0001055160us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Memberus-gaap:NonperformingFinancingReceivableMembersrt:WeightedAverageMemberus-gaap:LoansReceivableMemberus-gaap:MeasurementInputPrepaymentRateMembermfa:LiquidationModelMember2021-01-012021-03-31
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) 
   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2021
 
or 
   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                              to                             
 
Commission File Number: 1-13991
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________________________________________________ 
Maryland13-3974868
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Vanderbilt Ave., 48th Floor
New YorkNew York10017
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
 (212) 207-6400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Not Applicable 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last period)
____________________________________________________________________ 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareMFANew York Stock Exchange
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
MFA/PBNew York Stock Exchange
6.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
MFA/PCNew York Stock Exchange

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.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerx Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ☐ No x

441,281,610440,926,797 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding as of April 29,October 28, 2021.



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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts) (In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
(In Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Assets:Assets: Assets: 
Residential whole loans:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value ($2,366,285 and $2,704,646 pledged as collateral, respectively) (1)
$3,932,300 $4,195,332 
Residential whole loans, at fair value ($889,100 and $827,001 pledged as collateral, respectively) (1)
1,320,199 1,216,902 
Allowance for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value(63,244)(86,833)
Total residential whole loans, net5,189,255 5,325,401 
Securities, at fair value ($350,115 and $399,999 pledged as collateral, respectively)350,115 399,999 
Residential whole loans, net ($4,093,598 and $1,216,902 held at fair value, respectively) (1)(2)
Residential whole loans, net ($4,093,598 and $1,216,902 held at fair value, respectively) (1)(2)
$7,081,462 $5,325,401 
Securities, at fair value (2)
Securities, at fair value (2)
283,037 399,999 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents780,714 814,354 Cash and cash equivalents526,241 814,354 
Restricted cashRestricted cash5,150 7,165 Restricted cash55,507 7,165 
Other assets392,726 385,381 
Other assets (2)
Other assets (2)
541,603 385,381 
Total AssetsTotal Assets$6,717,960 $6,932,300 Total Assets$8,487,850 $6,932,300 
Liabilities:Liabilities:  Liabilities:  
Financing agreements ($2,974,578 and $3,366,772 held at fair value, respectively)$3,995,982 $4,336,976 
Financing agreements ($2,496,584 and $3,366,772 held at fair value, respectively)
Financing agreements ($2,496,584 and $3,366,772 held at fair value, respectively)
$5,550,808 $4,336,976 
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities179,712��70,522 Other liabilities335,955 70,522 
Total LiabilitiesTotal Liabilities$4,175,694 $4,407,498 Total Liabilities$5,886,763 $4,407,498 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)00Commitments and contingencies (See Note 10)00
Stockholders’ Equity:Stockholders’ Equity:  Stockholders’ Equity:  
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 7.5% Series B cumulative redeemable; 8,050 shares authorized; 8,000 shares issued and outstanding ($200,000 aggregate liquidation preference)Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 7.5% Series B cumulative redeemable; 8,050 shares authorized; 8,000 shares issued and outstanding ($200,000 aggregate liquidation preference)$80 $80 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 7.5% Series B cumulative redeemable; 8,050 shares authorized; 8,000 shares issued and outstanding ($200,000 aggregate liquidation preference)$80 $80 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 6.5% Series C fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable; 12,650 shares authorized; 11,000 shares issued and outstanding ($275,000 aggregate liquidation preference)Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 6.5% Series C fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable; 12,650 shares authorized; 11,000 shares issued and outstanding ($275,000 aggregate liquidation preference)110 110 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 6.5% Series C fixed-to-floating rate cumulative redeemable; 12,650 shares authorized; 11,000 shares issued and outstanding ($275,000 aggregate liquidation preference)110 110 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 874,300 and 874,300 shares authorized; 446,114 and 451,714 shares issued
and outstanding, respectively
4,461 4,517 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 874,300 and 874,300 shares authorized; 440,927 and 451,714 shares issued
and outstanding, respectively
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 874,300 and 874,300 shares authorized; 440,927 and 451,714 shares issued
and outstanding, respectively
4,409 4,517 
Additional paid-in capital, in excess of parAdditional paid-in capital, in excess of par3,825,606 3,848,129 Additional paid-in capital, in excess of par3,807,237 3,848,129 
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit(1,361,664)(1,405,327)Accumulated deficit(1,267,504)(1,405,327)
Accumulated other comprehensive incomeAccumulated other comprehensive income73,673 77,293 Accumulated other comprehensive income56,755 77,293 
Total Stockholders’ EquityTotal Stockholders’ Equity$2,542,266 $2,524,802 Total Stockholders’ Equity$2,601,087 $2,524,802 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ EquityTotal Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$6,717,960 $6,932,300 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$8,487,850 $6,932,300 

(1)Includes approximately $1.5$2.3 billion and $1.4$1.8 billion of Residential whole loans at carrying value and $311.6 million and $382.3 million of Residential whole loans, at fair value transferred to consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Such assets can be used only to settle the obligations of each respective VIE.
(2)See Note 6 for information regarding the Company’s pledged assets.




The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)2021 2020(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)2021 20202021 2020
Interest Income:Interest Income: Interest Income: 
Residential whole loans held at carrying value$45,340 $83,486 
Residential whole loansResidential whole loans$79,602 $70,948 $213,156 $261,819 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value16,459 58,581 Securities, at fair value10,629 8,570 42,433 81,867 
Other interest-earning assetsOther interest-earning assets2,907 Other interest-earning assets524 3,017 632 9,089 
Cash and cash equivalent investmentsCash and cash equivalent investments54 486 Cash and cash equivalent investments126 100 239 646 
Interest IncomeInterest Income$61,853 $145,460 Interest Income$90,881 $82,635 $256,460 $353,421 
Interest Expense:Interest Expense: Interest Expense:  
Asset-backed and other collateralized financing arrangementsAsset-backed and other collateralized financing arrangements$26,050 $77,859 Asset-backed and other collateralized financing arrangements$25,135 $50,054 $72,827 $209,998 
Other interest expenseOther interest expense4,020 5,900 Other interest expense3,930 5,910 11,863 17,716 
Interest ExpenseInterest Expense$30,070 $83,759 Interest Expense$29,065 $55,964 $84,690 $227,714 
Net Interest IncomeNet Interest Income$31,783 $61,701 Net Interest Income$61,816 $26,671 $171,770 $125,707 
Reversal/(Provision) for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans$22,750 $(150,711)
Reversal/(Provision) for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instrumentsReversal/(Provision) for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments$9,709 $27,244 $41,326 $(38,090)
Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit and Valuation LossesNet Interest Income after Provision for Credit and Valuation Losses$54,533 $(89,010)Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit and Valuation Losses$71,525 $53,915 $213,096 $87,617 
Other Income, net:Other Income, net:Other Income, net:
Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets$$(419,651)
Net realized loss on sales of securities and residential whole loans(238,380)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities measured at fair value through earnings101 (77,961)
Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earningsNet gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings49,809 (52,760)Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings$21,815 $60,316 $59,325 $(10,082)
Gain on investment in Lima One common equity (Note 16)Gain on investment in Lima One common equity (Note 16)38,933 — 38,933 — 
Impairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assetsImpairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets10,000 (221)10,000 (424,966)
Lima One - origination, servicing and other fee incomeLima One - origination, servicing and other fee income9,643 — 9,643 — 
Net gain/(loss) on real estate ownedNet gain/(loss) on real estate owned6,829 4,503 13,725 293 
Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loansNet realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans— 48 — (188,847)
Loss on terminated swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposesLoss on terminated swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes— (7,177)— (57,034)
Other, netOther, net3,607 (2,011)Other, net7,226 3,086 18,787 (11,355)
Other Income/(Loss), netOther Income/(Loss), net$53,517 $(790,763)Other Income/(Loss), net$94,446 $60,555 $150,413 $(691,991)
Operating and Other Expense:Operating and Other Expense:Operating and Other Expense:
Compensation and benefitsCompensation and benefits$8,437 $8,899 Compensation and benefits$16,210 $11,657 $33,533 $29,134 
Other general and administrative expenseOther general and administrative expense6,792 4,575 Other general and administrative expense8,659 6,611 23,338 18,656 
Loan servicing, financing and other related costsLoan servicing, financing and other related costs7,299 11,280 Loan servicing, financing and other related costs5,291 8,992 18,591 28,609 
Amortization of intangible assetsAmortization of intangible assets3,300 — 3,300 — 
Costs associated with restructuring/forbearance agreementCosts associated with restructuring/forbearance agreement4,468 Costs associated with restructuring/forbearance agreement— — — 44,434 
Operating and Other ExpenseOperating and Other Expense$22,528 $29,222 Operating and Other Expense$33,460 $27,260 $78,762 $120,833 
Net Income/(Loss)Net Income/(Loss)$85,522 $(908,995)Net Income/(Loss)$132,511 $87,210 $284,747 $(725,207)
Less Preferred Stock Dividend RequirementLess Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement$8,219 $5,215 Less Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement$8,218 $8,219 24,656 21,578 
Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating SecuritiesNet Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities$77,303 $(914,210)Net Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities$124,293 $78,991 $260,091 $(746,785)
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Common ShareBasic Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share$0.17 $(2.02)Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share$0.28 $0.17 $0.58 $(1.65)
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Common ShareDiluted Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share$0.17 $(2.02)Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Common Share$0.27 $0.17 $0.57 $(1.65)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
2

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)20212020(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Net income/(loss)Net income/(loss)$85,522 $(908,995)Net income/(loss)$132,511 $87,210 $284,747 $(725,207)
Other Comprehensive (Loss):Other Comprehensive (Loss):  Other Comprehensive (Loss):  
Unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-saleUnrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-sale(3,855)124,410 Unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-sale(8,029)15,082 (21,473)408,585 
Reclassification adjustment for securities sales included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for securities sales included in net income(23,953)Reclassification adjustment for securities sales included in net income— (60)— (389,127)
Reclassification adjustment for impairments included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for impairments included in net income(344,269)Reclassification adjustment for impairments included in net income— — — (344,269)
Derivative hedging instrument fair value changes, netDerivative hedging instrument fair value changes, net(50,127)Derivative hedging instrument fair value changes, net— — — (50,127)
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit riskChanges in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk235 Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk209 (22,652)935 (22,652)
Reclassification adjustment for losses related to hedging instruments included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for losses related to hedging instruments included in net income1,594 Reclassification adjustment for losses related to hedging instruments included in net income— 7,176 — 72,802 
Other Comprehensive (Loss)Other Comprehensive (Loss)(3,620)(292,345)Other Comprehensive (Loss)(7,820)(454)(20,538)(324,788)
Comprehensive income/(loss) before preferred stock dividendsComprehensive income/(loss) before preferred stock dividends$81,902 $(1,201,340)Comprehensive income/(loss) before preferred stock dividends$124,691 $86,756 $264,209 $(1,049,995)
Dividends required on preferred stockDividends required on preferred stock(8,219)(5,215)Dividends required on preferred stock(8,218)(8,219)(24,656)(21,578)
Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating SecuritiesComprehensive Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities$73,683 $(1,206,555)Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities$116,473 $78,537 $239,553 $(1,071,573)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Preferred Stock
6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share
Preferred Stock
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share
Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated
 Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTotal
SharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 202011,000 $110 8,000 $80 451,714 $4,517 $3,848,129 $(1,405,327)$77,293 $2,524,802 
Net Income— — — — — — — 85,522 — 85,522 
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 559 376 — — 382 
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
— — — — (6,159)(62)(25,074)— — (25,136)
Equity based compensation expense— — — — — — 1,686 — — 1,686 
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards— — — — — — 489 — — 489 
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.075 per share)— — — — — — — (33,521)— (33,521)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($0.46875 per share)— — — — — — — (3,750)— (3,750)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.40625 per share)— — — — — — (4,468)— (4,468)
Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents— — — — — — — (120)— (120)
Change in unrealized gains on MBS, net— — — — — — — — (3,855)(3,855)
Derivative hedging instrument fair value changes and amortization, net— — — — — — — — 
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk— — — — — — — — 235 235 
Balance at March 31, 202111,000 $110 8,000 $80 446,114 $4,461 $3,825,606 $(1,361,664)$73,673 $2,542,266 

MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Preferred Stock
6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share
Preferred Stock
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Share
Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated
 Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTotal
SharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 202011,000 $110 8,000 $80 451,714 $4,517 $3,848,129 $(1,405,327)$77,293 $2,524,802 
Net Income— — — — — — — 85,522 — 85,522 
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 559 376 — — 382 
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
— — — — (6,159)(62)(25,074)— — (25,136)
Equity based compensation expense— — — — — — 1,686 — — 1,686 
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards— — — — — — 489 — — 489 
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.075 per share)— — — — — — — (33,521)— (33,521)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($0.46875 per share)— — — — — — — (3,750)— (3,750)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.40625 per share)— — — — — — (4,468)— (4,468)
Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents— — — — — — — (120)— (120)
Change in unrealized gains on securities, net— — — — — — — — (3,855)(3,855)
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk— — — — — — — — 235 235 
Balance at March 31, 202111,000 $110 8,000 $80 446,114 $4,461 $3,825,606 $(1,361,664)$73,673 $2,542,266 
Net income    — — — 66,714 — 66,714 
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses    358 394 — — 398 
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
    (5,660)(57)(23,684)— — (23,741)
Equity based compensation expense    — — 2,741 — — 2,741 
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards    — — (227)(61)— (288)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.10 per share)    — — — (44,081)— (44,081)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($0.46875 per share)    — — — (3,750)— (3,750)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.40625 per share)    — — — (4,469)— (4,469)
Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents    — — — (155)— (155)
Change in unrealized gains on securities, net    — — — — (9,589)(9,589)
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk    — — — — 491 491 
Balance at June 30, 202111,000 $110 8,000 $80 440,812 $4,408 $3,804,830 $(1,347,466)$64,575 $2,526,537 
Net income— — — — — — — 132,511 — 132,511 
Issuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 115 524 — — 525 
Equity based compensation expense— — — — — — 2,306 — — 2,306 
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards— — — — — — (423)(82)— (505)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.10 per share)— — — — — — — (44,093)— (44,093)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($0.46875 per share)— — — — — — — (3,750)— (3,750)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.40625 per share)— — — — — — — (4,469)— (4,469)
Dividends attributable to dividend equivalents— — — — — — — (155)— (155)
Change in unrealized gains on securities, net— — — — — — — — (8,029)(8,029)
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk— — — — — — — — 209 209 
Balance at September 30, 202111,000 $110 8,000 $80 440,927 $4,409 $3,807,237 $(1,267,504)$56,755 $2,601,087 
(1)  For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 includes approximately $799,000 (213,123 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards.



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























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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Preferred Stock
6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference td5.00 per Share
Preferred Stock
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference td5.00 per Share
Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated
 Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTotal(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Preferred Stock
6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference td5.00 per Share
Preferred Stock
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable - Liquidation Preference td5.00 per Share
Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated
 Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeTotal
SharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 2019Balance at December 31, 20198,000 $80 452,369 $4,524 $3,640,341 $(631,040)$370,047 $3,383,952 Balance at December 31, 2019— — 8,000 $80 452,369 $4,524 $3,640,341 $(631,040)$370,047 $3,383,952 
Cumulative effect adjustment on adoption of new accounting standard ASU 2016-13Cumulative effect adjustment on adoption of new accounting standard ASU 2016-13— — — — — — — (8,326)— (8,326)
Cumulative effect adjustment on adoption of new accounting standard ASU 2016-13
— — — — — — — (8,326)— (8,326)
Net lossNet loss— — — — — — — (908,995)— (908,995)Net loss— — — — — — — (908,995)— (908,995)
Issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net of expensesIssuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net of expenses11,000 110 — — — — 265,919 — — 266,029 Issuance of Series C Preferred Stock, net of expenses11,000 110 — — — — 265,919 — — 266,029 
Issuance of common stock, net of expensesIssuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 1,106 680 — — 687 Issuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 1,106 680 — — 687 
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
— — — — (337)— (2,652)— — (2,652)
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
— — — — (337)— (2,652)— — (2,652)
Equity based compensation expenseEquity based compensation expense— — — — — — 1,266 — — 1,266 Equity based compensation expense— — — — — — 1,266 — — 1,266 
Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awardsChange in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards— — — — — — 1,059 — — 1,059 Change in accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards— — — — — — 1,059 — — 1,059 
Change in unrealized losses on securities, netChange in unrealized losses on securities, net— — — — — — — — (243,812)(243,812)Change in unrealized losses on securities, net— — — — — — — — (243,812)(243,812)
Derivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, netDerivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, net— — — — — — — — (48,533)(48,533)Derivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, net— — — — — — — — (48,533)(48,533)
Balance at March 31, 2020Balance at March 31, 202011,000 $110 8,000 $80 453,138 $4,531 $3,906,613 $(1,548,361)$77,702 $2,440,675 Balance at March 31, 202011,000 $110 8,000 $80 453,138 $4,531 $3,906,613 $(1,548,361)$77,702 $2,440,675 
Net incomeNet income— — — — — — — 96,578 — 96,578 
Issuance of common stock, net of expensesIssuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 106 36 — — 37 
Equity based compensation expenseEquity based compensation expense— — — — — — 1,709 — — 1,709 
Change in unrealized gains on securities, netChange in unrealized gains on securities, net— — — — — — — — (96,021)(96,021)
Derivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, netDerivative hedging instruments fair value changes and amortization, net— — — — — — — — 64,032 64,032 
Warrants IssuedWarrants Issued— — — — — — 14,041 — — 14,041 
Balance at June 30, 2020Balance at June 30, 202011,000 $110 8,000 $80 453,244 $4,532 $3,922,399 $(1,451,783)$45,713 $2,521,051 
Net incomeNet income— — — — — — — 87,210 — 87,210 
Issuance of common stock, net of expensesIssuance of common stock, net of expenses— — — — 89 — — — 
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
Repurchase of shares of common stock (1)
— — — — — — — — — — 
Equity based compensation expenseEquity based compensation expense— — — — — — 2,266 — — 2,266 
Accrued dividends attributable to stock-based awardsAccrued dividends attributable to stock-based awards— — — — — — (81)— — (81)
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.05 per share)Dividends declared on common stock ($0.05 per share)— — — — — — — (22,667)— (22,667)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($1.40625 per share) (2)
Dividends declared on Series B Preferred Stock ($1.40625 per share) (2)
— — — — — — — (11,250)— (11,250)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.93889 per share) (2)
Dividends declared on Series C Preferred Stock ($0.93889 per share) (2)
— — — — — — — (10,328)— (10,328)
Dividends attributable to dividend equivalentsDividends attributable to dividend equivalents— — — — — — — (92)— (92)
Change in unrealized gains on securities, netChange in unrealized gains on securities, net— — — — — — — — 15,022 15,022 
Derivative hedging instrument fair value changes and amortization, netDerivative hedging instrument fair value changes and amortization, net— — — — — — — — 7,176 7,176 
Changes in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit riskChanges in fair value of financing agreements at fair value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk— — — — — — — — (22,652)(22,652)
Balance at September 30, 2020Balance at September 30, 202011,000 $110 8,000 $80 453,333 $4,533 $3,924,584 $(1,408,910)$45,259 $2,565,656 

(1)  For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, includes approximately $2.7 million (337,026 shares) surrendered for tax purposes related to equity-based compensation awards.
(2) Includes reinstated dividends that were unpaid through June 30, 2020, and were paid during the three months ended September 30, 2020.

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

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)20212020(In Thousands)20212020
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:Cash Flows From Operating Activities:  Cash Flows From Operating Activities:  
Net income/(loss)Net income/(loss)$85,522 $(908,995)Net income/(loss)$284,747 $(725,207)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
(Gains)/losses on residential whole loans and real estate owned, net(Gains)/losses on residential whole loans and real estate owned, net(35,893)217,920 (Gains)/losses on residential whole loans and real estate owned, net(67,844)280,142 
(Gains)/losses on securities, net(100)170,550 
Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets419,651 
Accretion of purchase discounts on residential whole loans and securities(16,436)(12,114)
Amortization of purchase premiums on residential whole loans and securities, and amortization of terminated hedging instruments6,791 15,266 
Gains on securities, netGains on securities, net(1,969)(71,569)
Impairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assetsImpairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets(49,039)424,966 
Loss on terminated swaps previously designed as hedges for accounting purposesLoss on terminated swaps previously designed as hedges for accounting purposes— 57,034 
Accretion of purchase discounts and amortization of purchase premiums on residential whole loans and securities, and amortization of terminated hedging instrumentsAccretion of purchase discounts and amortization of purchase premiums on residential whole loans and securities, and amortization of terminated hedging instruments(23,295)13,367 
(Reversal of provision)/provision for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments(Reversal of provision)/provision for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments(23,967)150,711 (Reversal of provision)/provision for credit and valuation losses on residential whole loans and other financial instruments(43,550)38,090 
Net other non-cash losses included in net incomeNet other non-cash losses included in net income5,212 7,689 Net other non-cash losses included in net income16,112 16,388 
Increase in other assets(1,939)(37,811)
Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities4,975 (9,653)
Decrease in other assetsDecrease in other assets20,484 459 
Decrease in other liabilitiesDecrease in other liabilities(26,574)(16,919)
Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities$24,165 $13,214 Net cash provided by operating activities$109,072 $16,751 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:Cash Flows From Investing Activities:  Cash Flows From Investing Activities:  
Purchases of residential whole loans, loan related investments and capitalized advancesPurchases of residential whole loans, loan related investments and capitalized advances$(184,707)$(1,119,464)Purchases of residential whole loans, loan related investments and capitalized advances$(2,877,090)$(1,345,422)
Proceeds from sales of residential whole loans, and residential whole loan repurchasesProceeds from sales of residential whole loans, and residential whole loan repurchases— 1,521,060 
Principal payments on residential whole loans and loan related investmentsPrincipal payments on residential whole loans and loan related investments425,300 508,855 Principal payments on residential whole loans and loan related investments1,433,199 1,261,319 
Increase in cash balances resulting from Lima One purchase transaction, netIncrease in cash balances resulting from Lima One purchase transaction, net6,122 — 
Purchases of securitiesPurchases of securities(162,607)Purchases of securities— (163,748)
Proceeds from sales of securities and other assetsProceeds from sales of securities and other assets1,009,316 Proceeds from sales of securities and other assets— 3,790,148 
Principal payments on securitiesPrincipal payments on securities58,896 539,882 Principal payments on securities130,686 609,758 
Purchases of real estate owned and capital improvementsPurchases of real estate owned and capital improvements(217)(5,606)Purchases of real estate owned and capital improvements(1,087)(9,334)
Proceeds from sales of real estate ownedProceeds from sales of real estate owned50,619 52,042 Proceeds from sales of real estate owned133,157 203,603 
Additions to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixturesAdditions to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures(4,415)(176)Additions to leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures(50,735)(1,425)
Net cash provided by investing activities$345,476 $822,242 
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activitiesNet cash (used in)/provided by investing activities$(1,225,748)$5,865,959 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Cash Flows From Financing Activities: 
Principal payments on financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsPrincipal payments on financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions$(821,716)$(12,903,818)Principal payments on financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions$(941,468)$(21,401,578)
Proceeds from borrowings under financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsProceeds from borrowings under financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions663,926 12,216,862 Proceeds from borrowings under financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions2,009,691 13,749,720 
Principal payments on other collateralized financing agreementsPrincipal payments on other collateralized financing agreements(521,259)(37,418)Principal payments on other collateralized financing agreements(1,484,127)(464,838)
Proceeds from borrowings under other collateralized financing agreementsProceeds from borrowings under other collateralized financing agreements437,915 Proceeds from borrowings under other collateralized financing agreements1,582,982 2,908,710 
Payment made for other collateralized financing agreement related costsPayment made for other collateralized financing agreement related costs(1,371)Payment made for other collateralized financing agreement related costs(6,847)— 
Principal payment on redemption of Senior notesPrincipal payment on redemption of Senior notes(100,000)Principal payment on redemption of Senior notes(100,000)— 
Payments made for settlements and unwinds of SwapsPayments made for settlements and unwinds of Swaps(88,405)Payments made for settlements and unwinds of Swaps— (88,405)
Proceeds from issuance of series C preferred stockProceeds from issuance of series C preferred stock275,000 Proceeds from issuance of series C preferred stock— 275,000 
Payments made for costs related to series C preferred stock issuancePayments made for costs related to series C preferred stock issuance(8,912)Payments made for costs related to series C preferred stock issuance— (8,948)
Proceeds from issuances of common stockProceeds from issuances of common stock376 687 Proceeds from issuances of common stock1,297 725 
Proceeds from the issuance of warrantsProceeds from the issuance of warrants— 14,041 
Payments made for the repurchase of common stock through the share repurchase programPayments made for the repurchase of common stock through the share repurchase program(20,933)Payments made for the repurchase of common stock through the share repurchase program(48,075)— 
Dividends paid on preferred stockDividends paid on preferred stock(8,219)Dividends paid on preferred stock(24,656)(21,578)
Dividends paid on common stock and dividend equivalentsDividends paid on common stock and dividend equivalents(34,015)(90,749)Dividends paid on common stock and dividend equivalents(111,892)(90,749)
Net cash used in financing activities$(405,296)$(636,753)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activitiesNet cash provided by/(used in) financing activities$876,905 $(5,127,900)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cashNet (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$(35,655)$198,703 Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$(239,771)$754,810 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of periodCash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period$821,519 $134,664 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period$821,519 $134,664 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of periodCash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$785,864 $333,367 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$581,748 $889,474 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow InformationSupplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information 
Interest PaidInterest Paid$29,554 $80,158 Interest Paid$81,636 $213,318 
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Transfer from residential whole loans to real estate owned$20,068 $50,693 
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared and unpaid$33,640 $
Payable for unsettled residential whole loan purchases$112,202 $
Receivable for unsettled residential whole loan and securities sales$$419,583 
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Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Transfer from residential whole loans to real estate owned$50,043 $74,891 
Dividends and dividend equivalents declared and unpaid$44,247 $22,758 
Payable for unsettled residential whole loan purchases$163,015 $— 
Right-of-use lease asset and lease liability$40,893 $— 
Repayment of Lima One preferred stock in connection with the Lima One transaction (see Note 16)$22,030 $— 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.statements.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
 
1.   Organization
 
MFA Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Maryland on July 24, 1997 and began operations on April 10, 1998.  The Company has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company must comply with a number of requirements under federal tax law, including that it must distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income to its stockholders.  The Company has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). In general, a TRS may hold assets and engage in activities that the Company cannot hold or engage in directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business (see Note 2(m)2(n)).
 
2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
(a)  Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
 
The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in accordance with these SEC rules and regulations.  Management believes that the disclosures included in these interim unaudited consolidated financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.  In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial condition of the Company at March 31,September 30, 2021 and results of operations for all periods presented have been made.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 should not be construed as indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Although the Company’s estimates contemplate current conditions and how it expects them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from those estimates, which could materially impact the Company’s results of operations and its financial condition.  Management has made significant estimates in several areas, impairment, valuation allowances and loss allowances on residential whole loans (see Note 3), MBS, CRT securities and MSR-related assets (collectively, “Securities, at fair value”) (see Note 4) and Other assets (see Note 5), valuation of Securities, at fair value (see Notes 4 and 14), income recognition and valuation of residential whole loans (see Notes 3 and 14), valuation of derivative instruments (see Notes 5(c) and 14) and income recognition on certain Non-Agency MBS (defined below) purchased at a discount (see Note 4).  In addition, estimates are used in the determination of taxable income used in the assessment of REIT compliance and contingent liabilities for related taxes, penalties and interest (see Note 2(m)2(n)).  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company has 1 reportable segment as it manages its business and analyzes and reports its results of operations on the basis of 1 operating segment: investing, on a leveraged basis, in residential mortgage assets.
 
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of all subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In addition, the Company consolidates entities established to facilitate transactions related to the acquisition and securitization of residential whole loans completed in prior years. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

In particular, prior period disclosures have been conformed to the current period presentation of interest income from residential whole loans at fair value. Starting in the second quarter of 2021, interest income for these loans is presented in interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Previously, interest income received on residential whole loans at fair value was presented in other income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. On July 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Lima One Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Lima One Capital, LLC (collectively referred to as “Lima One”), a leading nationwide originator and servicer of business purpose loans (“BPLs”). Lima One’s financial results are consolidated with MFA’s results from that date (see Note 16).
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

(b)  Residential Whole Loans (including Residential Whole Loans transferred to consolidated VIEs)

Residential whole loans included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are primarily comprised of pools of fixed- and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans acquired through consolidated trusts in secondary market transactions.transactions or originated by Lima One. The accounting model utilized by the Company is determined at the time each loan package is initially acquired and is generally basedacquired. Prior to the second quarter of 2021, the fair value option was typically elected on the delinquency status of the majority of the underlying borrowers in the packageloans that were 60 or more days delinquent at acquisition. The accounting model described below forpurchase (“Purchased Non-performing Loans”). Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans that are held at carrying value is typically utilized byacquired prior to the Company for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loanssecond quarter of 2021, and where the underlying borrower hashad a delinquency status of less than 60 days at the acquisition date. The Company also acquiresdate, are typically held at carrying value. Purchased Performing Loans thatacquired prior to the second quarter of 2021 are also typically held at carrying value, but the accounting methods for income recognition and determination and measurement of any required credit loss reserves (as discussed below) differ from those used for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans held at carrying value. The accounting model described below for residential whole loans held atStarting in the second quarter of 2021, the Company elected the fair value is typically utilized byoption for all loans acquired, irrespective of borrower delinquency status at acquisition. Over time, the Company expects that election of the fair value option should serve to simplify reporting of the results of its loan investment activities as fair value accounting will be used for the majority of loans wherein the underlying borrower has a delinquency status of 60 days or more at the acquisition date.Company’s portfolio. The accounting model initially applied to loan acquisitions is not permitted to be subsequently changed. Consequently, the Company is not permitted to retroactively apply fair value accounting to loans held at carrying value acquired in periods prior to the second quarter of 2021.

The Company’s residential whole loans pledged as collateral against financing agreements are included in the consolidated balance sheets with amounts pledged disclosed parenthetically.in Note 6.  Purchases and sales of residential whole loans that are subject to an extended period of due diligence that crosses a reporting date are recorded in our balance sheet at amounts reflecting management’s current estimate of assets that will be acquired or disposed at the closing of the transaction. This estimate is subject to revision at the closing of the transaction, pending the outcome of due diligence performed prior to closing. Residential whole loans purchased under flow arrangements with loan origination partners are generally recorded at the transaction settlement date. Recorded amounts of residential whole loans for which the closing of the purchase transaction is yet to occur are not eligible to be pledged as collateral against any financing agreement until the closing of the purchase transaction. Interest income, credit related losses and changes in the fair value of loans held at fair value are recorded post settlement for acquired loans and until transaction settlement for sold loans (see Notes 3, 6, 7, 14 and 15).

Residential Whole Loans at Carrying Value

Purchased Performing Loans

Acquisitions of Purchased Performing Loans to date (which include loans purchased from third parties or loans originated by Lima One and not sold to third parties) have been primarily comprised of: (i) loans to finance (or refinance) one-to-four family residential properties that are not considered to meet the definition of a “Qualified Mortgage” in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“Non-QM loans”), (ii) short-term business purpose loans collateralized by residential properties made to non-occupant borrowers who intend to rehabilitate and sell the property for a profit (“Rehabilitation loans” or “Fix and Flip loans”), (iii) loans to finance (or refinance) non-owner occupied one-to four-family residential properties that are rented to one or more tenants (“Single-family rental loans”), and (iv) previously originated loans secured by residential real estate that is generally owner occupied (“Seasoned performing loans”), and (v) loans on investor properties that conform to the standards for purchase by a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) (“Agency eligible investor loans”). Purchased Performing Loans are initially recorded at their purchase price.price (or amount funded for originated loans). Interest income on Purchased Performing Loans acquired at par is accrued based on each loan’s current interest bearing balance and current interest rate, net of related servicing costs. Interest income on such loans purchasedacquired at a premium/discount to par is recorded each period based on the contractual coupon net of any amortization of premium or accretion of discount, adjusted for actual prepayment activity. For loans acquired with related servicing rights retained by the seller, interest income is reported net of related serving costs.

AnFor Purchased Performing Loans acquired prior to the second quarter of 2021 and where the fair value option was not elected, an allowance for credit losses is recorded at acquisition, and maintained on an ongoing basis, for all losses expected over the life of the respective loan. Any required credit loss allowance would reduce the net carrying value of the loan with a corresponding charge to earnings, and may increase or decrease over time. Significant judgments are required in determining any allowance for credit loss, including assumptions regarding the loan cash flows expected to be collected, the value of the underlying collateral and the ability of the Company to collect on any other forms of security, such as a personal guaranty provided either by the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower. Income recognition is suspended, and interest accruals are
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
reversed against income, for loans at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful (i.e., such loans are placed on nonaccrual status). For nonaccrual loans, other than Fix and Flip loans, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. For nonaccrual Fix and Flip loans, interest income is recorded under the cash basis method as interest payments are received. Interest accruals are resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed.current. A loan is written off when it is no longer realizable and/or it is legally discharged. Modified loans are considered “troubled debt
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
restructurings” if the Company grants a concession to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty (including the interpretation of this definition set forth in OCC Bulletin 2020-35).

Charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses occur when losses are confirmed through the receipt of cash or other consideration from the completion of a sale; when a modification or restructuring takes place in which we grant a concession to a borrower or agree to a discount in full or partial satisfaction of the loan; when we take ownership and control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of the loan; when loans are reclassified as other investments; or when significant collection efforts have ceased and it is highly likely that a loss has been realized.

The aggregate allowance for credit losses is equal to the sum of the losses expected over the life of each respective loan. Expected losses are generally calculated based on the estimated probability of default and loss severity of loans in the portfolio, which involves projecting each loan’s expected cash flows based on their contractual terms, expected prepayments, and estimated default and loss severity rates. The results were not discounted. The default and severity rates were estimated based on the following steps: (i) obtained the Company’s historical experience through an entire economic cycle for each loan type or, to the extent the Company did not have sufficient historical loss experience for a given loan type, publicly available data derived from the historical loss experience of certain banks, which data the Company believes is generally representative of its portfolio, (ii) obtained historical economic data (U.S. unemployment rates and home price appreciation) over the same period, and (iii) estimated default and severity rates during three distinct future periods based on historical default and severity rates during periods when economic conditions similar to those forecasted were experienced. The default and severity rates were applied to the estimated amount of loans outstanding during each future period, based on contractual terms and expected prepayments. Expected prepayments are estimated based on historical experience and current and expected future economic conditions, including market interest rates. The three periods were as follows: (i) a one-year forecast of economic conditions based on U.S. unemployment rates and home price appreciation, followed by (ii) a two-year “reversion” period during which economic conditions (U.S. unemployment rates and home price appreciation) are projected to revert to historical averages on a straight line basis, followed by (iii) the remaining life of each loan, during which period economic conditions (U.S. unemployment rates and home price appreciation) are projected to equal historical averages. In addition, a liability is established (and recorded in Other Liabilities) each period using a similar methodology for committed but undrawn loan amounts. The Company forecasts future economic conditions based on forecasts provided by an external preparer of economic forecasts, as well as its own knowledge of the market and its portfolio. The Company generally considers multiple scenarios and selects the one that it believes results in the most reasonable estimate of expected losses. The Company may apply qualitative adjustments to these results as further described in Note 3. For certain loans where foreclosure has been deemed to be probable, loss estimates are based on whether the value of the underlying collateral is sufficient to recover the carrying value of the loan. This methodology has not changed from the calculation of the allowance for credit losses on January 1, 2020 pursuant to the transition to Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 as described below under “New Accounting Standards and Interpretations,” other than a change in the reversion period from one year to two years to reflect the expected ongoing impact of current conditions (see Note 3).2021.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

The Company has elected to account for these loans as credit deteriorated as they have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination and were acquired at discounted prices that reflect, in part, the impaired credit history of the borrower. Substantially all of these loans have previously experienced payment delinquencies and the amount owed may exceed the value of the property pledged as collateral. Consequently, these loans generally have a higher likelihood of default than newly originated mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios (“LTVs”) of 80% or less to creditworthy borrowers. The Company believes that amounts paid to acquire these loans represent fair market value at the date of acquisition. Loans considered credit deteriorated are initially recorded at the purchase price on a net basis, after establishing an initial allowance for credit losses (their initial cost basis is equal to their purchase price plus the initial allowance for credit losses). Subsequent to acquisition, the gross recorded amount for these loans reflects the initial cost basis, plus accretion of interest income, less principal and interest cash flows received. These loansPurchased Credit Deteriorated Loans acquired prior to the second quarter of 2021, or where the fair value option was not otherwise elected, are presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at carrying value, which reflects the recorded cost basis reduced by any allowance for credit losses. Interest income on such loans purchased is recorded each period based on the contractual coupon net of amortization of the difference between their cost basis and unpaid principal balance (“UPB”), subject to the Company’s nonaccrual policy.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Residential Whole Loans at Fair Value

Certain of the Company’s residential whole loans are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition. ForPrior to the majoritysecond quarter of these loans, there is significant uncertainty associated with estimating2021, this accounting election was made primarily on Purchased Non-performing Loans. Starting in the timingsecond quarter of and amount of cash flows that will be collected. Further, the cash flows ultimately collected may be dependent on the value of the property securing the loan. Consequently,2021, the Company made the fair value election on all loan acquisitions, which, to date, have been comprised exclusively of Purchased Performing Loans including loans originated by Lima One since its consolidation. The Company generally considers that accounting for these loans at fair value should result in a better reflection over timeto be more reflective of the expected pattern of returns from these loans under current economic returns for the majority of these loans.conditions. The Company determines the fair value of its residential whole loans held at fair value after considering portfolio valuations obtained from a third-party that specializes in providing valuations of residential mortgage loans and trading activity observed in the market place. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in Net (loss)/gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Income receivedInterest income is recorded on these loans based on their yield and is presented as part of interest income in cash or accrued, including coupon interest, on residential whole loans held at fair value is not included in Interest Income, but rather is included in Net (loss)/gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Cash outflows associated with loan-related advances made by the Company on behalf of the borrower are included in the basis of the loan and are reflected in unrealized gains or losses reported each period. Income and costs associated with originating loans on which the fair value option was elected are recorded in other income and expense respectively in the period in which they are earned or incurred.

(c)  Securities, at Fair Value

MSR-Related Assets

The Company has investments in financial instruments whose cash flows are considered to be largely dependent on underlying MSRs that either directly or indirectly act as collateral for the investment. These financial instruments, which are referred to as MSR-related assets, are discussed in more detail below. The Company’s MSR-related assets pledged as collateral against repurchase agreements are included in the consolidated balance sheets with the amounts pledged disclosed parenthetically.in Note 6. Purchases and sales of MSR-related assets are recorded on the trade date (see Notes 4, 6, 7 and 14).

Term Notes Backed by MSR-Related Collateral
The Company has invested in term notes that are issued by special purpose vehicles (“SPV”) that have acquired rights to receive cash flows representing the servicing fees and/or excess servicing spread associated with certain MSRs. The Company considers payment of principal and interest on these term notes to be largely dependent on the cash flows generated by the underlying MSRs as this impacts the cash flows available to the SPV that issued the term notes. Credit risk borne by the holders of the term notes is also mitigated by structural credit support in the form of over-collateralization. Credit support is also provided by a corporate guarantee from the ultimate parent or sponsor of the SPV that is intended to provide for payment of interest and principal to the holders of the term notes should cash flows generated by the underlying MSRs be insufficient.

The Company’s term notes backed by MSR-related collateral are treated as “available-for-sale”“available-for-sale�� (“AFS”) securities and reported at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (“AOCI”), a component of Stockholders’ Equity, subject to impairment and loss allowances. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s valuation process for such notes is similar to that used for residential mortgage securities and considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services, brokers and repurchase agreement counterparties, dialogue with market participants, as well as management’s observations of market activity. Other factors taken into consideration include estimated changes in fair value of the related underlying MSR collateral, as applicable, and the financial performance of the ultimate parent or sponsoring entity of the issuer, which has provided a guarantee that is intended to provide for payment of interest and principal to the holders of the term notes should cash flows generated by the related underlying MSR collateral be insufficient.

Corporate Loans
The Company has made or participated in loans to provide financing to entities that originate residential mortgage loans and own the related MSRs. These corporate loans are generally secured by certain MSRs, as well as certain other unencumbered assets owned by the borrower.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Corporate loans are recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at the drawn amount, on which interest income is recognized on an accrual basis on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, subject to loss allowances. Commitment fees received on the undrawn amount are deferred and recognized as interest income over the remaining loan term at the time of draw. At the end of the commitment period, any remaining deferred commitment fees are recorded as Other Income on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its corporate loans on a quarterly basis considering various factors, including the current status of the loan, changes in the fair value of the MSRs that secure the loan and the recent financial performance of the borrower.

Residential Mortgage Securities
 
Prior to the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Company had invested in residential mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) that are issued or guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”)Mae or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”),Mac, or an agency of the U.S. Government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) (collectively, “Agency MBS”), and residential MBS that are not guaranteed by any agency of the U.S. Government or any federally chartered corporation (“Non-Agency MBS”). The Company disposed of its investments in Agency MBS during 2020 and has substantially reduceddisposed of its remaining investments in Non-Agency MBS.MBS during the second quarter of 2021. In addition, the Company has investments in CRT securities that are issued by or sponsored by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The coupon payments on CRT securities are paid by the issuer and the principal payments received are dependent on the performance of loans in either a reference pool or an actual pool of loans. As the loans in the underlying pool are paid, the principal balance of the CRT securities is paid. As an investor in a CRT security, the Company may incur a principal loss if the performance of the actual or reference pool loans results in either an actual or calculated loss that exceeds the credit enhancement of the security owned by the Company.
 
Designation
 
MBSSecurities that the Company generally intends to hold until maturity, but that it may sell from time to time as part of the overall management of its business, are designated as AFS. Such MBSsecurities are carried at their fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings (except when an allowance for loan losses is recognized, as discussed below) and reported in AOCI, a component of Stockholders’ Equity.
 
Upon the sale of an AFS security, any unrealized gain or loss is reclassified out of AOCI to earnings as a realized gain or loss using the specific identification method.

The Company had elected the fair value option for certain of its previously held Agency MBS that it did not intend to hold to maturity. These securities were carried at their fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings for the period and reported in Other Income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, the Company has elected the fair value option for certain of its CRT securities as it considers this method of accounting to more appropriately reflect the risk-sharing structure of these securities. Such securities are carried at their fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings for the period and reported in Other Income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
 
Revenue Recognition, Premium Amortization and Discount Accretion
 
Interest income on securities is accrued based on their outstanding principal balance and their contractual terms. Premiums and discounts associated with Agency MBS and Non-Agency MBS assessed as high credit quality at the time of purchase are amortized into interest income over the life of such securities using the effective yield method. Adjustments to premium amortization are made for actual prepayment activity.
 
Determination of Fair Value for Residential Mortgage Securities
 
In determining the fair value of the Company’s residential mortgage securities, management considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services, brokers and repurchase agreement counterparties, dialogue with market participants, as well as management’s observations of market activity (see Note 14).
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Allowance for credit losses

When the fair value of an AFS security is less than its amortized cost at the balance sheet date, the security is considered impaired.  The Company assesses its impaired securities, as well as securities for which a credit loss allowance had been previously recorded, on at least a quarterly basis and determines whether any changes to the allowance for credit losses are required.  If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the impaired security before its anticipated recovery, then the Company must recognize a write-down through charges to earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost and its fair value at the balance sheet date.  If the Company does not expect to sell an impaired security, only the portion of the impairment related to credit losses is recognized through a loss allowance charged to earnings with the remainder recognized through AOCI on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  Impairments recognized through other comprehensive income/(loss) (“OCI”) do not impact earnings.  Credit loss allowances are subject to reversal through earnings resulting from improvements in expected cash flows. The determination as to whether to record (or reverse) a credit loss allowance is subjective, as such determinations are based on factual information available at the time of assessment as well as the Company’s estimates of future performance and cash flow projections.  As a result, the timing and amount of losses constitute material estimates that are susceptible to significant change (see Note 4).

Balance Sheet Presentation
 
The Company’s residential mortgage securities pledged as collateral against financing agreements and interest rate swap agreements (“Swaps”) are included on the consolidated balance sheets with the fair value of the securities pledged disclosed parenthetically.in Note 6.  Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on the trade date. 

(d)  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and investments in money market funds, all of which have original maturities of three months or less.  Cash and cash equivalents may also include cash pledged as collateral to the Company by its financing counterparties as a result of reverse margin calls (i.e., margin calls made by the Company).  The Company did not hold any cash pledged by its counterparties at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $780.7$526.2 million and $814.4 million, respectively. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had $721.7$461.7 million of investments in overnight money market funds, which are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other government agency. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $752.4 million worth of investments in overnight money market funds. In addition, deposits in FDIC insured accounts generally exceed insured limits (see Notes 7 and 14).
 
(e) Restricted Cash
 
Restricted cash primarily represents the Company’s cash collections held by its counterparties in connection with certain of the Company’s Swaps and/or financing agreements that isare not available to the Company for general corporate purposes. Restricted cash may be applied against amounts due to financing agreement and/or Swap counterparties, or may be returned to the Company when the related collateral requirements are exceeded or at the maturity of the Swap and/or financing agreements.  The Company had aggregate restricted cash held as collateral or otherwise in connection with its financing agreements and/or Swaps of $5.2$55.5 million and $7.2 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively (see Notes 5(c), 6, 7 and 14).

(f)Goodwill & Intangible Assets
At September 30, 2021, the Company had goodwill of $61.6 million, which represents the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of Lima One, see Note 16, and other intangible assets of $24.7 million (net of amortization) primarily comprised of customer relationships, non-competition agreements, trademarks and trade names, and internally developed software recognized as part of the acquisition of Lima One. The intangible assets are amortized over their expected useful lives, which range from one to ten years. Goodwill, which is not subject to amortization, and intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently under certain circumstances. Through September 30, 2021, the Company had not recognized any impairment against its goodwill or intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets are included in Other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(g) Real Estate Owned (“REO”)
REO represents real estate acquired by the Company, including through foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or purchased in connection with the acquisition of residential whole loans. REO acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs. REO acquired in connection with the acquisition of residential whole loans is initially recorded at its purchase price. Subsequent to acquisition, REO is reported, at each reporting date, at the lower of the current carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs and for presentation purposes is included in Other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Changes in fair value that result in an adjustment to the reported amount of an REO property that has a fair value at or below its carrying amount are reported in Other Income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company has acquired certain properties that it holds for investment purposes, including rentals to third parties. These properties are held at their historical basis less depreciation, and are subject to impairment. Related rental income and expenses are recorded in Other Income, net (see Note 5).
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021

(g)(h)  Leases and Depreciation
 
Leases

The Company records its operating lease liabilities and operating lease right-of-use assets on its consolidated balance sheets. The operating lease liabilities are equal to the present value of the remaining fixed lease payments (excluding real estate tax and operating expense escalations) discounted at the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate at the date of lease commencement, and the operating lease right-of-use assets are equal to the operating lease liabilities adjusted for lease incentives and initial direct costs. As lease payments are made, the operating lease liabilities are reduced to the present value of the remaining lease payments and the operating lease right-of-use assets are reduced by the difference between the lease expense (straight-lined over the lease term) and the theoretical interest expense amount (calculated using the incremental borrowing rate at the date of lease commencement). See NoteNotes 5 and 10 for further discussion on leases.

Leasehold Improvements, Real estate and Other Depreciable Assets
 
Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the shorter of the useful life or the lease term.  Furniture, fixtures, computers and related hardware have estimated useful lives ranging from five to eightfifteen years at the time of purchase. The building component of real estate held-for-investment is depreciated over 27.5 years.
 
(h)(i)  Loan Securitization and Other Debt Issuance Costs
 
Loan securitization related costs are costs associated with the issuance of beneficial interests by consolidated VIEs and incurred by the Company in connection with various financing transactions completed by the Company.  These costs may include underwriting, rating agency, legal, accounting and other fees.  Such costs, which reflect deferred charges (unless the debt is recorded at fair value, as discussed below), are included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the corresponding debt liability. These deferred charges are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method. For certain financing agreements, such costs are amortized over the shorter of the period to the expected or stated legal maturity of the debt instruments. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of these deferred costs and, in the event an impairment charge is required, such amount will be included in Operating and Other Expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

(i)(j)  Financing Agreements

The Company finances the majority of its residential mortgage assets with financing agreements that include repurchase agreements and other forms of collateralized financing.  Under repurchase agreements, the Company sells assets to a lender and agrees to repurchase the same assets in the future for a price that is higher than the original sale price.  The difference between the sale price that the Company receives and the repurchase price that the Company pays represents interest paid to the lender.  Although legally structured as sale and repurchase transactions, the Company accounts for repurchase agreements as secured borrowings. Under its repurchase agreements and other forms of collateralized financing, the Company pledges its assets as collateral to secure the borrowing, in an amount which is equal to a specified percentage of the fair value of the pledged collateral, while the Company retains beneficial ownership of the pledged collateral.  At the maturity of a repurchase financing, unless the repurchase financing is renewed with the same counterparty, the Company is required to repay the loan including any
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
accrued interest and concurrently receives back its pledged collateral from the lender.  With the consent of the lender, the Company may renew a repurchase financing at the then prevailing financing terms.  Margin calls, whereby a lender requires that the Company pledge additional assets or cash as collateral to secure borrowings under its repurchase financing with such lender, are routinely experienced by the Company when the value of the assets pledged as collateral declines as a result of principal amortization and prepayments or due to changes in market interest rates, spreads or other market conditions.  The Company also may make margin calls on counterparties when collateral values increase.
 
The Company’s repurchase financings collateralized by residential mortgage securities and MSR-related assets typically have terms ranging from one month to six months at inception, while the majority of our financing arrangements collateralized by residential whole loans have terms of twelve months or longer.  Should a counterparty decide not to renew a financing arrangement at maturity, the Company must either refinance elsewhere or be in a position to satisfy the obligation.  If, during the term of a financing, a lender should default on its obligation, the Company might experience difficulty recovering its
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
pledged assets which could result in an unsecured claim against the lender for the difference between the amount loaned to the Company plus interest due to the counterparty and the fair value of the collateral pledged by the Company to such lender, including accrued interest receivable on such collateral (see Notes 6, 7 and 14).
 
The Company has elected the fair value option on certain of its financing agreements. These agreements are reported at their fair value, with changes in fair value being recorded in earnings each period (or other comprehensive income, to the extent the change results from a change in instrument specific credit risk), as further detailed in Note 6. Financing costs, including “up front” fees paid at inception related to financing agreements at fair value are expensed as incurred. Interest expense is recorded based on the current interest rate in effect for the related agreement.

(j)(k)  Equity-Based Compensation
 
Compensation expense for equity-based awards that are subject to vesting conditions, is recognized ratably over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the fair value of such awards at the grant date. 
 
The Company has made annual grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), certain of which cliff vest after a three-year period, subject only to continued employment, and others of which cliff vest after a three-year period, subject to both continued employment and the achievement of certain performance criteria based on a formula tied to the Company’s achievement of average total shareholder return (“TSR”) during that three-year period, as well as the total shareholder return (“TSR”)TSR of the Company relative to the TSR of a group of peer companies (over the three-year period) selected by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) at the date of grant. The features in these awards related to the attainment of total shareholder returnTSR over a specified period constitute a “market condition,” which impacts the amount of compensation expense recognized for these awards.  Specifically, the uncertainty regarding the achievement of the market condition was reflected in the grant date fair valuation of the RSUs, which is recognized as compensation expense over the relevant vesting period.  The amount of compensation expense recognized is not dependent on whether the market condition was or will be achieved.
 
The Company makes dividend equivalent payments in connection with certain of its equity-based awards.  A dividend equivalent is a right to receive a distribution equal to the dividend distributions that would be paid on a share of the Company’s common stock.  Dividend equivalents may be granted as a separate instrument or may be a right associated with the grant of another award (e.g., an RSU) under the Company’s Equity Compensation Plan (the “Equity Plan”), and they are paid in cash or other consideration at such times and in accordance with such rules, terms and conditions, as the Compensation Committee may determine in its discretion.  Payments pursuant to dividend equivalents are generally charged to Stockholders’ Equity to the extent that the attached equity awards are expected to vest.  Compensation expense is recognized for payments made for dividend equivalents to the extent that the attached equity awards (i) do not or are not expected to vest and (ii) grantees are not required to return payments of dividends or dividend equivalents to the Company (see Notes 2(k)2(l) and 13).
 
(k)(l)  Earnings per Common Share (“EPS”)
 
Basic EPS is computed using the two-class method, which includes the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and an estimate of other securities that participate in dividends, such as the Company’s dividend equivalents attached to/associated with RSUs, to arrive at total common equivalent shares.  In applying the two-class method, earnings are allocated to both shares of common stock and estimated securities that participate in dividends based on their respective weighted-average shares outstanding for the period.  For the diluted EPS calculation, common equivalent shares are further adjusted for the effect of RSUs outstanding that are unvested and have dividends that are subject to forfeiture, and
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
for the effect of outstanding warrants, using the treasury stock method.  Under the treasury stock method, common equivalent shares are calculated assuming that all dilutive common stock equivalents are exercised and the proceeds, along with future compensation expenses associated with such instruments (if any), are used to repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock at the average market price during the reported period.  In addition, the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes are included in the calculation of diluted EPS if the assumed conversion into common shares is dilutive, using the “if-converted” method. This calculation involves adding back the periodic interest expense associated with the Convertible Senior Notes to the numerator and by adding the shares that would be issued in an assumed conversion (regardless of whether the conversion option is in or out of the money) to the denominator for the purposes of calculating diluted EPS (see Note 12).
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
(l)(m)  Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
 
The Company’s comprehensive income/(loss) available to common stock and participating securities includes net income, the change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on its AFS securities and derivative hedging instruments (to the extent that such changes are not recorded in earnings), adjusted by realized net gains/(losses) reclassified out of AOCI for sold AFS securities and terminated hedging relationships, as well as the portion of unrealized gains/(losses) on its financing agreements held at fair value related to instrument-specific credit risk, and is reduced by dividends declared on the Company’s preferred stock and issuance costs of redeemed preferred stock.
 
(m)(n)  U.S. Federal Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), and the corresponding provisions of state law.  The Company expects to operate in a manner that will enable it to satisfy the various requirements to maintain its status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In order to maintain its status as a REIT, the Company must, among other things, distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (excluding net long-term capital gains) to stockholders in the timeframe permitted by the Code.  As long as the Company maintains its status as a REIT, the Company will not be subject to regular federal income tax to the extent that it distributes 100% of its REIT taxable income (including net long-term capital gains) to its stockholders within the permitted timeframe.  Should this not occur, the Company would be subject to federal taxes at prevailing corporate tax rates on the difference between its REIT taxable income and the amounts deemed to be distributed for that tax year.  As the Company’s objective is to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders within the permitted timeframe, 0no provision for current or deferred income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Should the Company incur a liability for corporate income tax, such amounts would be recorded as REIT income tax expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Furthermore, if the Company fails to distribute during each calendar year, or by the end of January following the calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, the Company would be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed. To the extent that the Company incurs interest, penalties or related excise taxes in connection with its tax obligations, including as a result of its assessment of uncertain tax positions, such amounts will be included in Operating and Other Expense on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, the Company has elected to treat certain of its subsidiaries as TRS. In general, a TRS may hold assets and engage in activities that the Company cannot hold or engage in directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate-related business. Generally, a domestic TRS is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes. Given that a portion of the Company’s business is conducted through one or more TRS, the net taxable income earned by its domestic TRS, if any, is subject to corporate income taxation. To maintain the Company’s REIT election, no more than 20% of the value of the Company’s assets at the end of each calendar quarter may consist of stock or securities in TRS. For purposes of the determination of U.S. federal and state income taxes, the Company’s subsidiaries that elected to be treated as TRS record current or deferred income taxes based on differences (both permanent and timing) between the determination of their taxable income and net income under GAAP. NaNNo net deferred tax benefit was recorded by the Company for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, related to the net taxable losses in the TRS, since a valuation allowance for the full amount of the associated deferred tax asset of approximately $74.4$43.3 million was recognized as its recovery is not considered more likely than not. The related net operating loss carryforwards generated prior to 2018 will begin to expire in 2034; those generated in 2021, 2020 and 2019 can be carried back to each of the five taxable years preceding the taxable year of such loss and thereafter can be carried forward and do not expire.indefinitely, until fully utilized.

Based on its analysis of any potentially uncertain tax positions, the Company concluded that it does not have any material uncertain tax positions that meet the relevant recognition or measurement criteria as of March 31,September 30, 2021, December 31, 2020, or March 31, 2020. As of the date of this filing, the Company’s tax returns for tax years 2017 through 2019 are open to examination.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(n)2020, or September 30, 2020. As of the date of this filing, the Company’s tax returns for tax years 2018 through 2020 are open to examination.

(o)  Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company may use a variety of derivative instruments to economically hedge a portion of its exposure to market risks, including interest rate risk and prepayment risk. The objective of the Company’s risk management strategy is to reduce fluctuations in net book value over a range of interest rate scenarios. In particular,

Swaps
Historically, the Company attempts to mitigate the risk of the cost of its variable rate liabilities increasing during a period of rising interest rates. The Company’s derivative instruments have generally been comprised of Swaps, the majority of which were designated as cash flow hedges against the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings.

Swaps
The Company documentsdocumented its risk-management policies, including objectives and strategies, as they relate tofor its hedging activities and the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged liability for all Swaps designated as hedging transactions.  The Company assesses,assessed, both at the inception of a hedge and on a quarterly basis thereafter, whether or not the hedge iswas “highly effective.”
 
During the first quarter of 2020, the Company terminated all of its Swaps. Prior to their termination, Swaps were carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value, in Other assets, if their fair value was positive, or in Other liabilities, if their fair value was negative.  Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Swaps previously designated in hedging transactions arewere recorded in OCI provided that the hedge remainsremained effective.  Periodic payments accrued in connection with Swaps designated as hedges arewere included in interest expense and are treated as an operating cash flow.

The Company discontinuesdiscontinued hedge accounting on a prospective basis and recognizes changes in fair value through earnings when: (i)for the terminated swaps as it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows of a hedged item (including forecasted transactions); (ii) it iswas no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur; or (iii) it is determined that designating the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriatetransactions would occur (see Notes 5(c), 7 and 14).

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Swaps not designated in hedging transactions are recorded in Other income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

(o)To Be Announced (“TBA”) Securities

The Company has entered into transactions to take short positions in TBA securities in connection with the management of interest rate and other market risks associated with purchases of Agency eligible investor loans. As the Company does not intend to physically settle its transactions in TBA securities, they are required to be accounted for as derivative financial instruments. The Company does not apply hedge accounting to its TBA securities. Accordingly, TBA securities are recorded on the Company’s balance sheets at fair value, with realized and unrealized changes in fair value each period recorded in Other income, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

(p)  Fair Value Measurements and the Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
 
The Company’s presentation of fair value for its financial assets and liabilities is determined within a framework that stipulates that the fair value of a financial asset or liability is an exchange price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability in the market in which the reporting entity would transact for the asset or liability, that is, the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability.  The transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability is a hypothetical transaction at the measurement date, considered from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability.  This definition of fair value focuses on exit price and prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs when determining fair value.  In addition, the framework for measuring fair value establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the observability of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. 

In addition to the financial instruments that it is required to report at fair value, the Company has elected the fair value option for certain of its financial assets and liabilities at the time of acquisition or issuance. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these financial instruments are generally reported in Other income, net, in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. A decision to elect the fair value option for an eligible financial instrument, which may be made on an instrument by instrument basis, is irrevocable (see Notes 2(b), 2(c), 3, 4, and 14).

(p)
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(q)  Variable Interest Entities
 
An entity is referred to as a VIE if it meets at least one of the following criteria:  (i) the entity has equity that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without the additional subordinated financial support of other parties; or (ii) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (a) the power to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses; or (c) the right to receive the expected residual returns; or (iii) the holders of the equity investment at risk have disproportional voting rights and the entity’s activities are conducted on behalf of the investor that has disproportionately few voting rights.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
 
The Company consolidates a VIE when it has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE.   The Company is required to reconsider its evaluation of whether to consolidate a VIE each reporting period, based upon changes in the facts and circumstances pertaining to the VIE.
 
The Company has entered into several financing transactions which resulted in the Company forming entities to facilitate these transactions.  In determining the accounting treatment to be applied to these transactions, the Company concluded that the entities used to facilitate these transactions are VIEs and that they should be consolidated.  If the Company had determined that consolidation was not required, it would have then assessed whether the transfers of the underlying assets would qualify as sales or should be accounted for as secured financings under GAAP (see Note 15).

The Company also includes on its consolidated balance sheets certain financial assets and liabilities that are acquired/issued by trusts and/or other special purpose entities that have been evaluated as being required to be consolidated by the Company under the applicable accounting guidance.

(q)(r)  Offering Costs Related to Issuance and Redemption of Preferred Stock

Offering costs related to the issuance of preferred stock are recorded as a reduction in Additional paid-in capital, a component of Stockholders’ Equity, at the time such preferred stock is issued. On redemption of preferred stock, any excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred to the holders of the preferred stock over the carrying amount of the preferred stock in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets is included in the determination of Net Income Available to Common Stock and Participating Securities in the calculation of EPS.

(r)(s)  New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2021

ASU 2020-06 Early Adoption

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (or ASU 2020-06). ASU 2020-06 was issued in order to reduce the complexity associated with recording financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity by eliminating certain accounting models associated with such instruments and enhancing disclosure requirements. The Company early adopted ASU 2020-06 in the first quarter of 2021 and it did not have a material impact on the Company’s accounting or disclosures.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
3.    Residential Whole Loans

Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are approximately $5.2$7.1 billion and $5.3 billion, respectively, of residential whole loans arising from the Company’s interests in certain trusts established to acquire the loans and certain entities established in connection with its loan securitization transactions. The Company has assessed that these entities are required to be consolidated for financial reporting purposes.

Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value Starting in the second quarter of 2021, the Company elected the fair value option for all loan acquisitions, including loans originated by Lima One subsequent to its acquisition by the Company. Prior to the second quarter of 2021, the fair value option was typically elected only for Purchased Non-performing Loans.

The following table presents the components of the Company’s Residential whole loans, and the accounting model designated at carrying value at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
Held at Carrying ValueHeld at Fair ValueTotal
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020(Dollars In Thousands)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Purchased Performing Loans:Purchased Performing Loans:Purchased Performing Loans:
Non-QM loansNon-QM loans$2,243,444 $2,357,185 Non-QM loans$1,683,025 $2,357,185 $1,152,547 $— $2,835,572 $2,357,185 
Rehabilitation loansRehabilitation loans464,385 581,801 Rehabilitation loans294,622 581,801 301,602 — 596,224 581,801 
Single-family rental loansSingle-family rental loans451,791 446,374 Single-family rental loans368,927 446,374 372,135 — 741,062 446,374 
Seasoned performing loansSeasoned performing loans128,069 136,264 Seasoned performing loans110,162 136,264 — — 110,162 136,264 
Agency eligible investor loansAgency eligible investor loans— — 1,126,477 — 1,126,477 — 
Total Purchased Performing LoansTotal Purchased Performing Loans3,287,689 3,521,624 Total Purchased Performing Loans$2,456,736 $3,521,624 $2,952,761 $— $5,409,497 $3,521,624 
Purchased Credit Deteriorated LoansPurchased Credit Deteriorated Loans644,611 673,708 Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans$575,230 $673,708 $— $— $575,230 $673,708 
Total Residential whole loans, at carrying value$3,932,300 $4,195,332 
Allowance for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value(63,244)(86,833)
Total Residential whole loans at carrying value, net$3,869,056 $4,108,499 
Allowance for Credit LossesAllowance for Credit Losses$(44,102)$(86,833)$— $— $(44,102)$(86,833)
Purchased Non-Performing LoansPurchased Non-Performing Loans$— $— $1,140,837 $1,216,902 $1,140,837 $1,216,902 
Total Residential Whole LoansTotal Residential Whole Loans$2,987,864 $4,108,499 $4,093,598 $1,216,902 $7,081,462 $5,325,401 
Number of loansNumber of loans12,575 13,112 Number of loans10,361 13,112 12,307 5,622 22,668 18,734 


The following table presents the components of interest income on the Company’s Residential whole loans, at carrying value for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 (In Thousands)20212020
Purchased Performing Loans:
Non-QM loans (1)
$22,114 $49,070 
Rehabilitation loans6,668 15,327 
Single-family rental loans6,278 7,343 
Seasoned performing loans1,990 2,600 
Total Purchased Performing Loans37,050 74,340 
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans8,290 9,146 
Total Residential whole loans, at carrying value$45,340 $83,486 


(1) Includes interest income on Non-QM loans held-for-sale at March 31, 2020.












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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021


The following table presents additional information regarding the Company’s Residential whole loans at carrying value at MarchSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021:2020:
March 31,September 30, 2021
Carrying ValueAmortized Cost BasisUnpaid Principal Balance (“UPB”)
Weighted Average Coupon (1)
Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (2)
Weighted Average Original FICO (3)
Aging by Amortized Cost BasisFair Value / Carrying ValueUnpaid Principal Balance (“UPB”)
Weighted Average Coupon (1)
Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (2)
Weighted Average Original FICO (3)
Aging by UPB
Past Due DaysPast Due Days
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)Current30-5960-8990+(Dollars In Thousands)Current30-5960-8990+
Purchased Performing Loans:Purchased Performing Loans:Purchased Performing Loans:
Non-QM loans (4)
Non-QM loans (4)
$2,228,899 $2,243,444 $2,183,662 5.82 %35064 %713$1,975,505 $89,767 $42,912 $135,260 
Non-QM loans (4)
$2,825,883 $2,737,998 5.36 %35064 %725$2,526,620 $65,991 $18,902 $126,485 
Rehabilitation loans (4)
Rehabilitation loans (4)
450,717 464,385 464,385 7.23 364 719293,931 21,296 12,167 136,991 
Rehabilitation loans (4)
587,539 594,366 7.27 866 726469,292 17,939 3,432 103,703 
Single-family rental loans (4)
Single-family rental loans (4)
449,045 451,791 447,072 6.29 32070 730421,258 4,507 1,935 24,091 
Single-family rental loans (4)
739,428 717,552 5.69 33070 731690,822 1,834 1,033 23,863 
Seasoned performing loans (4)
Seasoned performing loans (4)
128,003 128,069 139,847 3.12 16939 723115,315 2,445 1,589 8,721 
Seasoned performing loans (4)
110,112 120,444 2.86 16438 722109,331 1,095 616 9,402 
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (4)(5)
612,392 644,611 751,759 4.49 28575 N/AN/MN/MN/M117,509 
Residential whole loans, at carrying value, total or weighted average$3,869,056 $3,932,300 $3,986,725 5.72 %288
Agency eligible investor loans (4)
Agency eligible investor loans (4)
963,462 936,748 3.40 35662 767933,633 2,818 297 — 
Total Purchased Performing LoansTotal Purchased Performing Loans5,226,424 $5,107,108 5.21 %304
Purchased Credit Deteriorated LoansPurchased Credit Deteriorated Loans$551,186 $674,367 4.55 %28469 %N/A481,330 50,991 18,857 123,189 
Purchased Non-Performing LoansPurchased Non-Performing Loans$1,140,837 $1,137,666 4.88 %28574 %N/A$517,924 $94,139 $39,605 $485,998 
Residential whole loans, total or weighted averageResidential whole loans, total or weighted average$6,918,447 $6,919,141 5.10 %299

December 31, 2020
Carrying ValueAmortized Cost BasisUnpaid Principal Balance (“UPB”)
Weighted Average Coupon (1)
Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (2)
Weighted Average Original FICO (3)
Aging by Amortized Cost BasisFair Value / Carrying ValueUnpaid Principal Balance (“UPB”)
Weighted Average Coupon (1)
Weighted Average Term to Maturity (Months)
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (2)
Weighted Average Original FICO (3)
Aging by UPB
Past Due DaysPast Due Days
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)Current30-5960-8990+(Dollars In Thousands)Current30-5960-8990+
Purchased
Performing Loans:
Purchased
Performing Loans:
Purchased Performing Loans:
Non-QM loans (4)
Non-QM loans (4)
$2,336,117 $2,357,185 $2,294,086 5.84 %35164 %712$2,099,134 $73,163 $36,501 $148,387 
Non-QM loans (4)
$2,336,117 $2,294,086 5.84 %35164 %712$2,042,405 $71,303 $35,697 $144,681 
Rehabilitation loans (4)
Rehabilitation loans (4)
563,430 581,801 581,801 7.29 363 719390,706 29,315 25,433 136,347 
Rehabilitation loans (4)
563,430 581,801 7.29 363 719390,706 29,315 25,433 136,347 
Single-family rental loans (4)
Single-family rental loans (4)
442,456 446,374 442,208 6.32 32470 730415,386 6,652 3,948 20,388 
Single-family rental loans (4)
442,456 442,208 6.32 32470 730411,377 6,691 3,907 20,233 
Seasoned performing loans (4)
Seasoned performing loans (4)
136,157 136,264 149,004 3.30 17140 723124,877 2,186 1,170 8,031 
Seasoned performing loans (4)
136,157 149,004 3.30 17140 723136,778 2,248 1,155 8,823 
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (4)(5)
630,339 673,708 782,319 4.46 28776 N/AN/MN/MN/M119,621 
Residential whole loans, at carrying value, total or weighted average$4,108,499 $4,195,332 $4,249,418 5.77 %282
Total Purchased Performing LoansTotal Purchased Performing Loans3,478,160 $3,467,099 6.04 %281
Purchased Credit Deteriorated LoansPurchased Credit Deteriorated Loans630,339 $782,319 4.46 %28776 N/A544,803 65,791 26,697 145,028 
Purchased Non-Performing LoansPurchased Non-Performing Loans1,216,902 $1,282,093 4.87 %29080 N/A497,299 104,993 54,180 625,621 
Residential whole loans, total or weighted averageResidential whole loans, total or weighted average$5,325,401 $5,531,511 5.54 %284

(1)Weighted average is calculated based on the interest bearing principal balance of each loan within the related category. For loans acquired with servicing rights released by the seller, interest rates included in the calculation do not reflect loan servicing fees. For loans acquired with servicing rights retained by the seller, interest rates included in the calculation are net of servicing fees.
(2)LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan as of the most recent date available, which may be the origination date. For Rehabilitation loans, the LTV presented is the ratio of the maximum unpaid principal balance of the loan, including unfunded commitments, to the estimated “after repaired” value of the collateral securing the related loan, where available. For certain Rehabilitation loans, totaling $151.7$142.7 million and $189.9 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, an after repaired valuation was not obtained and the loan was underwritten based on an “as is” valuation. The weighted average LTV of these loans based on the current unpaid principal balance and the valuation obtained during underwriting, is 68%70% and 69% at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots, for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful.
(3)Excludes loans for which no Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”) score is available.
(4)At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020Excluded from the difference betweentable above are approximately $163.0 million of Residential whole loans, at fair value for which the Carrying Value and Amortized Cost Basis represents the related allowance for credit losses.
(5)Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans tend to be characterized by varying performanceclosing of the underlying borrowers over time, including loans where multiple monthspurchase transaction had not occurred as of payments are received in a period to bring the loan to current status, followed by months where no payments are received. Accordingly, delinquency information is presented only for loans that are more than 90 days past due.September 30, 2021.

NaN Residential whole loans, at carrying value were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, $659.9 million of Non-QM loans were sold, realizing losses of $145.8 million.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

No Residential whole loans were sold during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, $1.8 billion of Non-QM loans were sold, realizing losses of $273.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Purchased Non-performing loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $24.1 million were sold, realizing net losses of $800,000.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses on the Company’s Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)Non-QM Loans
Rehabilitation Loans (1)(2)
Single-family Rental LoansSeasoned Performing Loans
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (3)
Totals(Dollars In Thousands)Non-QM Loans
Rehabilitation Loans (1)(2)
Single-family Rental LoansSeasoned Performing Loans
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (3)
Totals
Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020$21,068 $18,371 $3,918 $107 $43,369 $86,833 Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020$21,068 $18,371 $3,918 $107 $43,369 $86,833 
Current provisionCurrent provision(6,523)(3,700)(1,172)(41)(10,936)(22,372)Current provision(6,523)(3,700)(1,172)(41)(10,936)(22,372)
Write-offsWrite-offs(1,003)(214)(1,217)Write-offs— (1,003)— — (214)(1,217)
Allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2021Allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2021$14,545 $13,668 $2,746 $66 $32,219 $63,244 Allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2021$14,545 $13,668 $2,746 $66 $32,219 $63,244 
Current provision/(reversal)Current provision/(reversal)(2,416)(1,809)(386)(9)(3,963)(8,583)
Write-offsWrite-offs(37)(255)— — (108)(400)
Allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2021Allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2021$12,092 $11,604 $2,360 $57 $28,148 $54,261 
Current provision/(reversal)Current provision/(reversal)(2,403)(2,526)(670)(7)(4,020)(9,626)
Write-offsWrite-offs— (393)(56)— (84)(533)
Allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2021Allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2021$9,689 $8,685 $1,634 $50 $24,044 $44,102 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)
Non-QM Loans (4)
Rehabilitation Loans (1)(2)
Single-family Rental LoansSeasoned Performing Loans
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (3)
Totals(Dollars In Thousands)Non-QM Loans
Rehabilitation Loans (1)(2)
Single-family Rental LoansSeasoned Performing Loans
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (3)
Totals
Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019$388 $2,331 $62 $$244 $3,025 Allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2019$388 $2,331 $62 $— $244 $3,025 
Transition adjustment on adoption of ASU 2016-13 (5)(4)
Transition adjustment on adoption of ASU 2016-13 (5)(4)
6,904 517 754 19 62,361 70,555 
Transition adjustment on adoption of ASU 2016-13 (5)(4)
6,904 517 754 19 62,361 70,555 
Current provisionCurrent provision26,358 33,213 6,615 230 8,481 74,897 Current provision26,358 33,213 6,615 230 8,481 74,897 
Write-offsWrite-offs(428)(219)(647)Write-offs— (428)— — (219)(647)
Valuation adjustment on loans held for saleValuation adjustment on loans held for sale70,181 70,181 Valuation adjustment on loans held for sale70,181 — — — — 70,181 
Allowance for credit and valuation losses at March 31, 2020Allowance for credit and valuation losses at March 31, 2020$103,831 $35,633 $7,431 $249 $70,867 $218,011 Allowance for credit and valuation losses at March 31, 2020$103,831 $35,633 $7,431 $249 $70,867 $218,011 
Current provision/(reversal)Current provision/(reversal)(2,297)(5,213)(500)(25)(2,579)(10,614)
Write-offsWrite-offs— (420)— — (207)(627)
Valuation adjustment on loans held for saleValuation adjustment on loans held for sale(70,181)— — — — (70,181)
Allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2020Allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2020$31,353 $30,000 $6,931 $224 $68,081 $136,589 
Current provision/(reversal)Current provision/(reversal)(4,568)(7,140)(1,906)(74)(16,374)(30,062)
Write-offsWrite-offs(32)(227)— — (22)(281)
Allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2020Allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2020$26,753 $22,633 $5,025 $150 $51,685 $106,246 

(1)In connection with purchased Rehabilitation loans at carrying value, the Company had unfunded commitments of $54.4$29.2 million and $123.1$73.2 million as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, with an allowance for credit losses of $795,905$355,000 and $3.5$1.6 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Such allowance is included in “Other liabilities” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (see Note 9).
(2)Includes $149.2$94.9 million and $110.8$143.4 million of loans that were assessed for credit losses based on a collateral dependent methodology as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3)Includes $87.7$57.4 million and $74.5$72.7 million of loans that were assessed for credit losses based on a collateral dependent methodology as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(4)Includes Non-QM loans held-for-sale with a net carrying value of $895.3 million at March 31, 2020.
(5)Of the $70.6 million of reserves recorded on adoption of ASU 2016-13, $8.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity and $62.4 million was recorded as a “gross up” of the amortized cost basis of Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 (“CECL”) on January 1, 2020 (see Note 2). The anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on expected economic conditions, including forecasted unemployment, home price appreciation, and prepayment rates, for the short to medium term resulted in significantly increased estimates of credit losses recorded under CECL for the first quarter of 2020 for residential whole loans held at carrying value. Since the end of the first quarter of 2020, primarily as a result of generally more stable markets and an ongoing economic recovery, the Company has made subsequent revisions to certain macro-economic assumptions, including its estimates related to future rates of unemployment and home price appreciation, and has made adjustments to the quantitative model outputs for relevant qualitative factors. The net impact of these assumption revisions and qualitative adjustments, as well as reductions in balances subject to CECL, has resulted in a reversal of a portion of the allowance for loan loss since the end of the first quarter of 2020. The qualitative adjustments, which have the effect of increasing expected loss estimates, were determined based on a variety of factors, including differences between the Company’s loan portfolio and the loan portfolios represented by data available in regulatory filings of certain banks that are considered to have similar loan portfolios (available proxy data), and differences between current (and expected future) market conditions in comparison to market conditions that occurred in historical periods. Such differences include uncertainty with respect to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, the speed of vaccine deployment and time period for a significant portion of society to be vaccinated, the extent and timing of government stimulus efforts and heightened political uncertainty. The Company’s estimates of credit losses reflect the Company’s expectation that full recovery to pre-pandemic economic conditions will take an extended period, resulting in increased delinquencies and defaults during this period compared to historical periods. Estimates of credit losses
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
under CECL are highly sensitive to changes in assumptions and current economic conditions have increased the difficulty of accurately forecasting future conditions.

The amortized cost basis of Purchased Performing Loans on nonaccrual status as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $363.3$275.9 million and $373.3 million, respectively. The amortized cost basis of Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans on nonaccrual status as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $146.4$113.0 million and $151.4 million, respectively. NaN interest income was recognized from loansThe fair value of Purchased Non-performing Loans on nonaccrual status during the three months ended March 31,as of September 30, 2021 and 2020.December 31, 2020 was $624.9 million and $730.9 million, respectively. At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were approximately $132.3$122.3 million and $130.7 million, respectively, of loans on nonaccrual status that did not have an associated allowance for credit losses because they were determined to be collateral dependent and the estimated fair value of the related collateral exceeded the carrying value of each loan, respectively.

In periods prior to the adoption of CECL, an allowance for loan losses was recorded when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would be unable to collect all amounts due under the existing contractual terms of the loan agreement. Any required loan loss allowance would reduce the carrying value of the loan with a corresponding charge to earnings. Significant judgments were required in determining any allowance for loan loss, including assumptions regarding the loan cash flows expected to be collected, the value of the underlying collateral and the ability of the Company to collect on any other forms of security, such as a personal guaranty provided either by the borrower or an affiliate of the borrower.







































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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021


The following table presents certain additional credit-related information regarding our residential whole loans:
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year and LTV Bands
(Dollars In Thousands)20212020201920182017PriorTotal
Non-QM loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$86,788 $419,564 $1,012,210 $560,489 $62,613 $5,340 $2,147,004 
LTV > 80% (1)
4,271 43,575 24,620 19,224 4,599 151 96,440 
Total Non-QM loans$91,059 $463,139 $1,036,830 $579,713 $67,212 $5,491 $2,243,444 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $$— $— $
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $$— $— $— $
Rehabilitation loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$12,867 $43,504 $341,513 $58,888 $4,071 $$460,843 
LTV > 80% (1)
1,842 1,700 3,542 
Total Rehabilitation loans$12,867 $43,504 $343,355 $58,888 $5,771 $$464,385 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $$991 $12 $— $$1,003 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Net write-offs$— $$991 $12 $— $$1,003 
Single family rental loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$15,765 $39,564 $264,032 $112,995 $12,881 $$445,237 
LTV > 80% (1)
514 5,953 87 6,554 
Total Single family rental loans$15,765 $40,078 $269,985 $113,082 $12,881 $$451,791 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Seasoned performing loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$$$$$$122,389 $122,389 
LTV > 80% (1)
5,680 5,680 
Total Seasoned performing loans$$$$$$128,069 $128,069 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Purchased credit deteriorated loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$$$$$627 $423,587 $424,214 
LTV > 80% (1)
220,397 220,397 
Total Purchased credit deteriorated loans$$$$$627 $643,984 $644,611 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $214 $214 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $214 $214 
Total LTV <= 80% (1)
$115,420 $502,632 $1,617,755 $732,372 $80,192 $551,316 $3,599,687 
Total LTV > 80% (1)
4,271 44,089 32,415 19,311 6,299 226,228 332,613 
Total residential whole loans, at carrying value$119,691 $546,721 $1,650,170 $751,683 $86,491 $777,544 $3,932,300 
Total Gross write-offs$— $$991 $12 $— $214 $1,217 
Total Recoveries— — — — — 
Total Net write-offs$— $$991 $12 $— $214 $1,217 
22

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021




The following table presents certain additional credit-related information regarding our Residential whole loans, at Carrying Value:
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year and LTV Bands
(Dollars In Thousands)20212020201920182017PriorTotal
Non-QM loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$71,860 $321,875 $770,456 $407,943 $40,381 $4,228 $1,616,743 
LTV > 80% (1)
4,191 28,369 15,709 14,686 3,177 150 66,282 
Total Non-QM loans$76,051 $350,244 $786,165 $422,629 $43,558 $4,378 $1,683,025 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $— $37 $— $— $37 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $— $37 $— $— $37 
Rehabilitation loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$13,717 $27,910 $214,618 $31,228 $3,427 $— $290,900 
LTV > 80% (1)
— — 1,226 796 1,700 — 3,722 
Total Rehabilitation loans$13,717 $27,910 $215,844 $32,024 $5,127 $— $294,622 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $1,059 $468 $123 $— $1,650 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $1,059 $468 $123 $— $1,650 
Single family rental loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$15,502 $37,089 $208,010 $91,783 $10,537 $— $362,921 
LTV > 80% (1)
— 513 5,406 87 — — 6,006 
Total Single family rental loans$15,502 $37,602 $213,416 $91,870 $10,537 $— $368,927 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $56 $— $— $— $56 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $56 $— $— $— $56 
Seasoned performing loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$— $— $— $— $— $105,348 $105,348 
LTV > 80% (1)
— — — — — 4,814 4,814 
Total Seasoned performing loans$— $— $— $— $— $110,162 $110,162 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $— $— 
Purchased credit deteriorated loans
LTV <= 80% (1)
$— $— $— $— $621 $421,264 $421,885 
LTV > 80% (1)
— — — — — 153,345 153,345 
Total Purchased credit deteriorated loans$— $— $— $— $621 $574,609 $575,230 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Gross write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $406 $406 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Net write-offs$— $— $— $— $— $406 $406 
Total LTV <= 80% (1)
$101,079 $386,874 $1,193,084 $530,954 $54,966 $530,840 $2,797,797 
Total LTV > 80% (1)
4,191 28,882 22,341 15,569 4,877 158,309 234,169 
Total residential whole loans, at carrying value$105,270 $415,756 $1,215,425 $546,523 $59,843 $689,149 $3,031,966 
Total Gross write-offs$— $— $1,115 $505 $123 $406 $2,149 
Total Recoveries— — — — — — — 
Total Net write-offs$— $— $1,115 $505 $123 $406 $2,149 
23

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(1)LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan as of the most recent date available, which may be the origination date. For Rehabilitation loans, the LTV presented is the ratio of the maximum unpaid principal balance of the loan, including unfunded commitments, to the estimated “after repaired” value of the collateral securing the related loan, where available. For certain Rehabilitation loans, totaling $151.7$142.7 million at March 31,September 30, 2021, an after repaired valuation was not obtained and the loan was underwritten based on an “as is” valuation. The weighted average LTV of these loans based on the current unpaid principal balance and the valuation obtained during underwriting is 68%70% at March 31,September 30, 2021. Certain low value loans secured by vacant lots are categorized as LTV > 80%.

The following tables present certain information regarding the LTVs of the Company’s Residential whole loans that are 90 days or more delinquent:

March 31, 2021September 30, 2021
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)Carrying Value / Fair ValueUPB
LTV (1)
(Dollars In Thousands)Carrying Value / Fair ValueUPB
LTV (1)
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans$117,509 $142,850 85.9 %
Residential whole loans, at carrying valueResidential whole loans, at carrying value
Purchased credit deteriorated loansPurchased credit deteriorated loans$100,905 $123,189 79.8 %
Non-QM loansNon-QM loans$135,260 $132,732 65.7 %Non-QM loans$121,741 $119,572 64.5 %
Rehabilitation loansRehabilitation loans$136,991 $136,991 65.7 %Rehabilitation loans$101,012 $101,012 68.6 %
Single-family rental loansSingle-family rental loans$24,091 $24,052 73.4 %Single-family rental loans$22,767 $22,771 73.6 %
Seasoned performing loansSeasoned performing loans$8,721 $9,449 50.7 %Seasoned performing loans$8,671 $9,402 51.3 %
Total Residential whole loans, at carrying valueTotal Residential whole loans, at carrying value$355,096 $375,946 
Residential whole loans, at fair valueResidential whole loans, at fair value$555,171 $584,025 82.6 %Residential whole loans, at fair value
Purchased non-performing loansPurchased non-performing loans$484,510 $485,998 81.2 %
Purchased performing loansPurchased performing loans$10,391 $10,696 62.7 %
Total Residential whole loans, at fair valueTotal Residential whole loans, at fair value$494,901 $496,694 

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)Carrying Value / Fair ValueUPB
LTV (1)
(Dollars In Thousands)Carrying Value / Fair ValueUPB
LTV (1)
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans$119,621 $145,028 86.7 %
Residential whole loans, at carrying valueResidential whole loans, at carrying value
Purchased credit deteriorated loansPurchased credit deteriorated loans$119,621 $145,028 86.7 %
Non-QM loansNon-QM loans$148,387 $144,681 65.9 %Non-QM loans$148,387 $144,681 65.9 %
Rehabilitation loansRehabilitation loans$136,347 $136,347 65.8 %Rehabilitation loans$136,347 $136,347 65.8 %
Single-family rental loansSingle-family rental loans$20,388 $20,233 72.7 %Single-family rental loans$20,388 $20,233 72.7 %
Seasoned performing loansSeasoned performing loans$8,031 $8,823 55.1 %Seasoned performing loans$8,031 $8,823 55.1 %
Total Residential whole loans, at carrying valueTotal Residential whole loans, at carrying value$432,774 $455,112 
Residential whole loans, at fair valueResidential whole loans, at fair value$571,729 $625,621 86.8 %Residential whole loans, at fair value
Purchased non-performing loansPurchased non-performing loans$571,729 $625,621 86.8 %
Purchased performing loansPurchased performing loans$— $— — %
Total Residential whole loans, at fair valueTotal Residential whole loans, at fair value$571,729 $625,621 

(1)LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan as of the most recent date available, which may be the origination date. For Rehabilitation loans, the LTV presented is the ratio of the maximum unpaid principal balance of the loan, including unfunded commitments, to the estimated “after repaired” value of the collateral securing the related loan, where available. For certain Rehabilitation loans, an after repaired valuation was not obtained and the loan was underwritten based on an “as is” valuation. Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots, for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful.

Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value

Certain of the Company’s residential whole loans are presented at fair value on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of a fair value election made at the time of acquisition. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported in current period earnings and presented in Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The following table presents information regarding the Company’s residential whole loans held at fair value at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
 (Dollars in Thousands)
March 31, 2021 (1)
December 31, 2020
Less than 60 Days Past Due:
Outstanding principal balance$590,813 $602,292 
Aggregate fair value$596,805 $595,521 
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (1)
69.46 %72.57 %
Number of loans2,975 3,033 
60 Days to 89 Days Past Due:
Outstanding principal balance$58,625 $54,180 
Aggregate fair value$56,021 $49,652 
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (1)
70.56 %82.11 %
Number of loans293 263 
90 Days or More Past Due:
Outstanding principal balance$584,025 $625,621 
Aggregate fair value$555,171 $571,729 
Weighted Average LTV Ratio (1)
82.56 %86.78 %
Number of loans2,170 2,326 
    Total Residential whole loans, at fair value$1,207,997 $1,216,902 

(1)Excluded from this table are approximately $112.2 million of Residential whole loans, at fair value for which the closing of the purchase transaction had not occurred as of March 31, 2021.
(2)LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan, to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan. Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots, for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful.




The following tables present the components of interest income on the Company’s Residential whole loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Held at Carrying ValueHeld at Fair ValueTotal
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 (In Thousands)202120202021202020212020
Purchased Performing Loans:
Non-QM loans$17,437 $25,884 $6,454 $— $23,891 $25,884 
Rehabilitation loans5,808 10,863 4,110 — 9,918 10,863 
Single-family rental loans6,074 6,917 3,423 — 9,497 6,917 
Seasoned performing loans1,728 1,945 — — 1,728 1,945 
Agency eligible investor loans— — 3,360 — 3,360 — 
Total Purchased Performing Loans$31,047 $45,609 $17,347 $— $48,394 $45,609 
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans$10,504 $8,784 $— $— $10,504 $8,784 
Purchased Non-Performing Loans$— $— $20,704 $16,555 $20,704 $16,555 
Total Residential Whole Loans$41,551 $54,393 $38,051 $16,555 $79,602 $70,948 

Held at Carrying ValueHeld at Fair ValueTotal
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 (In Thousands)202120202021202020212020
Purchased Performing Loans:
Non-QM loans$59,789 $112,212 $8,258 $— $68,047 $112,212 
Rehabilitation loans19,429 39,502 4,485 — 23,914 39,502 
Single-family rental loans19,594 21,528 3,890 — 23,484 21,528 
Seasoned performing loans5,260 6,799 — — 5,260 6,799 
Agency eligible investor loans— — 3,622 — 3,622 — 
Total Purchased Performing Loans$104,072 $180,041 $20,255 $— $124,327 $180,041 
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans$30,097 $27,265 $— $— $30,097 $27,265 
Purchased Non-Performing Loans$— $— $58,732 $54,513 $58,732 $54,513 
Total Residential Whole Loans$134,169 $207,306 $78,987 $54,513 $213,156 $261,819 

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The following table presents the components of Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands) (In Thousands)20212020 (In Thousands)2021202020212020
Coupon payments, realized gains, and other income received (1)
$16,676 $19,036 
Net unrealized gains/(losses)Net unrealized gains/(losses)32,088 (74,556)Net unrealized gains/(losses)$20,494 $58,863 $58,807 $(13,683)
Net gain on transfers to REO1,045 2,760 
Other Income (1)
Other Income (1)
1,321 1,453 518 3,601 
Total Total$49,809 $(52,760) Total$21,815 $60,316 $59,325 $(10,082)

(1)Primarily includes gains on liquidation of non-performing loans, including the recovery of delinquent interest payments, recurring coupon interest payments received on mortgage loans that are contractually current, and cash payments received from private mortgage insurance on liquidated loans and losses on liquidations of non-performing loans.

4.                  Securities, at Fair Value

MSR-Related Assets
 
Term Notes Backed by MSR-Related Collateral

At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had $244.7$177.5 million and $239.0 million, respectively, of term notes issued by SPVs that have acquired rights to receive cash flows representing the servicing fees and/or excess servicing spread associated with certain MSRs. Payment of principal and interest on these term notes is considered to be largely dependent on cash flows generated by the underlying MSRs, as this impacts the cash flows available to the SPV that issued the term notes.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021

At March 31,September 30, 2021, these term notes had an amortized cost of $185.6$135.1 million, gross unrealized gains of approximately $59.1$42.5 million, a weighted average yield of 12.1%12.6% and a weighted average term to maturity of 8.2 years.6.1 years. At December 31, 2020, the term notes had an amortized cost of $184.9 million, gross unrealized gains of approximately $54.0 million, a weighted average yield of 12.30%12.3% and a weighted average term to maturity of 8.7 years. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the Company sold certain term notes for $136.8$711.7 million, realizing gains of $24.6 million, respectively.$28.7 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized an impairment loss related to its term notes of $280.8 million based on its intent to sell, or the likelihood it will be required to sell, such notes.

CRT Securities

CRT securities are debt obligations issued by or sponsored by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The coupon payments on CRT securities are paid by the issuer and the principal payments received are dependent on the performance of loans in either a reference pool or an actual pool of loans. As an investor in a CRT security, the Company may incur a principal loss if the performance of the actual or reference pool loans results in either an actual or calculated loss that exceeds the credit enhancement of the security owned by the Company. The Company assesses the credit risk associated with its investments in CRT securities by assessing the current and expected future performance of the associated loan pool. The Company pledges a portion of its CRT securities as collateral against its borrowings under repurchase agreements (see Note 7).

Agency and Non-Agency MBS

MBS investments held during the year ended December 31, 2020 orand in prior periods included Agency MBS and Non-Agency MBS which include MBS issued prior to 2008 (“Legacy Non-Agency MBS”). These MBS are secured by: (i) hybrid mortgages (“Hybrids”), which have interest rates that are fixed for a specified period of time and, thereafter, generally adjust annually to an increment over a specified interest rate index; (ii) adjustable-rate mortgages (“ARMs”), which have interest rates that reset annually or more frequently (collectively, “ARM-MBS”); and (iii) 15 and 30 year fixed-rate mortgages for Agency MBS and, for Non-Agency MBS, 30-year and longer-term fixed rate mortgages. In addition, until the second quarter of 2021 the Company’s MBS arewere also comprised of MBS backed by securitized re-performing/non-performing loans (“RPL/NPL MBS”), where the cash flows of the bond may not reflect the contractual cash flows of the underlying collateral. The Company’s RPL/NPL MBS arewere generally structured with a contractual coupon step-up feature where the coupon increases from 300 - 400 basis points at 36 - 48 months from issuance or sooner. The Company pledges a significant portion of its MBS as collateral against its borrowings under repurchase agreements (see Note 7).
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Agency MBS: Agency MBS are guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by a federally chartered corporation, such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or an agency of the U.S. Government, such as Ginnie Mae.  The payment of principal and/or interest on Ginnie Mae MBS is explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.  Since the third quarter of 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which significantly strengthened the backing for these government-sponsored entities. The Company sold its remaining holdings of Agency MBS during the quarter ended June 30, 2020.
 
Non-Agency MBS:  The Company’s Non-Agency MBS are primarily secured by pools of residential mortgages, which are not guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. Government or any federally chartered corporation.  Credit risk associated with Non-Agency MBS is regularly assessed as new information regarding the underlying collateral becomes available and based on updated estimates of cash flows generated by the underlying collateral. During 2020, the Company had sold all of its holdings of Legacy Non-Agency MBS and substantially reduced its holdings of other Non-Agency MBS. Due to issuer redemptions, remaining holdings of Non-Agency MBS were reduced to zero as of June 30, 2021.
 

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
The following tables present certain information about the Company’s residential mortgage securities at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
 
March 31,September 30, 2021
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Principal/ Current
Face
Purchase
Premiums
Accretable
Purchase
Discounts
Discount
Designated
as Credit Reserve (1)
Gross Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
Fair 
Value
(In Thousands)Principal/ Current
Face
Purchase
Premiums
Accretable
Purchase
Discounts
Discount
Designated
as Credit Reserve (1)
Gross Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
Fair 
Value
Total residential mortgage securities (2)(3)(4)(5)
$105,487 $3,764 $(69)$(20,768)$88,414 $17,207 $(206)$17,001 $105,415 
Total residential mortgage securities (2)(4)(5)
Total residential mortgage securities (2)(4)(5)
$102,307 $6,163 $(59)$(20,768)$87,643 $17,853 $(8)$17,845 $105,488 

December 31, 2020
(In Thousands)Principal/ Current
Face
Purchase
Premiums
Accretable
Purchase
Discounts
Discount
Designated
as Credit Reserve (1)
Gross Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Net
Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
Fair Value
Total residential mortgage securities (2)(3)(4)(5)
$161,878 $3,022 $(8,206)$(21,437)$135,257 $26,926 $(1,183)$25,743 $161,000 
 
(1)Discount designated as Credit Reserve is generally not expected to be accreted into interest income.
(2)Based on managements current estimates of future principal cash flows expected to be received.
(3)Includes RPL/NPL MBS, which at March 31, 2021 had an $1.6 millionPrincipal/Current face, $1.6 millionamortized cost and $1.6 millionfair value. At December 31, 2020 RPL/NPL MBS had a $55.0 million Principal/Current face, $46.9 million amortized cost and $53.9 million fair value.
(4)At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company expected to recover approximately 100% and 99% of the then-current face amount of Non-Agency MBS, respectively.MBS.
(5)Amounts disclosed at March 31,September 30, 2021 includes CRT securities with a fair value of $66.2$68.0 million for which the fair value option has been elected. Such securities had $535,000$2.2 million gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses of approximately $206,000$8,000 at March 31,September 30, 2021. Amounts disclosed at December 31, 2020 includes CRT securities with a fair value of $66.2 million for which the fair value option has been elected. Such securities had gross unrealized gains of approximately $551,000 and gross unrealized losses of approximately $322,000 at December 31, 2020.


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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Sales of Residential Mortgage Securities
 
The following table presents information about the Company’s sales of its residential mortgage securities for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company has no continuing involvement with any of the sold securities.

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Sales ProceedsGains/(Losses)Sales ProceedsGains/(Losses)(In Thousands)Sales ProceedsGains/(Losses)Sales ProceedsGains/(Losses)
Agency MBSAgency MBS$$$965,132 $(22,854)Agency MBS$— $— $— $— 
Non-Agency MBSNon-Agency MBS264,385 (43,124)Non-Agency MBS— — 116 48 
CRT SecuritiesCRT Securities35,645 (2,017)CRT Securities— — — — 
TotalTotal$$$1,265,162 $(67,995)Total$— $— $116 $48 

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(In Thousands)Sales ProceedsGains/(Losses)Sales ProceedsGains/(Losses)
Agency MBS$— $— $1,500,875 $(19,291)
Non-Agency MBS— — 1,318,958 107,999 
CRT Securities— — 243,025 (27,011)
Total$— $— $3,062,858 $61,697 

Unrealized Losses on Residential Mortgage Securities

There were no gross unrealized losses on the Company’s AFS securities at March 31,September 30, 2021.
  
The Company did 0tnot recognize an allowance for credit losses (or other than temporary impairment in prior year periods) through earnings related to its MBS for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized an aggregate impairment loss related to its MBS of $63.5 million based on its intent to sell, or the likelihood it will be required to sell, certain securities at such time.





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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

The following table presents a roll-forward of the allowance for credit losses on the Company’s Residential mortgage securities and MSR-related assets:

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Dollars In Thousands)(Dollars In Thousands)20212020(Dollars In Thousands)2021202020212020
Allowance for credit losses at beginning of periodAllowance for credit losses at beginning of period$$Allowance for credit losses at beginning of period$— $— $— $— 
Current provision:Current provision:— — Current provision:
Securities with no prior loss allowanceSecurities with no prior loss allowance344,269 Securities with no prior loss allowance— — — 344,269 
Securities with a prior loss allowanceSecurities with a prior loss allowanceSecurities with a prior loss allowance— — — — 
Write-offs, including allowance related to securities the Company intended to sellWrite-offs, including allowance related to securities the Company intended to sell(344,269)Write-offs, including allowance related to securities the Company intended to sell— — — (344,269)
Allowance for credit losses at end of periodAllowance for credit losses at end of period$$Allowance for credit losses at end of period$— $— $— $— 

Impact of AFS Securities on AOCI
 
The following table presents the impact of the Company’s AFS securities on its AOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)20212020(In Thousands)2021202020212020
AOCI from AFS securities:AOCI from AFS securities:  AOCI from AFS securities:    
Unrealized gain on AFS securities at beginning of periodUnrealized gain on AFS securities at beginning of period$79,607 $392,722 Unrealized gain on AFS securities at beginning of period$66,163 $52,889 $79,607 $392,722 
Unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-saleUnrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-sale(3,855)124,410 Unrealized (losses)/gains on securities available-for-sale(8,029)15,082 (21,473)408,585 
Reclassification adjustment for MBS sales included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for MBS sales included in net income(23,953)Reclassification adjustment for MBS sales included in net income— (60)— (389,127)
Reclassification adjustment for impairment included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for impairment included in net income(344,269)Reclassification adjustment for impairment included in net income— — — (344,269)
Change in AOCI from AFS securitiesChange in AOCI from AFS securities(3,855)(243,812)Change in AOCI from AFS securities(8,029)15,022 (21,473)(324,811)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$75,752 $148,910 Balance at end of period$58,134 $67,911 $58,134 $67,911 
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Interest Income on Securities, at Fair Value
 
The following table presents the components of interest income on the Company’s Securities, at fair value for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020: 
Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)20212020(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Agency MBSAgency MBSAgency MBS
Coupon interestCoupon interest$$13,636 Coupon interest$— $— $— $14,038 
Effective yield adjustment (1)
Effective yield adjustment (1)
(4,775)
Effective yield adjustment (1)
— — — (5,186)
Interest incomeInterest income$$8,861 Interest income$— $— $— $8,852 
Legacy Non-Agency MBSLegacy Non-Agency MBSLegacy Non-Agency MBS
Coupon interestCoupon interest$14 $17,282 Coupon interest$— $42 $14 $18,222 
Effective yield adjustment (2)(3)
Effective yield adjustment (2)(3)
670 9,406 
Effective yield adjustment (2)(3)
— 670 10,564 
Interest incomeInterest income$684 $26,688 Interest income$— $48 $684 $28,786 
RPL/NPL MBSRPL/NPL MBSRPL/NPL MBS
Coupon interestCoupon interest$352 $5,583 Coupon interest$— $811 $373 $7,622 
Effective yield adjustment (1)(4)
Effective yield adjustment (1)(4)
8,135 280 
Effective yield adjustment (1)(4)
— 94 8,136 449 
Interest incomeInterest income$8,487 $5,863 Interest income$— $905 $8,509 $8,071 
CRT securitiesCRT securitiesCRT securities
Coupon interestCoupon interest$921 $3,485 Coupon interest$931 $956 $2,774 $6,063 
Effective yield adjustment (2)
Effective yield adjustment (2)
744 (523)
Effective yield adjustment (2)
1,364 420 3,152 (94)
Interest incomeInterest income$1,665 $2,962 Interest income$2,295 $1,376 $5,926 $5,969 
MSR-related assetsMSR-related assetsMSR-related assets
Coupon interestCoupon interest$2,405 $14,207 Coupon interest$1,595 $2,991 $6,044 $23,332 
Effective yield adjustment (2)(5)
Effective yield adjustment (2)(5)
3,218 
Effective yield adjustment (2)(5)
6,739 3,250 21,270 6,857 
Interest incomeInterest income$5,623 $14,207 Interest income$8,334 $6,241 $27,314 $30,189 
 
(1)  Includes amortization of premium paid net of accretion of purchase discount.  For Agency MBS, RPL/NPL MBS and the corporate loan secured by MSRs, interest income is recorded at an effective yield, which reflects net premium amortization/accretion based on actual prepayment activity.
(2) The effective yield adjustment is the difference between the net income calculated using the net yield less the current coupon yield. The net yield may be based on management’s estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows or in the instrument’s contractual cash flows, depending on the relevant accounting standards.
(3) Includes accretion income recognized due to the impact of redemptions of certain securities that had been previously purchased at a discount of approximately $670,000$670,000 during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021.
(4) Includes accretion income recognized due to the impact of redemptions of certain securities that had been previously purchased at a discount of approximately $8.1 million and $277,000 during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(5) Includes $4.0 million and $12.4 million of accretion income recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively due to the impact of the redemption at par of MSR-related assets that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to an impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

.
5.    Other Assets

The following table presents the components of the Company’s Other assets at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

(In Thousands)(In Thousands)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020(In Thousands)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
REO (1)
REO (1)
$220,393 $249,699 
REO (1)
$178,802 $249,699 
Capital contributions made to loan origination partnersCapital contributions made to loan origination partners81,374 47,148 Capital contributions made to loan origination partners53,537 47,148 
GoodwillGoodwill61,615 — 
Intangibles, net (2)
Intangibles, net (2)
24,700 — 
Other interest-earning assetsOther interest-earning assets35,437 — 
Interest receivableInterest receivable35,989 38,850 Interest receivable41,432 38,850 
Other MBS and loan related receivables23,403 16,682 
Other loan related receivablesOther loan related receivables45,242 16,682 
Lease right-of-use asset (3)
Lease right-of-use asset (3)
39,500 758 
OtherOther31,567 33,002 Other61,338 32,244 
Total Other AssetsTotal Other Assets$392,726 $385,381 Total Other Assets$541,603 $385,381 

(1) Includes $61.1$16.1 million and $61.8 million of REO that is held-for-investment at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(2) Net of aggregate accumulated amortization of $3.3 million as of September 30, 2021.
(3) An estimated incremental borrowing rate of 7.5% was used in connection with the Company’s primary operating lease (see Notes 2 and 10).

(a) Real Estate Owned

At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had 835674 REO properties with an aggregate carrying value of $220.4$178.8 million. At December 31, 2020, the Company had 946 REO properties with an aggregate carrying value of $249.7 million.
At March 31,September 30, 2021, $218.0$176.3 million of residential real estate property was held by the Company that was acquired either through a completed foreclosure proceeding or from completion of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. In addition, formal foreclosure proceedings were in process with respect to $156.6$96.6 million of residential whole loans held at carrying value and $436.9$391.5 million of residential whole loans held at fair value at March 31,September 30, 2021.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The following table presents the activity in the Company’s REO for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)20212020
Balance at beginning of period$249,699 $411,659 
Adjustments to record at lower of cost or fair value(874)(4,750)
Transfer from residential whole loans (1)
20,068 50,693 
Purchases and capital improvements, net217 5,809 
Disposals (2)
(48,386)(51,735)
Depreciation(331)(203)
Balance at end of period$220,393 $411,473 
Number of properties835 1,622 

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Balance at beginning of period$204,762 $348,516 $249,699 $411,659 
Adjustments to record at lower of cost or fair value(2,448)93 (3,390)(11,796)
Transfer from residential whole loans (1)
11,673 15,672 50,043 74,891 
Purchases and capital improvements, net1,584 771 2,207 10,072 
Disposals and other (2)
(36,769)(66,185)(119,757)(185,959)
Balance at end of period$178,802 $298,867 $178,802 $298,867 
Number of properties674 1,131 674 1,131 
(1)Includes a net gain recorded on transfer of approximately $1.1 million$700,000 and $3.0 million$834,000 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively; and a net loss recorded on transfer of approximately $400,000 and a net gain recorded on transfer of approximately $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2)During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, and 2020, the Company sold 177151 and 249470 REO properties for consideration of $50.6$45.4 million and $54.8$134.0 million, realizing net gains of approximately $2.2$7.3 million and $3.1$13.4 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company sold 267 and 812 REO properties for consideration of $69.9 million and $195.2 million, realizing net gains of approximately $3.9 million and $10.0 million, respectively. These amounts are included in Other Income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.


(b) Capital Contributions Made to Loan Origination Partners

The Company has made investments in several loan originators as part of its strategy to be a reliable source of capital to select partners from whom it sources residential mortgage loans through both flow arrangements and bulk purchases. To date, such contributions of capital include the following investments (based on their carrying value prior to any impairments): $49.2$23.2 million of common equity (including partnership interests) and $100.8$67.8 million of preferred equity. In addition, for certain partners, options or warrants may have also been acquired that provide the Company the ability to increase the level of its
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
investment if certain conditions are met. At the end of each reporting period, or earlier if circumstances warrant, the Company evaluates whether the nature of its interests and other involvement with the investee entity requires the Company to apply equity method accounting or consolidate the results of the investee entity with the Company’s financial results. To date,On July 1, 2021, the natureCompany completed the acquisition of certain ownership interests in Lima One, which resulted in the Company owning all of Lima One’s outstanding ownership interests. Accordingly, the Company consolidated Lima One’s financial results beginning on that date. In addition, in connection with the purchase accounting for the acquisition, the Company was required to revalue its investments in Lima One common equity, resulting in a $38.9 million gain, which was recorded in Other Income in the Company’s interests and/or involvement with investee companies has not resulted in consolidation.consolidated statements of operations (Refer to Note 16 for further details). Further, to the extent that the nature of the Company’s interests has resulted in the need for the Company to apply equity method accounting, the impact of such accounting on the Company’s results for periods subsequent to that in which the Company was determined to have significant influence over the investee company was not material for any period. AsWith respect to investments in entities that the Company does not either consolidate or apply equity method accounting, as the interests acquired to date by the Company generally do not have a readily determinable fair value, the Company accounts for its non-equity methodthese interests (including any acquired options and warrants) in loan originators initially at cost. The carrying value of these investments will be adjusted if it is determined that an impairment has occurred or if there has been a subsequent observable transaction in either the investee company’s equity securities or a similar security that provides evidence to support an adjustment to the carrying value. Following an evaluation of the anticipated impact of COVID-19 on economic conditions for the short to medium term, the Company recorded impairment charges of $58.1$65.2 million on investments in certain loan origination partners during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, which was included in “Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets” on the consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company reversed $10.0 million of previously recorded impairment as two of the Company’s preferred equity investments were repaid in full. This gain was recorded in Other Income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company did 0tnot record any impairment charges to earnings on investments in certain loan origination partners during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. At March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately $685.8 million$1.0 billion of the Company’s Residential whole loans, at carrying value were serviced by entities in which the Company has an investment.

investment, including Lima One.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(c) Derivative Instruments
 
The Company’s derivative instruments have historically generally been comprised of Swaps, the majority of which were designated as cash flow hedges against the interest rate risk associated with certain borrowings. In addition, in connection with managing risks associated with purchases of longer duration Agency MBS, the Company has also entered into Swaps that arewere not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

In response to the turmoil in the financial markets resulting from COVID-19 experienced during the three months ended March 31, 2020, and given that management no longer considered these transactions to be effective hedges in the then prevailing interest rate environment, the Company unwound all of its approximately $4.1 billion of Swap hedging transactions late in the first quarter of 2020 in order to recover previously posted margin.
 
The following table presents the net impact of the Company’s derivative hedging instruments on its net interest expense and the weighted average interest rate paid and received for such Swaps for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)20212020(Dollars in Thousands)2021202020212020
Interest (expense)/income attributable to SwapsInterest (expense)/income attributable to Swaps$$(3,359)Interest (expense)/income attributable to Swaps$— $— $— $(3,359)
Weighted average Swap rate paidWeighted average Swap rate paid%2.09 %Weighted average Swap rate paid— %— %— %2.06 %
Weighted average Swap rate receivedWeighted average Swap rate received%1.65 %Weighted average Swap rate received— %— %— %1.63 %
 
During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020, the Company recorded net losses on Swaps not designated in hedging relationships of approximately $4.3 million, which included $9.4 million of losses realized on the unwind of certain Swaps. These amounts are included in Other income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Impact of Derivative Hedging Instruments on AOCI
 
The following table presents the impact of the Company’s derivative hedging instruments on its AOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)20212020(In Thousands)2021202020212020
AOCI from derivative hedging instruments:AOCI from derivative hedging instruments:AOCI from derivative hedging instruments:
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$$(22,675)Balance at beginning of period$— $(7,176)$— $(22,675)
Net loss on SwapsNet loss on Swaps(50,127)Net loss on Swaps— — — (50,127)
Reclassification adjustment for losses/gains related to hedging instruments included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for losses/gains related to hedging instruments included in net income1,594 Reclassification adjustment for losses/gains related to hedging instruments included in net income— 7,176 — 72,802 
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$$(71,208)Balance at end of period$— $— $— $— 

TBA Securities

In order to economically hedge the risks arising from the investments in Agency eligible investor loans, the Company has entered into short positions in certain TBA securities. The table below summarizes open short positions in TBA securities as of September 30, 2021, which had an aggregate value of $5.4 million.

TBA SecurityNotional AmountSettlement Date
(In Thousands)
FNCL 2.0 10/21$420,000 October 14, 2021
FNCL 2.5 10/21$330,000 October 14, 2021
31
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

TBA short positions are subject to margining requirements which serve to mitigate counterparty credit risk associated with these transactions. Open TBA positions are measured at fair value each reporting date, with realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of these positions recorded in Other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a net gain on TBA short positions of $2.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. No TBA short positions had been entered into in the prior periods presented.


6.      Financing Agreements

The following tables present the components of the Company’s Financing agreements at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

March 31, 2021September 30, 2021
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Unpaid Principal BalanceAmortized Cost Balance
Fair Value/Carrying Value(1)
(In Thousands)Unpaid Principal BalanceAmortized Cost Balance
Fair Value/Carrying Value(1)
Financing agreements, at fair valueFinancing agreements, at fair valueFinancing agreements, at fair value
Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions$1,275,172 $1,275,172 $1,275,172 
Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$1,039,205 $1,039,205 $1,041,283 Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions689,205 689,205 690,583 
Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions1,180,287 1,180,287 1,180,287 
Securitized debtSecuritized debt748,717 748,708 753,008 Securitized debt527,160 527,154 530,829 
Total Financing agreements, at fair valueTotal Financing agreements, at fair value$2,968,209 $2,968,200 $2,974,578 Total Financing agreements, at fair value$2,491,537 $2,491,531 $2,496,584 
Other financing agreements
Financing agreements, at carrying valueFinancing agreements, at carrying value
Securitized debtSecuritized debt$800,137 $795,912 Securitized debt$1,522,354 $1,514,900 
Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions1,155,964 1,155,820 
Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions157,784 157,366 
Convertible senior notesConvertible senior notes230,000 225,492 Convertible senior notes230,000 226,138 
Total Financing agreements at carrying value$1,030,137 $1,021,404 
Total Financing agreements, at carrying valueTotal Financing agreements, at carrying value$3,066,102 $3,054,224 
Total Financing agreementsTotal Financing agreements$3,998,346 $3,995,982 Total Financing agreements$5,557,639 $5,550,808 

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Unpaid Principal BalanceAmortized Cost Balance
Fair Value/Carrying Value(1)
(In Thousands)Unpaid Principal BalanceAmortized Cost Balance
Fair Value/Carrying Value(1)
Financing agreements, at fair valueFinancing agreements, at fair valueFinancing agreements, at fair value
Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$1,156,899 $1,156,899 $1,159,213 Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$1,156,899 $1,156,899 $1,159,213 
Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions1,338,077 1,338,077 1,338,077 Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions1,338,077 1,338,077 1,338,077 
Securitized debtSecuritized debt866,203 857,553 869,482 Securitized debt866,203 857,553 869,482 
Total Financing agreements, at fair valueTotal Financing agreements, at fair value$3,361,179 $3,352,529 $3,366,772 Total Financing agreements, at fair value$3,361,179 $3,352,529 $3,366,772 
Other financing agreements
Financing agreements, at carrying valueFinancing agreements, at carrying value
Securitized debtSecuritized debt$648,300 $645,027 Securitized debt$648,300 $645,027 
Convertible senior notesConvertible senior notes230,000 225,177 Convertible senior notes230,000 225,177 
Senior notesSenior notes100,000 100,000 Senior notes100,000 100,000 
Total Financing agreements at carrying value$978,300 $970,204 
Total Financing agreements, at carrying valueTotal Financing agreements, at carrying value$978,300 $970,204 
Total Financing agreementsTotal Financing agreements$4,339,479 $4,336,976 Total Financing agreements$4,339,479 $4,336,976 

(1)    Financing agreements at fair value are reported at estimated fair value each period as a result of the Company’s fair value option election. Other financing arrangements are reported at their carrying value (amortized cost basis) as the fair value option was not elected on these liabilities. Consequently, Total Financing agreements as presented reflects a summation of balances reported at fair value and carrying value.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

(a) Financing Agreements, at Fair Value

DuringIn conjunction with its exit from forbearance arrangements in the second quarter of 2020, the Company entered into a $500 million senior secured credit agreement. In addition, in conjunction with its exit from forbearance arrangements, the Company entered into several new asset backed financing arrangements and renegotiated financing arrangements for certain assets with existing lenders, which together resulted in the Company essentially refinancing the majority of its investment portfolio. The Company elected the fair value option on these financing arrangements, primarily to simplify the accounting associated with costs incurred to establish the new facilities or renegotiate existing facilities.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
The Company considers the most relevant feature that distinguishes between the various asset backed financing arrangements is how the financing arrangement is collateralized, including the ability of the lender to make margin calls on the Company based on changes in value of the underlying collateral securing the financing. Accordingly, further details are provided below regarding assets that are financed with agreements that have non-mark-to-market collateral provisions and assets that are financed with agreements that have mark-to-market collateral provisions.

Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions

TheIn June 2020, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a non-mark-to-market term loan facility with certain lenders with an initial borrowing capacity of $1.65 billion. The Company’s borrowing subsidiaries have pledged, as collateral security for the facility, certain of their residential whole loans (excluding Rehabilitation loans), as well as the equity in subsidiaries that own the loans. The facility has an initial term of two years, which may be extended for up to an additional three years, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of an extension fee and provided that no events of default have occurred. For the initial two-year term, the financing cost for the facility will be calculated at a spread over the lender’s financing cost, which, depending on the lender, is expected to be based either on three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (‘LIBOR”), or an index that it expected over time to be closely correlated to changes in three-month LIBOR. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the amount financed under this facility was approximately $837.8$573.8 million.

In addition, the Company also entered into non-mark-to-market financing facilities on Rehabilitation loans. Under these facilities, Rehabilitation loans, as well as the equity in subsidiaries that own the loans, are pledged as collateral. The facilities have a two-year term and the financing cost is calculated at a spread over three-month LIBOR. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the amount financed under these facilities was approximately $203.5$116.8 million.

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at fair value with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions and associated assets pledged as collateral at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(Dollars in Thousands)March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Non-mark-to-market financing secured by residential whole loans at carrying value$794,634 $906,466 
Fair value of residential whole loans at carrying value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$1,313,629 $1,500,100 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans at carrying value38.62 %38.36 %
Non-mark-to-market financing secured by residential whole loans at fair value$239,654 $249,659 
Fair value of residential whole loans at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$427,234 $430,183 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans at fair value43.89 %42.69 %
Non-mark-to-market financing secured by real estate owned$6,995 $3,088 
Fair value of real estate owned pledged as collateral under financing agreements$16,183 $7,441 
Weighted average haircut on real estate owned56.41 %59.65 %
(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Non-mark-to-market financing secured by residential whole loans$681,567 $1,156,125 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$1,191,747 $1,930,283 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans42.03 %39.46 %
Non-mark-to-market financing secured by real estate owned$9,016 $3,088 
Fair value of real estate owned pledged as collateral under financing agreements$23,296 $7,441 
Weighted average haircut on real estate owned61.09 %59.73 %

Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

In addition to entering into the financing arrangements discussed above, the Company also entered into a reinstatement agreement with certain lending counterparties that facilitated its exit from the forbearance arrangements that the Company had previously entered into. In connection with the reinstatement agreement, terms of its prior financing arrangements on certain residential whole loans residential mortgage securities, and MSR-related assets were renegotiated and those arrangements were reinstated on a go-forward basis. These financing arrangements continue to contain mark-to-market provisions that permit the lending counterparties to make margin calls on the Company should the value of the pledged collateral decline. The Company is also permitted to recover previously posted margin payments, should values of the pledged collateral subsequently increase. These facilities generally have a maturity ranging from one to three months and can be renewed at the discretion of the lending counterparty at financing costs reflecting prevailing market pricing. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the amount financed under these agreements was approximately $1.2 billion.$1.3
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

billion.
 
The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at fair value with mark-to-market collateral provisions and associated assets pledged as collateral at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans at carrying value
$732,442 $839,594 
Fair value of residential whole loans at carrying value pledged as collateral under financing agreements (1)
$1,168,394 $1,297,243 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans at carrying value (2)
34.39 %32.57 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans at fair value
$236,321 $273,959 
Residential whole loans at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements (1)
$468,279 $501,570 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans at fair value (2)
48.71 %39.02 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loansMark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$1,262,811 $1,113,553 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements (1)
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements (1)
$1,910,051 $1,798,813 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (2)
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (2)
31.84 %34.17 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair valueMark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair value$200,746 $213,915 Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair value$— $213,915 
Securities at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreementsSecurities at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$350,115 $399,999 Securities at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$— $399,999 
Weighted average haircut on securities at fair value (2)
Weighted average haircut on securities at fair value (2)
40.06 %41.16 %
Weighted average haircut on securities at fair value (2)
— %41.16 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by real estate ownedMark-to-market financing agreements secured by real estate owned$10,778 $10,609 Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by real estate owned$12,361 $10,609 
Fair value of real estate owned pledged as collateral under financing agreementsFair value of real estate owned pledged as collateral under financing agreements$37,108 $22,525 Fair value of real estate owned pledged as collateral under financing agreements$38,388 $22,525 
Weighted average haircut on real estate owned (2)
Weighted average haircut on real estate owned (2)
51.76 %55.25 %
Weighted average haircut on real estate owned (2)
61.22 %55.56 %
 
(1)At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, includes Non-Agency MBS with an aggregate fair value of $36.3 million and $141.9 million respectively, obtained in connection with the Company’s loan securitization transactions that are eliminated in consolidation.
(2)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

In addition, the Company had aggregate restricted cash pledged as collateralheld in connection with its financing agreements of $5.2$55.5 million and $7.2 million at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The following table presents repricing information (excluding the impact of associated derivative hedging instruments, if any) about the Company’s financing agreements, at fair value that have non-mark-to-market collateral provisions as well as those that have mark-to-market collateral provisions, at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

March 31, 2021December 31, 2020 September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Amortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest RateAmortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest RateAmortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest RateAmortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest Rate
Time Until Interest Rate ResetTime Until Interest Rate ResetTime Until Interest Rate Reset
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)    (Dollars in Thousands)    
Within 30 daysWithin 30 days$2,083,420 3.08 %$2,494,976 3.16 %Within 30 days$1,964,377 2.55 %$2,494,976 3.16 %
Over 30 days to 3 monthsOver 30 days to 3 months136,072 2.14 Over 30 days to 3 months— — — — 
Over 3 months to 12 monthsOver 3 months to 12 monthsOver 3 months to 12 months— — — — 
Over 12 monthsOver 12 monthsOver 12 months— — — — 
Total financing agreementsTotal financing agreements$2,219,492 3.02 %$2,494,976 3.16 %Total financing agreements$1,964,377 2.55 %$2,494,976 3.16 %

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021

The Company had financing agreements, including repurchase agreements and other forms of secured financing with 7 counterparties at both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table presents information with respect to each counterparty under financing agreements for which the Company had greater than 5% of stockholders’ equity at risk in the aggregate at March 31, 2021:
March 31, 2021
Counterparty
Rating (1)
Amount 
at Risk (2)
Weighted 
Average Months 
to Repricing for
Repurchase Agreements
Percent of
Stockholders’ Equity
Counterparty
(Dollars in Thousands)
Barclays BankBBB/Aa3/A$489,085 119.2 %
Wells FargoA+/Aa2/AA-398,559 115.7 
Credit SuisseBBB+/Baa1/A-341,065 113.4 
Goldman Sachs (3)
BBB+/A2/A149,368 15.9 
(1)As rated at March 31, 2021 by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, Inc., respectively.  The counterparty rating presented is the lowest published rating for these entities.
(2)The amount at risk reflects the difference between (a) the amount loaned to the Company through financing agreements, including interest payable, and (b) the cash and the fair value of the securities pledged by the Company as collateral, including accrued interest receivable on such securities.
(3)Includes $5.2 million at risk with Goldman Sachs and $144.2 million at risk with Goldman Sachs Bank USA.

Senior Secured Term Loan Facility

On June 26, 2020, the Company entered into a $500 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with certain funds, accounts and/or clients managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and affiliates of Athene Holding Ltd. The outstanding balance of the Term Loan Facility was repaid and the Term Loan Facility was terminated prior to December 31, 2020.

(b) Other Financing Agreements,

These arrangements were either entered into prior to the Company experiencing financial difficulties related to COVID-19, or, in the case of the Company’s recent securitizations, after the Company’s exit from forbearance, and were not subject to the forbearance arrangements that were entered into by the Company or any negotiations related to the Company’s exit from those arrangements. at Carrying Value

Additional information regarding the Company’s Other financing arrangements as of March 31,September 30, 2021, is included below:

Securitized Debt

Securitized debt represents third-party liabilities of consolidated VIEs and excludes liabilities of the VIEs acquired by the Company that are eliminated in consolidation. The third-party beneficial interest holders in the VIEs have no recourse to the
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
general credit of the Company. The weighted average fixed rate on the securitized debt was 1.71%1.55% at March 31,September 30, 2021 (see Notes 10 and 15 for further discussion).

Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, and associated assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2021 (none were outstanding at December 31, 2020):

(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
Non-mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$157,366 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$182,316 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (1)
13.00 %
(1)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value with mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, and associated assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2021 (none were outstanding at December 31, 2020):
(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$984,016 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$1,161,100 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (1)
15.21 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair value$171,804 
Securities at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$283,037 
Weighted average haircut on securities at fair value (1)
38.33 %
(1)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

The following table presents repricing information (excluding the impact of associated derivative hedging instruments, if any) about the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value that have non-mark-to-market collateral provisions as well as those that have mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

 September 30, 2021
Amortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest Rate
Time Until Interest Rate Reset
(Dollars in Thousands)  
Within 30 days$1,259,588 1.90 %
Over 30 days to 3 months36,141 4.30 
Over 3 months to 12 months18,018 4.50 
Over 12 months— — 
Total financing agreements$1,313,747 2.00 %


Convertible Senior Notes

On June 3, 2019, the Company issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering, including an additional $30.0 million issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional Convertible Senior Notes. The total net proceeds the Company received from the offering were
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
approximately $223.3 million, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount.  The Convertible Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% per year, paid semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing December 15, 2019 and will mature on June 15, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms. The Convertible Senior Notes are convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date into shares of the Company’s common stock based on an initial
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
conversion rate of 125.7387 shares of the Company’s common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $7.95 per share of common stock. The Convertible Senior Notes have an effective interest rate, including the impact of amortization to interest expense of debt issuance costs, of 6.94%. The Company does not have the right to redeem the Convertible Senior Notes prior to maturity, except to the extent necessary to preserve its status as a REIT, in which case the Company may redeem the Convertible Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Convertible Senior Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and are effectively junior to all of the Company’s secured indebtedness, which includes the Company’s repurchase agreements and other financing arrangements, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and equal in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured obligations, including the Senior Notes.

Senior Notes

On April 11, 2012, the Company issued $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering.  On January 6, 2021, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.00% per year, paid quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes had an effective interest rate, including the impact of amortization to interest expense of debt issuance costs, of 8.31%.

(c) Counterparties

The Company had financing agreements, including repurchase agreements and other forms of secured financing, with 13 and 7 counterparties at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table presents information with respect to each counterparty under financing agreements for which the Company had greater than 5% of stockholders’ equity at risk in the aggregate at September 30, 2021:
September 30, 2021
Counterparty
Rating (1)
Amount 
at Risk (2)
Weighted 
Average Months 
to Repricing for
Repurchase Agreements
Percent of
Stockholders’ Equity
Counterparty
(Dollars in Thousands)
Barclays Bank (3)
BBB/Aa3/A$527,745 120.3 %
Credit SuisseBBB+/Baa1/A-420,704 116.2 
Wells FargoA+/Aa2/AA-296,559 111.4 
(1)As rated at September 30, 2021 by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, Inc., respectively.  The counterparty rating presented is the lowest published rating for these entities.
(2)The amount at risk reflects the difference between (a) the amount loaned to the Company through financing agreements, including interest payable, and (b) the cash and the fair value of the securities pledged by the Company as collateral, including accrued interest receivable on such securities.
(3)Includes amounts at risk with various affiliates of Athene Holding, Ltd., held via participation in a loan syndication administered by Barclays Bank.


(d) Pledged Collateral

The following tables present the Company’s assets (based on carrying value) pledged as collateral for its various financing arrangements as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
September 30, 2021
Financing Agreements
(In Thousands)Non-Mark-to-MarketMark-to-MarketSecuritizedTotal
Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value$794,267 $533,633 $1,679,702 $3,007,602 
Residential whole loans, at fair value555,738 2,499,284 650,507 3,705,529 
Securities, at fair value— 222,705 — 222,705 
Other assets: REO19,919 32,363 36,053 88,335 
Total$1,369,924 $3,287,985 $2,366,262 $7,024,171 

December 31, 2020
Financing Agreements
(In Thousands)Non-Mark-to-MarketMark-to-MarketSecuritizedTotal
Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value$1,497,281 $1,207,364 $1,436,316 $4,140,961 
Residential whole loans, at fair value430,183 396,817 382,349 1,209,349 
Securities, at fair value— 442,773 — 442,773 
Other assets: REO— — 49,477 49,477 
Total$1,927,464 $2,046,954 $1,868,142 $5,842,560 


7. Collateral Positions
 
The Company pledges securities or cash as collateral to its counterparties in relation to certain of its financing arrangements. In addition, the Company receives securities or cash as collateral pursuant to financing provided under reverse repurchase agreements.  The Company exchanges collateral with its counterparties based on changes in the fair value, notional amount and term of the associated financing arrangements and Swap contracts, as applicable.  In connection with these margining practices, either the Company or its counterparty may be required to pledge cash or securities as collateral.  When the Company’s pledged collateral exceeds the required margin, the Company may initiate a reverse margin call, at which time the counterparty may either return the excess collateral or provide collateral to the Company in the form of cash or equivalent securities.

The Company’s assets pledged as collateral are described in Notes 2(e) - Restricted Cash, 5(c) - Derivative Instruments and 6 - Financing Agreements. The total fair value of assets pledged as collateral with respect to the Company’s borrowings under its financing arrangements, excluding securitizations, and/or derivative hedging instruments was $3.8$4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. An aggregate of $20.9$21.4 million and $24.6 million of accrued interest on those assets had also been pledged as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

8.    Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Certain of the Company’s financing arrangements and derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide for a right of setoff in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. In the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, all balances associated with repurchase agreements are presented on a gross basis.

The fair value of financial instruments pledged against the Company’s financing arrangements, excluding securitizations, was $3.8$4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. There were 0no financial instruments pledged against the Company’s Swaps at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, cash that has been pledged as collateral against financing arrangements and Swaps (if any) is reported as Restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (see Notes 2(e), 5(c) and 6).

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
9. Other Liabilities

The following table presents the components of the Company’s Other liabilities at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

(In Thousands)(In Thousands)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020(In Thousands)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Payable for unsettled residential whole loans purchasesPayable for unsettled residential whole loans purchases$112,202 $Payable for unsettled residential whole loans purchases$163,015 $— 
Dividends and dividend equivalents payableDividends and dividend equivalents payable33,640 34,016 Dividends and dividend equivalents payable44,247 34,016 
Lease liabilityLease liability44,284 636 
Accrued interest payableAccrued interest payable10,948 11,116 Accrued interest payable11,174 11,116 
Accrued expenses and otherAccrued expenses and other22,922 25,390 Accrued expenses and other73,235 24,754 
Total Other LiabilitiesTotal Other Liabilities$179,712 $70,522 Total Other Liabilities$335,955 $70,522 


10.    Commitments and Contingencies
 
(a) Lease Commitments
 
The Company’s primary lease commitments relate to its corporate headquarters. In MarchApril 2021, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters, terminating its prior lease on April 30, 2021. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company recorded aggregate lease expense of approximately $767,000$1.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively, in connection with this lease.these 2 leases.

The term specified in the newcurrent lease is approximately fifteen years with an option to renew for an additional five years. The Company’s current estimate

At September 30, 2021, the contractual minimum rental payments (exclusive of annual lease expense under the new lease, excluding real estate tax and operating expensepossible rent escalation charges (which at this point are unknown) and incentives, is approximately $4.6 million.normal recurring charges for maintenance, insurance and taxes) were as follows:

Year Ended December 31, Minimum Rental Payments
(In Thousands) 
2021 (1)
$465 
20225,220 
20235,236 
20245,230 
20254,638 
Thereafter54,156 
Total$74,945 

(1) Reflects contractual minimum rental payments due for the period from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

(b) Representations and Warranties in Connection with Loan Securitization and Other Loan Sale Transactions

In connection with the loan securitization and sale transactions entered into by the Company, the Company has the obligation under certain circumstances to repurchase assets previously transferred to securitization vehicles, or otherwise sold, upon breach of certain representations and warranties. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had 0 reserve established for repurchases of loans and was not aware of any material unsettled repurchase claims that would require the establishment of such a reserve (see Note 15).

(c) Rehabilitation Loan Commitments

At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had unfunded commitments of $54.4$186.5 million in connection with its purchased Rehabilitation loans (see Note 3).loans.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(d) Residential Whole Loan Purchase Commitments

At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company has agreed, subject to the completion of due diligence and customary closing conditions, to purchase residential whole loans held at fair value with an aggregate estimated purchase price of $112.2$163.0 million, with a corresponding liability recorded in Other Liabilities and included in Payable for unsettled residential whole loan purchases.

11.    Stockholders’ Equity
 
(a) Preferred Stock
 
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”)
On April 15, 2013, the Company completed the issuance of 8.0 million shares of its Series B Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, in an underwritten public offering. The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a rate of 7.50% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference before the Company’s common stock is paid any dividends and is senior to the Company’s
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared), exclusively at the Company’s option.

The Series B Preferred Stock generally does not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for 6 or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).  Under such circumstances, the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect 2 additional directors to the Company’s Board of Directors (the ��Board”“Board”), until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.  In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its Series B Preferred Stock from January 1, 2021 through March 31,September 30, 2021:

YearDeclaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
2021February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.46875
Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
August 26, 2021September 8, 2021September 30, 2021$0.46875
May 24, 2021June 7, 2021June 30, 2021$0.46875
February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.46875

Issuance of 6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”)

On February 28, 2020, the Company amended its charter through the filing of articles supplementary to reclassify 12,650,000 shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock as shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock. On March 2, 2020, the Company completed the issuance of 11.0 million shares of its Series C Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, in an underwritten public offering. The total net proceeds the Company received from the offering were approximately $266.0 million, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount.

The Company’s Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends (i) from and including the original issue date to, but excluding, March 31, 2025, at a fixed rate of 6.50% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference and (ii) from and including March 31, 2025, at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.345% per year of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference before the Company’s common stock is paid any dividends, and is senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company prior to March 31, 2025, except under circumstances where it is necessary to preserve the Company’s qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and upon the occurrence of certain specified change in control transactions. On or after March 31, 2025, the Company may, at its option, subject to certain
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
procedural requirements, redeem any or all of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not authorized or declared) to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Series C Preferred Stock generally does not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for 6 or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).  Under such circumstances, the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect 2 additional directors to the Company’s Board, until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3 of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock.

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its Series C Preferred Stock from January 1, 2021 through March 31,September 30, 2021:

YearDeclaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
2021February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.40625
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
August 26, 2021September 8, 2021September 30, 2021$0.40625
May 24, 2021June 7, 2021June 30, 2021$0.40625
February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.40625

(b)  Dividends on Common Stock
 
The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its common stock from January 1, 2021 through March 31,September 30, 2021:

Year
Declaration Date
Record DatePayment DateDividend Per Share 
2021March 12, 2021March 31, 2021April 30, 2021$0.075(1)
Declaration Date
Record DatePayment DateDividend Per Share 
September 15, 2021September 30, 2021October 29, 2021$0.100(1)
June 15, 2021June 30, 2021July 30, 2021$0.100
March 12, 2021March 31, 2021April 30, 2021$0.075

(1) At March 31,September 30, 2021, we had accrued dividends and dividend equivalents payable of $33.6$44.2 million related to the common stock dividend declared on March 12,June 15, 2021.

(c) Discount Waiver, Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRSPP”)
 
On October 15, 2019, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for the purpose of registering additional common stock for sale through its DRSPP.  Pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, this shelf registration statement became effective automatically upon filing with the SEC and, when combined with the unused portion of the Company’s previous DRSPP shelf registration statements, registered an aggregate of 9.0 million shares of common stock.  The Company’s DRSPP is designed to provide existing stockholders and new investors with a convenient and economical way to purchase shares of common stock through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and/or optional cash investments.  At March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately 8.68.4 million shares of common stock remained available for issuance pursuant to the DRSPP shelf registration statement.
 
During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company issued 105,272114,730 and 312,318 shares of common stock through the DRSPP, raising net proceeds of approximately $388,173.$537,136 and $1.3 million, respectively.  From the inception of the DRSPP in September 2003 through March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company issued 34,719,67534,926,721 shares pursuant to the DRSPP, raising net proceeds of $288.0$288.9 million.

(d) At-the-Market Offering Program

On August 16, 2019 the Company entered into a distribution agreement under the terms of which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $400.0 million (the “ATM Shares”), from time to time, through various sales agents, pursuant to an at-the-market equity offering program (the “ATM Program”). Sales of the ATM Shares, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or by transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market”
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
offerings, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or sales made to or through a market maker other than an exchange. The sales agents are entitled to compensation of up to 2 percent of the gross sales price per share for any shares of common stock sold under the distribution agreement.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company did 0tnot sell any shares of common stock through the ATM Program. At March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately $390.0 million remained outstanding for future offerings under this program.

(e)  Stock Repurchase Program
 
On November 2, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock through the end of 2022. The Board’s authorization replaces the authorization under the Company’s existing stock repurchase program that was adopted in December 2013, which authorized the Company to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of common stock and under which approximately 6.6 million remained available for repurchase.

The stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares. The timing and extent to which the Company repurchases its shares will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, share price, liquidity, regulatory requirements and other factors, and repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. Acquisitions under the share repurchase program may be made in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws (including, in the Company’s discretion, through the use of one or more plans adopted under Rule 10b-5-110b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company repurchased 11,606,229 shares of its common stock through the stock repurchase program at an average cost of $4.14 per share and a total cost of approximately $48.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to the sales agent of approximately $116,000. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was permitted to purchase an additional $117.7 million of its common stock.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company repurchased 5,946,678 shares of its common stock through the stock repurchase program at an average cost of $4.09 per share and a total cost of approximately $24.3 million, net of fees and commissions paid to the sales agent of approximately $59,000. For the period from March 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021, the Company purchased 10,778,896 shares of common stock at an average price of $4.14 per share. As of April 30, 2021, the Company was permitted to purchase an additional $121.2 million of its common stock.

(f) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021:
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2021
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$79,607 $$(2,314)$77,293 Balance at beginning of period$66,163 $— $(1,588)$64,575 $79,607 $— $(2,314)$77,293 
OCI before reclassificationsOCI before reclassifications(3,855)235 (3,620)OCI before reclassifications(8,029)— 209 (7,820)(21,473)— 935 (20,538)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
— — — — — — — — 
Net OCI during the period (2)
Net OCI during the period (2)
(3,855)235 (3,620)
Net OCI during the period (2)
(8,029)— 209 (7,820)(21,473)— 935 (20,538)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$75,752 $$(2,079)$73,673 Balance at end of period$58,134 $— $(1,379)$56,755 $58,134 $— $(1,379)$56,755 

(1)  See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
(2)  For further information regarding changes in OCI, see the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
(3) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements at Fair Value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
 

The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020:
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net Gain/(Loss) on SwapsTotal AOCI(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net Gain/(Loss) on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total
AOCI
Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss) on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total
AOCI
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$392,722 $(22,675)$370,047 Balance at beginning of period$52,889 $(7,176)$— $45,713 $392,722 $(22,675)$— $370,047 
OCI before reclassificationsOCI before reclassifications124,410 (50,127)74,283 OCI before reclassifications15,082 — (22,652)(7,570)408,585 (50,127)(22,652)335,806 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
(368,222)1,594 (366,628)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
(60)7,176 — 7,116 (733,396)72,802 — (660,594)
Net OCI during the period (2)
Net OCI during the period (2)
(243,812)(48,533)(292,345)
Net OCI during the period (2)
15,022 7,176 (22,652)(454)(324,811)22,675 (22,652)(324,788)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$148,910 $(71,208)$77,702 Balance at end of period$67,911 $— $(22,652)$45,259 $67,911 $— $(22,652)$45,259 

(1)  See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
(2)  For further information regarding changes in OCI, see the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
(3) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements at Fair Value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
The following table presents information about the significant amounts reclassified out of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021:
Three Months Ended
March 31,September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$0 $— Net realized lossgain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings0 — Other, net
Total AFS Securities$0 $— 
Total reclassifications for period$0 $— 
 

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The following table presents information about the significant amounts reclassified out of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020:
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2020
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$(23,953)Net realized loss on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings(344,269)Other, net
Total AFS Securities$(368,222)
Swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Amortization of de-designated hedging instruments1,594 Other, net
Total Swaps designated as cash flow hedges1,594 
Total reclassifications for period$(366,628)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$(60)$(389,127)Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings— (344,269)Other, net
Total AFS Securities$(60)$(733,396)
Swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Amortization of de-designated hedging instruments7,176 72,802 Other, net
Total Swaps designated as cash flow hedges7,176 72,802 
Total reclassifications for period$7,116 $(660,594)

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

12.    EPS Calculation
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings/(loss) and shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020:
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)20212020(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)2021202020212020
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share:Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share:Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share:
Net income/(loss) to common stockholdersNet income/(loss) to common stockholders$85,522 $(908,995)Net income/(loss) to common stockholders$132,511 $87,210 $284,747 $(725,207)
Dividends declared on preferred stockDividends declared on preferred stock(8,219)(5,215)Dividends declared on preferred stock(8,218)(8,219)(24,656)(21,578)
Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securitiesDividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(274)Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(435)(325)(915)(91)
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basicNet income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$77,029 $(914,210)Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$123,858 $78,666 $259,176 $(746,876)
Basic weighted average common shares outstandingBasic weighted average common shares outstanding451,135 452,979 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding440,889 453,323 444,481 453,170 
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per ShareBasic Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.17 $(2.02)Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.28 $0.17 $0.58 $(1.65)
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share:Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share:Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share:
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basicNet income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$77,029 $(914,210)Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$123,858 $78,666 $259,176 $(746,876)
Interest expense on Convertible Senior NotesInterest expense on Convertible Senior Notes3,909 Interest expense on Convertible Senior Notes3,920 3,898 11,743 — 
Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securitiesDividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities435 — 915 — 
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - dilutedNet income/(loss) to common stockholders - diluted$80,938 $(914,210)Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - diluted$128,213 $82,564 $271,834 $(746,876)
Basic weighted average common shares outstandingBasic weighted average common shares outstanding451,135 452,979 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding440,889 453,323 444,481 453,170 
Effect of assumed conversion of Convertible Senior Notes to common sharesEffect of assumed conversion of Convertible Senior Notes to common shares28,920 Effect of assumed conversion of Convertible Senior Notes to common shares28,920 28,920 28,920 — 
Unvested and vested restricted stock unitsUnvested and vested restricted stock units3,377 — 1,623 — 
Effect of WarrantsEffect of Warrants— 11,297 — — 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
480,055 452,979 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
473,186 493,540 475,024 453,170 
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per ShareDiluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.17 $(2.02)Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.27 $0.17 $0.57 $(1.65)

(1)At March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company had approximately 3.17.0 million equity instruments outstanding that were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.September 30, 2021.  These equity instruments reflect RSUs (based on current estimate of expected share settlement amount) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.87.$4.21. These equity instruments may continue to have a dilutive impact on future EPS.  

During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Convertible Senior Notes were determined to be dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted EPS under the “if-converted” method. Under this method, the periodic interest expense for dilutive notes is added back to the numerator and the weighted average number of shares that the notes are entitled to (if converted, regardless of whether the conversion option is in or out of the money) is included in the denominator for the purpose of calculating diluted EPS. The Convertible Senior Notes may have a dilutive impact on future EPS.

13.    Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans
 
(a)  Equity Compensation Plan
 
In accordance with the terms of the Company’s Equity Plan, which was adopted by the Company’s stockholders on June 10, 2020 (and which amended and restated the Company’s 2010 Equity Compensation Plan), directors, officers and employees of the Company and any of its subsidiaries and other persons expected to provide significant services for the Company and any of its subsidiaries are eligible to receive grants of stock options (“Options”), restricted stock, RSUs, dividend equivalent rights and other stock-based awards under the Equity Plan.
 
Subject to certain exceptions, stock-based awards relating to a maximum of 18.0 million shares of common stock may be granted under the Equity Plan; forfeitures and/or awards that expire unexercised do not count toward this limit.  At March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately 12.510.5 million shares of common stock remained available for grant in connection with stock-basedstock-
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
based awards under the Equity Plan.  A participant may generally not receive stock-based awards in excess of 2.0 million shares of common stock in any one year and no award may be granted to any person who, assuming exercise of all Options and payment of all awards held by such person, would own or be deemed to own more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.  Unless previously terminated by the Board, awards may be granted under the Equity Plan until June 10, 2030.
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
Restricted Stock UnitsSecuritized Debt

Under the termsSecuritized debt represents third-party liabilities of consolidated VIEs and excludes liabilities of the Equity Plan, RSUsVIEs acquired by the Company that are instruments that provideeliminated in consolidation. The third-party beneficial interest holders in the holderVIEs have no recourse to the
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
general credit of the Company. The weighted average fixed rate on the securitized debt was 1.55% at September 30, 2021 (see Notes 10 and 15 for further discussion).

Agreements with the right to receive, subjectnon-mark-to-market collateral provisions

The following table presents information with respect to the satisfactionCompany’s financing agreements, at carrying value with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, and associated assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2021 (none were outstanding at December 31, 2020):

(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
Non-mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$157,366 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$182,316 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (1)
13.00 %
(1)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value with mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, and associated assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2021 (none were outstanding at December 31, 2020):
(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$984,016 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$1,161,100 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (1)
15.21 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair value$171,804 
Securities at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$283,037 
Weighted average haircut on securities at fair value (1)
38.33 %
(1)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

The following table presents repricing information (excluding the impact of conditions set byassociated derivative hedging instruments, if any) about the Compensation CommitteeCompany’s financing agreements, at carrying value that have non-mark-to-market collateral provisions as well as those that have mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

 September 30, 2021
Amortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest Rate
Time Until Interest Rate Reset
(Dollars in Thousands)  
Within 30 days$1,259,588 1.90 %
Over 30 days to 3 months36,141 4.30 
Over 3 months to 12 months18,018 4.50 
Over 12 months— — 
Total financing agreements$1,313,747 2.00 %


Convertible Senior Notes

On June 3, 2019, the Company issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering, including an additional $30.0 million issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional Convertible Senior Notes. The total net proceeds the Company received from the offering were
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
approximately $223.3 million, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount.  The Convertible Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% per year, paid semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing December 15, 2019 and will mature on June 15, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms. The Convertible Senior Notes are convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of grant, a payment of a specified value, which may be a sharebusiness on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date into shares of the Company’s common stock the fair market valuebased on an initial conversion rate of a share125.7387 shares of the Company’s common stock or such fair market valuefor each $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $7.95 per share of common stock. The Convertible Senior Notes have an effective interest rate, including the impact of amortization to interest expense of debt issuance costs, of 6.94%. The Company does not have the right to redeem the Convertible Senior Notes prior to maturity, except to the extent necessary to preserve its status as a REIT, in excess of an established base value, on the applicable settlement date.  Although the Equity Plan permitswhich case the Company may redeem the Convertible Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to issue RSUs that can settle in cash,the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Convertible Senior Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and are effectively junior to all of the Company’s outstanding RSUs as of March 31, 2021 are designatedsecured indebtedness, which includes the Company’s repurchase agreements and other financing arrangements, to be settled in sharesthe extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and equal in right of payment to the Company’s common stock.  existing and future senior unsecured obligations, including the Senior Notes.

Senior Notes

On April 11, 2012, the Company issued $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering.  On January 6, 2021, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.00% per year, paid quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes had an effective interest rate, including the impact of amortization to interest expense of debt issuance costs, of 8.31%.

(c) Counterparties

The Company granted 2,485,124had financing agreements, including repurchase agreements and 1,204,713 RSUs during the three months ended March 31, 2021other forms of secured financing, with 13 and 2020, respectively. There were 0 RSUs forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. All RSUs outstanding7 counterparties at March 31, 2021 may be entitled to receive dividend equivalent payments depending on the terms and conditions of the award either in cash at the time dividends are paid by the Company, or for certain time-based and performance-based RSU awards, as a grant of stock at the time such awards are settled.  At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table presents information with respect to each counterparty under financing agreements for which the Company had unrecognized compensationgreater than 5% of stockholders’ equity at risk in the aggregate at September 30, 2021:
September 30, 2021
Counterparty
Rating (1)
Amount 
at Risk (2)
Weighted 
Average Months 
to Repricing for
Repurchase Agreements
Percent of
Stockholders’ Equity
Counterparty
(Dollars in Thousands)
Barclays Bank (3)
BBB/Aa3/A$527,745 120.3 %
Credit SuisseBBB+/Baa1/A-420,704 116.2 
Wells FargoA+/Aa2/AA-296,559 111.4 
(1)As rated at September 30, 2021 by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, Inc., respectively.  The counterparty rating presented is the lowest published rating for these entities.
(2)The amount at risk reflects the difference between (a) the amount loaned to the Company through financing agreements, including interest payable, and (b) the cash and the fair value of the securities pledged by the Company as collateral, including accrued interest receivable on such securities.
(3)Includes amounts at risk with various affiliates of Athene Holding, Ltd., held via participation in a loan syndication administered by Barclays Bank.


(d) Pledged Collateral

The following tables present the Company’s assets (based on carrying value) pledged as collateral for its various financing arrangements as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
September 30, 2021
Financing Agreements
(In Thousands)Non-Mark-to-MarketMark-to-MarketSecuritizedTotal
Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value$794,267 $533,633 $1,679,702 $3,007,602 
Residential whole loans, at fair value555,738 2,499,284 650,507 3,705,529 
Securities, at fair value— 222,705 — 222,705 
Other assets: REO19,919 32,363 36,053 88,335 
Total$1,369,924 $3,287,985 $2,366,262 $7,024,171 

December 31, 2020
Financing Agreements
(In Thousands)Non-Mark-to-MarketMark-to-MarketSecuritizedTotal
Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value$1,497,281 $1,207,364 $1,436,316 $4,140,961 
Residential whole loans, at fair value430,183 396,817 382,349 1,209,349 
Securities, at fair value— 442,773 — 442,773 
Other assets: REO— — 49,477 49,477 
Total$1,927,464 $2,046,954 $1,868,142 $5,842,560 


7. Collateral Positions
The Company pledges securities or cash as collateral to its counterparties in relation to certain of its financing arrangements. In addition, the Company receives securities or cash as collateral pursuant to financing provided under reverse repurchase agreements.  The Company exchanges collateral with its counterparties based on changes in the fair value, notional amount and term of the associated financing arrangements and Swap contracts, as applicable.  In connection with these margining practices, either the Company or its counterparty may be required to pledge cash or securities as collateral.  When the Company’s pledged collateral exceeds the required margin, the Company may initiate a reverse margin call, at which time the counterparty may either return the excess collateral or provide collateral to the Company in the form of cash or equivalent securities.

The Company’s assets pledged as collateral are described in Notes 2(e) - Restricted Cash, 5(c) - Derivative Instruments and 6 - Financing Agreements. The total fair value of assets pledged as collateral with respect to the Company’s borrowings under its financing arrangements, excluding securitizations, and/or derivative hedging instruments was $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. An aggregate of $21.4 million and $24.6 million of accrued interest on those assets had also been pledged as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

8.    Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Certain of the Company’s financing arrangements and derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide for a right of setoff in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. In the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, all balances associated with repurchase agreements are presented on a gross basis.

The fair value of financial instruments pledged against the Company’s financing arrangements, excluding securitizations, was $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. There were no financial instruments pledged against the Company’s Swaps at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, cash that has been pledged as collateral against financing arrangements and Swaps (if any) is reported as Restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (see Notes 2(e), 5(c) and 6).

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
9. Other Liabilities

The following table presents the components of the Company’s Other liabilities at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

(In Thousands)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Payable for unsettled residential whole loans purchases$163,015 $— 
Dividends and dividend equivalents payable44,247 34,016 
Lease liability44,284 636 
Accrued interest payable11,174 11,116 
Accrued expenses and other73,235 24,754 
Total Other Liabilities$335,955 $70,522 


10.    Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Lease Commitments
The Company’s primary lease commitments relate to its corporate headquarters. In April 2021, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters, terminating its prior lease on April 30, 2021. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded aggregate lease expense of $13.1approximately $1.1 million and $6.8$2.9 million, respectively, relatedin connection with these 2 leases.

The term specified in the current lease is approximately fifteen years with an option to RSUs.  The unrecognized compensation expense at March 31, 2021 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2renew for an additional five years.

RestrictedAt September 30, 2021, the contractual minimum rental payments (exclusive of possible rent escalation charges and normal recurring charges for maintenance, insurance and taxes) were as follows:

Year Ended December 31, Minimum Rental Payments
(In Thousands) 
2021 (1)
$465 
20225,220 
20235,236 
20245,230 
20254,638 
Thereafter54,156 
Total$74,945 

(1) Reflects contractual minimum rental payments due for the period from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

(b)Representations and Warranties in Connection with Loan Securitization and Other Loan Sale Transactions

In connection with the loan securitization and sale transactions entered into by the Company, the Company has the obligation under certain circumstances to repurchase assets previously transferred to securitization vehicles, or otherwise sold, upon breach of certain representations and warranties. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was not aware of any material unsettled repurchase claims that would require a reserve (see Note 15).

(c)Rehabilitation Loan Commitments

At September 30, 2021, the Company had unfunded commitments of $186.5 million in connection with its purchased Rehabilitation loans.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(d)Residential Whole Loan Purchase Commitments

At September 30, 2021, the Company has agreed, subject to the completion of due diligence and customary closing conditions, to purchase residential whole loans held at fair value with an aggregate estimated purchase price of $163.0 million, with a corresponding liability recorded in Other Liabilities and included in Payable for unsettled residential whole loan purchases.

11.    Stockholders’ Equity
(a) Preferred Stock
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”)
On April 15, 2013, the Company completed the issuance of 8.0 million shares of its Series B Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, in an underwritten public offering. The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a rate of 7.50% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference before the Company’s common stock is paid any dividends and is senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared), exclusively at the Company’s option.

The Series B Preferred Stock generally does not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for 6 or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).  Under such circumstances, the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect 2 additional directors to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.  In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its Series B Preferred Stock from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021:

Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
August 26, 2021September 8, 2021September 30, 2021$0.46875
May 24, 2021June 7, 2021June 30, 2021$0.46875
February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.46875

Issuance of 6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”)

On February 28, 2020, the Company amended its charter through the filing of articles supplementary to reclassify 12,650,000 shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock as shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock. On March 2, 2020, the Company completed the issuance of 11.0 million shares of its Series C Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, in an underwritten public offering. The total net proceeds the Company received from the offering were approximately $266.0 million, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount.

The Company’s Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends (i) from and including the original issue date to, but excluding, March 31, 2025, at a fixed rate of 6.50% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference and (ii) from and including March 31, 2025, at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.345% per year of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference before the Company’s common stock is paid any dividends, and is senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company prior to March 31, 2025, except under circumstances where it is necessary to preserve the Company’s qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and upon the occurrence of certain specified change in control transactions. On or after March 31, 2025, the Company may, at its option, subject to certain
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
procedural requirements, redeem any or all of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not authorized or declared) to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Series C Preferred Stock generally does not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for 6 or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).  Under such circumstances, the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect 2 additional directors to the Company’s Board, until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3 of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock.

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its Series C Preferred Stock from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021:

Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
August 26, 2021September 8, 2021September 30, 2021$0.40625
May 24, 2021June 7, 2021June 30, 2021$0.40625
February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.40625

(b)  Dividends on Common Stock
 
The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company did 0t granton its common stock from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021:

Declaration Date
Record DatePayment DateDividend Per Share 
September 15, 2021September 30, 2021October 29, 2021$0.100(1)
June 15, 2021June 30, 2021July 30, 2021$0.100
March 12, 2021March 31, 2021April 30, 2021$0.075

(1) At September 30, 2021, we had accrued dividends and dividend equivalents payable of $44.2 million related to the common stock dividend declared on June 15, 2021.

(c) Discount Waiver, Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRSPP”)
On October 15, 2019, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for the purpose of registering additional common stock for sale through its DRSPP.  Pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, this shelf registration statement became effective automatically upon filing with the SEC and, when combined with the unused portion of the Company’s previous DRSPP shelf registration statements, registered an aggregate of 9.0 million shares of common stock.  The Company’s DRSPP is designed to provide existing stockholders and new investors with a convenient and economical way to purchase shares of common stock through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and/or optional cash investments.  At September 30, 2021, approximately 8.4 million shares of common stock remained available for issuance pursuant to the DRSPP shelf registration statement.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued 114,730 and 312,318 shares of common stock through the DRSPP, raising net proceeds of approximately $537,136 and $1.3 million, respectively.  From the inception of the DRSPP in September 2003 through September 30, 2021, the Company issued 34,926,721 shares pursuant to the DRSPP, raising net proceeds of $288.9 million.

(d) At-the-Market Offering Program

On August 16, 2019 the Company entered into a distribution agreement under the terms of which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $400.0 million (the “ATM Shares”), from time to time, through various sales agents, pursuant to an at-the-market equity offering program (the “ATM Program”). Sales of the ATM Shares, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or by transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market”
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
offerings, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or sales made to or through a market maker other than an exchange. The sales agents are entitled to compensation of up to 2 percent of the gross sales price per share for any shares of restrictedcommon stock sold under the distribution agreement.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company did not sell any shares of common stock through the ATM Program. At September 30, 2021, approximately $390.0 million remained outstanding for future offerings under this program.

(e)  Stock Repurchase Program
On November 2, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock through the end of 2022. The Board’s authorization replaces the authorization under the Company’s existing stock repurchase program that was adopted in December 2013, which authorized the Company to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of common stock and under which approximately 6.6 million remained available for repurchase.

The stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares. The timing and extent to which the Company repurchases its shares will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, share price, liquidity, regulatory requirements and other factors, and repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. Acquisitions under the share repurchase program may be made in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws (including, in the Company’s discretion, through the use of one or more plans adopted under Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. At March 31,September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company did 0t have any unvestedrepurchased 11,606,229 shares of restrictedits common stock outstanding.through the stock repurchase program at an average cost of $4.14 per share and a total cost of approximately $48.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to the sales agent of approximately $116,000. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was permitted to purchase an additional $117.7 million of its common stock.

Dividend Equivalents
A dividend equivalent is a right to receive a distribution equal to the dividend distributions that would be paid on a share of the Company’s common stock.  Dividend equivalents may be granted as a separate instrument or may be a right associated with the grant of another award (e.g., an RSU) under the Equity Plan, and they are paid in cash or other consideration at such times and in accordance with such rules as the Compensation Committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion.  Payments made on the Company’s outstanding dividend equivalent rights are generally charged to Stockholders’ Equity when common stock dividends are declared to the extent that such equivalents are expected to vest.  The Company made dividend equivalent payments associated with RSU awards of approximately $137,000 and $276,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. In addition, 0 dividend equivalents rights awarded as separate instruments were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Expense Recognized for Equity-Based Compensation Instruments
The following table presents the Company’s expenses related to its equity-based compensation instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In Thousands)20212020
RSUs$1,688 $1,273 
Total$1,688 $1,273 

(b)  Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company administers deferred compensation plans for its senior officers and non-employee directors (collectively, the “Deferred Plans”), pursuant to which participants may elect to defer up to 100% of certain cash compensation.  The Deferred Plans are designed to align participants’ interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.
Amounts deferred under the Deferred Plans are considered to be converted into “stock units” of the Company.  Stock units do not represent stock of the Company, but rather are a liability of the Company that changes in value as would equivalent shares of the Company’s common stock.  Deferred compensation liabilities are settled in cash at the termination of the deferral period, based on the value of the stock units at that time.  The Deferred Plans are non-qualified plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and, as such, are not funded.  Prior to the time that the deferred accounts are settled, participants are unsecured creditors of the Company.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(f)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
The Company’s liability for stock units in the Deferred Plans is based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the measurement date. 
The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of the Company’s expenses related to its Deferred PlansAOCI for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:September 30, 2021:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
Balance at beginning of period$66,163 $— $(1,588)$64,575 $79,607 $— $(2,314)$77,293 
OCI before reclassifications(8,029)— 209 (7,820)(21,473)— 935 (20,538)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
— — — — — — — — 
Net OCI during the period (2)
(8,029)— 209 (7,820)(21,473)— 935 (20,538)
Balance at end of period$58,134 $— $(1,379)$56,755 $58,134 $— $(1,379)$56,755 

(1)  See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
(2)  For further information regarding changes in OCI, see the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
(3) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements at Fair Value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In Thousands)20212020
Non-employee directors$131 $(1,906)
Total$131 $(1,906)

The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net Gain/(Loss) on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total
AOCI
Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss) on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total
AOCI
Balance at beginning of period$52,889 $(7,176)$— $45,713 $392,722 $(22,675)$— $370,047 
OCI before reclassifications15,082 — (22,652)(7,570)408,585 (50,127)(22,652)335,806 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
(60)7,176 — 7,116 (733,396)72,802 — (660,594)
Net OCI during the period (2)
15,022 7,176 (22,652)(454)(324,811)22,675 (22,652)(324,788)
Balance at end of period$67,911 $— $(22,652)$45,259 $67,911 $— $(22,652)$45,259 

(1)  See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
(2)  For further information regarding changes in OCI, see the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
(3) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements at Fair Value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
 
The following table presents information about the aggregate amount of income deferred by participants of the Deferred Plans through March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 that had not been distributed and the Company’s associated liability for such deferrals at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(In Thousands)
Undistributed Income Deferred (1)
 Liability Under Deferred Plans
Undistributed Income Deferred (1)
 Liability Under Deferred Plans
Non-employee directors$2,319 $2,063 $2,197 $1,809 
Total$2,319 $2,063 $2,197 $1,809 

(1)  Represents the cumulativesignificant amounts that were deferred by participants through March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which had not been distributed through such respective date.
(c)  Savings Plan
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified employee savings plan (the “Savings Plan”) in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Code.  Subject to certain restrictions, allreclassified out of the Company’s employees are eligible to make tax-deferred contributions to the Savings Plan subject to limitations under applicable law.  Participant’s accounts are self-directed and the Company bears the costs of administering the Savings Plan.  The Company matches 100% of the first 3% of eligible compensation deferred by employees and 50% of the next 2%, subject to a maximum as provided by the Code.  The Company has elected to operate the Savings Plan under the applicable safe harbor provisions of the Code, whereby among other things, the Company must make contributionsAOCI for all participating employees and all matches contributed by the Company immediately vest 100%.  For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized expenses for matching contributions of $125,000 and $120,000, respectively.September 30, 2021:


14.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP requires the categorization of fair value measurements into three broad levels that form a hierarchy. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$— $— Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings— — Other, net
Total AFS Securities$— $— 
Total reclassifications for period$— $— 
 
Level 1
— Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The following describes the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value
The Company determinesfollowing table presents information about the fair value of its residential whole loans held at fair value after considering valuations obtained from a third-party that specializes in providing valuations of residential mortgage loans. The valuation approach applied generally depends on whether the loan is considered performing or non-performing at the date the valuation is performed. For performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow approach, where estimates of cash flows are determined from the scheduled payments, adjusted using forecasted prepayment, default and loss given default rates. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, the estimated value of the collateral, expected costs and estimated home price levels. Estimated cash flows for both performing and non-performing loans are discounted at yields considered appropriate to arrive at a reasonable exit price for the asset. Indications of loan value such as actual trades, bids, offers and generic market color may be used in determining the appropriate discount yield. The Company’s residential whole loans held at fair value are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Securities, at Fair Value

Term Notes Backed by MSR-Related Collateral

The Company’s valuation process for term notes backed by MSR-related collateral is similar to that used for residential mortgage securities and considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services, brokers and repurchase agreement counterparties, dialogue with market participants, as well as management’s observations of market activity. Other factors taken into consideration include estimated changes in fair value of the related underlying MSR collateral and, as applicable, the financial performance of the ultimate parent or sponsoring entity of the issuer, which has provided a guarantee that is intended to provide for payment of interest and principal to the holders of the term notes should cash flows generated by the related underlying MSR collateral be insufficient. Based on its evaluation of the observability of the data used in its fair value estimation process, these assets are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Residential Mortgage Securities

In determining the fair valuesignificant amounts reclassified out of the Company’s residential mortgage securities, management considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing servicesAOCI for the three and brokers as well as dialogue with market participants.  In valuing Non-Agency MBS, the Company understands that pricing services use observable inputs that include, in addition to trading activity observed in the marketplace, loan delinquency data, credit enhancement levels and vintage, which are taken into account to assign pricing factors such as spread and prepayment assumptions.  The Company collects and considers current market intelligence on all major markets, including benchmark security evaluations and bid-lists from various sources, when available.nine months ended September 30, 2020:
The Company’s residential mortgage securities are valued using various market data points as described above, which management considers directly or indirectly observable parameters.  Accordingly, these securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Financing Agreements, at Fair Value

Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

These agreements are secured and subject to margin calls and their base interest rates reset frequently to market based rates. As a result, no credit valuation adjustment is required, and the primary factor in determining their fair value is the credit spread paid over the base rate, which is a non-observable input as it is determined based on negotiations with the counterparty. The Company’s financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions held at fair value are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy if the credit spreads used to price the instrument reset frequently, which is typically the case with shorter term repurchase agreement contracts collateralized by securities. Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions that are typically longer term and are collateralized by residential whole loans where the credit spread paid over the base rate on the instrument is not reset frequently are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$(60)$(389,127)Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings— (344,269)Other, net
Total AFS Securities$(60)$(733,396)
Swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Amortization of de-designated hedging instruments7,176 72,802 Other, net
Total Swaps designated as cash flow hedges7,176 72,802 
Total reclassifications for period$7,116 $(660,594)

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

12.    EPS Calculation
The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings/(loss) and shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)2021202020212020
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share:
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders$132,511 $87,210 $284,747 $(725,207)
Dividends declared on preferred stock(8,218)(8,219)(24,656)(21,578)
Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(435)(325)(915)(91)
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$123,858 $78,666 $259,176 $(746,876)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding440,889 453,323 444,481 453,170 
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.28 $0.17 $0.58 $(1.65)
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share:
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$123,858 $78,666 $259,176 $(746,876)
Interest expense on Convertible Senior Notes3,920 3,898 11,743 — 
Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities435 — 915 — 
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - diluted$128,213 $82,564 $271,834 $(746,876)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding440,889 453,323 444,481 453,170 
Effect of assumed conversion of Convertible Senior Notes to common shares28,920 28,920 28,920 — 
Unvested and vested restricted stock units3,377 — 1,623 — 
Effect of Warrants— 11,297 — — 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
473,186 493,540 475,024 453,170 
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.27 $0.17 $0.57 $(1.65)

(1)At September 30, 2021, the Company had approximately 7.0 million equity instruments outstanding that were included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.  These equity instruments reflect RSUs (based on current estimate of expected share settlement amount) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.21. These equity instruments may continue to have a dilutive impact on future EPS.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Convertible Senior Notes were determined to be dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted EPS under the “if-converted” method. Under this method, the periodic interest expense for dilutive notes is added back to the numerator and the weighted average number of shares that the notes are entitled to (if converted, regardless of whether the conversion option is in or out of the money) is included in the denominator for the purpose of calculating diluted EPS. The Convertible Senior Notes may have a dilutive impact on future EPS.

13.    Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans
(a)  Equity Compensation Plan
In accordance with the terms of the Company’s Equity Plan, which was adopted by the Company’s stockholders on June 10, 2020 (and which amended and restated the Company’s 2010 Equity Compensation Plan), directors, officers and employees of the Company and any of its subsidiaries and other persons expected to provide significant services for the Company and any of its subsidiaries are eligible to receive grants of stock options (“Options”), restricted stock, RSUs, dividend equivalent rights and other stock-based awards under the Equity Plan.
Subject to certain exceptions, stock-based awards relating to a maximum of 18.0 million shares of common stock may be granted under the Equity Plan; forfeitures and/or awards that expire unexercised do not count toward this limit.  At September 30, 2021, approximately 10.5 million shares of common stock remained available for grant in connection with stock-
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsbased awards under the Equity Plan.  A participant may generally not receive stock-based awards in excess of 2.0 million shares of common stock in any one year and no award may be granted to any person who, assuming exercise of all Options and payment of all awards held by such person, would own or be deemed to own more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.  Unless previously terminated by the Board, awards may be granted under the Equity Plan until June 10, 2030.

These agreements are secured, but not subject to margin calls, and their base interest rates reset frequently to market based rates. As a result, a credit valuation adjustment would only be required if there were a significant decrease in collateral value, and the primary factor in determining their fair value is the credit spread paid over the base rate, which is a non-observable input as it is determined based on negotiations with the counterparty. The Company’s financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions held at fair value are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Securitized Debt

Securitized debt represents third-party liabilities of consolidated VIEs and excludes liabilities of the VIEs acquired by the Company that are eliminated in consolidation. The third-party beneficial interest holders in the VIEs have no recourse to the
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
general credit of the Company. The weighted average fixed rate on the securitized debt was 1.55% at September 30, 2021 (see Notes 10 and 15 for further discussion).

Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, and associated assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2021 (none were outstanding at December 31, 2020):

(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
Non-mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$157,366 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$182,316 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (1)
13.00 %
(1)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

The following table presents information with respect to the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value with mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, and associated assets pledged as collateral at September 30, 2021 (none were outstanding at December 31, 2020):
(Dollars in Thousands)September 30,
2021
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by residential whole loans$984,016 
Fair value of residential whole loans pledged as collateral under financing agreements$1,161,100 
Weighted average haircut on residential whole loans (1)
15.21 %
Mark-to-market financing agreements secured by securities at fair value$171,804 
Securities at fair value pledged as collateral under financing agreements$283,037 
Weighted average haircut on securities at fair value (1)
38.33 %
(1)Haircut represents the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount.

The following table presents repricing information (excluding the impact of associated derivative hedging instruments, if any) about the Company’s financing agreements, at carrying value that have non-mark-to-market collateral provisions as well as those that have mark-to-market collateral provisions, for which the fair value option was not elected, at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

 September 30, 2021
Amortized Cost BasisWeighted Average Interest Rate
Time Until Interest Rate Reset
(Dollars in Thousands)  
Within 30 days$1,259,588 1.90 %
Over 30 days to 3 months36,141 4.30 
Over 3 months to 12 months18,018 4.50 
Over 12 months— — 
Total financing agreements$1,313,747 2.00 %


Convertible Senior Notes

On June 3, 2019, the Company issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering, including an additional $30.0 million issued pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional Convertible Senior Notes. The total net proceeds the Company received from the offering were
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
approximately $223.3 million, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount.  The Convertible Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.25% per year, paid semiannually on June 15 and December 15 of each year commencing December 15, 2019 and will mature on June 15, 2024, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased in accordance with their terms. The Convertible Senior Notes are convertible at the option of the holders at any time until the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date into shares of the Company’s common stock based on an initial conversion rate of 125.7387 shares of the Company’s common stock for each $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Senior Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $7.95 per share of common stock. The Convertible Senior Notes have an effective interest rate, including the impact of amortization to interest expense of debt issuance costs, of 6.94%. The Company does not have the right to redeem the Convertible Senior Notes prior to maturity, except to the extent necessary to preserve its status as a REIT, in which case the Company may redeem the Convertible Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The Convertible Senior Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and are effectively junior to all of the Company’s secured indebtedness, which includes the Company’s repurchase agreements and other financing arrangements, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and equal in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured obligations, including the Senior Notes.

Senior Notes

On April 11, 2012, the Company issued $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes in an underwritten public offering.  On January 6, 2021, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bore interest at a fixed rate of 8.00% per year, paid quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. The Senior Notes had an effective interest rate, including the impact of amortization to interest expense of debt issuance costs, of 8.31%.

(c) Counterparties

The Company had financing agreements, including repurchase agreements and other forms of secured financing, with 13 and 7 counterparties at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table presents information with respect to each counterparty under financing agreements for which the Company had greater than 5% of stockholders’ equity at risk in the aggregate at September 30, 2021:
September 30, 2021
Counterparty
Rating (1)
Amount 
at Risk (2)
Weighted 
Average Months 
to Repricing for
Repurchase Agreements
Percent of
Stockholders’ Equity
Counterparty
(Dollars in Thousands)
Barclays Bank (3)
BBB/Aa3/A$527,745 120.3 %
Credit SuisseBBB+/Baa1/A-420,704 116.2 
Wells FargoA+/Aa2/AA-296,559 111.4 
(1)As rated at September 30, 2021 by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, Inc., respectively.  The counterparty rating presented is the lowest published rating for these entities.
(2)The amount at risk reflects the difference between (a) the amount loaned to the Company through financing agreements, including interest payable, and (b) the cash and the fair value of the securities pledged by the Company as collateral, including accrued interest receivable on such securities.
(3)Includes amounts at risk with various affiliates of Athene Holding, Ltd., held via participation in a loan syndication administered by Barclays Bank.


(d) Pledged Collateral

The following tables present the Company’s assets (based on carrying value) pledged as collateral for its various financing arrangements as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
September 30, 2021
Financing Agreements
(In Thousands)Non-Mark-to-MarketMark-to-MarketSecuritizedTotal
Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value$794,267 $533,633 $1,679,702 $3,007,602 
Residential whole loans, at fair value555,738 2,499,284 650,507 3,705,529 
Securities, at fair value— 222,705 — 222,705 
Other assets: REO19,919 32,363 36,053 88,335 
Total$1,369,924 $3,287,985 $2,366,262 $7,024,171 

December 31, 2020
Financing Agreements
(In Thousands)Non-Mark-to-MarketMark-to-MarketSecuritizedTotal
Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value$1,497,281 $1,207,364 $1,436,316 $4,140,961 
Residential whole loans, at fair value430,183 396,817 382,349 1,209,349 
Securities, at fair value— 442,773 — 442,773 
Other assets: REO— — 49,477 49,477 
Total$1,927,464 $2,046,954 $1,868,142 $5,842,560 


7. Collateral Positions
The Company pledges securities or cash as collateral to its counterparties in relation to certain of its financing arrangements. In addition, the Company receives securities or cash as collateral pursuant to financing provided under reverse repurchase agreements.  The Company exchanges collateral with its counterparties based on changes in the fair value, notional amount and term of the associated financing arrangements and Swap contracts, as applicable.  In connection with these margining practices, either the Company or its counterparty may be required to pledge cash or securities as collateral.  When the Company’s pledged collateral exceeds the required margin, the Company may initiate a reverse margin call, at which time the counterparty may either return the excess collateral or provide collateral to the Company in the form of cash or equivalent securities.

The Company’s assets pledged as collateral are described in Notes 2(e) - Restricted Cash, 5(c) - Derivative Instruments and 6 - Financing Agreements. The total fair value of assets pledged as collateral with respect to the Company’s borrowings under its financing arrangements, excluding securitizations, and/or derivative hedging instruments was $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. An aggregate of $21.4 million and $24.6 million of accrued interest on those assets had also been pledged as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

8.    Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Certain of the Company’s financing arrangements and derivative transactions are governed by underlying agreements that generally provide for a right of setoff in the event of default or in the event of a bankruptcy of either party to the transaction. In the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, all balances associated with repurchase agreements are presented on a gross basis.

The fair value of financial instruments pledged against the Company’s financing arrangements, excluding securitizations, was $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. There were no financial instruments pledged against the Company’s Swaps at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, cash that has been pledged as collateral against financing arrangements and Swaps (if any) is reported as Restricted cash on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (see Notes 2(e), 5(c) and 6).

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
9. Other Liabilities

The following table presents the components of the Company’s Other liabilities at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

(In Thousands)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Payable for unsettled residential whole loans purchases$163,015 $— 
Dividends and dividend equivalents payable44,247 34,016 
Lease liability44,284 636 
Accrued interest payable11,174 11,116 
Accrued expenses and other73,235 24,754 
Total Other Liabilities$335,955 $70,522 


10.    Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Lease Commitments
The Company’s primary lease commitments relate to its corporate headquarters. In April 2021, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters, terminating its prior lease on April 30, 2021. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded aggregate lease expense of approximately $1.1 million and $2.9 million, respectively, in connection with these 2 leases.

The term specified in the current lease is approximately fifteen years with an option to renew for an additional five years.

At September 30, 2021, the contractual minimum rental payments (exclusive of possible rent escalation charges and normal recurring charges for maintenance, insurance and taxes) were as follows:

Year Ended December 31, Minimum Rental Payments
(In Thousands) 
2021 (1)
$465 
20225,220 
20235,236 
20245,230 
20254,638 
Thereafter54,156 
Total$74,945 

(1) Reflects contractual minimum rental payments due for the period from October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

(b)Representations and Warranties in Connection with Loan Securitization and Other Loan Sale Transactions

In connection with the loan securitization and sale transactions entered into by the Company, the Company has the obligation under certain circumstances to repurchase assets previously transferred to securitization vehicles, or otherwise sold, upon breach of certain representations and warranties. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was not aware of any material unsettled repurchase claims that would require a reserve (see Note 15).

(c)Rehabilitation Loan Commitments

At September 30, 2021, the Company had unfunded commitments of $186.5 million in connection with its purchased Rehabilitation loans.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(d)Residential Whole Loan Purchase Commitments

At September 30, 2021, the Company has agreed, subject to the completion of due diligence and customary closing conditions, to purchase residential whole loans held at fair value with an aggregate estimated purchase price of $163.0 million, with a corresponding liability recorded in Other Liabilities and included in Payable for unsettled residential whole loan purchases.

11.    Stockholders’ Equity
(a) Preferred Stock
7.50% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”)
On April 15, 2013, the Company completed the issuance of 8.0 million shares of its Series B Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, in an underwritten public offering. The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive a dividend at a rate of 7.50% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference before the Company’s common stock is paid any dividends and is senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock is redeemable at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not authorized or declared), exclusively at the Company’s option.

The Series B Preferred Stock generally does not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for 6 or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).  Under such circumstances, the Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect 2 additional directors to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.  In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock.

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its Series B Preferred Stock from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021:

Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
August 26, 2021September 8, 2021September 30, 2021$0.46875
May 24, 2021June 7, 2021June 30, 2021$0.46875
February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.46875

Issuance of 6.50% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”)

On February 28, 2020, the Company amended its charter through the filing of articles supplementary to reclassify 12,650,000 shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock as shares of the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock. On March 2, 2020, the Company completed the issuance of 11.0 million shares of its Series C Preferred Stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, and a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, in an underwritten public offering. The total net proceeds the Company received from the offering were approximately $266.0 million, after deducting offering expenses and the underwriting discount.

The Company’s Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to receive dividends (i) from and including the original issue date to, but excluding, March 31, 2025, at a fixed rate of 6.50% per year on the $25.00 liquidation preference and (ii) from and including March 31, 2025, at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 5.345% per year of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference before the Company’s common stock is paid any dividends, and is senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable by the Company prior to March 31, 2025, except under circumstances where it is necessary to preserve the Company’s qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and upon the occurrence of certain specified change in control transactions. On or after March 31, 2025, the Company may, at its option, subject to certain
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
procedural requirements, redeem any or all of the shares of the Series C Preferred Stock for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not authorized or declared) to, but excluding, the redemption date.

The Series C Preferred Stock generally does not have any voting rights, subject to an exception in the event the Company fails to pay dividends on such stock for 6 or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive).  Under such circumstances, the Series C Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote to elect 2 additional directors to the Company’s Board, until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, certain material and adverse changes to the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3 of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock.

The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its Series C Preferred Stock from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021:

Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per Share
August 26, 2021September 8, 2021September 30, 2021$0.40625
May 24, 2021June 7, 2021June 30, 2021$0.40625
February 19, 2021March 5, 2021March 31, 2021$0.40625

(b)  Dividends on Common Stock
The following table presents cash dividends declared by the Company on its common stock from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021:

Declaration Date
Record DatePayment DateDividend Per Share 
September 15, 2021September 30, 2021October 29, 2021$0.100(1)
June 15, 2021June 30, 2021July 30, 2021$0.100
March 12, 2021March 31, 2021April 30, 2021$0.075

(1) At September 30, 2021, we had accrued dividends and dividend equivalents payable of $44.2 million related to the common stock dividend declared on June 15, 2021.

(c) Discount Waiver, Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRSPP”)
On October 15, 2019, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for the purpose of registering additional common stock for sale through its DRSPP.  Pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, this shelf registration statement became effective automatically upon filing with the SEC and, when combined with the unused portion of the Company’s previous DRSPP shelf registration statements, registered an aggregate of 9.0 million shares of common stock.  The Company’s DRSPP is designed to provide existing stockholders and new investors with a convenient and economical way to purchase shares of common stock through the automatic reinvestment of dividends and/or optional cash investments.  At September 30, 2021, approximately 8.4 million shares of common stock remained available for issuance pursuant to the DRSPP shelf registration statement.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued 114,730 and 312,318 shares of common stock through the DRSPP, raising net proceeds of approximately $537,136 and $1.3 million, respectively.  From the inception of the DRSPP in September 2003 through September 30, 2021, the Company issued 34,926,721 shares pursuant to the DRSPP, raising net proceeds of $288.9 million.

(d) At-the-Market Offering Program

On August 16, 2019 the Company entered into a distribution agreement under the terms of which the Company may offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $400.0 million (the “ATM Shares”), from time to time, through various sales agents, pursuant to an at-the-market equity offering program (the “ATM Program”). Sales of the ATM Shares, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or by transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market”
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
offerings, as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or sales made to or through a market maker other than an exchange. The sales agents are entitled to compensation of up to 2 percent of the gross sales price per share for any shares of common stock sold under the distribution agreement.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company did not sell any shares of common stock through the ATM Program. At September 30, 2021, approximately $390.0 million remained outstanding for future offerings under this program.

(e)  Stock Repurchase Program
On November 2, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $250 million of its common stock through the end of 2022. The Board’s authorization replaces the authorization under the Company’s existing stock repurchase program that was adopted in December 2013, which authorized the Company to repurchase up to 10.0 million shares of common stock and under which approximately 6.6 million remained available for repurchase.

The stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares. The timing and extent to which the Company repurchases its shares will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, share price, liquidity, regulatory requirements and other factors, and repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. Acquisitions under the share repurchase program may be made in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws (including, in the Company’s discretion, through the use of one or more plans adopted under Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)).

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company repurchased 11,606,229 shares of its common stock through the stock repurchase program at an average cost of $4.14 per share and a total cost of approximately $48.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to the sales agent of approximately $116,000. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was permitted to purchase an additional $117.7 million of its common stock.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
(f)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss)
on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total 
AOCI
Balance at beginning of period$66,163 $— $(1,588)$64,575 $79,607 $— $(2,314)$77,293 
OCI before reclassifications(8,029)— 209 (7,820)(21,473)— 935 (20,538)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
— — — — — — — — 
Net OCI during the period (2)
(8,029)— 209 (7,820)(21,473)— 935 (20,538)
Balance at end of period$58,134 $— $(1,379)$56,755 $58,134 $— $(1,379)$56,755 

(1)  See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
(2)  For further information regarding changes in OCI, see the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
(3) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements at Fair Value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.

The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
(In Thousands)Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net Gain/(Loss) on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total
AOCI
Net Unrealized
Gain/(Loss) on
AFS Securities
Net 
Gain/(Loss) on Swaps
Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements (3)
Total
AOCI
Balance at beginning of period$52,889 $(7,176)$— $45,713 $392,722 $(22,675)$— $370,047 
OCI before reclassifications15,082 — (22,652)(7,570)408,585 (50,127)(22,652)335,806 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (1)
(60)7,176 — 7,116 (733,396)72,802 — (660,594)
Net OCI during the period (2)
15,022 7,176 (22,652)(454)(324,811)22,675 (22,652)(324,788)
Balance at end of period$67,911 $— $(22,652)$45,259 $67,911 $— $(22,652)$45,259 

(1)  See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
(2)  For further information regarding changes in OCI, see the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss).
(3) Net Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Financing Agreements at Fair Value due to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.
The following table presents information about the significant amounts reclassified out of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$— $— Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings— — Other, net
Total AFS Securities$— $— 
Total reclassifications for period$— $— 

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The following table presents information about the significant amounts reclassified out of the Company’s AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2020
Details about AOCI ComponentsAmounts Reclassified from AOCIAffected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented
(In Thousands)
AFS Securities:
Realized gain on sale of securities$(60)$(389,127)Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans
Impairment recognized in earnings— (344,269)Other, net
Total AFS Securities$(60)$(733,396)
Swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Amortization of de-designated hedging instruments7,176 72,802 Other, net
Total Swaps designated as cash flow hedges7,176 72,802 
Total reclassifications for period$7,116 $(660,594)

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

12.    EPS Calculation
The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings/(loss) and shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)2021202020212020
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share:
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders$132,511 $87,210 $284,747 $(725,207)
Dividends declared on preferred stock(8,218)(8,219)(24,656)(21,578)
Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(435)(325)(915)(91)
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$123,858 $78,666 $259,176 $(746,876)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding440,889 453,323 444,481 453,170 
Basic Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.28 $0.17 $0.58 $(1.65)
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share:
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - basic$123,858 $78,666 $259,176 $(746,876)
Interest expense on Convertible Senior Notes3,920 3,898 11,743 — 
Dividends, dividend equivalents and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities435 — 915 — 
Net income/(loss) to common stockholders - diluted$128,213 $82,564 $271,834 $(746,876)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding440,889 453,323 444,481 453,170 
Effect of assumed conversion of Convertible Senior Notes to common shares28,920 28,920 28,920 — 
Unvested and vested restricted stock units3,377 — 1,623 — 
Effect of Warrants— 11,297 — — 
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (1)
473,186 493,540 475,024 453,170 
Diluted Earnings/(Loss) per Share$0.27 $0.17 $0.57 $(1.65)

(1)At September 30, 2021, the Company had approximately 7.0 million equity instruments outstanding that were included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.  These equity instruments reflect RSUs (based on current estimate of expected share settlement amount) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $4.21. These equity instruments may continue to have a dilutive impact on future EPS.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Convertible Senior Notes were determined to be dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted EPS under the “if-converted” method. Under this method, the periodic interest expense for dilutive notes is added back to the numerator and the weighted average number of shares that the notes are entitled to (if converted, regardless of whether the conversion option is in or out of the money) is included in the denominator for the purpose of calculating diluted EPS. The Convertible Senior Notes may have a dilutive impact on future EPS.

13.    Equity Compensation and Other Benefit Plans
(a)  Equity Compensation Plan
In accordance with the terms of the Company’s Equity Plan, which was adopted by the Company’s stockholders on June 10, 2020 (and which amended and restated the Company’s 2010 Equity Compensation Plan), directors, officers and employees of the Company and any of its subsidiaries and other persons expected to provide significant services for the Company and any of its subsidiaries are eligible to receive grants of stock options (“Options”), restricted stock, RSUs, dividend equivalent rights and other stock-based awards under the Equity Plan.
Subject to certain exceptions, stock-based awards relating to a maximum of 18.0 million shares of common stock may be granted under the Equity Plan; forfeitures and/or awards that expire unexercised do not count toward this limit.  At September 30, 2021, approximately 10.5 million shares of common stock remained available for grant in connection with stock-
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
based awards under the Equity Plan.  A participant may generally not receive stock-based awards in excess of 2.0 million shares of common stock in any one year and no award may be granted to any person who, assuming exercise of all Options and payment of all awards held by such person, would own or be deemed to own more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.  Unless previously terminated by the Board, awards may be granted under the Equity Plan until June 10, 2030.
Restricted Stock Units

Under the terms of the Equity Plan, RSUs are instruments that provide the holder with the right to receive, subject to the satisfaction of conditions set by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, a payment of a specified value, which may be a share of the Company’s common stock, the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock, or such fair market value to the extent in excess of an established base value, on the applicable settlement date.  Although the Equity Plan permits the Company to issue RSUs that can settle in cash, all of the Company’s outstanding RSUs as of September 30, 2021 are designated to be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock.  The Company granted 1,224,507 and 3,925,589 RSUs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and granted 497,507 and 1,702,220 RSUs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. There were no RSUs forfeited during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. All RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2021 may be entitled to receive dividend equivalent payments depending on the terms and conditions of the award either in cash at the time dividends are paid by the Company, or for certain time-based and performance-based RSU awards, as a grant of stock at the time such awards are settled.  At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense of $14.6 million and $6.8 million, respectively, related to RSUs.  The unrecognized compensation expense at September 30, 2021 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

Restricted Stock
The Company did not grant any shares of restricted common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and the Company granted 79,545 shares of restricted common stock during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. At September 30, 2021, the Company did not have any unvested shares of restricted common stock outstanding.

Dividend Equivalents
A dividend equivalent is a right to receive a distribution equal to the dividend distributions that would be paid on a share of the Company’s common stock.  Dividend equivalents may be granted as a separate instrument or may be a right associated with the grant of another award (e.g., an RSU) under the Equity Plan, and they are paid in cash or other consideration at such times and in accordance with such rules as the Compensation Committee of the Board shall determine in its discretion.  Payments made on the Company’s outstanding dividend equivalent rights are generally charged to Stockholders’ Equity when common stock dividends are declared to the extent that such equivalents are expected to vest.  The Company made dividend equivalent payments associated with RSU awards of approximately $155,000 and $412,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and approximately $276,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. In addition, no dividend equivalents rights awarded as separate instruments were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
Expense Recognized for Equity-Based Compensation Instruments
The following table presents the Company’s expenses related to its equity-based compensation instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands)2021202020212020
RSUs$2,306 $2,267 $6,738 $5,094 
Total$2,306 $2,267 $6,738 $5,094 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

(b)  Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company administers deferred compensation plans for its senior officers and non-employee directors (collectively, the “Deferred Plans”), pursuant to which participants may elect to defer up to 100% of certain cash compensation.  The Deferred Plans are designed to align participants’ interests with those of the Company’s stockholders.
Amounts deferred under the Deferred Plans are considered to be converted into “stock units” of the Company.  Stock units do not represent stock of the Company, but rather are a liability of the Company that changes in value as would equivalent shares of the Company’s common stock.  Deferred compensation liabilities are settled in cash at the termination of the deferral period, based on the value of the stock units at that time.  The Deferred Plans are non-qualified plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and, as such, are not funded.  Prior to the time that the deferred accounts are settled, participants are unsecured creditors of the Company.
The Company’s liability for stock units in the Deferred Plans is based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the measurement date.  The following table presents the Company’s expenses related to its Deferred Plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Non-employee directors$43 $75 $488 $(1,483)
Total$43 $75 $488 $(1,483)
The following table presents the aggregate amount of income deferred by participants of the Deferred Plans through September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 that had not been distributed and the Company’s associated liability for such deferrals at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(In Thousands)
Undistributed Income Deferred (1)
 Liability Under Deferred Plans
Undistributed Income Deferred (1)
 Liability Under Deferred Plans
Non-employee directors$2,564 $2,664 $2,197 $1,809 
Total$2,564 $2,664 $2,197 $1,809 

(1)  Represents the cumulative amounts that were deferred by participants through September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, which had not been distributed through such respective date.
(c)  Savings Plan
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified employee savings plan (the “Savings Plan”) in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Code.  Subject to certain restrictions, all of the Company’s employees are eligible to make tax-deferred contributions to the Savings Plan subject to limitations under applicable law.  Participant’s accounts are self-directed and the Company bears the costs of administering the Savings Plan.  The Company matches 100% of the first 3% of eligible compensation deferred by employees and 50% of the next 2%, subject to a maximum as provided by the Code.  The Company has elected to operate the Savings Plan under the applicable safe harbor provisions of the Code, whereby among other things, the Company must make contributions for all participating employees and all matches contributed by the Company immediately vest 100%.  For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized expenses for matching contributions of $219,000 and $120,000, respectively, and $469,000 and $360,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
14.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
GAAP requires the categorization of fair value measurements into three broad levels that form a hierarchy. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The following describes the valuation methodologies used for the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value
The Company determines the fair value of its residential whole loans held at fair value after considering valuations obtained from a third-party that specializes in providing valuations of residential mortgage loans. The valuation approach applied generally depends on whether the loan is considered performing or non-performing at the date the valuation is performed. For performing loans, estimates of fair value are derived using a discounted cash flow approach, where estimates of cash flows are determined from the scheduled payments, adjusted using forecasted prepayment, default and loss given default rates. For non-performing loans, asset liquidation cash flows are derived based on the estimated time to liquidate the loan, the estimated value of the collateral, expected costs and estimated home price levels. Estimated cash flows for both performing and non-performing loans are discounted at yields considered appropriate to arrive at a reasonable exit price for the asset. Indications of loan value such as actual trades, bids, offers and generic market color may be used in determining the appropriate discount yield. The Company’s residential whole loans held at fair value are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Securities, at Fair Value

Term Notes Backed by MSR-Related Collateral

The Company’s valuation process for term notes backed by MSR-related collateral is similar to that used for other residential mortgage securities and considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services, brokers and repurchase agreement counterparties, dialogue with market participants, as well as management’s observations of market activity. Other factors taken into consideration include estimated changes in fair value of the related underlying MSR collateral and, as applicable, the financial performance of the ultimate parent or sponsoring entity of the issuer, which has provided a guarantee that is intended to provide for payment of interest and principal to the holders of the term notes should cash flows generated by the related underlying MSR collateral be insufficient. Based on its evaluation of the observability of the data used in its fair value estimation process, these assets are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Other Residential Mortgage Securities (including short positions in TBA securities)

In determining the fair value of the Company’s other residential mortgage securities, management considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services and brokers as well as dialogue with market participants.  Valuation of TBA securities positions are based on executed levels for positions entered into and subsequently rolled forward, as well as prices obtained from pricing services for outstanding positions at each reporting date. These valuations are assessed for reasonableness by considering market TBA levels observed via Bloomberg for the same coupon and term to maturity. In valuing Non-Agency MBS, the Company understands that pricing services use observable inputs that include, in addition to trading activity observed in the marketplace, loan delinquency data, credit enhancement levels and vintage, which are taken into account to assign pricing factors such as spread and prepayment assumptions.  The Company collects and considers current market intelligence on all major markets, including benchmark security evaluations and bid-lists from various sources, when available.
The Company’s residential mortgage securities are valued using various market data points as described above, which management considers directly or indirectly observable parameters.  Accordingly, these securities are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Financing Agreements, at Fair Value

Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions

These agreements are secured and subject to margin calls and their base interest rates reset frequently to market based rates. As a result, no credit valuation adjustment is required, and the primary factor in determining their fair value is the credit spread paid over the base rate, which is a non-observable input as it is determined based on negotiations with the counterparty. The Company’s financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions held at fair value are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy if the credit spreads used to price the instrument reset frequently, which is typically the case with shorter term repurchase agreement contracts collateralized by securities. Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions that are typically longer term and are collateralized by residential whole loans where the credit spread paid over the base rate on the instrument is not reset frequently are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions

These agreements are secured, but not subject to margin calls, and their base interest rates reset frequently to market based rates. As a result, a credit valuation adjustment would only be required if there were a significant decrease in collateral value, and the primary factor in determining their fair value is the credit spread paid over the base rate, which is a non-observable input as it is determined based on negotiations with the counterparty. The Company’s financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions held at fair value are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Securitized Debt

In determining the fair value of securitized debt, management considers a number of observable market data points, including prices obtained from pricing services and brokers as well as dialogue with market participants. Accordingly, the Company’s securitized debt is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Changes to the valuation methodologies used with respect to the Company’s financial instruments are reviewed by management to ensure any such changes result in appropriate exit price valuations.  The Company will refine its valuation methodologies as markets and products develop and pricing methodologies evolve.  The methods described above may produce fair value estimates that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.  Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those used by market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.  The Company uses inputs that are current as of the measurement date, which may include periods of market dislocation, during which price transparency may be reduced.  The Company reviews the classification of its financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy on a quarterly basis, and management may conclude that its financial instruments should be reclassified to a different level in the future.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The following tables present the Company’s financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, on the consolidated balance sheets by the valuation hierarchy, as previously described:

Fair Value at March 31,September 30, 2021
 
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total(In Thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:Assets:Assets:
Residential whole loans, at fair valueResidential whole loans, at fair value$$$1,320,199 $1,320,199 Residential whole loans, at fair value$— $— $4,093,598 $4,093,598 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value350,115 350,115 Securities, at fair value— 283,037 — 283,037 
Total assets carried at fair valueTotal assets carried at fair value$$350,115 $1,320,199 $1,670,314 Total assets carried at fair value$— $283,037 $4,093,598 $4,376,635 
Liabilities:Liabilities:Liabilities:
Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$$$1,041,283 $1,041,283 Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$— $— $690,583 $690,583 
Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions200,746 979,541 1,180,287 Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions— — 1,275,172 1,275,172 
Securitized debtSecuritized debt753,008 753,008 Securitized debt— 530,829 — 530,829 
Total liabilities carried at fair valueTotal liabilities carried at fair value$$953,754 $2,020,824 $2,974,578 Total liabilities carried at fair value$— $530,829 $1,965,755 $2,496,584 

Fair Value at December 31, 2020
 
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total(In Thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets:Assets:    Assets:    
Residential whole loans, at fair valueResidential whole loans, at fair value$$$1,216,902 $1,216,902 Residential whole loans, at fair value$— $— $1,216,902 $1,216,902 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value399,999 399,999 Securities, at fair value— 399,999 — 399,999 
Total assets carried at fair valueTotal assets carried at fair value$$399,999 $1,216,902 $1,616,901 Total assets carried at fair value$— $399,999 $1,216,902 $1,616,901 
Liabilities:Liabilities:Liabilities:
Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$$$1,159,213 $1,159,213 Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions$— $— $1,159,213 $1,159,213 
Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsAgreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions213,915 1,124,162 1,338,077 Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions— 213,915 1,124,162 1,338,077 
Securitized debtSecuritized debt869,482 869,482 Securitized debt— 869,482 — 869,482 
Total liabilities carried at fair valueTotal liabilities carried at fair value$$1,083,397 $2,283,375 $3,366,772 Total liabilities carried at fair value$— $1,083,397 $2,283,375 $3,366,772 
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents additional information for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 about the Company’s Residential whole loans, at fair value, which are classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Residential Whole Loans, at Fair ValueResidential Whole Loans, at Fair Value
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)
2021 (1)
2020(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Balance at beginning of periodBalance at beginning of period$1,216,902 $1,381,583 Balance at beginning of period$2,003,580 $1,200,981 $1,216,902 $1,381,583 
Purchases
Purchases and originationsPurchases and originations1,968,079 — 2,805,939 — 
DrawsDraws11,152 — 11,575 — 
Changes in fair value recorded in Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earningsChanges in fair value recorded in Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings32,088 (74,556)Changes in fair value recorded in Net gain on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings20,494 58,863 58,807 (13,683)
RepaymentsRepayments(25,571)(20,285)Repayments(65,985)(21,721)(130,488)(65,934)
Sales and repurchases Sales and repurchases(305)Sales and repurchases241 (929)671 (19,460)
Transfer to REO Transfer to REO(15,422)(42,645)Transfer to REO(6,978)(7,530)(32,823)(52,842)
Balance at end of periodBalance at end of period$1,207,997 $1,243,792 Balance at end of period$3,930,583 $1,229,664 $3,930,583 $1,229,664 

(1) Excluded from the table above are approximately $112.2$163.0 million of Residential whole loans, at fair value for which the closing of the purchase transaction had not occurred as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

The following table presents additional information for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 about the Company’s financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions, which are classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Agreements with Non-mark-to-market Collateral Provisions
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)2021
Balance at beginning of period$1,159,213 
Issuances
Payment of principal(117,695)
Changes in unrealized losses(235)
Balance at end of period$1,041,283 
Agreements with Non-mark-to-market Collateral Provisions
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Balance at beginning of period$795,341 $— $1,159,213 $— 
Issuances— 2,036,597 — 2,036,597 
Payment of principal(104,549)(312,638)(467,695)(312,638)
Changes in unrealized losses(209)3,448 (935)3,448 
Balance at end of period$690,583 $1,727,407 $690,583 $1,727,407 

The following table presents additional information for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020 about the Company’s financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions, which are classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Agreements with Mark-to-market Collateral Provisions
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In Thousands)2021
Balance at beginning of period$1,124,162 
Issuances91,997 
Payment of principal(236,618)
Changes in unrealized losses
Balance at end of period$979,541 
Agreements with Mark-to-market Collateral Provisions
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)2021202020212020
Balance at beginning of period$858,066 $— $1,124,162 $— 
Issuances597,761 1,386,592 989,407 1,386,592 
Payment of principal(180,655)(156,032)(838,397)(156,032)
Changes in unrealized losses— 1,174 — 1,174 
Balance at end of period$1,275,172 $1,231,734 $1,275,172 $1,231,734 

At June 30, 2020, the Company’s financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions and the Company’s financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions had just been issued and were therefore classified as Level 2 since their values were based on market transactions. However, market information for similar financings was not available at March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the Company valued these financing instruments based on unobservable inputs.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Fair Value Methodology for Level 3 Financial Instruments

Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value

The following tables present a summary of quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s residential whole loans held at fair value for which it has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

March 31, 2021September 30, 2021
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)
Fair Value (1)
Valuation TechniqueUnobservable Input
Weighted Average (2)
Range(Dollars in Thousands)
Fair Value (1)
Valuation TechniqueUnobservable Input
Weighted Average (2)
Range
Residential whole loans, at fair value$798,185 Discounted cash flowDiscount rate3.8 %
3.3-8.0%
Purchased Non-Performing LoansPurchased Non-Performing Loans$774,666 Discounted cash flowDiscount rate3.4 %
2.5-11.5%
Prepayment rate4.2 %
0.7-8.9%
Prepayment rate12.2 %
0.0-43.8%
Default rate3.4 %
0.0-17.9%
Default rate4.0 %
0.0-31.3%
Loss severity12.1 %
0.0-100.0%
Loss severity11.8 %
0.0-100.0%
$409,546 Liquidation modelDiscount rate8.1 %
6.7-50.0%
$365,077 Liquidation modelDiscount rate8.1 %
6.7-50.0%
Annual change in home prices6.2 %
4.2-10.4%
Annual change in home prices9.3 %
4.6-27.3%
Liquidation timeline
(in years)
1.8
0.7-4.8
Liquidation timeline
(in years)
1.7
0.1-4.8
Current value of underlying properties (3)
$744 
$5-$3,704
Current value of underlying properties (3)
$788 
$10-$3,995
TotalTotal$1,207,731 Total$1,139,743 

December 31, 2020December 31, 2020
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)
Fair Value (1)
Valuation TechniqueUnobservable Input
Weighted Average (2)
Range(Dollars in Thousands)
Fair Value (1)
Valuation TechniqueUnobservable Input
Weighted Average (2)
Range
Residential whole loans, at fair value$789,576 Discounted cash flowDiscount rate3.9 %
3.3-8.0%
Purchased Non-Performing LoansPurchased Non-Performing Loans$789,576 Discounted cash flowDiscount rate3.9 %
3.3-8.0%
Prepayment rate4.8 %
0.0-9.9%
Prepayment rate5.4 %
0.0-17.6%
Default rate3.8 %
0.0-18.9%
Default rate4.1 %
0.0-47.7%
Loss severity12.7 %
0.0-100.0%
Loss severity12.7 %
0.0-100.0%
$427,061 Liquidation modelDiscount rate8.1 %
6.7-50.0%
$427,061 Liquidation modelDiscount rate8.1 %
6.7-50.0%
Annual change in home prices3.6 %
0.0-6.5%
Annual change in home prices3.6 %
1.8-6.5%
Liquidation timeline
(in years)
1.8
0.8-4.8
Liquidation timeline
(in years)
1.8
0.8-4.8
Current value of underlying properties (3)
$729 
$12-$4,500
Current value of underlying properties (3)
$729 
$12-$4,500
TotalTotal$1,216,637 Total$1,216,637 

(1) Excludes approximately $112.5$1.1 million and $265,000 of loans for which management considers the purchase price continues to reflect the fair value of such loans at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(2) Amounts are weighted based on the fair value of the underlying loan.
(3) The simple average value of the properties underlying residential whole loans held at fair value valued via a liquidation model was approximately $403,000$432,000 and $380,000 as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
September 30, 2021
(Dollars in Thousands)
Fair Value (1)
Valuation TechniqueUnobservable Input
Weighted Average (2)
Range
Purchased Performing Loans$2,780,698 Discounted cash flowDiscount rate3.3 %0.9-50.5%
Prepayment rate18.4 %0.0-50.1%
Default rate0.3 %0.0-21.8%
Loss severity8.9 %0.0-10.0%
$9,814 Liquidation modelDiscount rate7.0 %7.0-7.0%
Annual change in home prices7.8 %0.0-12.4%
Liquidation timeline
(in years)
2.21.0-4.4
Current value of underlying properties$884 $50-$2,075
Total$2,790,512 

(1) Excludes approximately $162.2 million of loans for which management considers the purchase price continues to reflect the fair value of such loans at September 30, 2021.
(2) Amounts are weighted based on the fair value of the underlying loan.

Changes in market conditions, as well as changes in the assumptions or methodology used to determine fair value, could result in a significant increase or decrease in the fair value of residential whole loans. Loans valued using a discounted cash flow model are most sensitive to changes in the discount rate assumption, while loans valued using the liquidation model technique are most sensitive to changes in the current value of the underlying properties and the liquidation timeline. Increases in discount rates, default rates, loss severities, or liquidation timelines, either in isolation or collectively, would generally result in a lower fair value measurement, whereas increases in the current or expected value of the underlying properties, in isolation, would result in a higher fair value measurement. In practice, changes in valuation assumptions may not occur in isolation and the changes in any particular assumption may result in changes in other assumptions, which could offset or amplify the impact on the overall valuation.

The following table presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
 
March 31, 2021March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Level in Fair Value HierarchyCarrying
Value
Estimated Fair ValueCarrying
Value
Estimated Fair ValueLevel in Fair Value HierarchyCarrying
Value
Estimated Fair ValueCarrying
Value
Estimated Fair Value
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)(In Thousands)
Financial Assets:Financial Assets:Financial Assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value3$3,869,056 $4,072,021 $4,108,499 $4,282,401 
Residential whole loans, at fair value31,320,199 1,320,199 1,216,902 1,216,902 
Residential whole loansResidential whole loans3$7,081,462 $7,280,297 $5,325,401 $5,499,303 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value2350,115 350,115 399,999 399,999 Securities, at fair value2283,037 283,037 399,999 399,999 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents1780,714 780,714 814,354 814,354 Cash and cash equivalents1526,241 526,241 814,354 814,354 
Restricted cashRestricted cash15,150 5,150 7,165 7,165 Restricted cash155,507 55,507 7,165 7,165 
Financial Liabilities (1):
Financial Liabilities (1):
Financial Liabilities (1):
Financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsFinancing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions31,041,283 1,041,283 1,159,213 1,159,213 Financing agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions3847,949 848,367 1,159,213 1,159,213 
Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsFinancing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions3979,541 979,541 1,124,162 1,124,162 Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions32,259,188 2,259,332 1,124,162 1,124,162 
Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsFinancing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions2200,746 200,746 213,915 213,915 Financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions2171,804 171,804 213,915 213,915 
Securitized debt (2)
Securitized debt (2)
21,548,920 1,552,493 1,514,509 1,519,567 
Securitized debt (2)
22,045,729 2,053,714 1,514,509 1,519,567 
Convertible senior notesConvertible senior notes2225,492 232,042 225,177 228,287 Convertible senior notes2226,138 234,328 225,177 228,287 
Senior notes (3)
Senior notes (3)
1100,000 100,031 
Senior notes (3)
1— — 100,000 100,031 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
 
(1)Carrying value of securitized debt, Convertible Senior Notes, Senior Notes and certain repurchase agreements is net of associated debt issuance costs.
(2)Includes Securitized debt that is carried at amortized cost basis and fair value.
(3)On January 6, 2021, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding Senior Notes (see Note 6).

Other Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company holds REO at the lower of the current carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded REO with an aggregate estimated fair value, less estimated cost to sell, of $20.1$50.0 million and $50.7$74.9 million, respectively, at the time of foreclosure. The Company classifies fair value measurements of REO as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

In addition, on July 1, 2021, in connection with the Lima One transaction (see Note 16), the Company revalued its previously existing investments in Lima One and recorded a gain of $38.9 million. In connection with the Lima One transaction, all of Lima One’s assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair value.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
15.  Use of Special Purpose Entities and Variable Interest Entities
 
A Special Purpose Entity (“SPE”) is an entity designed to fulfill a specific limited need of the company that organized it.  SPEs are often used to facilitate transactions that involve securitizing financial assets or re-securitizing previously securitized financial assets.  The objective of such transactions may include obtaining non-recourse financing, obtaining liquidity or refinancing the underlying financial assets on improved terms.  Securitization involves transferring assets to a SPE to convert all or a portion of those assets into cash before they would have been realized in the normal course of business, through the SPE’s issuance of debt or equity instruments.  Investors in a SPE usually have recourse only to the assets in the SPE and, depending on the overall structure of the transaction, may benefit from various forms of credit enhancement such as over-collateralization in the form of excess assets in the SPE, priority with respect to receipt of cash flows relative to holders of other debt or equity instruments issued by the SPE, or a line of credit or other form of liquidity agreement that is designed with the objective of ensuring that investors receive principal and/or interest cash flow on the investment in accordance with the terms of their investment agreement. 

The Company has entered into several financing transactions that resulted in the Company consolidating as VIEs the SPEs that were created to facilitate these transactions. See Note 2(p)2(q) for a discussion of the accounting policies applied to the consolidation of VIEs and transfers of financial assets in connection with financing transactions.
 
The Company has engaged in loan securitizations primarily for the purpose of obtaining improved overall financing terms as well as non-recourse financing on a portion of its residential whole loan portfolio. Notwithstanding the Company’s participation in these transactions, the risks facing the Company are largely unchanged as the Company remains economically exposed to the first loss position on the underlying assets transferred to the VIEs.
 
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Loan Securitization Transactions

The following table summarizes the key details of the Company’s loan securitization transactions currently outstanding as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020(Dollars in Thousands)September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Aggregate unpaid principal balance of residential whole loans sold (1)
Aggregate unpaid principal balance of residential whole loans sold (1)
$2,108,950 $2,232,561 
Aggregate unpaid principal balance of residential whole loans sold (1)
$3,047,295 $2,232,561 
Face amount of Senior Bonds issued by the VIE and purchased by third-party investorsFace amount of Senior Bonds issued by the VIE and purchased by third-party investors$1,853,013 $1,862,068 Face amount of Senior Bonds issued by the VIE and purchased by third-party investors$2,788,383 $1,862,068 
Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at carrying valueOutstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at carrying value$795,912 (2)$645,027 (2)Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at carrying value$1,514,900 (1)$645,027 (1)
Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at fair valueOutstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at fair value$753,008 $869,482 Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, at fair value$530,829 $869,482 
Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, totalOutstanding amount of Senior Bonds, total$1,548,920 $1,514,509 Outstanding amount of Senior Bonds, total$2,045,729 $1,514,509 
Weighted average fixed rate for Senior Bonds issuedWeighted average fixed rate for Senior Bonds issued1.71 %(3)2.11 %(3)Weighted average fixed rate for Senior Bonds issued1.55 %(2)2.11 %(2)
Weighted average contractual maturity of Senior BondsWeighted average contractual maturity of Senior Bonds42 years(3)41 years(3)Weighted average contractual maturity of Senior Bonds41 years(2)41 years(2)
Face amount of Senior Support Certificates received by the Company (4)(3)
Face amount of Senior Support Certificates received by the Company (4)(3)
$225,729 $268,548 
Face amount of Senior Support Certificates received by the Company (4)(3)
$227,167 $268,548 
Cash receivedCash received$1,852,989 $1,853,408 Cash received$2,788,354 $1,853,408 
(1)Excludes $41.6 million of unpaid principal balances associated with certain REO properties securitized in the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Such amount represents the unpaid principal balance of the related loans immediately prior to conversion to REO.
(2)Net of $4.1$7.7 million and $3.2 million of deferred financing costs at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
(3)(2)At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, $505.1$387.6 million and $568.7 million, respectively, of Senior Bonds sold in securitization transactions contained a contractual coupon step-up feature whereby the coupon increases by either 100 or 300 basis points or more at 36 months from issuance if the bond is not redeemed before such date.
(4)(3)Provides credit support to the Senior Bonds sold to third-party investors in the securitization transactions.

During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company issued Senior Bonds with a current face of $437.9$277.3 million and $1.5 billion to third-party investors for proceeds of $437.9$277.3 million and $1.5 billion, respectively, before offering costs and accrued interest. The Senior Bonds issued by the Company during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 are included in “Other financing agreements”“Financing agreements, at carrying value” (at carrying value) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (see Note 6).

As of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, as a result of the transactions described above, securitized loans with a carrying value of approximately $1.5$2.3 billion and $1.4$1.8 billion are included in “Residential whole loans, at carrying value,”
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2021
securitized loans with a fair value of approximately $311.6 million and $382.3 million are included in “Residential whole loans, at fair value,”loans” and REO with a carrying value of approximately $39.8$36.1 million and $49.5 million are included in “Other assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying value of Senior Bonds issued by consolidated VIEs was $1.5$2.0 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.  These Senior Bonds are disclosed as “Securitized debt” and are included in Other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The holders of the securitized debt have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, but the Company does have the obligation, under certain circumstances, to repurchase assets from the VIE upon the breach of certain representations and warranties with respect to the residential whole loans sold to the VIE.  In the absence of such a breach, the Company has no obligation to provide any other explicit or implicit support to any VIE.

The Company concluded that the entities created to facilitate the loan securitization transactions are VIEs.  The Company completed an analysis of whether each VIE created to facilitate the securitization transactions should be consolidated by the Company, based on consideration of its involvement in each VIE, including the design and purpose of the SPE, and whether its involvement reflected a controlling financial interest that resulted in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of each VIE.  In determining whether the Company would be considered the primary beneficiary, the following factors were assessed:
 
whether the Company has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE;  and
whether the Company has a right to receive benefits or absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE.
 
Based on its evaluation of the factors discussed above, including its involvement in the purpose and design of the entity, the Company determined that it was required to consolidate each VIE created to facilitate the loan securitization transactions.
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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Residential Whole Loans and REO (including Residential Whole Loans and REO transferred to consolidated VIEs)

Included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are a total of $5.2$7.1 billion and $5.3 billion, respectively, of residential whole loans, of which approximately $3.9 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively, are reported at carrying value and $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, are reported at fair value.loans. These assets, excluding certain loans originated and held by Lima One, and certain of the Company’s REO assets, are directly owned by certain trusts established by the Company to acquire the loans and entities established in connection with the Company’s loan securitization transactions. The Company has assessed that these entities are required to be consolidated (see Notes 3 and 5(a)).

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCHSEPTEMBER 30, 2021
16. Acquisition of Lima One Holdings, LLC

On July 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition from affiliates of Magnetar Capital of their ownership interests in Lima One Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Lima One Capital, LLC (collectively, “Lima One”), a leading originator and servicer of business purpose loans. In connection with this transaction, the Company also acquired from certain members of management of Lima One their ownership interests in Lima One Holdings, LLC. With the completion of these transactions (collectively, “the transaction”), the Company acquired the remaining approximately 57% of the common equity interests of Lima One that it did not previously own, for cash consideration of $57.3 million and $4.7 million of restricted stock unit awards issued to certain members of the Lima One management team. As a result of these transactions, the Company gained control of 100% of the ownership interests in Lima One and was required to consolidate its financial results from that date.

The transaction is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under purchase accounting, the purchase consideration to acquire Lima One is defined as the cash paid to acquire the approximately 57% of the common equity interests not previously owned and the estimated fair value of the previously owned approximately 43% common equity interest. Further, under purchase accounting, the Company was required to revalue the previously owned common equity interest to fair value. At the time of the revaluation, the previously owned common equity interest had a carrying value of $5.6 million (net of a $21.0 million impairment charge that was recorded in the first quarter of 2020). Consequently, the revaluation resulted in the Company recording a gain of $38.9 million that is presented in Other income in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Accordingly, under the purchase method of accounting the purchase consideration allocated was $101.7 million. The restricted stock awards issued are not included in the purchase consideration as it was determined that they should be accounted for as compensation expense for post-combination services.

Additionally, concurrent with the closing of the transaction, the Company injected additional capital that facilitated the repayment by Lima One of $47.4 million of outstanding preferred equity interests, of which $22.0 million were held by the Company prior to closing. As the Company had previously recorded an impairment write-down on its investment in Lima One’s preferred equity that was repaid in connection with the transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $5.0 million to reflect the reversal of this impairment charge. This gain was recorded in Other Income in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Further, the Company paid a total of $57,000 and $378,000 of acquisition related expenses, which were recorded in Operating and Other Expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.

The Company performed an allocation of the purchase consideration and recorded the underlying assets acquired (including certain identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values using the information available at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the net assets acquired of $61.6 million was allocated to goodwill. The goodwill is attributed to further access and expansion into business purpose loan markets as well as access to an experienced management team and workforce that are expected to continue to provide services to the business. In addition, the Company identified and recorded finite-lived intangible assets totaling $28.0 million.

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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
The purchase price allocations are summarized in the table below:

Purchase Price Allocation
(In Thousands)
Acquisition DateJuly 1, 2021
Purchase Price:
Cash$57,255 
Equity method investment at fair value44,465 
Total consideration$101,720 
Allocated to:
Business purpose residential loans, at fair value$170,220 
Cash and cash equivalents16,531 
Restricted cash91,394 
Other assets36,864 
Goodwill61,615 
Intangible assets28,000 
Total assets acquired$404,624 
Short term debt, net$(170,908)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(84,620)
Total liabilities assumed$(255,528)
Preferred equity repaid at closing(47,376)
Total net assets acquired$101,720 

The amortization period for each of the finite lived intangible assets and the activity for the three months ended September 31, 2021 is summarized in the table below:

(Dollars in Thousands)Acquisition Date July 1, 2021Amortization Three Months Ended September 30, 2021Carrying Value at September 30, 2021
Amortization Period (Years) (1)
Trademarks / Trade Names$4,000 $(100)$3,900 10
Customer Relationships16,000 (2,000)14,000 4
Internally Developed Software4,000 (200)3,800 5
Non-Compete Agreements4,000 (1,000)3,000 1
Total Identified Intangibles$28,000 $(3,300)$24,700 

(1) Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the amortization period, except for Customer Relationships, where amortization is calculated based on expected levels of customer attrition.

No pro-forma financial information showing the impact of the transaction as if it had occurred on January 1, 2020 is being presented as such pro-forma information would not be materially different from the Company’s previously reported net revenues or net income and would not be indicative of its future consolidated results of operations.

Based on the transactions recorded on Lima One’s stand-alone financial statements since closing of the transaction, Lima One contributed approximately $24.1 million of net interest income and other revenue and $13.7 million of net income to the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. The Company continues to implement plans to optimize the financing and capital needed to support Lima One’s business activities. Execution of these plans may impact, among other things, the amount and timing of recording transactions on subsidiary entities within the MFA group, the amount of capital allocated to Lima One and the revenues and expenses generated by Lima One in the future. Consequently, the results recorded on Lima One’s stand-alone financial statements in future periods may differ materially from the current period.


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MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
17. Subsequent Events

Securitization of Non-QM loansAgency Eligible Investor Loans

Subsequent to the end of the firstthird quarter, the Company completed anotherits first securitization of Non-QM loans$312.3 million of $394.2 million, with a weighted average cost of bonds sold of 1.37%, lowering the cost of financing by approximately 203 basis points.

Acquisition of Lima One Holdings, LLC

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2021, the Company signed an agreement with entities affiliated with Magnetar Capital (the “Magnetar entities”) to acquire the membership interests held by them in Lima One Holdings, LLC, the parent entity of Lima One Capital, LLC, a leading nationwide originator and servicer of business purposeAgency eligible investor loans. The all-cash transaction, the consummation of which is subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and third-party consents, is expected to close in the third fiscal quarter of 2021. Upon closing, the Company will own substantially all of the equity interests in Lima One Holdings, LLC, which will result in the consolidation of Lima One’s financial results in the Company’s financial statements following the closing.


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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we refer to MFA Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries as “the Company,” “MFA,” “we,” “us,” or “our,” unless we specifically state otherwise or the context otherwise indicates.
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and accompanying notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Forward Looking Statements

When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in future filings with the SEC or in press releases or other written or oral communications, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “continue,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” the negative of these words or similar expressions, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and, as such, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions.

These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results with respect to our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives.  Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: risks related to the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effects on the general economy and our business, financial position and results of operations (including, among other potential effects, increased delinquencies and greater than expected losses in our whole loan portfolio); changes in interest rates and the market (i.e., fair) value of our residential whole loans, MBS and other assets; changes in the prepayment rates on residential mortgage assets, an increase of which could result in a reduction of the yield on certain investments in itsour portfolio and could require us to reinvest the proceeds received by itus as a result of such prepayments in investments with lower coupons, while a decrease in which could result in an increase in the interest rate duration of certain investments in our portfolio making their valuation more sensitive to changes in interest rates and could result in lower forecasted cash flows; credit risks underlying our assets, including changes in the default rates and management’s assumptions regarding default rates on the mortgage loans in our residential whole loan portfolio; our ability to borrow to finance our assets and the terms, including the cost, maturity and other terms, of any such borrowings; implementation of or changes in government regulations or programs affecting our business; our estimates regarding taxable income the actual amount of which is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the amount of interest income and financing costs, the method elected by us to accrete the market discount on residential whole loans and the extent of prepayments, realized losses and changes in the composition of our residential whole loan portfolios that may occur during the applicable tax period, including gain or loss on any MBS disposals and whole loan modifications, foreclosures and liquidations; the timing and amount of distributions to stockholders, which are declared and paid at the discretion of our Board and will depend on, among other things, our taxable income, our financial results and overall financial condition and liquidity, maintenance of our REIT qualification and such other factors as the Board deems relevant; our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; our ability to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (or the Investment Company Act), including statements regarding the concept release issued by the SEC relating to interpretive issues under the Investment Company Act with respect to the status under the Investment Company Act of certain companies that are engaged in the business of acquiring mortgages and mortgage-related interests; our ability to continue growing our residential whole loan portfolio, which is dependent on, among other things, the supply of loans offered for sale in the market; expected returns on our investments in nonperforming residential whole loans (or NPLs), which are affected by, among other things, the length of time required to foreclose upon, sell, liquidate or otherwise reach a resolution of the property underlying the NPL, home price values, amounts advanced to carry the asset (e.g., taxes, insurance, maintenance expenses, etc. on the underlying property) and the amount ultimately realized upon resolution of the asset; targeted or expected returns on our investments in recently-originated loans, the performance of which is, similar to our other mortgage loan investments, subject to, among other things, differences in prepayment risk, credit risk and financing cost associated with such investments; risks associated with our investments in MSR-related assets, including servicing, regulatory and economic risks, risks associated with our investments in loan originators, risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy and risks associated with our expected acquisitionthe integration and ongoing operation of Lima One Holdings, LLC including(including, without limitation, unanticipated expenditures relating to or liabilities arising from the timing andtransaction and/or the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, expected benefits of such acquisition.(including expected growth in loan origination volumes) from the transaction).  These and other risks, uncertainties and factors, including those described in the annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make.  All forward-looking statements are based on beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue
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reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.  New risks and uncertainties arise over time and it is not possible to predict those events
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or how they may affect us.  Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 
Recent Developments
Acquisition of Lima One Holdings, LLC

Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2021, we signed an agreement with entities affiliated with Magnetar Capital (or, the Magnetar entities) to acquire the membership interests held by them in Lima One Holdings, LLC, the parent entity of Lima One Capital, LLC, a leading nationwide originator and servicer of business purpose loans. The all-cash transaction, the consummation of which is subject to the receipt of certain regulatory approvals and third-party consents, is expected to close in the third fiscal quarter of 2021. Upon closing, we will own substantially all of the equity interests in Lima One Holdings, LLC, which will result in the consolidation of Lima One’s financial results in our financial statements following the closing.

Business/General
 
We are an internally-managed REIT primarily engageda specialty finance company that invests in the business of investing,and finances residential mortgage assets. We invest, on a leveraged basis, in residential mortgage assets, including residential whole loans, residential mortgagemortgage-backed securities, MSR-related assets and MSR-relatedother real estate assets.  Through certain of our subsidiaries, we also originate and service business purpose loans for real estate investors. Our principal business objective is to deliver shareholder value through the generation of distributable income and through asset performance linked to residential mortgage credit fundamentals. We selectively invest in residential mortgage assets with a focus on credit analysis, projected prepayment rates, interest rate sensitivity and expected return.  We are an internally-managed real estate investment trust.

At March 31,September 30, 2021, we had total assets of approximately $6.7$8.5 billion, of which $5.2$7.1 billion, or 77%83%, represented residential whole loans acquired through interests in certain trusts established to acquire the loans.loans or originated by Lima One and not sold to third parties. Our Purchased Performing Loans, which as of March 31,September 30, 2021 comprised approximately 63%76% of our residential whole loans, include: (i) loans to finance (or refinance) one-to-four family residential properties that are not considered to meet the definition of a “Qualified Mortgage” in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (or Non-QM loans), (ii) short-term business purpose loans collateralized by residential properties made to non-occupant borrowers who intend to rehabilitate and sell the property for a profit (or Rehabilitation loans or Fix and Flip loans), (iii) loans to finance (or refinance) non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential properties that are rented to one or more tenants (or Single-family rental loans), and (iv) previously originated loans secured by residential real estate that is generally owner occupied (or Seasoned performing loans), and (v) loans on investor properties that conform to the standards for purchase by a federally chartered corporation, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) (or Agency eligible investor loans). In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2021, we had approximately $350.1$283.0 million in investments in Securities, at fair value, which represented approximately 5%3% of our total assets.  At such date, our Securities, at fair value portfolio included MSR-related assets and CRT securities and RPL/NPL MBS.securities. Our MSR-related assets include term notes whose cash flows are considered to be largely dependent on MSR collateral and loan participations to provide financing to mortgage originators that own MSRs. Our remaining investment-related assets, which represent approximately 5%4% of our total assets at March 31,September 30, 2021, were primarily comprised of REO, capital contributions made to loan origination partners and MBS and loan-related receivables.

The results of our business operations are affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, and primarily depend on, among other things, the level of our net interest income and the market value of our assets, which is driven by numerous factors, including the supply and demand for residential mortgage assets in the marketplace, the terms and availability of adequate financing, general economic and real estate conditions (both on a national and local level), the impact of government actions in the real estate and mortgage sector, and the credit performance of our credit sensitive residential mortgage assets. Changes in these factors, or uncertainty in the market regarding the potential for changes in these factors, can result in significant changes in the value and/or performance of our investment portfolio. Further, our GAAP results may be impacted by market volatility, resulting in changes in market values of certain financial instruments for which changes in fair value are recorded in net income each period, such certain residential whole loans and CRT Securities.securities. Our net interest income varies primarily as a result of changes in interest rates, the slope of the yield curve (i.e., the differential between long-term and short-term interest rates), borrowing costs (i.e., our interest expense) and prepayment speeds, the behavior of which involves various risks and uncertainties. Interest rates and conditional prepayment rates (or CPRs) (which measure the amount of unscheduled principal prepayment on an asset as a percentage of the asset balance), vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets, competition and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. Our financial results are impacted by estimates of credit losses that are required to be recorded when loans that are not accounted for at fair value through net income are acquired or originated, as well as changes in these credit loss estimates that will be required to be made periodically.
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With respect to our business operations, increases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause: (i) the interest expense associated with our borrowings to increase; (ii) the value of certain of our residential mortgage assets and, correspondingly, our stockholders’ equity to decline; (iii) coupons on our adjustable-rate assets to reset, on a delayed basis, to higher interest rates; (iv) prepayments on our assets to decline, thereby slowing the amortization of purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts, and slowing our ability to redeploy capital to generally higher yielding investments; and (v) the value of our derivative hedging instruments, if any, and, correspondingly, our stockholders’ equity to increase. Conversely, decreases in interest rates, in general, may over time cause: (i) the interest expense associated with our borrowings to decrease; (ii) the value
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of certain of our residential mortgage assets and, correspondingly, our stockholders’ equity to increase; (iii) coupons on our adjustable-rate assets, on a delayed basis, to lower interest rates; (iv) prepayments on our assets to increase, thereby accelerating the amortization of purchase premiums and the accretion of our purchase discounts, and accelerating the redeployment of our capital to generally lower yielding investments; and (v) the value of our derivative hedging instruments, if any, and, correspondingly, our stockholders’ equity to decrease.  In addition, our borrowing costs and credit lines are further affected by the type of collateral we pledge and general conditions in the credit market.
 
Our investments in residential mortgage assets expose us to credit risk, meaning that we are generally subject to credit losses due to the risk of delinquency, default and foreclosure on the underlying real estate collateral. Our investment process for credit sensitive assets focuses primarily on quantifying and pricing credit risk. With respect to investments in Purchased Performing Loans, we believe that sound underwriting standards, including low LTVs at origination, significantly mitigate our risk of loss. Further, we believe the discounted purchase prices paid on certain non-performingPurchased Non-performing and Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans mitigate our risk of loss in the event that, as we expect on most such investments, we receive less than 100% of the par value of these investments.

Premiums arise when we acquire an MBS at a price in excess of the aggregate principal balance of the mortgages securing the MBS (i.e., par value) or when we acquire residential whole loans at a price in excess of their aggregate principal balance Conversely, discounts arise when we acquire an MBS at a price below the aggregate principal balance of the mortgages securing the MBS or when we acquire residential whole loans at a price below their aggregate principal balance.  Accretable purchase discounts on these investments are accreted to interest income. Purchase premiums, which arePremiums paid to purchase loans, primarily carried on certain of our Non-QM and business purpose loans, are amortized against interest income over the life of the investment using the effective yield method, adjusted for actual prepayment activity. An increase in the prepayment rate, as measured by the CPR, will typically accelerate the amortization of purchase premiums, thereby reducing the interest income earned on these assets.
 
CPR levels are impacted by, among other things, conditions in the housing market, new regulations, government and private sector initiatives, interest rates, availability of credit to home borrowers, underwriting standards and the economy in general. In particular, CPR reflects the conditional repayment rate (or CRR), which measures voluntary prepayments of a loan, and the conditional default rate (or CDR), which measures involuntary prepayments resulting from defaults. CPRs on our residential mortgage securities and whole loans may differ significantly. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the average CPR on our Non-QM loan portfolio was 30.2%39%. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the average CPR on our Single-family rental loan portfolio was 12.2%31%.
 
It is generally our business strategy to hold our residential mortgage assets as long-term investments. On at least a quarterly basis, excluding investments for which the fair value option has been elected or for which specialized loan accounting is otherwise applied, we assess our ability and intent to continue to hold each asset and, as part of this process, we monitor our investments in securities that are designated as AFS for impairment. A change in our ability and/or intent to continue to hold any of these securities that are in an unrealized loss position, or a deterioration in the underlying characteristics of these securities, could result in our recognizing future impairment charges or a loss upon the sale of any such security.
 
Our residential mortgage investments have longer-term contractual maturities than our financing liabilities. Even though the majority of our investments have interest rates that adjust over time based on short-term changes in corresponding interest rate indices (typically following an initial fixed-rate period for our Hybrids), the interest rates we pay on our borrowings will typically change at a faster pace than the interest rates we earn on our investments. In order to reduce this interest rate risk exposure, we may enter into derivative instruments, which in the past have generally been comprised of Swaps. The majority of our Swap derivative instruments have generally been designated as cash-flow hedges against a portion of our then currentSwaps and forecasted LIBOR-based repurchase agreements.currently include short positions in TBA securities. Following the significant interest rate decreases that occurred late in the first quarter of 2020, we unwound all of our Swap transactions at the end of the first quarter of 2020.




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Recent Market Conditions and Our Strategy
 
FirstThird quarter 2021 Portfolio Activity and impact on financial results:

At March 31,September 30, 2021, our residential mortgage asset portfolio, which includes residential whole loans and REO, and Securities, at fair value was approximately $5.8$7.5 billion compared to $6.0$6.1 billion at December 31, 2020.June 30, 2021.

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The following table presents the activity for our residential mortgage asset portfolio for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021:
(In Millions)(In Millions)December 31, 2020
Runoff (1)
Acquisitions
Other (2)
March 31, 2021Change(In Millions)June 30, 2021
Runoff (1)
Acquisitions
Other (2)
September 30, 2021Change
Residential whole loans and REOResidential whole loans and REO$5,575 $(484)$253 $65 $5,409 $(166)Residential whole loans and REO$5,756 $(544)$2,001 $47 $7,260 $1,504 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value400 (59)— 10 351 (49)Securities, at fair value303 (20)— — 283 (20)
TotalsTotals$5,975 $(543)$253 $75 $5,760 $(215)Totals$6,059 $(564)$2,001 $47 $7,543 $1,484 

(1)    Primarily includes principal repayments cash collections on Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loansand sales of REO.
(2)    Primarily includes changes in fair value, draws on previously originated Rehabilitation loans, and adjustments to record lower of cost or estimated fair value adjustments on REOchanges in the allowance for credit losses. .

At March 31,September 30, 2021, our total recorded investment in residential whole loans and REO was $5.4$7.3 billion, or 93.9%96.2% of our residential mortgage asset portfolio. Of this amount, (i) $3.9$5.4 billion is presented as Residential whole loans, at carrying value (of which $3.3 billion wereare Purchased Performing Loans, and $612.4$551.2 million wereare Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans),Loans and (ii) $1.3$1.1 billion is presented as Residential wholeare Purchased Non-performing Loans. Loan acquisition activity of $2.0 billion included $694.5 million of Non-QM loans at fair value, in our consolidated balance sheets.and $485.1 million of business purpose loans. In addition, we purchased $820.2 million of Agency eligible investor loans during the three months ended September 30, 2021. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we recognized approximately $45.3$79.6 million of income on Residential whole loans at carrying value in Interest Income on our consolidated statements of operations, representing an effective yield of 4.42% (excluding servicing costs)5.52%, with Purchased Performing Loans generating an effective yield of 4.31% and4.56%, Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans generating an effective yield of 5.00%7.08% and Purchased Non-performing Loans generating an effective yield of 8.81%. In addition, we recorded a net gain on residential whole loansall of our Purchased Non-performing Loans and certain of our Purchased Performing Loans are measured at fair value throughas a result of the election of the fair value option at acquisition. Included in earnings of $49.8 million in Other Income,income, net in our consolidated statementsare net gains on these loans of operations$21.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021. At March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020,June 30, 2021, we had REO with an aggregate carrying value of $220.4$178.8 million and $249.7204.8 million, respectively, which is included in Other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.

In response to the financial impact of COVID-19 on borrowers, and in compliance with various federal and state guidelines, starting in the first quarter of 2020, we offered short-term relief to certain borrowers who were contractually current at the time the pandemic started to impact the economy. Under the terms of such plans, for certain borrowers a deferral plan was entered into where missed payments were deferred to the maturity of the related loan, with a corresponding change to the loan’s next payment due date. In addition, certain borrowers were granted up to a seven-month “zero pay” forbearance with payments required to resume at the conclusion of the plan. For these borrowers, delinquent payments were permitted to be placed on specified repayment plans. While the majority of the borrowers granted relief have resumed making payments at the conclusion of such deferral and forbearance periods, certain borrowers, particularly in our Non-QM loan portfolio, continue to be impacted financially by COVID-19 and have not yet resumed payments. When these borrowers became more than 90 days delinquent on payments, any interest income receivable related to the associated loans was reversed in accordance with our non-accrual policies. At March 31,September 30, 2021, Non-QM loans with an amortized costunpaid principal balance of $135.3$126.5 million, or 6.1%4.6% of the portfolio, were more than 90 days delinquent. For these and other borrowers that have been impacted by the COVID-19, we are continuing to evaluate loss mitigation options with respect to these loans, including forbearance, repayment plans, loan modification and foreclosure. In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2021, Rehabilitation Loans to fix and flip borrowers with an amortized costunpaid principal balance of $137.0$103.7 million, or 29.5%21.0% of the portfolio, were more than 90 days delinquent. Because rehabilitation loans are shorter term and repayment is usually dependent on completion of the rehabilitation project and sale of the property, the strategy to resolve delinquent rehabilitation loans differs from owner occupied loans. Consequently, forbearance and repayment plans are offered less frequently. However, we seek to work with delinquent fix and flip borrowers whose projects are close to completion or are listed for sale in order to provide the borrower the opportunity to sell the property and repay our loan. In circumstances where the borrower is not able to complete the project or we are not able to work with the borrower to our mutual benefit, we pursue foreclosure or other forms of resolution.

At March 31,September 30, 2021, our Securities, at fair value totaled $350.1$283.0 million and included $244.7$177.5 million of MSR-related assets $103.8and $105.5 million of CRT securities and $1.6 million of RPL/NPL MBS.securities. The net yield on our Securities, at fair value was 22.25%18.78% for the firstthird quarter of 2021, compared to 5.22%9.80% for the firstthird quarter 2020. The increase in the net yield on our Securities, at fair value portfolio primarily reflects accretion income of approximately $8.1$4.0 million recognized in the current year quarter due to the redemption at par of a RPL/NPL MBS securityan MSR-related asset that had been previously purchasedheld at a discount.an amortized cost basis below par due to an impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

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We adopted the new accounting standard addressing the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments (CECL) on January 1, 2020. CECL requires that reserves for credit losses be estimated at the reporting date based on expected cash flows for the life of the loan or financial asset, including anticipated prepayments and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future
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economic conditions. For the firstthird quarter of 2021, we recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value of $22.8$9.7 million. The reversal for the period primarily reflects an adjustmentrun-off of loans held at carrying value and adjustments to certain macro-economic inputs toand loan prepayment speed assumptions used in our loancredit loss estimates and lower loan balances.forecasts. The total allowance for credit losses recorded on residential whole loans held at carrying value at March 31,September 30, 2021 was $63.2$44.1 million. In addition, as of March 31,September 30, 2021, CECL reserves for credit losses totaling approximately $796,000$355,000 were recorded related to undrawn commitments on loans held at carrying value.

During the firstthird quarter of 2021, we continued to execute on our strategy of entering into more durable forms of financing by completing a securitization consisting of $217.5$289.3 million of business purpose rentalNon-QM loans, generating approximately $48.4 million of additional liquidity. As thewith a weighted average coupon of the bonds sold was approximately 1.06%of 1.23%, this transaction is expected to lowerlowering the funding rate of the underlying assets by more than 150 basis points. During the first quarter, we also completed a securitization transaction collateralized by non-performing loans with an unpaid principal balance of $325.7 million and REO with an estimated value of $50.6 million, which lowered the funding rate for the associated assets by approximately 168100 basis points. Subsequent to the end of the firstthird quarter, we also completed anotherour first securitization of Non-QM loans$312.3 million of $394.2 million, with a weighted average cost of bonds sold of 1.37%, lowering the funding rate of financing by approximately 203 basis points. Additionally, on January 6, 2021, we redeemed all of our outstanding $100 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Notes Due 2042.Agency eligible investor loans.

Our GAAP book value per common share was $4.63$4.82 as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Book value per common share increased from $4.54$4.65 as of December 31, 2020.June 30, 2021. Economic book value per common share, a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position that adjusts GAAP book value by the amount of unrealized mark-to-market gains on our residential whole loans held at carrying value, was $5.09$5.27 as of March 31,September 30, 2021, an increase from $4.92$5.12 as of December 31, 2020.June 30, 2021. Increases in GAAP and Economic book value during the firstthird quarter of 2021 reflect higher asset prices for residential mortgage assets.GAAP earnings in excess of dividends declared. For additional information regarding the calculation of Economic book value per share, including a reconciliation to GAAP book value per share, refer to page 7184 under the heading “Economic Book Value.”

Completion of Acquisition Lima One Holdings LLC:

On July 1, 2021, we completed the previously announced acquisition from affiliates of Magnetar Capital of their ownership interests in Lima One. In connection with this transaction, we also acquired from certain members of Lima One management their ownership interests in the company. The financial results of Lima One are included in our consolidated financial results from the date of the transaction closing.




Information About Our Assets

The table below presents certain information about our asset allocation at March 31,September 30, 2021:
 
ASSET ALLOCATION
(Dollars in Millions)(Dollars in Millions)
Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value (1)
Residential Whole Loans, at Fair ValueSecurities, at fair valueReal Estate Owned
Other,
net
(2)
Total(Dollars in Millions)
Purchased Performing Loans (1)
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans (2)
Purchased Non-Performing LoansSecurities, at fair valueReal Estate Owned
Other,
net
(3)
Total
Fair Value/Carrying ValueFair Value/Carrying Value$3,869 $1,320 $350 $220 $890 $6,649 Fair Value/Carrying Value$5,389 $551 $1,141 $283 $179 $772 $8,315 
Payable for Unsettled PurchasesPayable for Unsettled Purchases— (112)— — — (112)Payable for Unsettled Purchases(163)— — — — — (163)
Financing Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisionsFinancing Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions(795)(239)— (7)— (1,041)Financing Agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions(486)(130)(223)— (9)— (848)
Financing Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisionsFinancing Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions(732)(236)(201)(11)— (1,180)Financing Agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions(2,006)(102)(139)(172)(12)— (2,431)
Less Securitized DebtLess Securitized Debt(1,314)(224)— (11)— (1,549)Less Securitized Debt(1,446)(209)(368)— (23)— (2,046)
Less Convertible Senior NotesLess Convertible Senior Notes— — — — (225)(225)Less Convertible Senior Notes— — — — — (226)(226)
Net Equity AllocatedNet Equity Allocated$1,028 $509 $149 $191 $665 $2,542 Net Equity Allocated$1,288 $110 $411 $111 $135 $546 $2,601 
Debt/Net Equity Ratio (3)(4)
Debt/Net Equity Ratio (3)(4)
2.8 x1.6 x1.3 x0.2 x1.6 x
Debt/Net Equity Ratio (3)(4)
3.2 x4.0 x1.8 x1.5 x0.3 x2.2 x

(1)Includes $2.2$2.8 billion of Non-QM loans, $450.7$587.5 million of Rehabilitation loans, $449.0$739.4 million of Single-family rental loans, $128.0$110.1 million of Seasoned performing loans, and $612.4 million$1.1 billion of Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans.Agency eligible investor loans. At March 31,September 30, 2021, the total fair value of these loans is estimated to be approximately $4.1$5.5 billion.
(2)At September 30, 2021, the total fair value of these loans is estimated to be approximately $661.9 million.
(3)Includes $780.7$526.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, $5.2$55.5 million of restricted cash, and $81.4$53.5 million of capital contributions made to loan origination partners, as well as other assets and other liabilities.    
(3)(4)Total Debt/Net Equity ratio represents the sum of borrowings under our financing agreements noted above as a multiple of net equity allocated. 
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Residential Whole Loans

The following table presents the contractual maturities of our residential whole loan portfolios at March 31,September 30, 2021. Amounts presented do not reflect estimates of prepayments or scheduled amortization.

(In Thousands)(In Thousands)
Purchased
Performing Loans
(1)
Purchased Credit
Deteriorated Loans
(2)
Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value (3)
(In Thousands)
Purchased
Performing Loans
(1)(2)
Purchased Credit
Deteriorated Loans
(3)
Purchased Non-Performing Loans
Amount due:Amount due: Amount due: 
Within one yearWithin one year$450,625 $708 $3,913 Within one year$430,690 $1,171 $4,175 
After one year:After one year:After one year:
Over one to five yearsOver one to five years35,896 3,401 4,390 Over one to five years191,799 2,561 3,169 
Over five yearsOver five years2,801,169 640,502 1,199,694 Over five years4,623,993 571,498 1,133,493 
Total due after one yearTotal due after one year$2,837,065 $643,903 $1,204,084 Total due after one year$4,815,792 $574,059 $1,136,662 
Total residential whole loansTotal residential whole loans$3,287,690 $644,611 $1,207,997 Total residential whole loans$5,246,482 $575,230 $1,140,837 

(1)Excludes an allowance for credit losses of $31.0$20.1 million at March 31,September 30, 2021.
(2)Excludes an allowance for credit losses of $32.2 million at March 31, 2021.
(3)Excluded from the table above are approximately $112.2$163.0 million of Residential whole loans, at fair valuePurchased Performing Loans for which the closing of the purchase transaction had not occurred as of March 31,September 30, 2021.
(3)Excludes an allowance for credit losses of $24.0 million at September 30, 2021.



The following table presents, at March 31,September 30, 2021, the dollar amount of certain of our residential whole loans, contractually maturing after one year, and indicates whether the loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates:

(In Thousands)(In Thousands)
Purchased
Performing Loans
(1)(2)
Purchased Credit
 Deteriorated Loans (1)(3)
Residential Whole Loans, at Fair Value (1)(4)
(In Thousands)
Purchased
Performing Loans
(1)(2)(3)
Purchased Credit
 Deteriorated Loans (1)(4)
Purchased Non-Performing Loans (1)
Interest rates:Interest rates: Interest rates: 
FixedFixed$987,320 $477,770 $905,397 Fixed$3,047,193 $447,681 $868,473 
AdjustableAdjustable1,849,745 166,133 298,687 Adjustable1,768,599 126,378 268,189 
TotalTotal$2,837,065 $643,903 $1,204,084 Total$4,815,792 $574,059 $1,136,662 

(1)Includes loans on which borrowers have defaulted and are not making payments of principal and/or interest as of March 31,September 30, 2021.
(2)Excludes an allowance for credit losses of $31.0$20.1 million at March 31,September 30, 2021.
(3)Excludes an allowance for credit losses of $32.2 million at March 31, 2021.
(4)Excluded from the table above are approximately $112.2$163.0 million of Residential whole loans, at fair valuePurchased Performing Loans for which the closing of the purchase transaction had not occurred as of March 31,September 30, 2021.
(4)Excludes an allowance for credit losses of $24.0 million at September 30, 2021.


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Securities, at Fair Value

The following table presents information with respect to our Securities, at fair value at March 31,September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)March 31, 2021 December 31, 2020(Dollars in Thousands)September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020
MSR-Related AssetsMSR-Related AssetsMSR-Related Assets
Face/ParFace/Par$247,263 $249,769 Face/Par$178,653 $249,769 
Fair ValueFair Value244,700 238,999 Fair Value177,549 238,999 
Amortized CostAmortized Cost185,621 184,908 Amortized Cost135,062 184,908 
Weighted average yieldWeighted average yield12.10 %12.30 %Weighted average yield12.59 %12.30 %
Weighted average time to maturityWeighted average time to maturity8.2 years8.7 yearsWeighted average time to maturity6.1 years8.7 years
CRT SecuritiesCRT SecuritiesCRT Securities
Face/ParFace/Par$103,898 $104,031 Face/Par$102,307 $104,031 
Fair ValueFair Value103,826 104,234 Fair Value105,488 104,234 
Amortized CostAmortized Cost86,826 86,214 Amortized Cost87,643 86,214 
Weighted average yieldWeighted average yield8.30 %7.37 %Weighted average yield10.27 %7.37 %
Weighted average time to maturityWeighted average time to maturity19.5 years19.7 yearsWeighted average time to maturity18.9 years19.7 years
RPL/NPL MBSRPL/NPL MBS   RPL/NPL MBS   
Face/ParFace/Par$1,589  $54,998 Face/Par$—  $54,998 
Fair ValueFair Value1,589  53,946 Fair Value—  53,946 
Amortized CostAmortized Cost1,588  46,862 Amortized Cost—  46,862 
Weighted average yieldWeighted average yield9.38 %7.55 %Weighted average yield— %7.55 %
Weighted average time to maturityWeighted average time to maturity26.3 years28.7 yearsWeighted average time to maturityN/A28.7 years



Tax Considerations
 
Current period estimated taxable income

We estimate that for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, our taxable income was approximately $9.4$60.4 million. We have until the filing of our 20202021 tax return (due not later than October 15, 2021)17, 2022) to declare the distribution of any 20202021 REIT taxable income not previously distributed.

Key differences between GAAP net income and REIT Taxable Income

Residential Whole Loans and Securities
  
The determination of taxable income attributable to residential whole loans and securities is dependent on a number of factors, including principal payments, defaults, loss mitigation efforts and loss severities. In estimating taxable income for such investments during the year, management considers estimates of the amount of discount expected to be accreted. Such estimates require significant judgment and actual results may differ from these estimates.

Potential timing differences can arise with respect to the accretion of discount and amortization of premium into income as well as the recognition of gain or loss for tax purposes as compared to GAAP. For example: a) while our REIT uses fair value accounting for GAAP in some instances it generally is not used for purposes of determining taxable income; b) impairments generally are not recognized by us for income tax purposes until the asset is written-off or sold; c) capital losses may only be recognized by us to the extent of its capital gains; capital losses in excess of capital gains generally are carried over by us for potential offset against future capital gains; and d) tax hedge gains and losses resulting from the termination of interest rate swaps by us generally are amortized over the remaining term of the swap.

Securitization

Generally, securitization transactions for GAAP and Tax can be characterized as either sales or financings, depending on transaction type, structure and available elections. For GAAP purposes, our securitizations have been treated as on-balance sheet financing transactions. For tax purposes, they have been characterized as both financing and sale transactions.
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Where a securitization has been characterized as a sale, gain or loss is recognized for tax purposes. In addition, we own or may in the future acquire interests in securitization and/or re-securitization trusts, in which several of the classes of securities are or will be issued with original issue discount (or OID). As the holder of the retained interests in the trust, for tax purposes we generally will be required to include OID in our current gross interest income over the term of the applicable securities as the OID accrues. The rate at which the OID is recognized into taxable income is calculated using a constant rate of yield to maturity, with realized losses impacting the amount of OID recognized in REIT taxable income once they are actually incurred. REIT taxable income may be recognized in excess of economic income (i.e., OID) or in advance of the corresponding cash flow from these assets, thereby affecting our dividend distribution requirement to stockholders.
For securitization and/or re-securitization transactions that were treated as a sale of the underlying collateral for tax purposes, the unwinding of any such transaction will likely result in taxable income or loss. Given that securitization and re-securitization transactions are typically accounted for as financing transactions for GAAP purposes, such income or loss is not likely to be recognized for GAAP. As a result, the income recognized from securitization and re-securitization transactions may differ for tax and GAAP purposes.

Whether our investments are held by our REIT or one of its Taxable REIT Subsidiaries (TRS)

Net income generated by our TRS subsidiaries is included in consolidated GAAP net income, but may not be included in REIT taxable income in the same period. REIT taxable income generally does not include taxable income of the TRS unless and until it is distributed to the REIT. For example, because our securitization transactions that are treated as a sale for tax purposes are undertaken by a domestic TRS any gain or loss recognized on the sale is not included in our REIT taxable income until it is distributed by the TRS. Similarly, the income earned from loans, securities, REO and other investments held by our domestic TRS is excluded from REIT taxable income until it is distributed by the TRS. Net income of our foreign domiciled TRS subsidiaries is included in REIT taxable income as if distributed to the REIT in the taxable year it is earned by the foreign domiciled TRS.

Consequently, our REIT taxable income calculated in a given period may differ significantly from our GAAP net income.


Regulatory Developments
 
The U.S. Congress, U.S. Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, SEC and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken actions in response to the 2007-2008 financial crisis. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (or the Dodd-Frank Act) created a new regulator, an independent bureau housed within the U.S. Federal Reserve System known as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (or the CFPB). The CFPB has broad authority over a wide range of consumer financial products and services, including mortgage lending and servicing. One portion of the Dodd-Frank Act, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (or Mortgage Reform Act), contains underwriting and servicing standards for the mortgage industry, restrictions on compensation for mortgage loan originators, and various other requirements related to mortgage origination and servicing. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act grants enforcement authority and broad discretionary regulatory authority to the CFPB to prohibit or condition terms, acts or practices relating to residential mortgage loans that the CFPB finds abusive, unfair, deceptive or predatory, as well as to take other actions that the CFPB finds are necessary or proper to ensure responsible affordable mortgage credit remains available to consumers. The Dodd-Frank Act also affects the securitization of mortgages (and other assets) with requirements for risk retention by securitizers and requirements for regulating rating agencies.

Numerous regulations have been issued pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, including regulations regarding mortgage loan servicing, underwriting and loan originator compensation and others could be issued in the future. As a result, we are unable to fully predict at this time how the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as other laws or regulations that may be adopted in the future, will affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, or the environment for repurchase financing and other forms of borrowing, the investing environment for Agency MBS, Non-Agency MBS and/or residential mortgage loans, the securitization industry, Swaps and other derivatives. We believe that the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder are likely to continue to increase the economic and compliance costs for participants in the mortgage and securitization industries, including us.

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In addition to the regulatory actions implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act, on August 31, 2011, the SEC issued a concept release under which it is reviewing interpretive issues related to Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act. Section 3(c)(5)(C) excludes from the definition of “investment company” entities that are primarily engaged in, among other things, “purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate.” Many companies that engage in the business of acquiring mortgages and mortgage-related instruments seek to rely on existing interpretations of the SEC Staff with respect to Section 3(c)(5)(C) so as not to be deemed an investment company for the purpose of regulation under the Investment Company Act. In connection with the concept release, the SEC requested comments on, among other things, whether it should reconsider its existing interpretation of Section 3(c)(5)(C). To date, the SEC has not taken or otherwise announced any further action in connection with the concept release.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (or FHFA) and both houses of Congress have discussed and considered various measures intended to restructure the U.S. housing finance system and the operations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Congress may continue to consider legislation that would significantly reform the country’s mortgage finance system, including, among other things, eliminating Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and replacing them with a single new MBS insurance agency. Many details remain unsettled, including the scope and costs of the agencies’ guarantee and their affordable housing mission, some of which could be addressed even in the absence of large-scale reform. On March 27, 2019, then President Trump issued a memorandum on federal housing finance reform that directed the Secretary of the Treasury to develop a plan for administrative and legislative reforms as soon as practicable to achieve the following housing reform goals: 1) ending the conservatorships of the Government-sponsored enterprises (or GSEs) upon the completion of specified reforms; 2) facilitating competition in the housing finance market; 3) establishing regulation of the GSEs that safeguards their safety and soundness and minimizes the risks they pose to the financial stability of the United States; and 4) providing that the federal government is properly compensated for any explicit or implicit support it provides to the GSEs or the secondary housing finance market. On September 5, 2019, in response to then President Trump’s memorandum, the U.S. Department of the Treasury released a plan, developed in conjunction with the FHFA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other government agencies, which includes legislative and administrative reforms to achieve each of these reform goals. At this point, it remains unclearOn June 23, 2021, the United States Supreme Court concluded that the FHFA was unconstitutional as structured and remanded the case for further proceedings. Subsequent to the Supreme Court’s ruling, President Biden dismissed the FHFA director and appointed an acting replacement, raising further questions as to whether any of these legislative or regulatory reforms discussed above will be enacted or implemented. The prospects for passage of any of these plans are uncertain butand the proposals underscorechange in FHFA leadership underscores the potential for change to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

While the likelihood of enactment of major mortgage finance system reform in the short term remains uncertain, it is possible that the adoption of any such reforms could adversely affect the types of assets we can buy, the costs of these assets and our business operations.  A reduction in the ability of mortgage loan originators to access Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to sell their mortgage loans may adversely affect the mortgage markets generally and adversely affect the ability of mortgagors to refinance their mortgage loans. In addition, any decline in the value of securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may affect the value of MBS in general. WithThe recent change of FHFA Leadership and the start offact that a new Presidential administration in January 2021, it is unclearpermanent Director has yet to be confirmed raise further uncertainties about whether, and if so on what timeline, the newBiden administration will address the conservatorships of the GSEs and any comprehensive housing reform.

On October 27, 2021, FHFA announced that it is seeking comment on a proposed rule making that would introduce additional public disclosure requirements for the Enterprise Regulatory Capital Framework (or ERCF) for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As proposed, the rule would implement quarterly quantitative and qualitative disclosure requirements for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac related to regulatory capital instruments, risk-weighted assets calculated under the ERCF’s standardized approach, and risk management policies and procedures. This notice of proposed rule making suggests the potential for enhanced regulation and reporting obligations in the mortgage and securitization industries, which in turn may further increase the economic and compliance costs for participants in the mortgage and securitization industries, including us.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (or CARES Act) was signed into law. Among the provisions in this wide-ranging law are protections for homeowners experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, including forbearance provisions and procedures. Borrowers with federally backed mortgage loans, regardless of delinquency status, maywere permitted to request loan forbearance for a six-month period, which could be extendedwith the option to extend forbearance for another six-month period if necessary. Although the initial deadline to request forbearance on federally backed loans was set to expire under the CARES Act on December 31, 2020, FHFA and CFPB have announced extensions of several measures to align COVID-19 mortgage relief policies across the federal government, including additional three-month extensions of COVID-19 forbearance or payment deferral options for certain borrowers. Federally backed mortgage loans are loans secured by first- or subordinate-liens on 1-4 family residential real property, including individual units of condominiums and cooperatives, which are insured or guaranteed pursuant to certain government housing programs, such as by the Federal Housing Administration, or
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U.S. Department of Agriculture, or are purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The CARES Act also includesincluded a temporary 60 day60-day foreclosure moratorium that applies to federally backed mortgage loans, which lasted until July 24, 2020. However, the foreclosure moratorium has since beenwas extended several times to at least JuneJuly 31, 2021 and the forbearance enrollment window was extended through September 30, 2021 by Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture and FHFA, which includes mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,Mac. Although the Federal Housing Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Variousforeclosure moratorium expired on July 31, 2021, various states and local jurisdictions also have imposed foreclosure moratoriums.moratoriums, some of which will still be in effect after the federal moratorium expires.

In December 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed into law, which is an Omnibusomnibus spending bill that included a second COVID-19 stimulus bill (or Second Stimulus). In addition to providing stimulus checks for individuals and families, the Second Stimulus provides for, among other things, (i) an extension of federal unemployment insurance benefits, (ii) funding to help individuals connect remotely during the pandemic, (iii) tax credits for companies offering paid sick leave and (iv) funding for vaccine distribution and development. As further described below, the Second Stimulus provided an
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additional $25 billion in tax-free rental assistance and an executive order by President Biden extended the temporary eviction moratorium promulgated by the CDC (described below) through March 31, 2021.

On September 1, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) issued an order effective September 4, 2020 through December 31, 2020 temporarily halting residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The Second Stimulus extended the order to January 31, 2021 and, on January 20, 2021, President Joseph Biden signed an executive order that, among other things, further extended the temporary eviction moratorium promulgated by the CDC through March 31, 2021. The CDC order has since beenwas further extended through June 30, 2021. July 31, 2021, and on August 3, 2021, it was further extended through October 3, 2021, to those U.S. counties experiencing substantial and high spread of the COVID-19 as of such date (which includes a significant majority of the counties in the United States). However, on August 26, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the order unconstitutional, and so it is no longer in effect.The CDC order will likely prevent some mortgagors from evicting certain tenants who are not current on their monthly payments of rent and who qualify for relief under the CDC order, which may present a greater risk that the mortgagor will stop making monthly mortgage loan payments. The CDC order by its termsCourt’s ruling does not preemptaffect or preclude state and local jurisdictions from more expansiveissuing orders currently in placestopping or from imposing additional or more restrictive requirements than the CDC order to provide greater public health protection and, across the country, similar moratoriums are in place in various states and local jurisdictions to stoplimiting evictions and foreclosures in an effort to lessen the financial burden created by COVID-19. The CDC’s moratorium and any other similar state moratoriums or bansCOVID-19 in their jurisdictions.Any such limitations could adversely impact the cash flow on mortgage loans.

On July 30, 2021, FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are extending the moratorium on single-family real estate owned (REO) evictions until September 30, 2021. The Biden Administration may pass additional stimulus bills, foreclosure relief measures and may further extendreinstate foreclosure and eviction moratoriums that may continue to adversely impact the cash flow on mortgage loans.

On June 28, 2021, the CFPB Issued a Final Rule amending Regulation X under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act to provide additional foreclosure protections to borrowers. The Final Rule became effective August 31, 2021 and applies to mortgage loans secured by real property that is a borrower’s principal residence. Among other things, the servicing rule bars new foreclosure filings until after December 31 2021, unless certain criteria are met or an exception applies; requires servicers to engage in early intervention efforts for certain borrowers; permits certain streamlined loan modification options for borrowers with COVID-19-related hardships and imposes specific requirements for servicers of borrowers currently in short-term payment forbearance programs that were offered based on incomplete loss mitigation applications. These mortgage servicing rules and any similar regulations passed by CFPB in the future could adversely impact the cash flow on mortgage loans.

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Results of Operations

Quarter Ended March 31,September 30, 2021 Compared to the Quarter Ended March 31,September 30, 2020
 
General
 
For the firstthird quarter of 2021, we had a net income available to our common stock and participating securities of $77.3$124.3 million, or $0.28 per basic common share and $0.27 per diluted common share, compared to $79.0 million, or $0.17 per basic and diluted common share, compared to net loss available to common stock and participating securities for the firstthird quarter of 2020 of $914.2 million, or $2.02 per basic and diluted common share.2020. This increase in net income available to common stock and participating securities primarily reflects higher net interest income from our investments and higher Other income, which includes $38.9 million of gains recorded in connection with Lima One purchase accounting and a gain of $10.0 million from the reversal of prior period impairments, partially offset by a lower reversal of provision for credit losses on residential whole loans and higher operating and other expenses due to the consolidation of Lima One. Following the unprecedented disruption in residential mortgage markets due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic that was experienced late in first quarter and into the second quarter of 2020, management focused on taking actions to bolster and stabilize our balance sheet including significant sales of assets to improve our liquidity position and renegotiated the financing associated with our remaining investments. The combination of the impact of assets sales as well as higher interest expense incurred related to these new financing transactions that we entered into late in the second quarter of 2020, impacted our results for the third quarter of 2020, including lower net interest income from our investment portfolio. In addition, the results for the third quarter of 2020 included significant gains on our residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings and a reversal of a portion of our provision for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value partially offset by lower net interest incomeas estimated cash flows for our residential loan portfolio were updated consistent with revised economic forecasts as the U.S economy started recovering from our investments. The prior period results were significantly impacted by the unprecedented disruption in residential mortgage markets due to concerns related to COVID-19 that required management to take actions to bolster and stabilize our balance sheet, and improve our liquidity position. The actions included disposing our Agency and Legacy Non-Agency MBS portfolios, substantially reducing our investments in MSR-related assets, RPL/NPL MBS and CRT securities and sales of certain residential whole loans. These disposals resulted in net realized losses for the first quarter of 2020 totaling $238.4 million and contributed to the reduction in net interest income from our investments in the current period. Further, during the first quarter of 2020, we recorded impairment losses on certain residential mortgage securities and MSR-related assets of $344.3 million and also recorded impairment losses on other assets of $75.4 million, primarily related to write-downsimpact of the carrying values of investments in certain loan originators. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we also incurred $4.5 million of professional services and other costs in connection with negotiating forbearance arrangements with our lenders and recorded losses totaling $4.3 million on terminated Swaps that had previously been designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Further, under the new accounting standard for estimating credit losses that we were require to adopt during the first quarter of 2020, we recorded a provision for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value of $74.9 million. We also recorded a valuation allowance of $70.2 million to adjust the carrying value of certain residential whole loans to their estimated fair value as these loans were designated as being held-for-sale at March 31, 2020.COVID-19 pandemic.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends primarily upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding interest rates earned or paid. Our net interest income varies primarily as a result of changes in interest rates, the slope of the yield curve (i.e., the differential between long-term and short-term interest rates), borrowing costs (i.e., our interest expense) and prepayment speeds on our investments. Interest rates and CPRs (which measure the amount of unscheduled principal prepayment on a bond or loan as a percentage of its unpaid balance) vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty.
 
The changes in average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities and their related yields and costs are discussed in greater detail below under “Interest Income” and “Interest Expense.”
 
For the firstthird quarter of 2021, our net interest spread and margin were 1.86%2.98% and 2.46%3.70%, respectively, compared to a net interest spread and margin of 1.82%0.27% and 2.20%1.59%, respectively, for the firstthird quarter of 2020. Our net interest income decreasedincreased by $29.9$35.1 million, or 48.49%131.8%, to $31.8$61.8 million for the firstthird quarter of 2021 compared to net interest income of $61.7$26.7 million for the firstthird quarter of 2020. For the firstthird quarter of 2021, net interest income forincludes higher net interest income from our residential whole loan portfolio of approximately $18.7 million compared to the third quarter of 2020, primarily due to a decrease in our average collateralized financing agreement borrowings, lower financing rates and higher yields earned on our residential whole loans portfolio. Net interest income also includes higher net interest income from our Securities, at fair value portfolio decreased byfor the third quarter of 2021 of approximately $17.3$3.4 million compared to the firstthird quarter of 2020, primarily due to the redemption at par of an MSR-related asset and lower average amounts investedfinancing costs. Further, interest expense for the third quarter of 2020 included $13.8 million related to the senior secured credit agreement we entered into during the second quarter of 2020 and $2.0 million related to Senior Notes that were redeemed in these securities due to portfolio sales in the first and second quarters of 2020. Net interest income also includes lower net interest income from residential whole loans held at carrying value of approximately $14.9 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020, primarily due to lower average amounts invested in and lower yields earned on these assets, and an increase in financing rates on our financing agreements. This was partially offset by a decrease in our average repurchase agreement borrowings to finance our residential whole loans at carrying value portfolio and lower funding costs for these assets. In addition, on January 6, 2021, we completed the redemption of our Senior Notes which resulted in lower interest expense for the first quarter of 2021 of $1.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2020. Net interest income for the first quarter of 2021 also includes $6.2 million of interest expense associated with residential whole loans held at fair value, reflecting a $3.5 million decrease in borrowing costs related to these investments compared to the first quarter of 2020. Coupon interest income received from residential whole loans held at fair value is presented as a component of the total income earned on these investments and therefore is included in Other Income, net rather than net interest income.2021.


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Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
The following table sets forth certain information about the average balances of our assets and liabilities and their related yields and costs for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020. Average yields are derived by dividing annualized interest income by the average amortized cost of the related assets, and average costs are derived by dividing annualized interest expense by the daily average balance of the related liabilities, for the periods shown. The yields and costs include premium amortization and purchase discount accretion, which are considered adjustments to interest rates.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
20212020 20212020
Average Balance InterestAverage
Yield/Cost
Average Balance InterestAverage Yield/Cost Average Balance InterestAverage
Yield/Cost
Average Balance InterestAverage Yield/Cost
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands)  
Assets:Assets:Assets:
Interest-earning assets:Interest-earning assets:Interest-earning assets:
Residential whole loans, at carrying value (1)
$4,099,845 $45,340 4.42 %$6,584,538 $83,486 5.07 %
Residential whole loansResidential whole loans$5,773,391 $79,602 5.52 %$5,804,225 $70,948 4.89 %
Securities, at fair value (3)(2)
Securities, at fair value (3)(2)
295,840 16,459 22.25 4,486,660 58,581 5.22 
Securities, at fair value (3)(2)
226,420 10,629 18.78 349,866 8,570 9.80 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents775,172 54 0.03 206,899 486 0.94 Cash and cash equivalents734,893 126 0.07 754,493 100 0.05 
Other interest-earning assetsOther interest-earning assets— — — 129,947 2,907 8.95 Other interest-earning assets24,385 524 8.60 123,073 3,017 9.81 
Total interest-earning assetsTotal interest-earning assets5,170,857 61,853 4.78 11,408,044 145,460 5.10 Total interest-earning assets6,759,089 90,881 5.38 7,031,657 82,635 4.70 
Total non-interest-earning assetsTotal non-interest-earning assets1,619,140 2,278,808 Total non-interest-earning assets732,064 545,019 
Total assetsTotal assets$6,789,997 $13,686,852 Total assets$7,491,153 $7,576,676 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:Interest-bearing liabilities:Interest-bearing liabilities:
Collateralized financing agreements (5)(4)
Collateralized financing agreements (5)(4)
$2,360,566 $17,861 3.03 %$9,233,822 $72,698 3.11 %
Collateralized financing agreements (5)(4)
$2,515,426 $16,085 2.50 %$3,511,403 $30,681 3.42 %
Securitized debt (6)(5)
Securitized debt (6)(5)
1,524,275 8,189 2.15 558,007 5,161 3.66 
Securitized debt (6)(5)
2,004,152 9,050 1.77 607,893 5,566 3.58 
Convertible Senior Notes225,285 3,909 6.94 224,071 3,888 6.94 
Convertible Senior Notes and otherConvertible Senior Notes and other225,923 3,930 6.94 224,666 3,898 6.94 
Senior NotesSenior Notes4,444 111 8.31 96,866 2,012 8.31 Senior Notes— — — 96,891 2,012 8.31 
Senior secured credit agreementSenior secured credit agreement— — — 499,796 13,807 11.00 
Total interest-bearing liabilitiesTotal interest-bearing liabilities4,114,570 30,070 2.92 10,112,766 83,759 3.28 Total interest-bearing liabilities4,745,501 29,065 2.40 4,940,649 55,964 4.43 
Total non-interest-bearing liabilitiesTotal non-interest-bearing liabilities149,032 153,893 Total non-interest-bearing liabilities157,602 118,145 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities4,263,602 10,266,659 Total liabilities4,903,103 5,058,794 
Stockholders’ equityStockholders’ equity2,526,395 3,420,193 Stockholders’ equity2,588,050 2,517,882 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equityTotal liabilities and stockholders’ equity$6,789,997$13,686,852Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$7,491,153 $7,576,676 
Net interest income/net interest rate spread (7)(6)
Net interest income/net interest rate spread (7)(6)
$31,783 1.86 %$61,701 1.82 %
Net interest income/net interest rate spread (7)(6)
$61,816 2.98 %$26,671 0.27 %
Net interest-earning assets/net interest margin (8)(7)
Net interest-earning assets/net interest margin (8)(7)
$1,056,287 2.46 %$1,295,278 2.20 %
Net interest-earning assets/net interest margin (8)(7)
$2,013,588 3.70 %$2,091,008 1.59 %

(1)Excludes residential whole loans held at fair value that are reported as a component of total non-interest-earning assets. Includes Non-QM loans held-for-sale with a net carrying value of $895.3 million at March 31, 2020.
(2)Yields presented throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are calculated using average amortized cost data for securities which excludes unrealized gains and losses and includes principal payments receivable on securities.  For GAAP reporting purposes, purchases and sales are reported on the trade date. Average amortized cost data used to determine yields is calculated based on the settlement date of the associated purchase or sale as interest income is not earned on purchased assets and continues to be earned on sold assets until settlement date.  
(3)(2)The net yield of 22.25%18.78% includes $8.1$4.0 million of accretion recognized on the redemption at par of an RPL/NPL MBS securityMSR-related asset that was purchasedhad been held at a discount.amortized cost basis below par due to an impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2020. Excluding this accretion, the yield reported would have been 11.26%11.63%.
(4)(3)Collateralized financing agreements include the following: Secured term notes, Non-mark-to-market term-asset based financing, and repurchase agreements. For additional information, see Note 6, included under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
(5)(4)Average cost of repurchase agreements in the prior year period includes the cost of Swaps allocated based on the proportionate share of the overall estimated weighted average portfolio duration.
(6)(5)Includes both Securitized debt, at carrying value, and Securitized debt, at fair value.
(7)(6)Net interest rate spread reflects the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and average cost of funds.
(8)(7)Net interest margin reflects annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.


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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates (yield/cost) and changes in the volume (average balance) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (i) the changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in average balance multiplied by prior rate); (ii) the changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior average balance); and (iii) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately, based on absolute values, to the changes due to rate and volume.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Compared toCompared to
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
Increase/(Decrease) due toTotal Net
Change in
Interest Income/Expense
Increase/(Decrease) due toTotal Net
Change in
Interest Income/Expense
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)VolumeRate(In Thousands)VolumeRate
Interest-earning assets:Interest-earning assets:   Interest-earning assets:   
Residential whole loans, at carrying value (1)
$(28,497)$(9,649)$(38,146)
Residential whole loansResidential whole loans$(381)$9,035 $8,654 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value(94,447)52,325 (42,122)Securities, at fair value(3,795)5,854 2,059 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents378 (810)(432)Cash and cash equivalents(3)29 26 
Other interest-earning assetsOther interest-earning assets(1,454)(1,453)(2,907)Other interest-earning assets(2,161)(332)(2,493)
Total net change in income from interest-earning assetsTotal net change in income from interest-earning assets$(124,020)$40,413 $(83,607)Total net change in income from interest-earning assets$(6,340)$14,586 $8,246 
Interest-bearing liabilities:Interest-bearing liabilities:  Interest-bearing liabilities:  
Residential whole loan at carrying value financing agreements$(23,470)$(4,314)$(27,784)
Residential whole loan at fair value financing agreements(1,004)(684)(1,688)
Residential whole loan financing agreementsResidential whole loan financing agreements$(7,064)$(6,329)$(13,393)
Securities, at fair value repurchase agreementsSecurities, at fair value repurchase agreements(20,501)(4,355)(24,856)Securities, at fair value repurchase agreements(424)(924)(1,348)
REO financing agreementsREO financing agreements51 52 103 REO financing agreements70 70 140 
Other repurchase agreementsOther repurchase agreements(306)(306)(612)Other repurchase agreements— 
Securitized debtSecuritized debt5,757 (2,729)3,028 Securitized debt7,465 (3,981)3,484 
Convertible Senior Notes and Senior NotesConvertible Senior Notes and Senior Notes(1,608)(272)(1,880)Convertible Senior Notes and Senior Notes(1,666)(314)(1,980)
Senior secured credit agreementSenior secured credit agreement(6,903)(6,904)(13,807)
Total net change in expense from interest-bearing liabilitiesTotal net change in expense from interest-bearing liabilities$(41,081)$(12,608)$(53,689)Total net change in expense from interest-bearing liabilities$(8,517)$(18,382)$(26,899)
Net change in net interest incomeNet change in net interest income$(82,939)$53,021 $(29,918)Net change in net interest income$2,177 $32,968 $35,145 
 
(1)Excludes residential whole loans held at fair value, which are reported as a component of non-interest-earning assets.

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The following table presents certain quarterly information regarding our net interest spread and net interest margin for the quarterly periods presented:
 
Total Interest-Earning Assets and Interest-
Bearing Liabilities
Total Interest-Earning Assets and Interest-
Bearing Liabilities
Net Interest
Spread (1)
Net Interest
Margin (2)
Net Interest
Spread (1)
Net Interest
Margin (2)
Quarter EndedQuarter EndedQuarter Ended
September 30, 2021September 30, 20212.98 %3.70 %
June 30, 2021June 30, 20213.02 3.86 
March 31, 2021March 31, 20211.86 %2.46 %March 31, 20212.31 3.29 
December 31, 2020December 31, 20201.07 1.49 December 31, 20201.23 2.41 
September 30, 2020September 30, 20200.03 0.76 September 30, 20200.27 1.59 
June 30, 2020(0.90)0.02 
March 31, 20201.82 2.20 
 
(1)Reflects the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and average cost of funds.
(2)Reflects annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table presents the components of the net interest spread earned on our Residential whole loans, at carrying value for the quarterly periods presented:

 Purchased Performing LoansPurchased Credit Deteriorated LoansTotal Residential Whole Loans, at Carrying Value
Quarter Ended
Net
Yield
(1)
Cost of
Funding
(2)
Net 
Interest
Spread
(3)
Net
Yield
(1)
Cost of
Funding
(2)
Net 
Interest
Spread
(3)
Net
Yield
(1)
Cost of
Funding
(2)
Net 
Interest
Spread
(3)
March 31, 20214.31 %2.46 %1.85 %5.00 %2.86 %2.14 %4.42 %2.53 %1.89 %
December 31, 20204.57 2.77 1.80 5.16 3.02 2.14 4.66 2.81 1.85 
September 30, 20204.58 3.42 1.16 4.89 3.22 1.67 4.63 3.39 1.24 
June 30, 20205.17 6.34 (1.17)5.07 6.03 (0.96)5.15 6.30 (1.15)
March 31, 20205.10 3.44 1.66 4.84 3.39 1.45 5.07 3.43 1.64 
 Quarter Ended
September 30, 2021June 30, 2021March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
Purchased Performing Loans
Net Yield (1)
4.56 %4.45 %4.41 %4.57 %4.58 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.14 %2.09 %2.46 %2.77 %3.42 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
2.42 %2.36 %1.95 %1.80 %1.16 %
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans
Net Yield (1)
7.08 %7.17 %5.00 %5.16 %4.89 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.18 %2.39 %2.86 %3.02 %3.22 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
4.90 %4.78 %2.14 %2.14 %1.67 %
Purchased Non-Performing Loans
Net Yield (1)
8.81 %7.98 %7.13 %7.06 %5.99 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.43 %2.71 %3.41 %3.57 %3.78 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
6.38 %5.27 %3.72 %3.49 %2.21 %
Total Residential Whole Loans
Net Yield (1)
5.52 %5.48 %5.03 %5.13 %4.89 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.20 %2.25 %2.70 %2.97 %3.47 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
3.32 %3.23 %2.33 %2.16 %1.42 %

(1)Reflects annualized interest income on Residential whole loans at carrying value divided by average amortized cost of Residential whole loans, at carrying value.loans. Excludes servicing costs.
(2)Reflects annualized interest expense divided by average balance of repurchase agreements, agreements with non-mark-to-market collateral provisions, and securitized debt. Total Residential whole loans, at carrying value cost of funding includes 3 basis points associated with Swaps to hedge interest rate sensitivity on these assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. Cost of funding for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 includes the impact of amortization of $10.7 million of losses previously recorded in OCI related to Swaps unwound during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The amortization of these losses increased the funding cost by 116 basis points for Purchased Performing Loans, 107 basis points for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans, and 115 basis points for total Residential whole loans, at carrying value during the quarter ended June 30, 2020. At June 30, 2020, following the closing of certain financing transactions and our exit from forbearance arrangements, and an evaluation of our anticipated future financing transactions, $49.9 million of unamortized losses on Swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes was transferred from OCI to earnings, as it was determined that certain financing transactions that were previously expected to be hedged by these Swaps were no longer probable of occurring. In addition, cost of funding for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 was significantly higher than for prior periods as it reflects default interest and/or higher rates charged by lenders while we were under a forbearance agreement. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, we transferred from AOCI to earnings approximately $7.2 million of losses on Swaps that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes as we had assessed that the underlying transactions were no longer probable of occurring.
(3)Reflects the difference between the net yield on average Residential whole loans at carrying value and average cost of funds on Residential whole loans, at carrying value.loans.
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The following table presents the components of the net interest spread earned on our residential mortgage securities and MSR-related assets for the quarterly periods presented:
 
Securities, at fair valueSecurities, at fair value
Quarter EndedQuarter Ended
Net
Yield (1)(2)
Cost of
Funding 
(3)
Net Interest
Rate
Spread (4)
Quarter Ended
Net
Yield (1)(2)
Cost of
Funding 
(3)
Net Interest
Rate
Spread (4)
September 30, 2021September 30, 202118.78 %1.61 %17.17 %
June 30, 2021June 30, 202124.57 1.81 22.76 
March 31, 2021March 31, 202122.25 %2.02 %20.23 %March 31, 202122.25 2.02 20.23 
December 31, 2020December 31, 202010.15 2.69 7.46 December 31, 202010.15 2.69 7.46 
September 30, 2020September 30, 20209.80 3.49 6.31 September 30, 20209.80 3.49 6.31 
June 30, 20208.20 5.81 2.39 
March 31, 20205.22 2.53 2.69 
 
(1)Reflects annualized interest income divided by average amortized cost. Impairment charges recorded on MSR-related assets resulted in a lower amortized cost basis which impacted the calculation of net yields in subsequent periods.
(2)TheFor the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the net yield of 18.78% includes $4.0 million of accretion income recognized on the redemption at par of an MSR-related asset that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to an impairment charge during the first quarter of 2020. Excluding this accretion, the yield reported would have been 11.63%. For the quarter ended June 30, 2021, the net yield of 24.57% includes $8.4 million of accretion income recognized on the redemption at par of an MSR-related asset that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to an impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2020. Excluding this accretion, the yield reported would have been 11.13%. For the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the net yield of 22.25% includes $8.1 million of accretion income recognized on the redemption of an RPL/NPL MBS security that was previously purchased at a discount. Excluding this accretion, the yield reported would have been 11.26%.
(3)Reflects annualized interest expense divided by average balance of repurchase agreements. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, we transferred from AOCI to earnings approximately $7.2 million of losses on Swaps that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes as we had assessed that the underlying transactions were no longer probable of occurring.
(4)Reflects the difference between the net yield on average Securities, at fair value, and average cost of funds on Securities, at fair value.

Interest Income
Interest income on our Residential whole loans increased by $8.7 million, or 12.2%, for the third quarter of 2021, to $79.6 million compared to $70.9 million for the third quarter of 2020. This increase primarily reflects an increase in the yield to 5.52% for the third quarter of 2021 from 4.89% for the third quarter of 2020, partially offset by a $30.8 million decrease in the average balance of this portfolio to $5.8 billion for the third quarter of 2021.

Interest income on our Securities, at fair value portfolio increased $2.1 million to $10.6 million for the third quarter of 2021 from $8.6 million for the third quarter of 2020. This increase primarily reflects an increase in the net yield on our Securities, at fair value to 18.78% for the third quarter of 2021, compared to 9.80% for the third quarter of 2020. The increase in the net yield on our Securities, at fair value portfolio primarily reflects accretion income of approximately $4.0 million recognized in the current quarter due to the redemption of an MSR-related asset that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to an impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

Interest Expense
Our interest expense for the third quarter of 2021 decreased by $26.9 million, or 48.1%, to $29.1 million, from $56.0 million for the third quarter of 2020. This decrease primarily reflects a decrease in our average collateralized financing agreement borrowings to finance our residential mortgage asset portfolio and a decrease in financing rates on our financing agreements. In addition, in the prior year period we incurred interest expense of approximately $13.8 million related to the senior secured credit agreement we entered into during the second quarter of 2020. Further, the third quarter of 2020 included $2.0 million of interest expense related to our Senior Notes, which were redeemed in the first quarter of 2021. The effective interest rate paid on our borrowings decreased to 2.40% for the third quarter of 2021, from 4.43% for the third quarter of 2020. 

Provision for Credit and Valuation Losses on Residential Whole Loans Held at Carrying Value and Other Financial Instruments

For the third quarter of 2021, we recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value and other financial instruments of $9.7 million (which includes a reversal of provision for credit losses on undrawn commitments of $157,000) compared to a provision of $27.2 million for the third quarter of 2020. The reversal for the
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period primarily reflects run-off of loans held at carrying value and adjustments to certain macro-economic and loan prepayment speed assumptions used in our credit loss forecasts. With respect to our residential whole loans held at carrying value and other financial instruments, CECL requires that reserves for credit losses are estimated at the reporting date based on expected cash flows over the life of the loan or financial instrument, including anticipated prepayments and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions.

Other Income/(Loss), net

For the third quarter of 2021, Other Income, net increased by $33.9 million to $94.4 million, compared to $60.6 million for the third quarter of 2020.  The components of Other Income/(Loss), net for the third quarter of 2021 and 2020 are summarized in the table below:

Quarter Ended September 30,
(In Thousands)20212020
Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings$21,815 $60,316 
Gain on investment in Lima One common equity (Note 16)38,933 — 
Impairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets10,000 (221)
Lima One - origination, servicing and other fee income9,643 — 
Net gain/(loss) on real estate owned6,829 4,503 
Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans— 48 
Loss on terminated swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes— (7,177)
Liquidations gains on Residential Whole Loans and other loan related income987 1,273 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities, at fair value measured at fair value through earnings494 91 
Other5,745 1,722 
Total Other Income, net$94,446 $60,555 

Operating and Other Expense

For the third quarter of 2021, we had compensation and benefits and other general and administrative expenses of $24.9 million, compared to $18.3 million for the third quarter of 2020. Compensation and benefits expense increased by approximately $4.6 million to $16.2 million for the third quarter of 2021, compared to $11.7 million for the third quarter of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of including Lima One compensation expense in our financial results. The prior year period included a provision for estimated severance costs in connection with a reduction in workforce that occurred in the third quarter of 2020. Our other general and administrative expenses increased by $2.0 million to $8.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $6.6 million for the third quarter of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of including Lima One expenses in our financial results. The prior year period includes Directors compensation costs related to the annual grant of equity awards to non-employee Directors. The current year period did not include such costs as these awards were made in the second quarter of 2021.

Operating and Other Expense for the third quarter of 2021 also includes $5.3 million of loan servicing and other related operating expenses related to our residential whole loan activities. These expenses decreased compared to the prior year period by approximately $3.7 million, or 41.2%, primarily due to lower costs related to loan securitization activities and lower servicing fees and non-recoverable advances on our residential whole loan and REO portfolios.

In addition, Operating and Other expenses for the third quarter of 2021 also includes $3.3 million of amortization related to intangible assets recognized as part of the purchase accounting for the Lima One acquisition.

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Selected Financial Ratios
The following table presents information regarding certain of our financial ratios at or for the dates presented:
At or for the Quarter Ended
Return on
Average Total
Assets (1)
Return on
Average Total
Stockholders’
Equity (2)
Total Average
Stockholders’
Equity to Total
Average Assets (3)
Dividend Payout
Ratio (4)
Leverage Multiple (5)
Book Value
per Share
of Common
Stock (6)
Economic Book Value per Share of Common Stock (7)
September 30, 20216.64 %20.48 %34.55 %0.362.2$4.82 $5.27 
June 30, 20213.46 10.57 37.28 0.771.84.65 5.12 
March 31, 20214.55 13.54 37.21 0.441.64.63 5.09 
December 31, 20202.12 7.24 35.72 0.941.74.54 4.92 
September 30, 20204.17 13.85 33.23 0.291.94.61 4.92 

(1)Reflects annualized net income available to common stock and participating securities divided by average total assets.
(2)Reflects annualized net income divided by average total stockholders’ equity.
(3)Reflects total average stockholders’ equity divided by total average assets.
(4)Reflects dividends declared per share of common stock divided by earnings per share.
(5)Represents the sum of our borrowings under financing agreements includingand payable for unsettled purchases divided by stockholders’ equity.
(6)Reflects total stockholders’ equity less the preferred stock liquidation preference divided by total shares of common stock outstanding.
(7)“Economic book value” is a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position. To calculate our Economic book value, our portfolios of Residential whole loans, at carrying value are adjusted to their fair value, rather than the carrying value that is required to be reported under the GAAP accounting model applied to these loans. For additional information please refer to page 84 under the heading “Economic Book Value.”

Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to the Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2020
General
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we had net income available to our common stock and participating securities of $260.1 million, or $0.58 per basic common share and $0.57 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss available to common stock and participating securities of $746.8 million, or $1.65 per basic and diluted common share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. This increase in net income available to common stock and participating securities primarily reflects higher Other income, which includes $38.9 million of gains recorded in connection with Lima One purchase accounting and a gain of $10.0 million from the reversal of prior period impairments. In addition, the current period results include a reversal of provision for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value and higher net interest income from our investments. The prior period results were significantly impacted by the unprecedented disruption in residential mortgage markets due to concerns related to COVID-19 that required management to take actions to bolster and stabilize our balance sheet, improve our liquidity position and renegotiate the financing associated with our remaining investments. The actions included disposing our Agency and Legacy Non-Agency MBS portfolios, substantially reducing our investments in MSR-related assets and CRT securities, and sales of certain residential whole loans. In addition, as we had entered into forbearance agreements with the majority of our remaining lenders that were in place for most of the second quarter of 2020, our financing costs were dramatically increased during this period. Asset disposals resulted in net realized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 totaling $188.9 million. Further, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded impairment losses on certain residential mortgage securities and other assets of $425.0 million, a net loss of $10.1 million on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings, a net provision for credit losses on residential whole loans and other financial assets of $38.1 million and losses totaling $57.0 million on terminated Swaps that had previously been designated as hedges for accounting purposes were also recorded. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we also incurred $44.4 million of professional services and other costs in connection with negotiating and exiting forbearance arrangements with our lenders.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities.  Net interest income depends primarily upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding interest rates earned or paid.  Our net interest income varies primarily as a result of changes in interest rates, the slope of the yield curve (i.e., the differential between long-term and short-term interest rates), borrowing costs (i.e., our interest expense) and prepayment speeds on our investments.  Interest rates and CPRs (which measure the amount of
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unscheduled principal prepayment on a bond or loan as a percentage of its unpaid balance) vary according to the type of investment, conditions in the financial markets and other factors, none of which can be predicted with any certainty.
The changes in average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities and their related yields and costs are discussed in greater detail below under “Interest Income” and “Interest Expense.”

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, our net interest spread and margin were 2.78% and 3.62%, respectively, compared to a net interest spread and margin of 0.82% and 1.89%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Our net interest income increased by $46.1 million, or 36.6%, to $171.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to net interest income of $125.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net interest income includes higher net interest income from our residential whole loan portfolio of approximately $39.3 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to lower financing costs and higher yields, partially offset by lower average balances invested in these assets. In addition, interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 included $6.0 million of interest expense related to Senior Notes that were redeemed in January of 2021. Net interest income for our Securities, at fair value portfolio decreased by approximately $5.0 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to lower average amounts invested in these securities due to portfolio sales in the first and second quarters of 2020, partially offset by a higher yield earned on these assets due to the early redemption at par of several securities during the current year period and lower financing costs.








































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Analysis of Net Interest Income
The following table sets forth certain information about the average balances of our assets and liabilities and their related yields and costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020Average yields are derived by dividing annualized interest income by the average amortized cost of the related assets, and average costs are derived by dividing annualized interest expense by the daily average balance of the related liabilities, for the periods shown.  The yields and costs include premium amortization and purchase discount accretion which are considered adjustments to interest rates.
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 20212020
 Average BalanceInterestAverage Yield/CostAverage Balance InterestAverage Yield/Cost
(Dollars in Thousands) 
Assets:      
Interest-earning assets:      
Residential whole loans$5,314,834 $213,156 5.35 %$6,700,752 $261,819 5.21 %
Securities, at fair value (1)(2)
257,103 42,433 22.01 1,845,956 81,867 5.91 
Cash and cash equivalents785,091 239 0.04 443,034 646 0.19 
Other interest-earning assets9,899 632 8.51 128,565 9,089 9.43 
Total interest-earning assets6,366,927 256,460 5.37 9,118,307 353,421 5.17 
Total non-interest-earning assets653,298   687,880   
Total assets$7,020,225   $9,806,187   
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:      
Interest-bearing liabilities:      
Collateralized financing agreements (3)(4)
2,313,249 $47,519 2.71 %$5,818,816 $179,102 4.04 %
Securitized debt (5)
1,769,058 25,308 1.89 568,186 16,325 3.77 
Convertible Senior Notes225,605 11,743 6.94 224,291 11,678 6.94 
Senior Notes1,465 120 8.31 96,879 6,038 8.31 
Senior secured credit agreement— — — 176,939 14,571 11.00 
Total interest-bearing liabilities4,309,377 84,690 2.59 6,885,111 227,714 4.35 
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities164,257 122,645   
Total liabilities4,473,634 7,007,756   
Stockholders’ equity2,546,591 2,798,431   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$7,020,225 $9,806,187   
Net interest income/net interest rate spread (6)
$171,770 2.78 %$125,707 0.82 %
Net interest-earning assets/net interest margin (7)
$2,057,550 3.62 %$2,233,196 1.89 %

(1)Yields presented throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are calculated using average amortized cost data for securities which excludes unrealized gains and losses and includes principal payments receivable on securities.  For GAAP reporting purposes, purchases and sales are reported on the trade date. Average amortized cost data used to determine yields is calculated based on the settlement date of the associated purchase or sale as interest income is not earned on purchased assets and continues to be earned on sold assets until settlement date.  
(2)The net yield of 22.0% includes $4.0 million and $8.4 million of accretion income recognized in the third and second quarters of 2021, respectively, due to the redemption of MSR-related assets that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to impairment charges recorded in the first quarter of 2020; and $8.1 million of accretion recognized during the first quarter of 2021 on the redemption of a Non-Agency MBS security that was purchased at a discount. Excluding this accretion, the yield reported would have been 11.37%.
(3)Collateralized financing agreements include the following: Secured term notes, Non-mark-to-market term-asset based financing, and repurchase agreements. For additional information, see Note 6, included under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
(4)Average cost of repurchase agreements in the prior year period includes the cost of Swaps allocated based on the proportionate share of the overall estimated weighted average portfolio durationduration.
(5)Includes both Securitized debt, at carrying value and Securitized debt, at fair value.
(6)Net interest rate spread reflects the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and average cost of funds.
(7)Net interest margin reflects annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

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Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates (yield/cost) and changes in the volume (average balance) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to: (i) the changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in average balance multiplied by prior rate); (ii) the changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior average balance); and (iii) the net change.  The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately, based on absolute values, to the changes due to rate and volume.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Compared to
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
 Increase/(Decrease) due toTotal Net
Change in
Interest Income/Expense
(In Thousands)VolumeRate
Interest-earning assets:   
Residential whole loans$(55,521)$6,858 $(48,663)
Securities, at fair value(116,502)77,068 (39,434)
Cash and cash equivalents292 (699)(407)
Other interest-earning assets(7,648)(809)(8,457)
Total net change in income from interest-earning assets$(179,379)$82,418 $(96,961)
Interest-bearing liabilities:   
Residential whole loan financing agreements$(54,600)$(41,728)$(96,328)
Securities, at fair value repurchase agreements(23,851)(10,565)(34,416)
REO financing agreements180 181 361 
Other repurchase agreements(1,200)— (1,200)
Securitized debt20,376 (11,393)8,983 
Convertible Senior Notes and Senior Notes(4,928)(925)(5,853)
Senior secured credit agreement(7,285)(7,286)(14,571)
Total net change in expense of interest-bearing liabilities$(71,308)$(71,716)$(143,024)
Net change in net interest income$(108,071)$154,134 $46,063 



















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The following table presents the components of the net interest spread earned on our Residential whole loans, at carrying value for the periods presented:

 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021September 30, 2020
Purchased Performing Loans
Net Yield (1)
4.48 %4.98 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.22 %4.43 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
2.26 %0.55 %
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans
Net Yield (1)
6.39 %4.93 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.48 %4.23 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
3.91 %0.70 %
Purchased Non-Performing Loans
Net Yield (1)
7.95 %6.34 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.84 %4.29 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
5.11 %2.05 %
Total Residential Whole Loans
Net Yield (1)
5.35 %5.21 %
Cost of Funding (2)
2.37 %4.38 %
Net Interest Spread (3)
2.98 %0.83 %
(1)Reflects annualized interest income on Residential whole loans divided by average amortized cost of Residential whole loans. Excludes servicing costs.
(2)Reflects annualized interest expense divided by average balance of repurchase agreements and securitized debt. Agency MBSTotal Residential whole loans cost of funding includes 78 basis points and Legacy Non-Agency MBS cost of funding includes 5212 basis points associated with Swaps to hedge interest rate sensitivity on these assets for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2020. Cost of funding for the quarternine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 includes the impact of amortization of $278,000$14.1 million of losses previously recorded in OCI related to Swaps unwound during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The amortization of these losses increased the funding cost by 17443 basis points for Purchased Performing Loans, 36 basis points for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans, 25 basis points for Purchased Non-Performing Loans, and 39 basis points for total RPL/NPL MBS during the quarter ended June 30, 2020.Residential whole loans. At June 30, 2020, following the closing of certain financing transactions and our exit from forbearance arrangements, and an evaluation of our anticipated future financing transactions, $49.9 million of unamortized losses on Swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes was transferred from OCI to earnings, as it was determined that certain financing transactions that were previously expected to be hedged by these Swaps were no longer probable of occurring. In addition, during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, we transferred from AOCI to earnings approximately $7.2 million of losses on Swaps that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes as we had assessed that the underlying transactions were no longer probable of occurring.
(3)Reflects the difference between the net yield on average Residential whole loans and average cost of funds on Residential whole loans.

The following table presents the components of the net interest spread earned on our residential mortgage securities and MSR-related assets for the periods presented:

Securities, at fair value
Nine Months Ended
Net
Yield (1)(2)
Cost of
Funding 
(3)
Net Interest
Rate
Spread (4)
September 30, 202122.01 %1.82 %20.19 %
September 30, 20205.91 2.99 2.92 
(1)Reflects annualized interest income divided by average amortized cost. Impairment charges recorded on MSR-related assets resulted in a lower amortized cost basis which impacted the calculation of net yields in subsequent periods.
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(2)The net yield of 22.0% includes $4.0 million and $8.4 million of accretion income recognized in the third and second quarters of 2021, respectively, due to the redemption of MSR-related assets that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to impairment charges recorded in the first quarter of 2020; and $8.1 million of accretion recognized during the first quarter of 2021 on the redemption of a Non-Agency MBS security that was purchased at a discount. Excluding this accretion, the yield reported would have been 11.37%.
(3)Reflects annualized interest expense divided by average balance of repurchase agreements, including the cost of Swaps allocated based on the proportionate share of the overall estimated weighted average portfolio duration, and securitized debt. Agency MBS cost of funding includes 33 basis points and Legacy Non-Agency MBS cost of funding includes 49 basis points associated with Swaps to hedge interest rate sensitivity on these assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Cost of funding for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes the impact of amortization of $278,000 of losses previously recorded in OCI related to Swaps unwound during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes. The amortization of these losses increased the funding cost by 37 basis points for RPL/NPL MBS. At June 30, 2020, following the closing of certain financing transactions and the Company’s exit from forbearance arrangements, and an evaluation of our anticipated future financing transactions, $49.9 million of unamortized losses on Swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes was transferred from OCI to earnings, as it was determined that certain financing transactions that were previously expected to be hedged by these Swaps were no longer probable of occurring. In addition, during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, we transferred from AOCI to earnings approximately $7.2 million of losses on Swaps that had been previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes as we had assessed that the underlying transactions were no longer probable of occurring.
(4)Reflects the difference between the net yield on average Securities, at fair value, and average cost of funds.funds on Securities, at fair value.

Interest Income
 
Interest income on our residential whole loans held at carrying value decreased by $38.1$48.7 million, or 45.7%18.6%, for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, to $45.3$213.2 million compared to $83.5$261.8 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020. This decrease primarily reflects a $2.5$1.4 billion decrease in the average balance of this portfolio to $4.1$5.3 billion for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 from $6.6$6.7 billion for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020 and a decreasepartially offset by an increase in the yield (excluding servicing costs) to 4.42%5.35% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 from 5.07%5.21% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020.

Due to the previously discussed asset sales and impairment charges, the average amortized cost of our Securities, at fair value portfolio decreased $4.2$1.6 billion to $295.8$257.1 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 from $4.5$1.8 billion for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020 and interest income on our Securities, at fair value portfolio decreased $42.1$39.4 million to $16.5$42.4 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 from $58.6$81.9 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020. The net yield on our Securities, at fair value was 22.25%22.01% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to 5.22%5.91% for the first quarternine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in the net yield on our Securities, at fair value portfolio primarily reflects accretion income of approximately $12.4 million recognized in 2021, respectively, due to the redemption of MSR-related assets that had been held at amortized cost basis below par due to impairment charges recorded in the first quarter of 2020; and $8.1 million recognized in the current quarter2021 due to the redemption of a securityNon-Agency MBS that had been previously purchased at a discount.

Interest Expense
 
Our interest expense for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 decreased by $53.7$143.0 million, or 64.1%62.8%, to $30.1$84.7 million, from $83.8$227.7 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020.  This decrease primarily reflects a decrease in our average repurchasecollateralized financing agreement borrowings to finance our residential mortgage asset portfolio partially offset by an increaseand a decrease in financing rates on our financing agreements. In addition, in the prior year period we incurred interest expense of approximately $14.6 million related to the senior secured credit agreement we entered into during the second quarter of 2020. On January 6, 2021, we completed the redemption of our Senior Notes, which resulted in lower interest expense for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 of $1.9$5.9 million compared to the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020. The effective interest rate paid on our borrowings decreased to 2.92%2.59% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, from 3.28%4.35% for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020. 
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Provision for Credit and Valuation Losses on Residential Whole Loans Held at Carrying Value and Other Financial Instruments

For the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a reversal of provision for credit losses on residential whole loans held at carrying value of $22.8$41.3 million (which includes a reversal of provision for credit losses on undrawn commitments of $378,000)$819,000) compared to a provision of $150.7$38.1 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020. The reversal for the period primarily reflects an adjustmentrun-off of loans held at carrying value and adjustments to certain macro-economic inputs toand loan prepayment speed assumptions used in our loancredit loss estimates and lower loan balances. As previously discussed, on January 1, 2020, we adopted the new accounting standard addressing the measurement of CECL.forecasts. With respect to our residential whole loans held at carrying value, and other financial instruments, CECL requires that reserves for credit losses are estimated at the reporting date based on expected cash flows over the
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life of the loan or financial instrument, including anticipated prepayments and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions.

Other Income/(Loss), net

For the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, Other Income,Income/(Loss), net increased by $844.3$842.4 million, to $53.5$150.4 million compared to a $790.8$692.0 million loss for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020.  The components of Other Income/(Loss), net for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 are summarized in the table below:

Quarter Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)20212020(In Thousands)20212020
Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earningsNet gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings$49,809 $(52,760)Net gain/(loss) on residential whole loans measured at fair value through earnings$59,325 $(10,082)
Liquidation gains on Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans and other loan related income1,248 1,429 
Impairment and other losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets— (419,651)
Gain on investment in Lima One common equity (Note 16)Gain on investment in Lima One common equity (Note 16)38,933 — 
Impairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assetsImpairment and other gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and other assets10,000 (424,966)
Lima One - origination, servicing and other fee incomeLima One - origination, servicing and other fee income9,643 — 
Net gain/(loss) on real estate ownedNet gain/(loss) on real estate owned13,725 293 
Net realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loansNet realized gain/(loss) on sales of securities and residential whole loans— (188,847)
Loss on terminated swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposesLoss on terminated swaps previously designated as hedges for accounting purposes— (57,034)
Liquidations gains on Residential whole loans and other loan related incomeLiquidations gains on Residential whole loans and other loan related income3,209 2,532 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities, at fair value measured at fair value through earningsNet unrealized gain/(loss) on securities, at fair value measured at fair value through earnings101 (77,961)Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities, at fair value measured at fair value through earnings1,969 (13,432)
Net realized gain on sales of securities, at fair value— (238,380)
OtherOther2,359 (3,440)Other13,609 (455)
Total Other Income/(Loss), netTotal Other Income/(Loss), net$53,517 $(790,763)Total Other Income/(Loss), net$150,413 $(691,991)

Operating and Other Expense

ForDuring the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, we had compensation and benefits and other general and administrative expenses of $15.2$56.9 million, or 2.41% of average equity, compared to $13.5$47.8 million or 1.58% of average equity, for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020.  Compensation and benefits expense decreased by approximately $462,000increased $4.4 million to $8.4$33.5 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $8.9$29.1 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020 primarily reflecting the impact of including Lima One compensation expense in our financial results. The prior year period included a provision for estimated severance costs in connection with a reduction in workforce that occurred in the third quarter of 2020 partially offset by higher expense in connection with long-term incentive awards in the current year period.2020. Our other general and administrative expenses increased by $2.2$4.7 million to $6.8$23.3 million for the quarternine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 compared to $4.6$18.7 million for the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due toreflecting the impact of including Lima One expenses in our financial results, increased information technology costs and higher costs associated with deferred compensation to Directors in the current year period, which were impacted by the changes in our stock price, higher costs for corporate insurance, systems consulting, administrative expenses associated with financing arrangements and the write-off of certain deferred financing costs, partially offset by a decrease in provision for income taxes. and lower information technology costs associated with data and analytical tools.price. In addition, during the first quarter of 2020,prior year period, we also incurred professional service and other costs of $4.5$44.4 million related to negotiating and exiting forbearance arrangements with our lenders entering into new financing arrangements and reinstating prior financing arrangements on the exit from forbearance.lenders.

Operating and Other Expense forduring the first quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2021 also includes $7.3$18.6 million of loan servicing and other related operating expenses related to our residential whole loan activities. These expenses decreased compared to the prior year period by approximately $4.0$10.0 million, or 35.3%35.0%, primarily due to lower servicing fees and non-recoverable advances on our residential whole loanREO portfolio and REO portfolios, partially offset bylower costs related to loan securitization activities.

In addition, Other expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 also includes $3.3 million of amortization related to intangible assets recognized as part of the purchase accounting for the Lima One acquisition.

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Selected Financial Ratios
 
The following table presents information regarding certain of our financial ratios at or for the dates presented:
At or for the Quarter Ended
Return on
Average Total
Assets (1)
Return on
Average Total
Stockholders’
Equity (2)(3)
Total Average
Stockholders’
Equity to Total
Average Assets (4)
Dividend Payout
Ratio (5)
Leverage Multiple (6)
Book Value
per Share
of Common
Stock (7)
Economic Book Value per Share of Common Stock (8)
March 31, 20214.55 %13.54 %37.21 %0.441.6$4.63 $5.09 
December 31, 20202.12 7.24 35.72 0.941.74.54 4.92 
September 30, 20204.17 13.85 33.23 0.291.94.61 4.92 
June 30, 20204.33 15.70 30.08 2.04.51 4.46 
March 31, 2020(26.72)(26.58)24.99 3.44.34 4.09 
At or for the Nine Months Ended
Return on
Average Total
Assets (1)
Return on
Average Total
Stockholders’
Equity (2)
Total Average
Stockholders’
Equity to Total
Average Assets (3)
Dividend Payout
Ratio (4)
Leverage Multiple (5)
Book Value
per Share
of Common
Stock (6)
September 30, 20214.94 %14.91 %36.28 %0.472.2 $4.82 
September 30, 2020(10.15)(34.55)28.54 (0.03)1.9 4.61 

(1)Reflects annualized net income available to common stock and participating securities divided by average total assets.
(2)Reflects annualized net income divided by average total stockholders’ equity.
(3)For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the amount calculated reflects the quarterly net income divided by average total stockholders’ equity.
(4)Reflects total average stockholders’ equity divided by total average assets.
(5)(4)Reflects dividends declared per share of common stock divided by earnings per share.
(6)(5)Represents the sum of our borrowings under our financing agreements, and payable for unsettled purchases divided by stockholders’ equity.
(7)(6)Reflects total stockholders’ equity less the preferred stock liquidation preference divided by total shares of common stock outstanding.
(8)“Economic book value” is a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position. To calculate our Economic book value, our portfolios of Residential whole loans, at carrying value are adjusted to their fair value, rather than the carrying value that is required to be reported under the GAAP accounting model applied to these loans. For additional information please refer to page 71 under the heading “Economic Book Value.”

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Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Economic Book Value

“Economic book value” is a non-GAAP financial measure of our financial position. To calculate our Economic book value, our portfolios of Residential whole loans at carrying value are adjusted to their fair value, rather than the carrying value that is required to be reported under the GAAP accounting model applied to these loans. This adjustment is also reflected in the table below in our end of period stockholders’ equity. Management considers that Economic book value provides investors with a useful supplemental measure to evaluate our financial position as it reflects the impact of fair value changes for all of our residential mortgage investments, irrespective of the accounting model applied for GAAP reporting purposes. Economic book value does not represent and should not be considered as a substitute for Stockholders’ Equity, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our calculation of this measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of our GAAP book value per common share to our non-GAAP Economic book value per common share as of the quarterly periods below:

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2020June 30, 2020March 31, 2020(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)September 30, 2021June 30, 2021March 31, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2020
GAAP Total Stockholders’ EquityGAAP Total Stockholders’ Equity$2,542.3 $2,524.8 $2,565.7 $2,521.1 $2,440.7 GAAP Total Stockholders’ Equity$2,601.1 $2,526.5 $2,542.3 $2,524.8 $2,565.7 
Preferred Stock, liquidation preferencePreferred Stock, liquidation preference(475.0)(475.0)(475.0)(475.0)(475.0)Preferred Stock, liquidation preference(475.0)(475.0)(475.0)(475.0)(475.0)
GAAP Stockholders’ Equity for book value per common shareGAAP Stockholders’ Equity for book value per common share2,067.3 2,049.8 2,090.7 2,046.1 1,965.7 GAAP Stockholders’ Equity for book value per common share2,126.1 2,051.5 2,067.3 2,049.8 2,090.7 
Adjustments:Adjustments:Adjustments:
Fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying valueFair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value203.0 173.9 141.1 (25.3)(113.5)Fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value198.8 206.2 203.0 173.9 141.1 
Stockholders’ Equity including fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value (Economic book value)Stockholders’ Equity including fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value (Economic book value)$2,270.3 $2,223.7 $2,231.8 $2,020.8 $1,852.2 Stockholders’ Equity including fair value adjustment to Residential whole loans, at carrying value (Economic book value)$2,324.9 $2,257.7 $2,270.3 $2,223.7 $2,231.8 
GAAP book value per common shareGAAP book value per common share$4.63 $4.54 $4.61 $4.51 $4.34 GAAP book value per common share$4.82 $4.65 $4.63 $4.54 $4.61 
Economic book value per common shareEconomic book value per common share$5.09 $4.92 $4.92 $4.46 $4.09 Economic book value per common share$5.27 $5.12 $5.09 $4.92 $4.92 
Number of shares of common stock outstandingNumber of shares of common stock outstanding446.1 451.7 453.3 453.2 453.1 Number of shares of common stock outstanding440.9 440.8 446.1 451.7 453.3 

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Recent Accounting Standards to Be Adopted in Future Periods

None that we expect would materially impact us.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
General
 
Our principal sources of cash generally consist of borrowings under repurchase agreements and other collateralized financings, payments of principal and interest we receive on our investment portfolio, cash generated from our operating results and, to the extent such transactions are entered into, proceeds from capital market and structured financing transactions. Our most significant uses of cash are generally to pay principal and interest on our financing transactions, to purchase and originate residential mortgage assets, to make dividend payments on our capital stock, to fund our operations, to meet margin calls and to make other investments that we consider appropriate.

We seek to employ a diverse capital raising strategy under which we may issue capital stock and other types of securities. To the extent we raise additional funds through capital market transactions, we currently anticipate using the net proceeds from such transactions to acquire additional residential mortgage-related assets, consistent with our investment policy, and for working capital, which may include, among other things, the repayment of our financing transactions. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to access the capital markets at any particular time or on any particular terms. We have available for issuance an unlimited amount (subject to the terms and limitations of our charter) of common stock, preferred stock, depository shares representing preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, rights and/or units pursuant to our automatic shelf registration statement and, at March 31,September 30, 2021, we had approximately 8.68.4 million shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to our DRSPP shelf registration statement. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we issued 105,272312,318 shares of common stock through our DRSPP, raising net proceeds of approximately $388,173.$1.3 million. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we did not sell any shares of common stock through our at-the-market equity offering program.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we repurchased 5,946,67811,606,229 shares of our common stock through the stock repurchase program at an average cost of $4.09$4.14 per share and a total cost of approximately $24.3$48.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to the sales agents of approximately $59,000.$116,000. At March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately $141.4$117.7 million remained outstanding for future repurchases under the repurchase program.

Financing agreements

Our borrowings under financing agreements include a combination of shorter term and longer arrangements. Certain of these arrangements are collateralized directly by our residential mortgage investments or otherwise have recourse to us, while securitized debt financing is non-recourse financing. Further, certain of our financing agreements contain terms that allow the lender to make margin calls on us based on changes in the value of the underlying collateral securing the borrowing. As of March 31,September 30, 2021, we had $1.2$2.4 billion of total unpaid principal balance related to asset-backed financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions and $2.6$2.9 billion of total unpaid principal balance related to asset-backed financing agreements that do not include mark-to-market collateral provisions. Repurchase agreements and other forms of collateralized financing are renewable at the discretion of our lenders and, as such, our lenders could determine to reduce or terminate our access to future borrowings at virtually any time. The terms of the repurchase transaction borrowings under our master repurchase agreements, as such terms relate to repayment, margin requirements and the segregation of all securities that are the subject of repurchase transactions, generally conform to the terms contained in the standard master repurchase agreement published by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (or SIFMA) or the global master repurchase agreement published by SIFMA and the International Capital Market Association. In addition, each lender typically requires that we include supplemental terms and conditions to the standard master repurchase agreement. Typical supplemental terms and conditions, which differ by lender, may include changes to the margin maintenance requirements, required haircuts (or the percentage amount by which the collateral value is contractually required to exceed the loan amount), purchase price maintenance requirements, requirements that all controversies related to the repurchase agreement be litigated in a particular jurisdiction and cross default and setoff provisions. Other non-repurchase agreement financing arrangements also contain provisions governing collateral maintenance.
 
With respect to margin maintenance requirements for agreements secured by harder to value assets, such as residential whole loans, Non-Agency MBS and MSR-related assets, margin calls are typically determined by our counterparties based on their assessment of changes in the fair value of the underlying collateral and in accordance with the agreed upon haircuts specified in the transaction confirmation with the counterparty.  We address margin call requests in accordance with the
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required terms specified in the applicable agreement and such requests are typically satisfied by posting additional cash or
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collateral on the same business day. We review margin calls made by counterparties and assess them for reasonableness by comparing the counterparty valuation against our valuation determination. When we believe that a margin call is unnecessary because our assessment of collateral value differs from the counterparty valuation, we typically hold discussions with the counterparty and are able to resolve the matter. If this is not successful, we will look to resolve the dispute based on the remedies available to us under the terms of the repurchase agreement, which in some instances may include the engagement of a third-party to review collateral valuations. For certain other agreements that do not include such provisions, we could resolve the matter by substituting collateral as permitted in accordance with the agreement or otherwise request the counterparty to return the collateral in exchange for cash to unwind the financing. For additional information regarding our various types of financing arrangements, including those of with non-mark-to-market terms and the haircuts for those agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions, see Note 6, included under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
We expect that we will continue to pledge residential mortgage assets as part of certain of our ongoing financing arrangements. When the value of our residential mortgage assets pledged as collateral experiences rapid decreases, margin calls under our financing arrangements could materially increase, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Additionally, if one or more of our financing counterparties choose not to provide ongoing funding, our ability to finance our long-maturity assets would decline or otherwise become available on possibly less advantageous terms. Further, when liquidity tightens, our counterparties to our short term arrangements with mark-to-market collateral provisions may increase their required collateral cushion (or margin) requirements on new financings, including financings that we roll with the same counterparty, thereby reducing our ability to use leverage. Access to financing may also be negatively impacted by ongoing volatility in financial markets, thereby potentially adversely impacting our current or future lenders’ ability or willingness to provide us with financing. In addition, there is no assurance that favorable market conditions will exist to permit us to consummate additional securitization transactions if we determine to seek that form of financing.

Our ability to meet future margin calls will be affected by our ability to use cash or obtain financing from unpledged collateral, the amount of which can vary based on the market value of such collateral, our cash position and margin requirements. Our cash position fluctuates based on the timing of our operating, investing and financing activities and is managed based on our anticipated cash needs. (See our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, included under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and “Interest Rate Risk” included under Item 3 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.)
 
At March 31,September 30, 2021, we had a total of $3.8$4.8 billion of residential whole loans and securities and $5.2$9.6 million of restricted cash pledged to our financing counterparties. At March 31,September 30, 2021, we had access to various sources of liquidity, including $780.7$526.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our sources of liquidity do not include restricted cash. In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2021, we had $73.9$249.4 million of unencumbered residential whole loans. Further, we believe that we have unused capacity in certain borrowing lines, given that the amount currently borrowed is less than the maximum advance rate permitted by the facility. This unused capacity serves to act as a buffer against potential margin calls on certain pledged assets in the events that asset prices do not decline by more than a specified amount.

The table below presents certain information about our borrowings under asset-backed financing agreements and securitized debt:
Asset-backed Financing AgreementsSecuritized Debt Asset-backed Financing AgreementsSecuritized Debt
Quarter Ended (1)
Quarter Ended (1)
Quarterly
Average
Balance
End of Period
Balance
Maximum
Balance at Any
Month-End
Quarterly
Average
Balance
End of Period
Balance
Maximum
Balance at Any
Month-End
Quarter Ended (1)
Quarterly
Average
Balance
End of Period
Balance
Maximum
Balance at Any
Month-End
Quarterly
Average
Balance
End of Period
Balance
Maximum
Balance at Any
Month-End
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)      (In Thousands)      
September 30, 2021September 30, 2021$2,516,940 $3,278,941 $3,278,940 $2,008,639 $2,045,729 $2,137,773 
June 30, 2021June 30, 20212,063,852 2,156,598 2,156,598 1,778,909 2,046,381 2,046,381 
March 31, 2021March 31, 2021$2,362,791 $2,221,570 $2,443,149 $1,535,995 $1,548,920 $1,602,148 March 31, 20212,362,791 2,221,570 2,443,149 1,535,995 1,548,920 1,602,148 
December 31, 2020December 31, 20202,833,649 2,497,290 2,823,306 1,202,292 1,514,509 1,514,509 December 31, 20202,833,649 2,497,290 2,823,306 1,202,292 1,514,509 1,514,509 
September 30, 2020September 30, 20203,511,453 3,217,678 3,613,968 610,120 837,683 837,683 September 30, 20203,511,453 3,217,678 3,613,968 610,120 837,683 837,683 
June 30, 20204,736,610 3,692,845 5,024,926 538,245 516,102 541,698 
March 31, 20209,233,808 7,768,180 9,486,555 558,007 533,733 594,458 

(1)The information presented in the table above excludes $230.0 million of Convertible Senior Notes issued in June 2019 and $100.0 million of Senior Notes issued in April 2012. The outstanding balance of the Convertible Senior Notes have been unchanged since issuance. During the first quarter of 2021, we redeemed all of our outstanding Senior Notes.

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Cash Flows and Liquidity for the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2021
 
Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased by $35.7$239.8 million during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, reflecting: $345.5$1.2 billion used in our investing activities, $876.9 million provided by our investing activities, $405.3 million used in our financing activities and $24.2$109.1 million provided by our operating activities.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2021, our debt-to-equity multiple was 1.62.2 times compared to 1.7 times at December 31, 2020. At March 31,September 30, 2021, we had borrowings under asset-backed financing agreements of $2.2$3.3 billion, of which $2.0$3.1 billion were secured by residential whole loans, $200.7$171.8 million were secured by securities and $17.8$21.4 million were secured by REO. In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2021, we had securitized debt of $1.5$2.0 billion in connection with our loan securitization transactions. At December 31, 2020, we had borrowings under asset-backed financing agreements of $2.5 billion, of which $2.3 billion were secured by residential whole loans, $213.9 million were secured by securities and $13.7 million were secured by REO. In addition, at December 31, 2020, we had securitized debt of $1.5 billion in connection with our loan securitization transactions.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, $345.5 million$1.2 billion was provided byused in our investing activities.  We paid $184.7 millionutilized $2.9 billion for purchasesacquisitions of residential whole loans, loan related investments and capitalized advances. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we received $425.3 million$1.4 billion of principal payments on residential whole loans and loan related investments and $50.6$133.2 million of proceeds on sales of REO.  In addition, during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we received cash of $58.9$130.7 million from prepayments and scheduled amortization on our securities.
 
In connection with our repurchase agreement financings and Swaps (if any), we routinely receive margin calls/reverse margin calls from our counterparties and make margin calls to our counterparties. Margin calls and reverse margin calls, which requirements vary over time, may occur daily between us and any of our counterparties when the value of collateral pledged changes from the amount contractually required. The value of securities pledged as collateral fluctuates reflecting changes in: (i) the face (or par) value of our assets; (ii) market interest rates and/or other market conditions; and (iii) the market value of our Swaps. Margin calls/reverse margin calls are satisfied when we pledge/receive additional collateral in the form of additional assets and/or cash.
 
The table below summarizes our margin activity with respect to our repurchase agreement financings and derivative hedging instruments for the quarterly periods presented:
Collateral Pledged to Meet Margin CallsCash and
Securities Received for
Reverse Margin Calls
Net Assets
Received/(Pledged) for Margin Activity
Collateral Pledged to Meet Margin CallsCash and
Securities Received for
Reverse Margin Calls
Net Assets
Received/(Pledged) for Margin Activity
For the Quarter Ended (1)
For the Quarter Ended (1)
Fair Value of
Securities
Pledged
Cash PledgedAggregate Assets
Pledged For
Margin Calls
For the Quarter Ended (1)
Fair Value of
Securities
Pledged
Cash PledgedAggregate Assets
Pledged For
Margin Calls
(In Thousands)(In Thousands)     (In Thousands)     
September 30, 2021September 30, 2021$— $— $— $2,500 $2,500 
June 30, 2021June 30, 2021— 3,433 3,433 — (3,433)
March 31, 2021March 31, 2021$— $— $— $— $— March 31, 2021— — — — — 
December 31, 2020December 31, 2020— 2,004 2,004 — (2,004)December 31, 2020— 2,004 2,004 — (2,004)
September 30, 2020September 30, 2020— 2,526 2,526 2,199 (327)September 30, 2020— 2,526 2,526 2,199 (327)
June 30, 2020— 108,999 108,999 322,682 213,683 
March 31, 202030,187 213,392 243,579 67,343 (176,236)
 
(1) Excludes variation margin payments on the Company’s cleared Swaps which are treated as a legal settlement of the exposure under the Swap contract.

We are subject to various financial covenants under our financing agreements, which include minimum liquidity and net worth requirements, net worth decline limitations and maximum debt-to-equity ratios. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 31,September 30, 2021.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, we paid $34.0$111.9 million for cash dividends on our common stock and dividend equivalents and paid cash dividends of $8.2$24.7 million on our preferred stock. On March 12,September 15, 2021, we declared our firstthird quarter 2021 dividend on our common stock of $0.075$0.10 per share; on April 30,October 29, 2021, we paid this dividend, which totaled approximately $33.6$44.2 million, including dividend equivalents of approximately $120,000.$155,000.

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
We seek to manage our risks related to interest rates, liquidity, prepayment speeds, market value and the credit quality of our assets while, at the same time, seeking to provide an opportunity to stockholders to realize attractive total returns through ownership of our capital stock. While we do not seek to avoid risk, we seek, consistent with our investment policies, to: assume risk that can be quantified based on management’s judgment and experience and actively manage such risk; earn sufficient returns to justify the taking of such risks; and maintain capital levels consistent with the risks that we undertake.


Interest Rate Risk
  
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our residential mortgage assets, as well as on our liabilities. Changes in interest rates can affect our net interest income and the fair value of our assets and liabilities.
In general, when interest rates change, borrowing costs on our financing agreements will change more quickly than the yield on our assets. In a rising interest rate environment, the borrowing costs of our repurchase agreements may increase faster than the interest income on our assets, thereby reducing our net income. In order to mitigate compression in net income based on such interest rate movements, we may use Swaps or other derivatives to lock in a portion of the net interest spread between assets and liabilities.liabilities or otherwise hedge interest rate risk.

When interest rates change, the fair value of our residential mortgage assets could change at a different rate than the fair value of our liabilities. We measure the sensitivity of our portfolio to changes in interest rates by estimating the duration of our assets and liabilities. Duration is the approximate percentage change in fair value for a 100 basis point parallel shift in the yield curve. In general, our assets have higher duration than our liabilities and in order to reduce this exposure we usehave historically used Swaps and other derivatives to reduce the gap in duration between our assets and liabilities.

The fair value of our re-performing residential whole loans is dependent on the value of the underlying real estate collateral, past and expected delinquency status of the borrower as well as the level of interest rates. For certain residential whole loans that were purchased as re-performing loans, because the borrower is not delinquent on their mortgage payments but is less likely to prepay the loan due to weak credit history and/or high LTV, we believe these loans exhibit positive duration. We estimate the duration of our re-performing residential whole loans using management’s assumptions.

The fair value of our Non-QM loans and Single-family rental loans arePurchased Performing Loans is typically dependent on the value of the underlying real estate collateral, as well as the level of interest rates. Because these loans are primarily newly or recently originated performing loans, we believe these investments exhibit positive duration. Given the short duration of our Rehabilitation loans, we believe the fair value of these loans exhibits little sensitivity to changes in interest rates. We estimate the duration of these Purchased Performing Loans held at carrying value using management’s assumptions.
The fair value of our non-performing residential whole loans is typically primarily dependent on the value of the underlying real estate collateral and the time required for collateral liquidation. Since neither the value of the collateral nor the liquidation timeline is generally sensitive to interest rates, we believe their fair value exhibits little sensitivity to interest rates. We estimate the duration of our non-performing residential whole loans using management’s assumptions.

WeHistorically, we typically useused Swaps as part of our overall interest rate risk management strategy. Such derivative financial instruments are intended to act as a hedge against future interest rate increases on our financing transactions. While use of such derivatives does not extend the maturities of our borrowings under repurchase agreements, they do, in effect, lock in a fixed rate of interest over their term for a corresponding amount of our repurchase agreement financings that are hedged. hedged, or otherwise act as a hedge against changes in interest rates.  We have not used swaps for hedging since the first quarter of 2020, when we unwound our swap portfolio in response to the market disruptions experienced as a result of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to evaluate the need to enter into Swaps or other derivatives to manage the level of interest rate and other risks in our residential mortgage asset portfolio. During the second quarter of 2021, we began taking short positions in TBA securities to economically hedge interest rate and other market risks arising from our investments in Agency eligible investor loans.

The interest rates for the vast majority of our investments, financings and hedging transactions are either explicitly or indirectly based on LIBOR. On March 5, 2021, the IBA Benchmark Administration confirmed its intention to cease publication of (i) one week and two month USD LIBOR settings after December 31, 2021 and (ii) the remaining USD LIBOR settings after June 30, 2023. At present, it is not possible to predict the effect of such change, including the establishment of potential alternative reference rates, on the economy or markets we are active in either currently or in the future, or on any of
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our assets or liabilities whose interest rates are based on LIBOR. We are in the process of evaluating the potential impact of a discontinuation of LIBOR on our portfolio, as well as the related accounting impact. However, we expect that in the near term, we will work closely with the Trustee companies and/or other entities that are involved in calculating the interest rates for our residential mortgage securities and securitized debt, our loan servicers for our hybrid and floating rate loans, and with the various counterparties to our financing and hedging transactions in order to determine what changes, if any, are required to be made to existing agreements for these transactions.
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Shock Table

The information presented in the following “Shock Table” projects the potential impact of sudden parallel changes in interest rates on our net interest income and portfolio value, including the impact of Swaps and short positions in TBA securities (if any), over the next 12 months based on the assets in our investment portfolio at March 31,September 30, 2021. All changes in income and value are measured as the percentage change from the projected net interest income and portfolio value under the base interest rate scenario at March 31,September 30, 2021.
Change in Interest RatesChange in Interest Rates
Estimated
Value
of Assets 
(1)
Estimated
Value of Securitized and Other Fixed Rate Debt
Estimated
Value of
Financial
Instruments
Change in
Estimated
Value
Percentage
Change in Net
Interest
Income
Percentage
Change in
Portfolio
Value
Change in Interest Rates
Estimated
Value
of Assets 
(1)
Estimated
Value of Securitized and Other Fixed Rate Debt
Estimated
Value of
Financial
Instruments
Change in
Estimated
Value
Percentage
Change in Net
Interest
Income
Percentage
Change in
Portfolio
Value
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)     (Dollars in Thousands)     
+100 Basis Point Increase +100 Basis Point Increase$6,562,519 $32,706 $6,595,225 $(119,154)6.68 %(1.77)% +100 Basis Point Increase$7,988,375 $108,757 $8,097,132 $(125,358)2.78 %(1.52)%
+ 50 Basis Point Increase + 50 Basis Point Increase$6,645,859 $14,661 $6,660,520 $(53,859)3.29 %(0.80)% + 50 Basis Point Increase$8,116,138 $51,390 $8,167,528 $(54,962)1.06 %(0.67)%
Actual at March 31, 2021$6,717,763 $(3,384)$6,714,379 $— — %— %
Actual at September 30, 2021Actual at September 30, 2021$8,224,949 $(2,459)$8,222,490 $— — %— %
- 50 Basis Point Decrease - 50 Basis Point Decrease$6,778,232 $(21,430)$6,756,802 $42,423 (3.49)%0.63 % - 50 Basis Point Decrease$8,314,809 $(52,789)$8,262,020 $39,530 (2.78)%0.48 %
-100 Basis Point Decrease -100 Basis Point Decrease$6,827,264 $(39,475)$6,787,789 $73,410 (7.73)%1.09 % -100 Basis Point Decrease$8,385,717 $(99,601)$8,286,116 $63,626 (5.06)%0.77 %

(1)Such assets include residential whole loans and REO, MBS and CRT securities, MSR-related assets, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.

Certain assumptions have been made in connection with the calculation of the information set forth in the Shock Table and, as such, there can be no assurance that assumed events will occur or that other events will not occur that would affect the outcomes. The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates at March 31,September 30, 2021. The analysis presented utilizes assumptions and estimates based on management’s judgment and experience.  Furthermore, while we generally expect to retain the majority of our assets and the associated interest rate risk to maturity, future purchases and sales of assets could materially change our interest rate risk profile. It should be specifically noted that the information set forth in the above table and all related disclosure constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated in the Shock Table above.
 
The Shock Table quantifies the potential changes in net interest income and portfolio value, which includes the value of our Swapsderivative and other hedging transactions (if any) and securitized and other fixed rate datedebt (which are carried at fair value), should interest rates immediately change (i.e., are shocked). The Shock Table presents the estimated impact of interest rates instantaneously rising 50 and 100 basis points, and falling 50 and 100 basis points. The cash flows associated with our portfolio for each rate shock are calculated based on assumptions, including, but not limited to, prepayment speeds, yield on replacement assets, the slope of the yield curve and composition of our portfolio. Assumptions made with respect to the interest rate sensitive liabilities include anticipated interest rates, collateral requirements as a percent of repurchase agreement financings, and the amounts and terms of borrowing. At March 31,September 30, 2021, we applied a floor of 0% for all anticipated interest rates included in our assumptions. Due to this floor, it is anticipated that any hypothetical interest rate shock decrease would have a limited positive impact on our funding costs; however, because prepayments speeds are unaffected by this floor, it is expected that any increase in our prepayment speeds (occurring as a result of any interest rate shock decrease or otherwise) could result in an acceleration of premium amortization on assets purchased at a premium and discount accretion on assets purchased at a discount and in the reinvestment of principal repayments in lower yielding assets. As a result, because the presence of this floor limits the positive impact of interest rate decrease on our funding costs, hypothetical interest rate shock decreases could cause a decline in the fair value of our financial instruments and our net interest income.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2021, the impact on portfolio value was approximated using estimated net effective duration (i.e., the price sensitivity to changes in interest rates), including the effect of securitized and other fixed rate debt, of 1.431.15 which is the weighted average of 2.462.78 for our Residential whole loans, 0.760.30 for our Non-AgencySecurities investments, (2.05)(3.45) for our derivative and
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other hedging transactions and securitized debt, and other fixed rate debt, and 0.05 for our Other assets and cash and cash equivalents. Estimated convexity (i.e., the approximate change in duration relative to the change in interest rates) of the portfolio was (0.68)(0.75), which is the weighted average of (0.87)(1.07) for our Residential whole loans, zero0.47 for our derivative and other hedging transactions and securitized and other fixed rate debt, zero for our Non-Agency MBSSecurities and zero for our Other assets and cash and cash equivalents. The impact on our net interest income is driven mainly by the difference between portfolio yield and cost of funding of our repurchase agreements.  Our asset/liability structure is generally such that an increase in interest rates would be expected to result in a decrease in net interest income, as our borrowings are generally shorter in term than our interest-earning assets. When interest rates are shocked, prepayment assumptions are adjusted based on management’s expectations along with the results from the prepayment model.
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Credit Risk
 
We are exposed to credit risk through our credit sensitive residential mortgage investments, in particular residential whole loans and CRT securities and to a lesser extent our investments in MSR-related assets and RPL/NPL MBS.assets. Our primary credit risk currently relates to our residential whole loans.

Our exposure to credit risk from our credit sensitive investments is discussed in more detail below:

Residential Whole Loans

We are exposed to credit risk from our investments in residential whole loans. Our investment process for non-performingPurchased Non-performing and Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans is focused on quantifying and pricing credit risk. Non-Performing and Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans are acquired at purchase prices that are generally discounted to the contractual loan balances based on a number of factors, including the impaired credit history of the borrower and the value of the collateral securing the loan. In addition, as we generally own the mortgage-servicing rights associated with these loans, our process is also focused on selecting a sub-servicer with the appropriate expertise to mitigate losses and maximize our overall return. This involves, among other things, performing due diligence on the sub-servicer prior to their engagement as well as ongoing oversight and surveillance. To the extent that delinquencies and defaults on these loans are higher than our expectation at the time the loans were purchased, the discounted purchase price at which the asset is acquired is intended to provide a level of protection against financial loss.

Credit risk on Purchased Performing Loans is mitigated through our process to underwrite the loan before it is purchasedacquired and includes an assessment of the borrower��sborrower’s financial condition and ability to repay the loan, nature of the collateral and relatively low LTV, including after-repair LTV for the majority of our Rehabilitation loans.

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The following table presents certain information about our Residential whole loans at carrying value at March 31,September 30, 2021:

Purchased Performing LoansPurchased Credit Deteriorated Loans
Purchased Performing Loans (1)
Purchased Credit Deteriorated LoansPurchased Non-Performing Loans
Loans with an LTV:Loans with an LTV: Loans with an LTV:Loans with an LTV:Loans with an LTV:
(Dollars in Thousands)(Dollars in Thousands)80% or BelowAbove 80%80% or BelowAbove 80%Total(Dollars in Thousands)80% or BelowAbove 80%80% or BelowAbove 80%80% or BelowAbove 80%Total
Amortized costAmortized cost$3,175,471 $112,218 $424,214 $220,398 $3,932,301 Amortized cost$5,106,538 $127,442 $421,885 $153,345 $660,941 $260,014 $6,730,165 
Unpaid principal balance (UPB)Unpaid principal balance (UPB)$3,122,040 $112,926 $472,698 $279,061 $3,986,725 Unpaid principal balance (UPB)$4,980,145 $126,963 $475,690 $198,677 $734,945 $402,721 $6,919,141 
Weighted average coupon (1)(2)
Weighted average coupon (1)(2)
6.0 %6.4 %4.4 %4.6 %5.7 %
Weighted average coupon (1)(2)
5.2 %5.9 %4.6 %4.5 %4.9 %4.8 %5.1 %
Weighted average term to maturity (months)Weighted average term to maturity (months)287 331 271 309 288 Weighted average term to maturity (months)304 327 267 325 265 322 299 
Weighted average LTV (2)(3)
Weighted average LTV (2)(3)
62.8 %87.5 %56.5 %107.3 %65.8 %
Weighted average LTV (2)(3)
63.9 %87.1 %54.6 %105.2 %53.5 %111.2 %66.4 %
Loans 90+ days delinquent (UPB)Loans 90+ days delinquent (UPB)$291,195 $12,028 $72,443 $70,407 $446,073 Loans 90+ days delinquent (UPB)$252,115 $11,338 $70,306 $52,883 $269,842 $216,156 $872,640 

(1)Excluded from the table above are approximately $163.0 million of Purchased Performing Loans for which the closing of the purchase transaction had not occurred as of September 30, 2021.
(2)Weighted average is calculated based on the interest bearing principal balance of each loan within the related category. For loans acquired with servicing rights released by the seller, interest rates included in the calculation do not reflect loan servicing fees. For loans acquired with servicing rights retained by the seller, interest rates included in the calculation are net of servicing fees.
(2)(3)LTV represents the ratio of the total unpaid principal balance of the loan to the estimated value of the collateral securing the related loan as of the most recent date available, which may be the origination date. For Rehabilitation loans, the LTV presented is the ratio of the maximum unpaid principal balance of the loan, including unfunded commitments, to the estimated “after repaired” value of the collateral securing the related loan, where available. For certain Rehabilitation loans, totaling $151.7$142.7 million, an after repaired valuation was not obtained and the loan was underwritten based on an “as is” valuation. The LTV of these loans based on the current unpaid principal balance and the valuation obtained during underwriting, is 68%70%. Excluded from the calculation of weighted average LTV are certain low value loans secured by vacant lots for which the LTV ratio is not meaningful.

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The following table presents the five largest geographic concentrations by state of our residential whole loan portfolio at March 31,September 30, 2021:
Property LocationPercent of Interest-Bearing Unpaid Principal Balance
California34.335.6 %
Florida13.411.5 %
New York8.07.5 %
New Jersey5.44.8 %
Texas3.23.8 %

MSR-Related Assets

Term Notes

We have invested in certain term notes that are issued by SPVs that have acquired rights to receive cash flows representing the servicing fees and/or excess servicing spread associated with certain MSRs. Payment of principal and interest on these term notes is considered by us to be largely dependent on the cash flows generated by the underlying MSRs as this impacts the cash flows available to the SPV that issued the term notes. Credit risk borne by the holders of the term notes is also mitigated by structural credit support in the form of over-collateralization. In addition, credit support is also provided by a corporate guarantee from the ultimate parent or sponsor of the SPV that is intended to provide for payment of interest and principal to the holders of the term notes should cash flows generated by the underlying MSRs be insufficient.
CRT Securities

We are exposed to potential credit losses from our investments in CRT securities issued by or sponsored by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While CRT securities are issued by or sponsored by these GSEs, payment of principal on these securities is not guaranteed. As an investor in a CRT security, we may incur a loss if losses on the mortgage loans in the reference pool exceed the credit enhancement on the underlying CRT security owned by us or if an actual pool of loans experience losses. We assess the credit risk associated with our investments in CRT securities by assessing the current and expected future performance of the associated loan pool.
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RPL/NPL MBS

These securities are backed by re-performing and non-performing loans, were purchased primarily at prices around par and represent the senior and mezzanine tranches of the related securitizations. The majority of these securities are structured with significant credit enhancement (typically approximately 50%) and the subordinate tranches absorb all credit losses (until those tranches are extinguished) and typically receive no cash flow (interest or principal) until the senior tranche is paid off. Prior to purchase, we analyze the deal structure in order to assess the associated credit risk. Subsequent to purchase, the ongoing credit risk associated with the deal is evaluated by analyzing the extent to which actual credit losses occur that result in a reduction in the amount of subordination enjoyed by our bond.


Credit Spread Risk

Credit spreads measure the additional yield demanded by investors in financial instruments based on the credit risk associated with an instrument relative to benchmark interest rates. They are impacted by the available supply and demand for instruments with various levels of credit risk. Widening credit spreads would result in higher yields being required by investors in financial instruments. Credit spread widening generally results in lower values of the financial instruments we hold at that time, but will generally result in a higher yield on future investments with similar credit risk. It is possible that the credit spreads on our assets and liabilities, including hedges, will not always move in tandem. Consequently, changes in credit spreads can result in volatility in our financial results and reported book value.

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Liquidity Risk

The primary liquidity risk we face arises from financing long-maturity assets with shorter-term borrowings primarily in the form of repurchase agreement financings. This risk was particularly pronounced during the first quarter of 2020, as conditions created by COVID-19 resulted in us receiving an usually high number of margin calls, negatively impacting our overall liquidity and ultimately leading us to enter into the Forbearance Agreements.forbearance agreements.

We pledge residential mortgage assets and cash to secure our financing agreements. Our financing agreements with mark-to-market collateral provisions require us to pledge additional collateral in the event the market value of the assets pledged decreases, in order maintain the lenders contractually specified collateral cushion, which is measured as the difference between the loan amount and the market value of the asset pledged as collateral. Should the value of our residential mortgage assets pledged as collateral suddenly decrease, margin calls under our repurchase agreements would likely increase, causing an adverse change in our liquidity position. Additionally, if one or more of our financing counterparties chose not to provide ongoing funding, our ability to finance our long-maturity assets would decline or be available on possibly less advantageous terms. Further, when liquidity tightens, our repurchase agreement counterparties may increase our collateral cushion (or margin) requirements on new financings, including repurchase agreement borrowings that we roll with the same counterparty, reducing our ability to use leverage.

At March 31,September 30, 2021, we had access to various sources of liquidity, including $780.7$526.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. Our sources of liquidity do not include restricted cash. In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2021, we had $73.9$249.4 million of unencumbered residential whole loans. Further, we believe that we have unused capacity in certain borrowing lines, given that the amount currently borrowed is less than the maximum advance rate permitted by the facility. This unused capacity serves to act as a buffer against potential margin calls on certain pledged assets in the events that asset prices do not decline by more than a specified amount.

Prepayment Risk

Premiums arise when we acquire an MBS or loan at a price in excess of the aggregate principal balance of the mortgages securing the MBS (i.e., par value) or when we acquire residential whole loans at a price in excess of their aggregate principal balance.  Conversely, discounts arise when we acquire an MBS or loan at a price below the aggregate principal balance of the mortgages securing the MBS or when we acquire residential whole loans at a price below their aggregate principal balance.  Premiums paid are amortized against interest income and accretable purchase discounts on these investments are accreted to interest income.  Purchase premiums, which are primarily carried on our Non-QMPurchased Performing Loans (excluding Rehabilitation loans and certain CRT securities,that are typically purchased at par), are amortized against interest income over the life of the investment using the effective yield method, adjusted for actual prepayment activity.  An increase in the prepayment rate, as measured by the CPR, will typically accelerate the amortization of purchase premiums, thereby reducing the interest income earned on these assets. Fees payable by borrowers on the early repayment of certain of our Purchased Performing Loans serve to mitigate the impact on our income of higher prepayment rates. Generally, if prepayments on Non-Agency MBS and residential whole loans purchased at significant discounts and not accounted for at fair value are less than anticipated, we expect that the income recognized on these assets will be reduced and impairments and/or credit loss reserves may result.

In addition, increased prepayments are generally associated with decreasing market interest rates as borrowers are able to refinance their mortgages at lower rates. Therefore, increased prepayments on our investments may accelerate the redeployment of our capital to generally lower yielding investments. Similarly, decreased prepayments are generally associated with increasing market interest rates and may slow our ability to redeploy capital to generally higher yielding investments.


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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Management, under the direction of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, management reviewed and evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  The evaluation was performed under the direction of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to determine the effectiveness, as of March 31,September 30, 2021, of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that review and evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures, as designed and implemented, were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2021. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed, implemented and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s current periodic reports.

In conducting its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting for the year ending December 31, 2021, the Company’s management intends to exclude Lima One (which the Company acquired in the third quarter of 2021) from such assessment, as permitted under SEC rules.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2021 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings
 
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or any of our assets are subject.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
For a discussion of the Company’s risk factors, see Part 1, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 Form 10-K”), as supplemented by the risk factor described under “Item 1.A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2021 (the “2021 Q2 Form 10-Q”). There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in the 2020 Form 10-K.10-K and the 2021 Q2 Form 10-Q. However, the risks and uncertainties that the Company faces are not limited to those set forth in the 2020 Form 10-K.10-K and the 2021 Q2 Form 10-Q. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company (or that it currently believes to be immaterial) may also adversely affect the Company’s business and the trading price of our securities.


Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Purchases of Equity Securities
 
On November 2, 2020, the Company’s Board authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $250 million of its outstanding common stock through the end of 2022. The Board’s authorization replaces the authorization under the repurchase program that was adopted in December 2013.

The stock repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program may be made at times and in amounts as the Company deems appropriate, using available cash resources. The timing and extent to which the Company repurchases its shares will depend upon, among other things, market conditions, share price, liquidity, regulatory requirements and other factors, and repurchases may be commenced or suspended at any time without prior notice. Acquisitions under the share repurchase program may be made in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or block trades or other means, in accordance with applicable securities laws (including, in the Company’s discretion, through the use of one or more plans adopted under Rule 10b-5-110b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act). Shares of common stock repurchased by the Company under the repurchase program are cancelled and, until reissued by the Company, are deemed to be authorized but unissued shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time and without prior notice.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021, the Company repurchased 5,946,67811,606,229 shares of its common stock through the stock repurchase program at an average cost of $4.09$4.14 per share and a total cost of approximately $24.3$48.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to the sales agent of approximately $59,000.$116,000. At March 31,September 30, 2021, approximately $141.4$117.7 million remained outstanding for future repurchases under the repurchase program.

The following table presents information with respectCompany engaged in no share repurchase activity during the third quarter of 2021 pursuant to (i) shares of common stock repurchased by the Company under the stock repurchase program and (ii)nor did it withhold any restricted shares withheld (under the terms of grants under our Equity Compensation Plan (or Equity Plan)) to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon the vesting and release of restricted stock awards and/or restricted stock units (or RSUs) and (iii) approximate dollar value for repurchase under the stock repurchase program during the first quarter of 2021:

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Month Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
Weighted
Average Price
Paid Per
Share (1)
Total Number of
Shares Repurchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Repurchase Program
or Employee Plan
Approximate Dollar Value that May Yet be
Purchased Under the
Repurchase Program or
Employee Plan
January 1-31, 2021:
Shares Repurchased (2)
— — — $165,655,435 
Employee Transactions (3)
213,123 $3.75 N/AN/A
February 1-28, 2021:
Shares Repurchased (2)
— — — $165,655,435 
Employee Transactions (3)
— — N/AN/A
March 1-31, 2021:
Shares Repurchased (2)
5,946,678 $4.09 5,946,678 $141,381,030 
Employee Transactions (3)
— $— N/AN/A
Total Shares Repurchased (2)
5,946,678 $4.09 5,946,678 $141,381,030 
Employee Transactions (3)
213,123 $3.75 N/AN/A

(1)Includes brokerage commissions.
(2)As of March 31, 2021, the Company had repurchased an aggregate approximate dollar value of $108.6 million under the Repurchase Program.
(3)Our Equity Plan provides that the value of the shares delivered or withheld be based on the price of our common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs. These shares were withheld in January 2021.

.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures
 
None.

Item 5.  Other Information
 
On May 5, 2021, the Company entered into separate amended and restated agreements (together, the “Agreements”) with each of Stephen D. Yarad, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, and Harold E. Schwartz, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company (each an “Executive”), regarding the payment of severance and other benefits to either Executive in circumstances where his employment is terminated by MFA without Cause (as such term is defined in the Agreements) or he resigns for Good Reason (as such term is defined in the Agreements). The Agreements amend and restate the agreements entered into between the Company and each Executive as of May 6, 2020. The Agreements generally provide for severance protection under these circumstances that is consistent with the severance protection provided to the Company’s other most highly compensated senior executives. More specifically, in such circumstances, subject to the applicable Executive’s execution of a release of claims against MFA and its affiliates, the Executive will be entitled to the following:
(A) aggregate cash equal to the greater of (i) the sum of (a) his annual base salary and (b) the median of the annual bonuses received by the Executive for the three (3) preceding years, which will be payable to him in a lump sum not later than 60 days following the date of termination of employment and (ii) 200% of his annual base salary; and

(B) immediate vesting of all outstanding unvested time-based equity awards; and

(C) immediate vesting in a pro-rata portion of the target value of any unvested performance-based equity awards. The pro-rata portion shall be equal to the product of (i) the target value of such award, and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during the performance period that would have elapsed as of the anniversary of the date of grant of suchNone.
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award next following the date of termination of employment (but not beyond the end of the applicable performance period), and the denominator of which is the number of days in the performance period; and

(D) reimbursement for 100% of the COBRA premiums incurred by the Executive for himself and his eligible dependents under the Company’s health care plan during the 12-month period following the date of termination of employment; and

(E) any accrued but unpaid base salary and any other amounts earned, accrued or owing but not yet paid to the Executive and any other benefits in accordance with the terms of any applicable plans and programs of the Company.

Each of the Agreements shall remain in effect until terminated in writing by each of MFA and the Executive.

In addition, each of the Agreement provides that if any payments or benefits provided to the Executive would constitute excess parachute payments within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code, the payments or benefits will be reduced by the amount required to avoid the excise tax, if such reduction would give the Executive a better after-tax result than if he received the full payments and benefits and paid the excise tax. Each of the Agreements also contains customary confidentiality and non-solicitation covenants, as well as other terms customary for agreements applicable to senior executives.


Item 6. Exhibits
 
Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
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EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report. The exhibit numbers followed by an asterisk (*) indicate exhibits electronically filed or furnished herewith. All other exhibit numbers indicate exhibits previously filed and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Exhibit Description
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, entered into as of February 22, 2021, by and between the Company and Craig L. Knutson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (Commission File No. 1-13991)).
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, entered into as of February 22, 2021, by and between the Company and Gudmundur Kristjansson (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (Commission File No. 1-13991)).
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, entered into as of February 22, 2021, by and between the Company and Bryan Wulfsohn (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (Commission File No. 1-13991)).
Amended and Restated Agreement, entered into as of May 5, 2021, by and between the Company and Stephen D. Yarad.
Amended and Restated Agreement, entered into as of May 5, 2021, by and between the Company and Harold E. Schwartz.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2021 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2020; (ii) our Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020; (iii) our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income / (Loss) (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020; (v) our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2021 and 2020; and (vi) the notes to our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
 

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Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Date: May 6,November 5, 2021MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
 (Registrant)
 By:/s/ Stephen D. Yarad
  Stephen D. Yarad
  Chief Financial Officer
 and Chief Accounting Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
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