.65% Interest Only11/9/2022
Senior Debt 64Multifamily37,021 36,924 1 month LIBOR + 2.75% Interest Only11/9/2023
Senior Debt 65Industrial53,500 53,297 1 month LIBOR + 3.75% Interest Only12/9/2021
Senior Debt 66Office21,825 21,728 1 month LIBOR + 3.50% Interest Only12/9/2022
Senior Debt 67Hospitality7,100 7,076 1 month LIBOR + 4.00% Interest Only12/9/2022
Senior Debt 68Industrial22,230 22,133 1 month LIBOR + 3.55% Interest Only12/9/2023
Senior Debt 69Multifamily21,083 21,017 1 month LIBOR + 2.75% Interest Only12/9/2022
Senior Debt 70Multifamily27,087 26,989 1 month LIBOR + 3.15% Interest Only12/9/2022
Senior Debt 71Multifamily26,130 26,069 1 month LIBOR + 2.70% Interest Only12/9/2022
Senior Debt 72Multifamily7,150 7,119 1 month LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only12/9/2021
Senior Debt 73Multifamily25,000 24,935 1 month LIBOR + 3.00% Interest Only1/9/2022
Senior Debt 74Office25,500 25,351 1 month LIBOR + 4.35% Interest Only1/9/2024
Senior Debt 75Multifamily14,181 14,141 1 month LIBOR + 3.10% Interest Only2/9/2023
Senior Debt 76Office48,276 47,862 1 month LIBOR + 3.70% Interest Only2/9/2023
Senior Debt 77Industrial25,350 25,315 1 month LIBOR + 3.50% Interest Only5/9/2021
Senior Debt 78Multifamily11,800 11,757 1 month LIBOR + 3.15% Interest Only8/9/2022
Senior Debt 79Office27,598 27,491 1 month LIBOR + 2.70% Interest Only2/9/2023
Senior Debt 80Multifamily75,100 75,260 1 month LIBOR + 4.35% Interest Only8/9/2021
Senior Debt 81Manufactured Housing1,385 1,385 5.50% Interest Only5/9/2025
Senior Debt 82Industrial14,650 14,606 1 month LIBOR + 6.00% Interest Only11/9/2021
Senior Debt 83Multifamily7,149 7,123 1 month LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 84Multifamily6,764 6,731 1 month LIBOR + 4.90% Interest Only7/9/2023
Senior Debt 85Multifamily46,000 45,797 1 month LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only7/9/2023
Senior Debt 86Multifamily5,550 5,530 1 month LIBOR + 6.87% Interest Only1/9/2022
Senior Debt 87Industrial16,400 16,312 1 month LIBOR + 6.25% Interest Only7/9/2023
F-52

Senior 40Retail 25,000
 24,953
  1M LIBOR + 4.40% Interest Only 7/9/2019
Senior 41Multifamily 14,817
 14,825
  1M LIBOR + 7.10% Interest Only 5/9/2019
Senior 42Hospitality 12,600
 12,578
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 6/9/2019
Senior 43Hospitality 11,750
 11,709
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 5/9/2020
Senior 44Retail 20,450
 20,394
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 7/9/2020
Senior 45Multifamily 26,000
 26,023
  1M LIBOR + 7.50% Interest Only 3/9/2019
Senior 46Hospitality 14,900
 14,877
  1M LIBOR + 6.25% Interest Only 9/9/2019
Senior 47Office 11,580
 11,528
  1M LIBOR + 4.45% Interest Only 9/9/2020
Senior 48Office 9,750
 9,723
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 10/9/2019
Senior 49Multifamily 39,700
 39,644
  1M LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only 10/9/2019
Senior 50Multifamily 25,500
 25,473
  1M LIBOR + 4.85% Interest Only 8/9/2019
Senior 51Retail 7,500
 7,490
  1M LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only 6/9/2019
Senior 52Office 62,040
 61,940
  1M LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only 6/9/2019
Senior 53Multifamily 39,033
 38,888
  1M LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only 7/9/2020
Senior 54Hospitality 8,875
 8,766
  1M LIBOR + 6.20% Interest Only 10/9/2019
Senior 55Office 25,120
 24,939
  1M LIBOR + 4.15% Interest Only 10/9/2019
Senior 56Multifamily 34,875
 34,706
  1M LIBOR + 3.80% Interest Only 11/9/2019
Senior 57Multifamily 81,000
 80,628
  1M LIBOR + 7.00% Interest Only 11/9/2019
Senior 58Office 29,800
 29,660
  1M LIBOR + 7.00% Interest Only 2/9/2018
Senior 59Hospitality 10,600
 10,485
  1M LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only 11/9/2020
Senior 60Office 20,000
 19,877
  1M LIBOR + 4.25% Interest Only 12/9/2020
Senior 61Hospitality 7,700
 7,657
  1M LIBOR + 5.75% Interest Only 12/9/2019
Senior 62Hospitality 57,075
 56,788
  1M LIBOR + 5.75% Interest Only 6/9/2019
Senior 63Hospitality 18,000
 17,063
 5.75% Interest Only 10/6/2021
Mezzanine 1Multifamily 4,000
 4,036
 12.0% Interest Only 1/6/2024
Mezzanine 2Office 7,000
 7,012
 12.0% Interest Only 5/1/2019
Mezzanine 3Multifamily 3,480
 3,494
 9.5% Interest Only 7/1/2024
Mezzanine 4Office 10,000
 9,572
 10.0% Interest Only 9/6/2024
Mezzanine 5Multifamily 3,000
 3,003
  1M LIBOR + 13.00% Interest Only 3/9/2019
Mezzanine 6Multifamily 8,000
 7,965
  1M LIBOR + 13.00% Interest Only 11/9/2019
   $1,407,718
 $1,403,512
      


DescriptionProperty TypeFace AmountCarrying AmountInterest
Rate
 Payment
Terms
Maturity Date
Senior Debt 88Multifamily14,505 14,425 1 month LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only7/9/2023
Senior Debt 89Multifamily23,438 23,337 1 month LIBOR + 4.65% Interest Only7/9/2023
Senior Debt 90Multifamily4,300 4,281 1 month LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only2/9/2023
Senior Debt 91Manufactured Housing7,680 7,645 1 month LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only8/9/2023
Senior Debt 92Mixed Use30,465 30,246 1 month LIBOR + 5.15% Interest Only8/9/2023
Senior Debt 93Multifamily3,140 3,126 1 month LIBOR + 6.25% Interest Only8/9/2022
Senior Debt 94Industrial24,657 24,376 1 month LIBOR + 4.60% Interest Only9/6/2022
Senior Debt 95Multifamily1 month LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only7/1/2022
Senior Debt 96Hospitality27,000 26,878 1 month LIBOR + 6.50% Interest Only9/9/2023
Senior Debt 97Multifamily2,465 2,453 1 month LIBOR + 5.75% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 98Multifamily50,000 49,789 1 month LIBOR + 6.69% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 99Self Storage29,895 29,759 1 month LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only9/9/2023
Senior Debt 100Multifamily11,622 11,545 1 month LIBOR + 4.75% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 101Manufactured Housing3,400 3,384 1 month LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 102Multifamily27,550 27,431 1 month LIBOR + 5.75% Interest Only9/9/2022
Senior Debt 103Multifamily76,000 75,649 1 month LIBOR + 4.10% Interest Only10/9/2023
Senior Debt 104Multifamily58,000 57,732 1 month LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only10/9/2023
Senior Debt 105Manufactured Housing5,020 4,996 1 month LIBOR + 5.25% Interest Only10/9/2023
Senior Debt 106Office19,003 18,909 1 month LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only10/9/2023
Senior Debt 107Office69,675 69,339 5.15% Interest Only10/9/2025
Senior Debt 108Office30,900 30,670 1 month LIBOR + 5.20% Interest Only10/9/2023
Senior Debt 109Multifamily10,945 10,895 1 month LIBOR + 7.04% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 110Self Storage11,600 11,546 1 month LIBOR + 4.76% Interest Only11/9/2022
Senior Debt 111Industrial24,552 24,426 1 month LIBOR + 4.35% Interest Only11/9/2022
Senior Debt 112Manufactured Housing5,000 4,929 1 month LIBOR + 5.90% Interest Only5/9/2023
Senior Debt 113Office12,750 12,682 1 month LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only11/9/2023
Senior Debt 114Multifamily40,937 40,682 1 month LIBOR + 4.35% Interest Only11/9/2023
Senior Debt 115Multifamily36,200 35,997 1 month LIBOR + 4.45% Interest Only11/9/2023
Senior Debt 116Multifamily8,250 8,200 1 month LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only11/9/2023
Senior Debt 117Retail11,963 11,833 1 month LIBOR + 4.87% Interest Only5/9/2022
Senior Debt 118Manufactured Housing3,585 3,567 1 month LIBOR + 5.40% Interest Only12/9/2022
Senior Debt 119Multifamily5,730 5,701 1 month LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only6/9/2023
Senior Debt 120Multifamily18,800 18,613 1 month LIBOR + 4.00% Interest Only12/9/2024
Senior Debt 121Industrial14,250 14,160 1 month LIBOR + 4.50% Interest Only12/9/2023
Senior Debt 122Office11,550 11,479 1 month LIBOR + 5.50% Interest Only1/9/2024
Senior Debt 123Multifamily21,000 20,884 1 month LIBOR + 4.60% Interest Only1/9/2024
Senior Debt 124Office26,000 25,869 1 month LIBOR + 5.00% Interest Only1/9/2023
Senior Debt 125Hospitality17,401 17,243 5.75% Amortizing Balloon10/6/2021
Mezzanine Loan 1Multifamily3,480 3,488 9.50% Interest Only7/1/2024
Mezzanine Loan 2Retail3,500 3,500 10.00% Interest Only2/6/2029
Mezzanine Loan 3Multifamily6,500 6,473 1 month LIBOR + 10.25% Interest Only9/9/2022
Mezzanine Loan 4Retail1,438 1,444 1 month LIBOR + 10.75% Interest Only5/9/2022
Mezzanine Loan 5Multifamily1,000 1,005 11.00% Interest Only11/6/2028
$2,722,863 $2,714,734 
F-43
F-53